The book world is changing. Thanks to new technological advancements sales of books are in flux, though not necessarily decreasing. But what does this mean for all those in the industry? Is it the end of ‘paper books’ or simply a different marketplace?
Changes for tangible books
Yes, sales of actual books are in decline. But only in the printed version, many publishers and indeed sellers are now well and truly focused on the digital age. consumption of books may have declined regardless due to our instant consumer society, simply speaking the Ebook has brought reading back into focus.
Embracing the digital age
It’s becoming increasingly crucial to embrace the future of reading. Ebooks are now by far the easiest and quickest way to purchase books. It’s now even becoming the most popular format, but growth is slowing. Although many customers use an Amazon Kindle or other Ebook reader, more and more consumers are reading on their tablets or mobile phones. It’s essential that we diversify and find more ways to hold their attention. Ultimately people will be more distracted, and finish books more slowly. It’s therefore imperative that the industry adapts and finds ways to more absorbing to the customer and therefore harder to click away. Whether it’s linking to alternative books, prompting customers to purchase another whilst still reading their current one, or indeed immediately upon finishing it. There’s also the concept of designing apps differently so that the tablet becomes a true ereader and notifications could be suspended whilst you are reading. It’s not yet clear how it’s going to be done, but one way or another the world of books must stand toe to toe with all those other activities the consumer may be tempted to stray for.
The social experience
Another way to encourage readers to read more and thus buy more is to make it social. It’s never been easier to connect consumers to one another, virtual book clubs and social media are both viable ways to connect customers to one another and as a result to more purchase recommendations and greater incentive to finish the book they’re currently reading. As we all know peer to peer marketing is cheap and effective and the Ebook market is ideally placed to take advantage of its availability.
Appealing to traditionalists
Whilst progressing with the digital age it’s also essential that we continue to appeal to those who rebel against the Ebook generation. Many consumers argue that the feel just isn’t the same, reading and therefore purchasing books is after all an emotive journey for many. Print versions must continue to be available, and increasingly quick and easy to purchase in order to appeal to these traditionalists.
Ebook readers do not signify the end of books, merely a changing consumer and market whom the book world must develop with in order to stay current. Whilst traditional methods wane there will always be new opportunities to replace them. The book market is still very much there, it’s just up to publishers, authors and sellers to reach it.
