The ultimate checklist when starting out in digital publishing.

Here at Yumpu we have seen it all when it comes to digital publishing and for this reason, it was agreed we need to share our insights with you all. So here is the first article, dedicated to those of you starting out. This is our checklist for all of you who are a little uncertain about how and what are the best ways to getting going in digital publishing.

I am sure all of you have dabbled in the area, but with this checklist we will make sure you are offering the very best digital publications you can.

Yumpu’s ultimate checklist for digital publishing:

1. What’s in a name

Well, as it happens a great deal.  You have a supper idea for a magazine, you have a collection of brilliant articles and maybe a video but you must make sure that the title you give your publications is appropriate, unique and inspiring.

2. Cut to the chase

When you write the description of the magazine on Yumpu, the one that outlines what your publication is about, make sure it is clear, honest, simple and effective.   Make sure you communicate your publication’s purpose, spirit and do it meaningfully. Tell people why you published it, what inspires you and what will inspire them.

3. Select an appropriate category and language

This may sound like common sense, but it is pivotal to make sure your magazine sits in the right category on Yumpu.  It needs to attract new readers by being positioned with similar titles and publications.  Take a little time to look over each category and choose the one that best matches your magazine’s content and audience.  Also, when you choose the language you publish in, consider which international areas you want to expand into and where your subjects will be most popular.

4. Tags matter

Tagging your magazines enables them to spread their wings and fly…well, not exactly fly, but it will allow your magazines to be reached by people who would never normally read your publications. By choosing the correct tags you can attract a whole new following who may only read your magazine with the intention of enjoying one article and then end up staying or even subscribing to your publications.

5. Get interactive

It is really competitive in digital publishing and we have noticed the ones that rise to the top. The ones that are the big hits are the ones that are adapting to include multi-media elements.  When you are planning your publications make sure you mix up the content’s formats.  We suggest you add videos, include audio files and, of course, eye-catching images in slide shows.  The different types of content will bring your magazines to life and your readers will come back for more.

6. Link and connect

It is amazing how traffic can flow to and from you magazine so easily once you include links in your publications. This traffic will then boost your magazine’s popularity, with readers that support your title’s SEO. It’s really easy to do and we think it is the perfect way to connect to readers, advertisers and more.  Also, traffic goes both ways so make sure you add links back to you magazines where ever possible.

7. Get on brand

Your brand is the heart of what you are and how you work.  Make sure you publications look, sound and even feel like you. With Yumpu you can use all the simple design tools to make sure your magazines are on brand by choosing the colours, fonts and logos. Should you also want to go the extra mile, then for only €8 or $10 a month you can have the AdFree product which means you have no additional logos or advertisers in and around your magazines.  The AdFree also has unique privacy settings so you can share your branded magazine with tailored lists of subscribers. Why not go all the way and have your own branded WebKiosk? You can with Yumpu.

8. Be social

Social media should not be considered an ‘extra marketing’ tool, it should be thought of as essential.  It’s a gift to anyone starting out in digital publishing and it really will help your magazines take off. Yumpu makes being social so easy and you really will see the best possible results if you share your magazines on social media. It could not be easier with Yumpu as the magazines are ready to be posted on sites as soon as you publish them. Let the world enjoy your work and with our help, it will be quick, easy and effective.  Sharing online through social media is enjoyable and great for raising awareness of your work, so don’t forget to be social.

9. Usability

If you are all set to publish your magazine, one last thing you have to consider is its usability. Will readers enjoy reading it? How easy will it be to navigate? We can help you because at Yumpu we have responsive design as standard, which means your magazines will be able to be read across multiple devices. Also, the tactile and engaging page-turning function means that your readers will be coming back for more.

10. Facts and stats

This may not be key when starting out in digital publishing, but it is really important that once you do begin publishing on Yumpu that you use the products we offer to monitor your analytics.  You will be informed about how well the magazines are being received, where you are getting new readers from and you can also use the data to see how competitors are doing and to learn more about the sector as a whole. With the AdFree plan, you’re able to track clicks and views for your publication by connecting it with Google Analytics. Being informed means you can make accurate decisions to help grow your business.

Don’t have an account yet? Join Yumpu now and offer valuable digital publications to your audience!

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