Good for us; now we line in a world of unlimited content. Almost everyone can be a content creator. And more exhilarating, everyone can publish and distribute content on their own. Thanks to increasing access to the Internet and social networks, many different content distribution systems are out there. But not all are worth the try and can do the job. Thus, delivering content to the target audience is bumpier than ever.
You don’t need to be a self-publishing content creator to feel the inefficiency of the current distribution system. Even the publishers and distributors who have been working in the industry for so long are now facing various challenges. Through this small piece, we review some of these challenges. We also dig to find effective alternative methods to overcome them. So let’s take a deeper look together!
A Dilemma in Publishing Industry: Digital Distribution vs. Traditional Distribution
To combat the rising problems in the publishing industry – from the infinite amount of content to the lack of physical space and even shorter attention spans of readers – an alternative to the traditional distribution system is more needed than ever. One option is to move away from traditional print media and instead focus on digital distribution.
Through digital distribution, publishers can enjoy more efficient delivery and lower production costs. Publishers no longer need to invest in the printing, storage, and shipping of physical books. This allows publishers to pass on the savings to consumers, making books more accessible and affordable. The lower cost of digital books also encourages readers to purchase more books. This, in turn, helps to increase sales for publishers and bring them more profits.
Plus, digital distribution helps to reduce the environmental impact of printing and shipping physical materials.
Digital distribution also provides readers with more convenient access to their favorite titles. Any title can be easily accessed from any device with an internet connection. For example, many readers in developing countries or remote areas may need access to physical bookstores. But they can purchase digital books online at a much lower cost and in a more accessible way.
No need to mention that digital distribution offers increased security for sensitive materials. In a digital manner, documents can be encrypted and protected with passwords or other forms of authentication.
Digital distribution expands the reach of publishers’ titles. Without the need for physical distribution, they can be made available to a much larger audience.
However, the supporters of the traditional distribution system have their own arguments. They believe there are still several drawbacks associated with digital distribution. Perhaps the most important thing they defend is the human need to touch and possess, which is more tangible in the physical form of books. They attach priceless value to the feel of paper sheets and the smell of ink.
They also raise numerous arguments. For instance, digital books can be challenging to read for extended periods of time, as they can cause eye strain and headaches. In addition, digital books can be easily lost or deleted if not protected by a reliable platform. Also, the possibility of lending digital content is more complicated and sometimes even impossible compared to a paper book.
Fortunately, with the infinite possibilities of the digital world, we can easily find a way to deal with these challenges. On the other hand, the challenges raised by the supporters of the traditional system are downweighed by the advantages that the digital system offers us. Adopting the digital distribution system is inevitable.
How to Tell If a Digital Publishing Distribution System Is Good?
Of course, digital publishing has revolutionized the way content is created, distributed, and consumed. But still, there are standards that need to be met to ensure it is carried out effectively. We need a system that can provide a streamlined and effective way to distribute content. The ultimate goal is to reach more readers and improve the overall reading experience. That’s why a good distribution system should possess the following characteristics:
- Efficient Supply Chain Management
Whatever distribution system you use, it has to provide you with a smooth flow of goods, information, and payments between publishers and consumers. A reliable, coordinated system should be in place to take care of that flow.
- Flexibility
It’s no news that today consumer behavior is changing faster than ever. At the same time, the speed of technological advancements is unimaginable. Put these two variables together to realize how the perspective of a business can completely change in a blink. That’s why it’s essential for a distribution system to be flexible enough to adapt to that fast-evolving parameters. In practical terms, it means being able to handle various digital formats. It also includes adjusting the distribution channels based on consumer preferences.
- Accessibility
The whole key to digital publishing distribution is accessibility. It is key to ensuring that content reaches the widest possible audience. As accessible as our platform will be, we can go beyond just becoming global and reach those with special needs.
- Customizable Analytics and Reporting
Customizable analytics and reporting tools allow us to track sales and monitor consumer behavior. It’s not a luxury but a necessity. Through such reports and information, we can channel our future efforts in the right direction and gain more benefits.
- Easy-to-Use Interface
A simple and intuitive interface is always a blessing. It’s crucial to ensure that both publishers and consumers can easily navigate the platform. Many easily ignore the countless benefits of a digital distribution system simply because of an unfriendly Interface.
Which Digital Publishing Distribution System Is the Best?
As digital publishing continues to evolve and grow, the question of which distribution system is the best arises. With so many options available in the market, it can be difficult to select the right one for your needs.
Before making a decision, weigh the strengths and limitations that each digital publishing distribution system has! Sometimes you might need just a bit of help in organizing and looking for a platform that has phenomenal organizing characteristics. Some other times you’re desperate for analytical data to re-strategize your publishing moves. Whatever you need, there is an option out there that perfectly aligns with your goals.
For example, if you are a self-publisher looking to have your own easy-to-use and all-in-one publishing system, PUBNiTO can be a good choice. You can easily manage all your publishing processes from creation to distribution. It also can be integrated with the learning management system of your choice in case you have educational purposes. PUBNiTO goes beyond these and provides a revenue-sharing platform to publishers. It works like this: you use the platform as an online bookstore. This allows you to work with other publishers and create revenue-sharing licensing deals with them.
On the other hand, you may be looking for a more straightforward platform. Something that helps you send out your digital books and works as an online bookstore itself. In that case, KNiTO can be an excellent option for you. It has all the elements that a publisher or a self-publishing author would need to sell their books. Using KNiTO, you’ll be able to connect with other online bookstores and send your asset directly to them.
In the meantime, what is our suggestion? We strongly recommend whatever your choice is, stumble upon your digital distribution journey RIGHT NOW. Tomorrow might be late.
What would be your next move?