Self-Publishing Your Small Business Idea

A Home Business Article Contributed by Sharon Hill

Putting into Words Your Small Business Idea

One of the most successful ecommerce marketing ideas for your small business, is to give something away on your web site. Another is to set yourself up as an expert. The best way to accomplish both is to publish - and to give the publication away on your web site.

Let's take a closer look at this concept.

Suppose your business is selling used computers, computer parts and software. Of course you'll do most of your business, if not all, online. This is a hot business right now. Not only will your customers be those technologically savvy about what they want and need, but also those who barely know how to turn on a computer but know they need one for personal or business reasons.

The latter especially will jump at the chance to learn about computers and related technology - without having to pay for it. Setting up an effective keyword search of the information you provide free of charge can generate more trips to your site than if you only tried to market your products with the retail keywords. Of course, the keyword "free" matched with other keywords like computer, software, tutorial, and so forth can generate thousands of visits to your site.

Sell What You Know - the Best Small Business Publishing Idea

Think about what you know. Don't you know about how to choose the right computer? Don't you know how a computer works? Don't you also know about Windows, Linux, the Microsoft Office Suite? Can't you probably advise someone about computer use for their small businesses - ideas on free email, IM vendors and so forth? There are so many things that those who aren't computer proficient will want to know - and would rush to your site to find out.

Making Money from Your Small Business Publishing Idea

Or you can profit from this small business idea more directly - by charging for it. There are many ways to publish without going through traditional publishers who will tie up your words for six to eighteen months before you ever see them in print.

Self-publishing is a relatively simple small business idea. You can publish in print, or online. Online publishing can be either POD (print on demand) or as an e-book. Print on Demand means that as each consumer orders one book, that one book is printed. eBook is a product that the purchaser downloads form their computer and prints for herself.

www.booklocker.com is a successful reputable self-publishing firm that not only does the publishing for you but also markets your book. It's also a success story about a small business with a great idea that worked! With Booklocker you can choose to do POD or eBook - or both. First, of course, you'll need to write your book. If you can't write, hire someone to ghostwrite it for you.) Once the words are completed you contract with booklocker. The upfront costs are minimal.

POD set up fee is $217, which includes a printed proof of your book prior to publication; an annual hosting fee of $18; cover production fees are $99-$199 depending on whether the art is original.

Now, here's what this small business idea will generate for you. If you choose to do POD, you will be paid a 35% royalty (that means that for each book that sells you'll receive 35% of what the buyer pays for it.) Ebooks offer royalty of 50% for books priced at $8.95 or less; 70% for those priced higher. This is a great return! Traditional publishers usually offer 10-15%. Yes, those books are priced higher, but that can also hurt sales. And, unlike traditional publishers that only pay royalties once or twice a year (perhaps a few pay quarterly) Booklocker pays monthly.

Self-publishing - a great way to network your small business, to present yourself as an expert, and to make a little extra money.