A Cheat Sheet to Optimise your digital editions for search engines

Contents

Posted by: Hannah

10 JUL 2012

After working hard at creating your publication with unique content, fantastic design and enhancing the publication with interactivity to wow your readers, don’t miss out on optimizing the publication for search engines…why? Well without this kind of optimization the only online readers that will get to view the publication are those that are coming directly to your site anyway, or those that are recommended to view the publication by another reader. Without enhancing for search engines you could be missing out on a huge number of potential new readers, looking for exactly what you are writing about.

Tasks to complete:

1. Carry out keyword research

This is the vital first step before optimizing the publication for SEO. By understanding what words and search terms your target market are using, you can then optimize for them. There are several free tools available for this research including WordTracker , and Google analytics . Don’t forget that longer, nice terms can often attract higher quality leads, so look into longer phrases as well as the shorter, more competitive terms.

2. Optimize the publication Once you are aware of which words, terms and phrases are most appropriate for your target market, then you ensure these words are used in titles and body text of your publication.

3. Name your publication When you come to name your publication remember that the name will form part of your url. URL names are very important for search engine optimization so keep this in mind.

3. Name your publication

4. Add a publication title

5. Add a publication description Again this section can be edited in the set up wizard. The description gives you a bit more information than the title allows. Again this description is listed in the search results (under the title) so should entice readers to click through to the publication to read more.

5. Add a publication description

6. Anchor text to link to the publication

When you upload your publication to your website you will need to link to it from an image or text for example. This text that forms the link is the anchor text, and is very important for SEO. Instead of making the link from words such as ‘Click here to Read’ put some keywords in, so for example ‘Download Fishing Magazine’

7. Submit the publication to your website site map

HTML text is only of use if recognized as part of your website so you will need to connect these pages of HTML to the rest of your site somewhere – so they appear as part of your website. Then build your site map and submit to Google and Bing (Did you know that in the USA right now Bing accounts for almost 35% of search?)

For information on submitting a site map for Google check out this search result .

For information on submitting a site map for Bing check out this search result .

More From 3dissue

- A Cheat Sheet for Optimizing Your Digital Edition for Search Engines

- What does 3D Issue do for my SERPS?

- Ensure search engine visibility for your digital publications

3dissue Recommends

- How to Optimize a Web Presence for Search Engines (longtailedkeyword)

- The Importance Of Keywords For Your Home Business (longtailedkeyword)

Responsive web design: What it means for digital publications

Contents

In a recent blog post here at the 3D Issue blog we looked at some of the key concepts around the area of Responsive web design. To catch up on this article why not browse the article here?

The idea of RWD is concerned with some key factors so as a publisher one needs to consider what impact this might have on the content creator and the publisher. The idea is primarily one of consistency across devices – ‘a mindset in action!’…

Since the introduction of HTML5 to 3D Issue in Version 5 it has been possible to create two versions of a digital edition – One for tablet devices in HTML5, one for smart phones also in HTML5. The desktop variant whilst built in good ‘oul flash will adapt to the window size as specified by the reader. PressJack similarly will adjust to the reader window. For some flash flip book samples see this link.

The increase in communication and general talk about Responsive web design has increased. So what are the implications for your readers when it comes to publishing with RWD in mind?

Some of the thought leaders in this area are saying that is only a good thing for all on-line publishing.

This article by James Blake Design in the UK outlines how we should really consider the advantages and requirements for a website from the beginning. Implementation can be as effective as possible. In this way – This point certainly rings true when we consider the point that a mobile site which is not developed for mobile as well as desktop will do more harm than good.

According to Mongoose Metrics, who are a call tracking firm only 9 percent of sites are ready for mobile in 2012 as cited here

If we consider briefly the impact that this can have on commerce generally from the infographic above we see that our digital publications must also bring the same approach. (Infographic is from Compuware.com)

In order to prepare our digital publications for multiple device consumption there will be more planning involved in the creation and execution of content. No longer will the content be just converted and uploaded as a digital publication rather the publishing of content must be developed with digital publishing at the forefront of the mind – for both reader and publisher alike.

Digital Publishing Beginners’ Starter Pack

Contents

New to digital publishing? Want to know where to start? What the best practices are and how to start? Well look no further! We’ve put together this starter pack that will give you all the necessary information to get started and help understand digital priorities, terminology and best practices.

This starter pack includes:

- Guide: 10 Best Practices For Creating Online Magazines

- Checklist: Evaluating Digital Publishing Solutions

- e-Book: Beginners Guide to HTML5 Digital Publishing for iPad

- Article: Digital Publications – Part 1 Beginners guide to output formats

- 30 Day Trial: Digital magazine software 3D Issue

These resources are a great way to get to grips with the subject and understand which is the best way to move forward with going digital.

[contact-form-7]

Don’t forget we also have the daily webinar demo sessions and the video tutorials which help new users of 3D issue understand the software capabilities.

How to create digital newsletters for marketing purposes using 3D Issue

Contents

Posted by: Hannah

2 JUL 2012

Newsletters have become a great way of communicating latest company news, product information and industry trends to customers. Many companies use their blog to convey this information, and then at the end of the week or month create a newsletter featuring the key articles of the blog. If this is a process that your company follows, then 3D Issue could make this newsletter creation task much easier for you!

PressJack, which is currently bundled with the 3D Issue software enables companies to generate digital, page-turning publications from the text and images contained in a given RSS feed or blog.

So how can you use this to create newsletters for marketing purposes?

Here’s how..

If you have the trial or full version of 3D Issue you will see there is a PressJack icon on your desktop. Take a look at these getting started videos here and select ‘Blog/RSS to Digital Magazine’

With these 5 simple steps you can create your digital newsletter in minutes, oh and you don’t even need to have the design and layout completed, the application does it for you.

1) Select the RSS feed(s) or blog you want to convert into a digital magazine

2) Edit the article inclusion list if required

3) Customize the publication to suit your brand

4) Enter your website hosting information into the built in ftp up-loader

5) Hit build! Your digital magazine is then uploaded to your website where you can then direct your customers to view the publication

Another feature of PressJack is the ability to convert your blog or RSS feed(s) into .mobi and .ePub formats. This means your readers can then read on their preferred eReader, whether that be the iBooks app on their iPad/iPhone or their Kindle. Check out this quick tutorial on Blog to iBooks

There are many other applications of the PressJack application, so check out some other top ways in which our customers are converting blogs to digital magazines .

More From 3dissue

- How to create digital newsletters for marketing purposes using 3D Issue

- Digital Publishing News | Digital Magazine & E-Book News

- Why digital editions have to be supported by iPads, tablets!

3dissue Recommends

- How to Use Direct Mail for Marketing Your Online Business (Small Business Advice For Today's Economy!)

- Ways to Cut Your Business Energy Costs (Small Business Advice For Today's Economy!)

Creating a digital magazine for the first time?

Contents

If you are are a beginner in digital publishing it can be difficult to know where to start! What works best when moving to a digital interactive publication? What will readers expect? What should you avoid? These are all questions that come up in conversation with marketers and publishers each day.

To help get you started and set up in the next way possible we have collated some great resources that cover the answers to all these questions. Check them out here!

Before you get started…

1. Formats

So should you be creating files for eReaders (Kindle etc..) or should you be creating more interactive, color, magazine type publications? The answer lies in ‘Where are you audience?’ and ‘What kind of publication are you creating?’

Find out more here all about digital publishing formats explained

2. Devices

There are an ever increasing number of devices that readers access content on. From traditional computers and laptops to dedicated eReaders. Check out our guide here which explains digital reading devices and which devices can display which content.

3. Digital publishing considerations

What key considerations should be explored before even starting your digital publication? Check this guide to digital publishing considerations

4. Native app or HTML5 web app?

This has become a real debate amongst publishers, check out the pros and cons for each so you can make a justified decision of which route is best for your publication

5. Find the right provider for your publications

Finding the best solution and provider is very important, check out the free ebook Checklist for Evaluating Digital Publishing Solutions

6. Avoid some common mistakes

There are some frequent mistakes that we see when writing an e-book or digital magazine, to ensure you don’t fall into this trap check out the guide here

7. Follow best practices

Following some top tips and best practices can help you create the most effective digital magazines. An e-book entitled 10 Best Practices For Creating Online Magazines

8. Some top digital publishing tips

We’ve put together a comprehensive guide here ‘50 Ultimate Digital Magazine Tips and Tricks‘

5 Ways to create e-books that sell

Contents

Many 3D Issue customers and new clients alike contact us to find out how they can prepare content

which is going to be sold on-line and how to do so effectively. We often engage with them to see where they get inspiration from and how to utilize this content to create a magazine online or an e-book which has a market.

Some key ideas for this are outlined below. For more information also refer to our recent free e-book located on our resources page ‘5 Mistakes to avoid when writing an e-book’

Qualitative questions help establish where your content can ‘fit’ in the market.

• Who is already writing in this space?

• What are they saying?

• Do I agree with this and why?

• What can I offer and will it be well received?

Look at the blogs which are in this space are there in my specific area?

• Where are they located?

• How long have they been in existence?

• Do they use many e-books and how many of them are published authors?

• How many other publications are there out there like mine?

• What form or format does that content take?

• Who and where are the people doing it?

PDF to EBook Conversion (epub and mobi files)

TIP: Due to the nature of the PDF document layout format please be aware of the following points when converting your PDF to E-Book:

• Text extraction from image based documents is not supported (where text is a part of the image)

• Complex, multi-column document paragraphs may not be extracted in the desired order

• Extraction of vector images and tables from PDFs is not supported

• Embedded non-unicode PDF fonts that represent non-Latin characters are not supported

Provide content in multiple formats

• Find out what devices your readers are using by reading our recent 3D Issue blog here

• Provide digital magazine versions and epub and mobi for download offer a link to epub and mobi files from within your digital magazine version

•Monitor and examine the use of your publications remember those clicks count!

Provide off-line version of your content for magazines

•Content which is created in magazine mode may also be provided to your client via CD or USB drive

• Useful for places where wi-fi might be unavailable or expensive for limited use e.g. Airports abroad

• Can work in conjunction with other promotional items like USB drives distributed at trade shows add value by adding content to the drive.

• For more information on the off-line version refer to this recent blog post.

Download a 30 day free trial of 3D Issue Digital Publishing Software.

4 quick ways to promote your online e-magazine content offline

Contents

So you have created and published your digital e-magazines, you have spread the word via your website, social media accounts and your email marketing subscriber lists. Now your online promotional tools have been used, what are you doing to promote offline?

Check out these tips..

1. QR Codes

We’ve discussed in previous blogs how QR codes can be implemented to direct your audience to your online edition, the article can be read here. QR codes are a fantastic way of linking offline readers to your online version. When you generate a QR code you specify a url which the person scanning the code should be directed to, as the magazine has a url you can simply generate the QR code to direct people to the digital magazine. Perhaps the code be on the print version of the publication, marketing material and other printed publications.

2. Your team

Your sales team are out and about visiting clients and prospects. Ensure that your staff have the tools and knowledge to promote your online content, give them details of where it is and how to access it. The team can then spread the word at client visits.

3. Printed marketing material

Add the details of your online magazines to printed marketing material such as business cards and letterheads, this way these people can then learn about how to access the online magazine content.

4. Exhibitions and Seminars

When your business attends shows and seminars, ensure that the online content is promoted at the stand or in the seminar literature. A number of customers also create an offline version of their digital magazines which they can hand out on USB drives

Top content marketing resources for digital publishers

Contents

In this post we thought it would be useful to provide you with some great digital marketing and content marketing resources.

These are blogs and websites that provide great tips and information about content marketing, so if you need some inspiration, advice or some trends then check out these great blogs:

Content Marketing Institute

ProBlogger

Seth’s blog

Inbound Marketing blog

Social Media Examiner

ReadWriteWeb

O’Reilly

SEOMoz

Oh and don’t forget….

Our very own 3D Issue content and resource hub

Our very own library of free e-books ready and waiting for you to download. From guides on best practices to publications on how to get the most out of your digital publishing software.

Access the resource hub here

Is 3D Issue digital edition software suitable for creating online catalogs?

Contents

This was a question asked to me by a company this morning, they were looking to create a ‘digital catalog’ opposed to a ‘digital magazine’. There can often be some confusion around the different terms used for digital publications so hopefully this blog post will help.

The term ‘Digital Magazine Software’ is often used to describe 3D Issue, however in reality the ‘magazine’ does not have to be a traditional magazine design, layout and purpose. The 3D Issue software can create digital editions from any PDF file, so this extends the use to all types of documents and publications a company may own.

Some digital publications often created using 3D Issue are:

- Newsletter (Customer or Company)

- Case Studies Collection

- Presentations

- Sales proposal documents

- Company or Product Brochures

- Training document

- Event guide

- Whitepaper

- eBook

- Marketing document

- Company annual report

- Report

and of course,

Catalogs

Online catalogs can be significantly enhanced from it’s printed version with the following features:

Quick jump links – Allow catalog readers to jump to ‘related’ products elsewhere in the catalog by creating hotspots

Shopping cart linking – Give your catalog readers the ability to click to the shopping cart on your website for a particular product

Product demos – By adding videos of product demonstrations, your audience can ‘see’ features in action rather than simply reading about them

Social buzz – If your product online catalog is a digital edition your readers can promote the publication and content by using the built in sharing features (Google+, Facebook, Twitter etc..)

Search – Catalogs can be fairly lengthy, printed copies can therefore be difficult to search and find a particular product or search term. With an online catalog comes the ability for the reader to type in a word or phrase, then have a direct link/click to that page.

Catalog Linking – The digital edition archive feature allows you to give your readers access to a graphical library of the other catalogs or publications, so you can promote your other products too!

We’ve put together a number of guides that can be accessed for free, here:

50 Ultimate Digital Edition Tips and Tricks

10 Best Practices For Creating Online Magazines

Ensure your e-books and digital editions keep ahead by using essential software features

Contents

Posted by: Joanna

13 JUN 2012

Prospective customers and existing customers alike often get in touch asking how to make digital editions ‘ count ’ that little bit more.

One thing is for sure – Regardless of organization size or publication distribution by utilizing some key features in 3D Issue digital editions will do more than simply page flip! The key features highlighted below will show how to use 3D Issue e-book software to the fullest whilst also creating rich interactive e-magazines or e-catalogues.

Google Analytics Integration

Google Analytics (GA) is the go-to analytical package for website analysis; even where other services are used this will often be to complement the services available via Google Analytics. Also note that the statistics derived from Google Analytics are not specific to that particular search engine. To ensure all digital content created in 3D Issue is measurable enter a Google ID at set-up, thus connecting each of your publications with your Google Account. For a through Walk through on 3D Issue and your Google Analytics account see this blog post.

Archive Feature

All editions of 3D Issue include the Archive feature, think of it as a digital bookshelf but built into each publication. Features like Archiving really demonstrate the advantages of online catalogue software. Readers can navigate publications easily by selecting the archive option and move between publications. Publishers may also wish to provide alternative languages via the archive option too, for details on this see this detailed 3D Issue blog which also involves use of the translations option. For a detailed overview of the Archive option in 3D Issue refer to this useful blog also.

Reduce, Reuse, Recycle

Duplicate content is not advantageous in any circumstances, from a Search Engine Optimization perspective as well as for time and other resources. One option for online magazine publishing is to use content which has already been created some ideas for which are outlined in this recent blog post . This can be done via YouTube and then embed movie option and also using the Audio option by adding a radio commercial or other recording. Note that the audio option need not be used only for songs or backing tracks to pages! To find out more about adding a YouTube video to your 3D Issue e-catalog or e-magazine see this blog post.

Download a free trial of 3D Issue e-Publishing Software.

More From 3dissue

- How to use the reader statistics information of your digital editions

- Is 3D Issue software suitable for creating online catalogs?

- What devices do readers use to access digital editions?

3dissue Recommends

- How to Use Direct Mail for Marketing Your Online Business (Small Business Advice For Today's Economy!)

- Your Step-by-Step Guide to Google AdWords (Small Business Advice For Today's Economy!)

Create an interactive digital magazine: tips on rich media features to enhance your e-magazine

Contents

Using rich media features whilst creating your digital magazine will truly enhance your editions. Here we list some top tips and advice on when and how to use these rich media features.

What do we mean by rich media features?

Before we start, what is a rich media feature? In this post rich media elements include:

- Audio clips

- Movies

- Flash animations

- Web and email links

- Call out text

This feature set is available in the 3D Issue Professional and 3D Issue Enterprise software.

Look at where video/audio can replace text features

Many readers prefer to watch a video than read the text format. Videos can be more persuasive, be more engaging, and convey complex points in an easy to understand way. The videos in your publication can appeal to readers that typically skim over text.

Offer advertisers rich media options

With your digital editions you can offer your advertisers far more options. Aside from the standard ‘click though’ ads your advertisers may have video, audio or flash animation ads that can be easily embedded into the digital edition.

Keep an eye on the size of media

If adding videos, animation and audio clips to your publications keep a look out on the size of these individual items, larger files could slow your digital magazine.

When to use Flash

iPad and iPhone users will be directed to a HTML5 version of your digital magazine, however if you have embedded any flash separately in your digital magazine then this will not be viewable on these devices. There are ways of getting the best of both though.. For example if you embed flash into your pages, do this in a way that there is an image on the page behind this flash animation, so that iPad and iPhone users are not aware that they are missing something. Take a look at this embedded flash on page two of this wedding digital magazine

Check out some media rich samples:

Here we have some media rich samples that show what can be done:

Interactive wedding magazine

Digital product brochure

Super Bowl Magazine

We’ve put together a number of guides that can be accessed for free, here:

50 Ultimate Digital Edition Tips and Tricks

10 Best Practices For Creating Online Magazines

New HTML5 publishing for iPad guide

Contents

We have been busy creating some useful e-publishing guides and e-books for our readers and customers and this week we are excited to bring to you the latest free e-book in this series.

The ‘Beginners guide to HTML5 digital publishing for iPad’ has been created to help those that are new to digital publishing to get to grips with key terms, considerations and benefits.

The publication covers some key areas including:

- Overview of what is HTML5?

- Why is HTML5 iPad publishing important?

- Native App versus HTML5 Web App

As well as some key HTML5 for iPad digital publishing resources.

Get your free copy here

How to increase distribution of your e-book and gain more readers

Contents

Posted by: Hannah

7 JUN 2012

This questions was asked by a customer this morning, so thought I’d share my answer so you too can look into increasing the distribution of your digital magazines and e-books to gain more readers.

1) Create more of what your readers like

By looking into your analytics and tracking data for your e-books and magazines you can identify which articles, stories and features were shared most. Creating content that has a proven track record of encouraging sharing is a simple way to keep your readers happy which in turn increases distribution.

2) Don’t stop after the creation stage

Too often publishers and marketers can put all their efforts into creating the stunning editions and not schedule time and resources in distribution. Check out our checklist: 8 ‘to-do’ tasks after completing your e-book for some great tips and advice which can increase distribution.

3) Create and maintain a subscriber list If you don’t have a subscriber list, there are lots of easy to use, cost effective email marketing solutions available. These can let your readers opt in, keep their details up to date and specify topics of interest.

3) Create and maintain a subscriber list

4) Get social

Your social followers on Facebook, Twitter, Google+, are people subscribing to what you have to say, so post them a link to the edition so they too can view. Build up your social networks and keep them engaged with new and relevant news, tips, tricks and downloads.

5) Can new readers easily subscribe to future news?

It is important that first time readers have a way of subscribing so they do not have to rely on friends distributing the information or indeed finding it themselves. Placing a subscribe button in the design of your eBook is a great way of doing this. This button can then be linked to a landing page on your site which allows new subscribers to sign up.

Check out some more tips here: 7 ways to create awareness of your eBook

More From 3dissue

- What makes your digital magazine readers tick?

- 5 easy ways to increase sharing of your digital publication

- Directing your digital readers to specific pages of your online magazine

3dissue Recommends

- How To Make Your Website More Efficient & Usable (WinsonYeung)

- Ways to Cut Your Business Energy Costs (Small Business Advice For Today's Economy!)

Convincing your boss it is time to go digital

Contents

Posted by: admin

5 JUN 2012

Here at 3D Issue we are in contact daily with people from all walks of life and all sectors too, from a small Dental Practice to a Fortune 500 Marketing department and often a similar experience can occur from the small to the very large. The problem which occurs is that the Marketing person or executive we’ve been in touch with are ready to go digital but their line manager is not.

In the current economic climate approval for even the smallest of purchases can take more time and effort that it should take – so we thought this to-the-point blog post could assist in indicating some key ways in which using digital editions can assist in the preparation and distribution of content.

Some of these points will apply to only some businesses whilst others will need to pick and choose. One theme which is prevalent amongst users of 3D Issue is that great software can be a real leveling force – so use the force!

For those who are new to 3D Issue in a nutshell 3D Issue will convert and upload soft copy publications as a digital interactive publication.

Costs

Digital editions are far and away the cheapest way to distribute a publication. Printing and distribution of hard copy collateral runs into thousands of Dollars and they can actually run out!

Cut Through

A Digital edition of a publication created using 3D Issue is instantaneous. The reader clicks a link and the publication opens immediately right in front of your reader no distractions or pop-ups.

Traction

Digital editions created in 3D Issue may be shared directly from within the publication – by ‘Shared’ we mean e-mailed, Tweeted or posted to Google+ your reader’s followers can then be yours.

Convenience

Digital publications are simple to carry! One of the key reasons e-books are so popular is because they take up no space and are easily navigated.

Amends

Print publications once printed and distributed are set they cannot be amended or updated, a digital edition will allow for your on-line magazine or catalog to reflect the changes you need.

Statistics

Hard copy content cannot offer anywhere near the level of detail on reader statistics available in a digital edition. For more information on 3D Issue and reader behavior analysis see this blog post .

Watch out for our upcoming slide deck on this topic too, so you can really convince!

Image is from here .

More From 3dissue

- Free eBook – 50 Awesome Digital Publishing Tips & Tricks

- Study shows 11% of magazine audience via Digital

- Latest Digital Publishing News

3dissue Recommends

- Introduction To Keywords & Google Keyword Tool (longtailedkeyword)

- Your Step-by-Step Guide to Google AdWords (Small Business Advice For Today's Economy!)

Digital magazine & e-book reader statistics

Contents

Is there a specific reader that prefers digital? What does this person look like? and would your business benefit from moving from print to digital editions based on this reader profile?

These are great questions and often asked by new customers we speak to when helping them investigate the best options.

Here in this post we look to get some of these profiling questions answered as look at some telling digital and e-book reader statistics and profiles.

This insightful infographic e-book nation looks at the typical e-book reader profile and also which format is best depending on the situation and environment.

In summary some key findings from the study by onlineuniversities.com were:

- The under 50 age group are more likely to be e-book readers, they were also likely to be college educated and earn more than $50,000.

- Digital readers read more! The average e-book reader was found to have read 24 books over 12 months compared to 15 books by a print reader.

- e-books and printed books are often used by readers for different situations; 88% of those surveyed who had read e-books also read printed books.

- Ownership of e-book reading devices is seeing significant grow, with the figure climbing from 10% in December 2011 to 19% in January 2012.

Click for larger version:

The infographic can be found here.

How to create offline, DVD, CD and USB versions of your pageflip magazines, digital newspapers and e-books

Contents

Posted by: admin

30 MAY 2012

3D Issue Lite, Professional and Enterprise have the ability to create an off-line edition. This version of your publication is an individual file which represents the publication one might otherwise upload to a server for distribution on-line. The off-line version outlined in this blog is created in the Digital Magazine mode of 3D Issue.

Whilst one of the core features of a 3D Issue digital publication will generally be the provision of content on-line the off-line version can provide useful in certain circumstances.

The off-line version of a digital publication created with 3D Issue provides a number of functions for a digital edition. The core functions provided by this version of your publications are:

There can be some drawbacks of an off-line edition including:

Content cannot be updated ‘ on-the-fly ’ as it can when on-line, the content tab in 3D Issue allows for the swapping out of one PDF for another, uploading to the same location will leave the rest of the publication intact. See this blog post for more information about ‘on-the-fly’ uploads .

Due to the finality of an off-line edition distributed via CD or USB this is not available.

It should be bore in mind that an off-line publication will require Internet access to avail of the full functionality offered in 3D Issue, e.g. A YouTube video will function via an off-line version of 3D Issue as long as the reader is connected to the Internet, similarly communication which is derived from the publication may require access too like e-mailing a comment to a publisher.

So when would I need to use the off-line version of my publication?

A possible use could be at a convention where as a promotional piece USB flash drives are often distributed – why not add value by including some marketing materials on the USB drive?

Or perhaps where a one off bespoke publication is created and provided directly to a client e.g. a proposal or tender for contract could be nicely presented via the off-line version of a publication.

Similarly in a sales meeting marketing collateral can be nicely presented via the off-line edition presented via USB stick or CD/DVD to accompany a printed catalog or maybe as a ‘back-up copy’

Sometimes the Internet is not available, expensive to use or unreliable; consider daily hotel and Airport Wi-Fi charges as an example, readers who are away from their home cell phone network often avoid going on-line due to high costs.

How do I create the off-line version?

1. On the output tab of 3D Issue check the off-line box and select Digital Edition. (For our needs the Digital Edition will suffice as PDF refers to the reader option for download of an on-line publication outlined in this recent 3D Issue blog post.)

2. If the publication is not going to be uploaded uncheck the ONLINE and UPLOAD option on the Output tab

3. Click build;

4. In your output folder there will be a sub-folder named Off-line which contains 2 files;

5. The Zipped folder is for MAC users the Self Executable .exe file is for PC users;

6. Add these files to your USB or CD/DVD drive for distribution.

Note: The off-line versions of these publications will load in their own window so unlike an up-loaded (i.e. an On-line) publication no browser shall appear to the reader.

Does this work for .mobi and .epub files?

No! as the .epub and .mobi files are always off-line. These files are created in the e-reader mode of 3D issue. The version created via the instructions in this blog is based on content created in the Digital Magazine mode of the software. To compare digital magazine mode to ereader mode change mode in the Design Tab and the drop down box illustrated below.

For more information on creating .epub and .mobi files see this recent 3D Issue blog post note – . epub and .mobi files may also be distributed via USB flash drive or CD/DVD.

Add a Comment

30

MAY

How to convert RSS feeds and online content to a pageflip digital magazine or e-book: the PressJack feature

Contents

For those trying out the 3D Issue software you have probably noticed a free software application that is bundled with the 3D Issue suite. Check out these FAQs and how you can take advantage of this tool to create dynamic digital publications.

What is PressJack?

PressJack, like 3D Issue creates digital magazines. However, where 3D Issue takes a PDF as the source, PressJack takes your RSS feed(s).

What could I use PressJack for?

Since release of the tool, we’ve seen some great uses by marketers and publishers utilizing the application to create dynamic digital publications without the need for any formatting or design work. It uses your content to create topic specific publications. Here are a few of the top applications we are seeing from our customers:

Customer Newsletter

Create a digital magazine showcasing your latest news articles from your blog in digital magazine format. Check out an example of a digital customer newsletter here.

Niche topic based publication

Create a digital magazine from a particular RSS category feed. For example an online local news site could have a huge number of news categories, however visitors could sign up to customized digital publications on their specific interests such as ‘Soccer News’ or ‘Out and About’ and ‘Local Reviews’ – one magazine customized to them that cuts out areas of less interest.

Archived articles digital magazine

If you run a news section or blog on your site, you will often see that good content is pushed off the blog home page after new blogs are posted. Many PressJack users create digital magazines that recycle this content, creating an e-book or digital magazine from it’s content.

So how do i create one of these dynamic publications?

If you have the trial or full version of 3D Issue you will see there is a PressJack icon on your desktop. Take a look at these getting started videos here and select ‘Blog/RSS to Digital Magazine’

PressJack creates ‘digital magazines’ and ‘e-book’ formats, which should i create?

These two formats are available for you to select as an output. ‘Digital Magazine’ output creates a web browser based magazine, here is an example, you’ll see it opens in a browser just like a traditional 3D Issue. This format is perfect for desktop users.

The e-book mode, is perfect for your audience if they use an e-reader such as a Sony eReader, Nook and the iBooks App on the iPad/iPhone etc.. Here is an example of a e-book version Download the file from here and sync to your iPad/iPhone Download epub version for iPad/iPhone

If you’re not sure which option to create, then select both and allow your readers to download the most suitable version for their device. Check out this page you can see how we give readers the option to download a kindle version, iPad version or browser version of the dynamic publication

HTML5 Digital Editions and the iPad | 5 Top Questions Answered

Contents

This blog shall take a brief look at some of our most commonly asked questions on HTML5 conversion.

1. How can I make this into an App?

Here at 3D Issue we like to answer this question with a question which we admit is not always the best tactic! – Firstly ask yourself if you actually need a native app when creating your magazine online? As we have blogged about recently here there are many advantages to not going the native App Store/Newsstand route.

So whilst 3D Issue might not provide a native app for your content right now, 3D Issue can allow you to create highly interactive HTML5 web apps right on your readers iOS device. With our additional iPad and iPhone icon specification feature there is also the opportunity to brand the online interactive magazine. Follow this 3D Issue YouTube video link to view HTML5 publications as Web Apps on your device.

2.Why does 3D Issue create one publication for desktop and another for Tablets?

3D Issue supports Flash and HTML5, by converting your PDF content and publishing digital editions in both formats you are assured that your readers can view the publication on practically any device. The HTML5 content is practically identical on the iPad as on the desktop with full YouTube video, embedded Movie files and Audio and the full range of reader interactivity.

Whilst Flash is not supported on Apple devices and Adobe are to withdraw their support for the format across mobile devices soon, for desktop viewing Flash is an ideal format to ensure that your readers can access the publication and our HTML5 takes care of tablets and smart phones. For a detailed look at 3D Issue Output formats see this blog post.

3.How can I use my Web App Icon to the fullest?

If you’ve used 3D Issue in the past to create publications they you’ll have a certain means of distribution which might be via e-mail or via twitter for example. By utilizing your Web App icon (which remember is already in place on your reader’s device) by uploading your publication to that same location readers can always access your most recent publication.

Will my reader’s get a notification that new content is available? Not at present but by having some of that key space on a reader’s iOS device your publication is assured of the attention that it deserves when it comes to publishing e-books to iPad. A freindly e-mail or tweet reminder that your latest publication is available should do the trick.

Check out this blog post on changing the icon but not the content fore more and one for you or your designer is how to create your App Icon for use in 3D Issue

4. I have tried to open my publication on iPad but it is not working!

In order for 3D Issue to create the HTML5 publication you’ll need to ensure that the tablet and smart phone options are checked on the output tab of the software. The output tab of 3D Issue is an area which focuses on the type of file which you want to create and the logistics – namely where you want to upload to.

So to create the HTML5 version simply check the boxes, once uploaded the software will advise that you can ‘view on-line’ clicking the link will take you to your recent upload. The smart bit is that your digital book creation will also open on tablet and smart phone at that exact same URL address, no modification required to the URL.

If you’ve done the above and your still not having any luck be sure to e-mail the URL to your publication to your iPad, typing in a pretty complicated URL digit by digit is really easy to mix up so best to e-mail the link direct to the device.

Note for trial users the same applies except your software is already set up to allow for an upload to the 3D Issue servers.

5. Is HTML5 for my Amazon kindle or Barnes and Noble Nook or iBooks?

No it is not the files required for these types of devices and Apps in the case of iBooks are e-reader files. Refer to this link as mentioned above for a more detailed look at the varying types of files. A quick way to remember the difference is if you think of the device and its screen, a HTML5 publication is bright and colourful, how would this work on a kindle?

For a highly detailed guide to e-book reader file formats you may wish to refer to this e-reader file wiki.

Image is from here.

More From 3dissue

How to create offline, DVD, CD and USB versions of your pageflip magazines, digital newspapers and e-books

What are the advantages of HTML5?

An Introduction to digital publishing in HTML5

3dissue Recommends

The Truths And Misconceptions About List Posts (WinsonYeung)

Discoverability and the New World of Book PR (WattsPublishingGroup.com)

An Introduction to digital publishing in HTML5

Contents

Posted by: admin

25 MAY 2012

HTML5 has been a key development in digital publishing over the last year, particularly as publishers look for efficient and effective ways of publishing digital editions to a growing audience.

The iPad has been a key factor for the rise in HTML5 for digital publishing, due to the device not supporting Flash – traditionally the standard technology behind digital magazines.

So what you ask was the big fuss over HTML5 in aid of? In a nutshell HTML5 create better and more interactive websites and software applications. The new programming language will allow for advantages across many many uses. Here is a quick overview of the advantages of HTML5

Check out this overview guide to see which formats including HTML5 can be viewed on which device - complete with examples of these file types so you can view on your different devices.

Should you create digital magazines in HTML or Flash? this is often asked by customers, we have the answers here – HTML5 versus Flash OR HTML5 and Flash?

The debate of creating a web HTML5 app versus a native app created for and downloaded via dedicated app stores has been a much talked about debate in recent months. It’s clear that publishers and marketers want and need to be able to present and distribute their content to their readers and subscribers in the most beneficial way, but which route should they take? Check out this useful article – HTML5 Web App or Native App?

If you are researching solutions to create your own HTML5 digital magazines and e-books then this How to create iPad magazines will cover how to get started with this using the 3D Issue software.

More From 3dissue

- Free eBook – 50 Awesome Digital Publishing Tips & Tricks

- Study shows 11% of magazine audience via Digital

- Latest Digital Publishing News

3dissue Recommends

- Introduction To Keywords & Google Keyword Tool (longtailedkeyword)

- Your Step-by-Step Guide to Google AdWords (Small Business Advice For Today's Economy!)

A summary of e-publishing formats

Contents

Posted by: admin

23 MAY 2012

As many move into the e-publishing space there are some initial questions and decisions that publishers need to make, one of these areas is the format of the digital edition.

Here in this post, we run through the different formats of digital editions and which format is best for different devices.

1) Flash

Example Flash Digital Edition

Flash has historically been the standard format for digital magazines. Most digital magazines were created in this format due to the animation and viewing capabilities on browsers of desktops, laptops, macs and PCs. This format is still widely used, however due to the Apple iPad and iPhone not displaying flash content, this format is often created alongside an HTML5 version.

2) HTML5

Example HTML5 Digital Edition

You will notice that the example HTML5 digital edition from the link above looks and operates in a very similar way to the flash digital edition. 3D Issue will automatically create both the Flash and HTML5 versions of a publication and then route readers to the most appropriate version for their device. HTML5 digital editions can be viewed on browsers on any pc, mac, laptop, tablet or smartphone (including iPads and iPhones)

3) Native App

A publication that is built as a native Apple App must be submitted first to the App Store, then once approved readers could download via the App Store. These native Apps are specific to certain devices that have access to the App store.

4) .exe and .app offline digital editions

Example of an offline edition

(click the ‘download’ option button from the left side menu)

Along with your online flash and HTML5 digital edition, digital publishing software solutions often enable publishers to create offline editions, these formats are .exe (for Windows) and .app (for Macs – not to be confused with Native App!) Offline editions are a great addition to your publication, allowing desktop readers to download the offline edition to their computer so they can access a fully functional digital edition at a later time – without the need to be online.

.5) ePub (downloadable to read offline on eReader devices including iPad)

Example of a ePub file

The epub file is a format that can be downloaded to eReader devices such as the Sony eReader and the The Barnes & Noble Nook . These types of publications are typically not as interactive as the magazine type flash and HTML5 formats, but can be viewed offline. The ePub format is also the file format used by many Apps including the iBooks App on the iPad and iPhone. Therefore many publishers and marketers and creating both interactive online HTML5 versions, along with a downloadable version using the ePub output.

For more info, check out this guide of how to convert PDFs to pageflip e-books for iPads, iPhone, tablets and e-Readers

6) .mobi (downloadable to read offline on Kindle)

Example of a mobi file

The .mobi file is similar to the ePub, however this file is the format used by the popular Amazon Kindle.

Add a Comment

23

MAY