Ebook VS Audio Book? Which one is preferred?

As long as it is recorded at high quality with an easy to understand voice I'd pick audio every time. Being able to listen to things while I work or drive means they get listened to - instead of ebooks gathering dust on my hard drive!

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terryrayburn

15 years ago

I always prefer having both.

I'm with Mrs. S on the listen-while-driving, but I like the PDF for closer analysis and note-taking.

Thanks
2 replies

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IowaGal

15 years ago

Originally Posted by terryrayburn

I always prefer having both.

I'm with Mrs. S on the listen-while-driving, but I like the PDF for closer analysis and note-taking.

I agree (about having both not about driving with Mrs. S

).

Years and years ago when I was in "corporate", I had to take a class to identify the different learning styles of those who reported to me and to this day, it helps me tremendously.

The three different styles are:

Auditory - learn by hearing.
Visual - learn by watching (e.g. videos).
Kinesthetic - learn by actually "doing".

This means that each of us fall into one of these categories more often than another category.

This is just a way of saying that if you provide both audio and an ebook, you'll hit on two major learning styles (and a larger audience).

Here's some more information about it if you're interested:

Three Different Styles

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JNFerree 15 years ago

I predict the next wave in publishing e-Books will include all of the above; Text, Audio and Video.

I recently discovered a new Viral e-Book (text/audio/video) publishing tool (Video JukeBox) that can automatically run a pre-scripted routine which IMHO makes the user experience more engaging and impactful and helps the publisher/author 'guide' the user/reader so they get to the meat and potatoes of the e-Content in an way that makes it easier for the consumer to digest and retain the content.

In the e-Books I've bought, if the content is realy good, I usually print the file so I can highlight the key points so when I revisit the material, I have a nice visual queue to fast track my re-read.

However, to satisfy the 'instant gratification' requirement syndrome - incorporating all 3 formats (text, audio and video) in an e-Book (or website or blog for that matter) I also agree with Owen and IMChick's comments -- the user might be willing to pay a little more for having the content avail in multiple formats.

But like IowaGal said, we learn in 3 styles - so why not give it to them in multiple formats. Matter of fact, I wonder how soon the e@rticles sites will provide an icon set that let's me click - Read It - Hear It - Watch it or download all of the above.
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ArturoG

15 years ago

Originally Posted by IowaGal

I agree (about having both not about driving with Mrs. S

).

Years and years ago when I was in "corporate", I had to take a class to identify the different learning styles of those who reported to me and to this day, it helps me tremendously.

The three different styles are:

Auditory - learn by hearing.
Visual - learn by watching (e.g. videos).
Kinesthetic - learn by actually "doing".

This means that each of us fall into one of these categories more often than another category.

This is just a way of saying that if you provide both audio and an ebook, you'll hit on two major learning styles (and a larger audience).

Here's some more information about it if you're interested:

.

It´s funny...

There was not a *Reading - learn by "reading" type of learning?

It is hard to believe.

Thanks

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keyaziz 15 years ago

Originally Posted by terryrayburn

I always prefer having both.

I'm with Mrs. S on the listen-while-driving, but I like the PDF for closer analysis and note-taking.

I agree...

I think, for me...I find it easier to multitask with an ebook and dont always have time to listen to audio..

But sometimes I just like having an excuse to sit and listen BUT make sure its a lovely voice!!
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matthewd 15 years ago

Originally Posted by Ivancho

I would prefer to get ebook for obvious reasons...

Obviously it's not so obvious to the OP or else he wouldn't be asking.

Personally, I don't like audio but that's usually because it is recorded in crappy quality. If it is something like an interview, I would rather listen than read a transcript, though.

But, if it is an instructional program, I would much rather have the ebook.
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jbode

15 years ago

Why not write out a PDF report and then read it out in audio format. It doesn't require much extra time to read what you have already written and it provides more value to your product so people can listen to your product and go back and read specific parts especially if there is step by step directions.

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Deji 15 years ago

I personally prefer an ebook as I don't really like listening to audio but I'd advice you to do both.Then you could simply offer the ebook as the front-end product and when she is about to pay,simply tell her that she could also add the audio for $X.00 more.Tell her that ordinarily,she would pay $Y.00 to purchase it but that if she picks it up with the ebook instantly,she gets to pay less.Also tell her how much she would save.That's just one idea.
Another idea would be to sell the ebook and offer the audio free to the first x number of people.Anyone after that would have to pay for it or it would no more be offered as a bonus.You get the point.
There are many other ways you could do this.
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ObsidianKnight

15 years ago

I agree with Terry, in that both is better. You can even use this as a selling point. Offer the ebook with an upsell to the audio. This works well to cover those who like to print out the book and those who want to listen can get the audio for a modest price.

I myself use this technique on the first site listed in my Sig. I offer a free e-book, with audio upsell for $7. Thats it. Add a oto and your all set. On top of this, I make it so that free downloaders can promote the product and become affiliates.

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James12C

15 years ago

Yes, and yes. I like catching up with stuff while i'm driving/jogging whatever. And it adds perceived value if you offer audio, it seems to me.

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IMChick

15 years ago

Do both, and here is why:

1. you already have a script for the audio book if you're recording that first. It wouldn't be a stretch to make the working script into an ebook.

2. if you have only the audio, the market (like clickbank for instance) has trained consumers to buy in ebook format. you may or may not limit your audience if you only have audio

3. re-purposing the content by doing both ebook and audio and marketing it into two delivery systems gives you an automatic (no-effort) OTO or upsell.

This assumes that the audio is of you (or a hired voice) speaking from a prepared script. If you're doing a seminar and the audio is from that, use the audio format as the first product you promote and make a transcript as an upsell.

Test and find out which way works better, use 2 web sites and one with audio only and one with ebook or ebook/audio and see what happens so you'll know how your customers think.

Don't leave money on the table if you don't have to!

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Owen Mailer

15 years ago

i agree with everyone else but i would write the ebook and then charge a little for the audio Book!!

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Storyman

15 years ago

Do an ebook, then do podcast with each podcast discussing just one point in the ebook. Perhaps even interview other 'experts' on that topic. Might even consider a call-in type of situation were you answer questions that readers of the ebook have.

Of course you could always poll your current customers to discover what they want.

Thanks

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richpeck

15 years ago

Audio for usability

E-book for reference.

It all depends on your product, the audience and the price point.

Like when I had my ex back product, I made a video and sold it as a video because that was a big selling point.

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deslongs

15 years ago

i love audio books.. can listen while driving

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bobsstuff

15 years ago

I am visual and do not like audio. I listen if I have to, but not if I have a choice. If my wife starts to read me an article online or in the newspaper, I ask to see it for myself.

So, to maximize your profits, do both.

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ryanman

15 years ago

Originally Posted by shinmenx

an audio book is actually a really good idea!

Would you mail a physical CD or make available for download an .mp3?

Direct download.

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RichOnlineCEO

15 years ago

You could sell the audio as a "deluxe package" put extra in it, charge more.

Something to think about

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cdrom1

15 years ago

yeah maybe offer audio as platinum upgrade?

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Jonathan 2.0

Banned 15 years ago

I'd rather have something called "Audio Training Course/Product/Whatever."

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jrailsback

15 years ago

Do both and offer them in a bundle and raise the price.

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stevenlean 15 years ago

I prefer a book.
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lavaleekathy

15 years ago

Both would be really great resources to have because you already have a script for your audio book that you can make first. And then refining the script into an ebook wouldn't be tough to do, some minor formating and headings required. If you're only making an audio track, your target audience may only want to buy in the ebook format. If you've got the content in both an ebook and audio format you have the option to upsell one or the other for an additional profit. A great idea, just my 2 cents!

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Ebook VS Audio Book? Which one is preferred?

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