Q: How can digital editions be enhanced?

A: Static digital editions are quickly becoming a thing of the past, with all the advances in technology and creative alternatives that are being incorporated into digital editions today. From video podcasts of editors talking about content to product demos, the sky really is the limit when it comes to what you can do to enhance your digital edition .

Take, for example, a magazine with an article about how to plant the perfect garden. You can make that article more memorable by adding a video of the author actually going through the steps and planting the garden. By adding an element of interactivity to your digital edition, you further engage readers and convey ownership. Or, maybe you are interested in learning more about what your readers want to see – in which case you can easily add a digital survey within the pages of the magazine to solicit on-the-spot response.

Fortunately, advertising placed in and around digital editions is highly effective, completely trackable, and unlike web ads, considerably more memorable. Using in-ad links, sponsored messages, and multimedia enhancements, publishers can generate plus-revenue from their products. With costs absorbed as an incentive, passed along as a service, or premium-priced for a profit, digital advertising is a powerful selling tool. New mobile venues as well as dynamic ad serving capabilities further expand the potential.

Enhancing your digital edition can help your bottom line, too – because anything you can sell in print or on the web can be sold in a digital edition – from belly bands and blow ins to gatefolds and inserts.

For more information about digital editions and multimedia enhancements, request more information at www.texterity.com/inforequest or call toll free 800-455-5450 or 508-804-3000.

Q: What does the iPad mean for digital editions?

A: The new product from Apple, the iPad, means the face of digital publishing is changing, and Texterity is right there to help pave the way. Texterity’s non-Flash digital publishing solution lends itself to emerging platforms where Flash is not accommodated and allows for easy integration with other platforms where color and ad content is/will be important.

As the quality of e-reading platforms improves, your digital edition – already crisp and clear via Texterity conversion – will be better showcased. The iPad and devices like it will help give readers multiple touch points where a digital magazine becomes integral to their lives– getting your brand and your content into the hands of more people … increasing reader engagement and circulation-building potential.

While Texterity is currently focusing on native apps for the iPhone and iPod touch, the pipeline is expanding to accommodate a wide array of platforms ranging from the Android and Blackberry to the iPad and those yet envisioned. As part of Texterity’s full service, consultative approach, we are not only developing the digital application technology but are considering how the mobile digital will fit with the entire editorial, ad sales, circulation, and production process.

We know that content will come to us differently; we know that new guidelines will have to be set for display, and we realize that we’ll have to back into the publishing chain in order to address new expectations. On the horizon we see great opportunities for content customization and personalization, and look forward to leading the charge.

Q: How can readers discover the digital edition?

A: Adapting your print product to a digital edition is just half the battle. Once it’s converted, the question remains – how do I get subscribers to see it?

Offering the digital edition on your website is a great way to introduce readers to the online version of your product. It shows them the new digital format from a trusted source. For example, many of Texterity’s B2B and Association publishers have a link to their digital edition right on their website where members can sign up to receive it as a benefit. This is a quick and easy way to opt those people into the digital version.

There are many ways to promote the digital edition once it’s converted – but the place to start is with the print publication itself. House ads, blow-in cards and cover wraps are great ways to catch subscribers’ attention and promote the new format as added value. Don’t forget to include the digital option on invoices and renewal notices, making the digital edition part of the norm going forward. Adding promotional stickers to product packaging and talking up your digital offerings at events can further associate the digital edition with your brand, creating another extension of your magazine.

Using Instant First Issue Delivery can introduce your subscribers to the digital edition as soon as they subscribe. Upon payment, they can be automatically opted in to receive the digital version. This lets the customer enjoy the digital edition while waiting for the print issue to arrive, providing immediate gratification and fostering the habit of reading digitally.