When you're just starting out on your digital publishing journey, it can be difficult to navigate all the options available to you. Software, add-ons, platforms: digital publishing can take many forms. So what is a digital publishing platform, why choose one over another, and how to choose the right one?
Why choose a digital publishing platform rather than a software or add-on?
Digital publishing platforms like Calaméo are the must-have in terms of online publishing. Indeed, they offer you many features, unlike add-ons and software, which are limited and offer you only one feature, such as the possibility to integrate your document on your site with a reader, for example. This functionality is only the most basic for digital publishing platforms, which allow you to go much further than that.
Adding media, detailed statistics tracking, integrated shopping links, online library to be integrated on your site: these are just some of the advanced features that digital publishing platforms offer, whereas you would need to use several software or add-ons to achieve such a wide range of features.
Not only do digital editing platforms have all the features in one place, but they are also easy to use. There's no doubt about it, digital editing platforms are a step ahead of the rest to help you achieve your goals with ease.
How to choose the right digital publishing platform for you?
In order to choose the right digital publishing platform for you, you will need to compare the offers according to your goals and needs.
1. Define your goals
Think about what you want to achieve with digital publishing. First, are you going to use it for business or personal use? Digital publishing tools are used differently.
Second, why do you want to put content online? Is it part of a content marketing strategy? Is the goal to increase traffic to your website, or to attract new prospects? Your goal can also be as simple as direct sales or reading.
Your objectives are specific to you and can be multiple. It is up to you to define them well in order to choose the best digital publishing platform that will meet all your expectations.
2. Define your needs
To define your needs according to your goals, you'll have to ask yourself a lot of questions, and find answers according to your previously established goals.
Let's start with some simple needs:
- How many documents do you want to put online?
- What type and size of files do you have?
- What type of display do you need (flipbook, slide or scroll)?
- Is the site available in your language?
- Do you need readily available technical support?
- What possibilities does the API offer?
What features will you absolutely need?
In addition to turning your files into publications, you can turn them into real interactive experiences with the features offered by the platforms. However, keep in mind that the features you are really interested in are the ones that contribute to achieving your goals. For example:
- Do you want to embed your publications on your website?
- Do you need to include interactive media in your publications?
- Is it important to you to be able to customize the viewer the way you want?
- Do you want to allow printing and/or downloading of your publications?
- What statistics will you need to track?
Note that many digital publishing platforms will require you to sign up for a paid account in order to gain access to valuable features.
What kind of access do you want to give your audience?
Another important factor to evaluate when choosing your digital publishing platform is access to content.
- Will your publications need to remain private or will they be public?
- Do you need your content to be restricted to your subscribers?
- Do you need to have multiple profiles on your account to facilitate teamwork?
We recommend that you thoroughly research the privacy and subscription options to find the best solution for your needs.
What is your budget?
Finally, consider the prices of different subscriptions when choosing a digital publishing platform. In some cases, a free account may offer everything you need to get started. However, the cost of paid subscriptions can vary widely, ranging from $11 per month with a PREMIUM account on Calameo to $269 per month on other platforms.
If Calameo seems to fit your needs, why not try the advanced features of our PLATINUM business plan? During your PLATINUM demo, you'll get direct downloads, comprehensive view statistics and more. Request your free trial today and experience quality digital publishing on Calameo.