Ebook Treasure House

At this time, you should have a list of potential topics. Now you are going to do some market research. In order to market your ebook to potential buyers, you first need to make sure that a market actually exists. Just because you think that training your iguana to walk on a leash is exciting, does not necessarily mean that there is a market for that knowledge!

You are going to do some keyword research. It may seem awkward initially, but it will get easier for you. I use the method that is taught by Ed Dale and his group in the Thirty Day Challenge.

Simply put, you are going to enter your topics into a keyword research tool. This accomplishes two things:

Image via Wikipedia

1. Are people searching for your topic?
2. How many people are searching for your topic?

By learning those two things, you then know if you should proceed with your chosen topic. The resulting search numbers may be too high. In that case, you should narrow your focus down a bit more. If the numbers are too low, your focus may be too narrow, or a market does not currently exist for that topic.

There are numerous online keyword research tools, but most of the free versions are based on either Wordtracker or Overture. Overture is now owned by Yahoo, but is no longer kept updated. The Wordtracker tool is current and updated continuously.

With Wordtracker, you have two choices. You can use the free version, or you can purchase a subscription. The free version is good, and it does provide up to 100 search terms along with an estimated daily search volume. The paid version will provide you with thousands of results.

Start with the free version. Then, as you become familiar with the keyword research process, move onto the full paid version.

You have made a decision. You are going to write an ebook. But, where do you begin?

Let’s assume that you have no idea what topic you will use. So, you are going to start by looking around for ideas. Basically, you are going to check different sources to find out what people are asking. You are going to learn what people are talking about, what problems they have, and what kind of answers they want.

It is easier than it sounds. No, you don’t have to spend months doing this step. Initially, it may take you longer if you are new to this. But, you will quickly get the hang of it. Soon, you will know exactly what to do.

Start by listing every subject that personally interests you. Just write down the ideas. Let your creativeness flow.

Your research does not have to be completed online, and for some subjects it is better if you use other sources.

You can get ideas from talking with your friends and family. Are you going to your local bookstore? Then stop and check out the magazine rack. Look at the headlines. Is there a niche topic that is covered in one or more magazines?

Online, there are hundreds of places to get ideas. In fact, you can easily become quite overwhelmed. Some of the best places to check can be found listed on Rob’s blog. He has compiled a list of 47 different niche market research sites where you can go to find out what people are talking about and what they are looking for. I frequently refer to this list. Some of my favorites include About, Amazon, Ebay, and of course Google. The sites listed there will definitely get you started.

Just keep looking and listening. Keep a notebook with you at all times. Jot down anything that has the potential to be your next ebook.