I spent over a year and a half living and working at the Grand Canyon. The Grand Canyon gets over 100000 searches a month according to overture. The canyon itself gets almost 5,000,000 visitors a year from all over the world. I think if I spent the time writing a detailed book about the Grand Canyon, from an insiders perspective, that it'd sell. I'd include all the tourist info about the places to stay, where to eat, hiking. I'd include a couple of insider's tips like the best place to view the canyon that only locals know about or free places to camp, etc. I think if I write it well, have a good sales page and market it it could sell, especially maybe if I push the fact that I worked there for a while and know all about the place. Does anyone else think this idea could work? What would be a good price to charge for the book? 9.99? 14.99? Anyone have any good recommendations of ebook software(preferably free) to use? Thanks! Tim
Sounds quite interesting - although not sure if the e-book would be best option. How about making a website about the Grand Canyon, giving all this information for free and then displaying ads. If you have contacts at the Grand Canyon (like "where to eat") I presume you could get some direct advertisers when your site grows. Of course you could also simply give some information for free, and sell the ebook via that website. As for the ebook... 10 or 15 bucks should be tested. Like... make your website so that in one month the price is 10 bucks, then second month it's 15 bucks and see how many sales versus visitors you get. (Of course if you are familiar with tech, you can use other methods for doing this price test: like doing separate websites and running them simultaneously). As for a free ebook software: get Open Office (the Open Office Writer lets you EXPORT AS PDF which is a pretty simple way to get the ebook done).
Those are good ideas. The site is actually in a blog right now, but I've been toying with the idea of an e-book for quite a while and figured I'd give it a try. I didn't know that about open office. I was actually already in the process of writing it in there. After reading your post I went and looked and saw the export to PDF button in there. Thank you! That takes away all the stress of wondering what to do with it when I finally have it done. Thanks for the ideas.
You're welcome. You might also want to consider selling text links or reviews (using textlinkads.com or reviewme.com for example) as additional income stream.
here's an idea that comes to my mind. instead of a book, why not a website? your monetization could come from setting up affiliate partnerships with the hotels, restaurants, etc in Grand Canyon. ads on your websites. i'm just throwing ideas around, but it's worth a look.
I also think a website would be a great idea. I also would try to get a web cam at the Grand Canyon and put that on your website.
Yes... A website is better. In fact, you can offer a newsletter and get real people interested on what you say. This is super good to get profits in the long run.
If the package is really solid, you could get more for it--$25-$30. I'd incorporate pictures that show what it is you're talking about. You could do a web site / e-book combo. The web site has some general info and book teasers. You'd be able to show ads, get sponsors, etc and make profits from the golden info you have. Putting all the info online instead of a package is foolish. You'll lose a lot of money--unless you're business handicapped. If you have a TON of stuff, split it into two books. The first book is a great all-around guide. The second book, which is priced higher, takes it up a notch. The first book is designed for your one-day visitor (or whatever) and the second book for someone that wants to take their time and become the destination. Good luck!