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marketingprofitmedia · 1 month

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A Writer's Journey - Discover The Steps To Writing An eBook That Stands Out

Creating an outstanding eBook requires a strategic approach and dedication to quality content. Follow a structured writing process to ensure your eBook captures and retains reader attention.

Embarking on the journey of writing an eBook can be both exciting and daunting. The key to success lies in the ability to distinguish your work amidst a sea of digital content. This requires not only a compelling topic that resonates with your target audience but also a clear, concise writing style underpinned by thorough research and planning.

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Embarking On The Ebook Odyssey

Writing an ebook is an adventure, a creative journey transforming ideas into digital pages. It’s a quest that demands courage, commitment, and clarity. With each chapter, writers navigate the vast sea of digital publishing to deliver a work that connects, informs, and entertains.

Personal Motivations And Goals

Every writer embarks on their ebook journey for unique reasons. Some seek to share expertise or stories, while others chase the dream of becoming a published author. Understanding personal motivations clarifies purpose and fuels perseverance.

Sharing knowledge — Educate readers on a specific topic.

Telling stories — Captivate audiences with compelling narratives.

Building authority — Establish expertise in a chosen field.

Generating income — Create a passive revenue stream.

Fulfilling aspirations — Realize the goal of publishing a book.

Identifying goals is crucial. Clear goals navigate the writing process and shape the ebook’s path to success.

The Rising Popularity Of Ebooks

The digital revolution has made ebooks incredibly popular. Their convenience and accessibility have revolutionized reading habits globally.

Ebook AdvantagesImpact on ReadersPortabilityCarry a library on a deviceCost-effectiveOften cheaper than print booksInteractiveLinks, audio, and video enhance experienceEco-friendlyNo paper used, reducing environmental impact

Credit: www.amazon.com

Crafting The Ebook Concept

Crafting the Ebook Concept is a foundational step on a writer’s journey to producing an ebook that truly stands out. This crucial phase involves deep thinking and strategic planning to ensure your ebook resonates with readers and achieves its purpose. From selecting a topic that sparks interest to understanding your target audience and analyzing the market, this stage sets the trajectory for your ebook’s success.

Selecting A Captivating Topic

Selecting the right topic is pivotal. It ignites curiosity and encourages downloads. Follow these tips to pinpoint a subject that captivates:

Identify your passions: Write about what excites you.

Know your strengths: Choose a topic that showcases your expertise.

Uncover gaps: Seek out areas with limited resources.

Check trends: Use Google Trends to discover popular themes.

Market Analysis And Audience Targeting

Understanding your market and audience ensures your ebook meets readers’ needs. Here’s a brief guide:

Audience InsightsCompetitive ResearchCollect data on reader demographics, interests, and challenges.Analyze top-performing ebooks in your niche.Create reader personas to target content accurately.Identify content gaps left by competitors.Engage with potential readers through surveys and social media.Review reader feedback on similar ebooks for improvement ideas.

Implement the insights gathered to tailor your ebook to your audience’s preferences. Doing so increases your ebook’s appeal and potential impact.

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Initial Drafting: Laying The Foundation

An author’s first steps in the journey of writing an eBook are crucial. The initial drafting phase is akin to building the base of a house. It must be strong and well-structured. For robust eBook creation, focusing on an outline and cultivating productive writing habits are essential. Let’s explore how to craft this essential groundwork. With a clear outline and consistent writing routines, your eBook will start to take shape, firmly standing on the foundation you lay.

Outlining Your Ebook

Outlining your eBook acts as a blueprint for your writing adventure. Start with brainstorming key ideas and categorize them into chapters. Organize thoughts and research into a logical flow. Below are steps to create an effective outline:

Identify the main theme of your eBook.

Break down the theme into subtopics or chapters.

Arrange chapters in a coherent, engaging order.

Detail each chapter with bullet points of key concepts.

Refine the outline by reviewing and rearranging as needed.

Writing Rituals And Routines

Consistency transforms ordinary tasks into extraordinary achievements. Establishing writing rituals and routines is the engine that will power you through the drafting process. Consider these tips:

Select a specific time of day for writing.

Set achievable daily word count targets.

Create a comfortable, distraction-free writing space.

Commit to regular short breaks to maintain focus.

Track your progress and adjust goals accordingly.

Remember, structured routines lead to sustainable writing habits. Every word you write builds the foundation of your eBook, paving the way to success. Embrace these initial drafting steps and watch as your eBook begins to take life!

Refining Your Draft

Imagine your ebook as a diamond in the rough. Refining your draft shapes this gem into its final, sparkling glory. This key phase in your writing journey involves honing your manuscript with precision. It requires self-editing techniques and beta reader feedback to elevate the quality of your work. Grab your polishing tools; let’s make your ebook dazzle on the digital shelves!

Self-editing Techniques

Transform your first draft into a polished masterpiece by mastering self-editing. Aim for clarity, coherence, and conciseness throughout your ebook.

Read Aloud: Spot clumsy phrasing and awkward dialogue easily.

Check Consistency: Ensure character details and plot points remain constant.

Look for Overused Words: Replace repetitions with synonyms for variety.

Simplify Complex Sentences: Short, direct sentences bring clarity.

Focus on Flow: Transition smoothly between topics and chapters.

Grammar and Spell Check: Use tools like Grammarly to correct basic errors.

After self-revisions, your draft should feel tighter and more engaging.

Incorporating Beta Reader Feedback

External perspectives shed light on areas you might have overlooked. Beta readers provide invaluable feedback before your final edit action.

Choose the Right Readers: Select individuals from your target audience.

Provide Clear Instructions: Ask specific questions about your book.

Analyze Feedback: Identify common trends in the comments received.

Prioritize Changes: Tackle major issues before minor adjustments.

Update Your Draft: Apply changes that align with your book’s vision.

Beta reader insights can dramatically improve your ebook’s effectiveness and reader appeal.

By harnessing both self-editing techniques and beta reader insights, your ebook will shine brilliantly among its peers. Your writing journey edges closer to a successful publication with every careful revision. Put in the effort during this phase, and readers will notice the professionalism and care infused into your work.

Professional Touch: Editing And Cover Design

To stand out in the vast sea of ebooks, your masterpiece needs a professional touch. Transforming a good ebook into a great one demands meticulous editing and a cover that captures attention. Let’s delve into how these essential elements elevate your ebook’s appeal.

Hiring An Editor

Polished content reflects your professionalism. A skilled editor fine-tunes your ebook, ensuring clarity and coherence. An editor also brings fresh perspectives, catching subtle grammatical nuances that may bypass your keen eyes. Let’s break down the editing process:

Developmental Editing: This phase refines your ebook’s structure and flow.

Copy Editing: Here, your grammar, spelling, and punctuation get scrutinized.

Proofreading: The final look before publishing, this step irons out lingering errors.

Selecting the right editor can be a game-changer for your ebook’s success. Opt for professionals who align with your vision and writing style.

Designing An Eye-catching Cover

First impressions count, and your ebook’s cover is crucial. A striking cover beckons potential readers, hinting at the adventure within. Key elements to consider:

Use bold colors and legible typography that align with your content.

Ensure your imagery is high-quality and relevant to your ebook’s theme.

Keep it simple: Avoid clutter. A clean, professional look is key.

For those not well-versed in design, commissioning a graphic designer is a smart move. They can craft a cover that embodies your ebook’s essence while also being visually compelling.

Remember, your cover is your storefront — make it count!

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Preparing For Ebook Launch

The journey of writing an ebook culminates in its launch, a pivotal moment that requires precise preparation and strategy. This critical phase determines the reach and impact of your work. Embrace these steps for a launch that not only grabs attention but also sustains interest in the literary market.

Building An Online Presence

Establishing a digital footprint is essential for modern authors. Start by creating an author website with a memorable domain name. Use it to share your story and connect with readers.

Engage on social media. Choose platforms where your target audience loves to hang out.

Post regularly on your blog. It should offer valuable content, not just book promotions.

Network with other authors and industry influencers. Consider collaborations for broader reach.

Developing A Marketing Strategy

Having an actionable plan is crucial. Start by identifying your core audience. Who will love your book the most? Craft a message that speaks to them directly.

Design attractive graphics for promotions. Use tools like Canva.

Schedule an official book launch event. It could be online or in a local bookstore.

Collect email addresses for direct marketing campaigns. Offer an ebook teaser for sign-ups.

Utilize early reviews to build anticipation. Reach out to book bloggers and offer a free copy in exchange for an honest review.

Marketing Timeline for Ebook LaunchTimeframeAction6 Weeks BeforeFinalize book cover and description.4 Weeks BeforeSend press releases to media outlets.2 Weeks BeforeBegin countdown on social media.Launch DayHost live Q&A session with readers.

Post-launch: Maintaining Momentum

The thrill of publishing an ebook doesn’t end at launch. Keeping the momentum is key. You’ve crossed the finish line, but the race goes on. Smart strategies post-launch can make your ebook a continued success. Let’s explore how to sustain the buzz!

Gathering And Utilizing Reviews

Reviews are your ebook’s best friends. They build trust and provide social proof. Positive feedback propels more sales. It’s like a chain reaction.

Ask readers for reviews right after they finish the ebook.

Use email campaigns to remind buyers to leave their thoughts.

Showcase top reviews on your website and social media.

Respond to feedback, even the negative, to show you care.

Treat reviews as gold. Use them to refine your writing. They can guide your next project.

Planning Your Next Writing Project

Don’t let the momentum fade. Start planning your next ebook. Use insights from your recent launch to make the next one even better.

TaskActionAnalyze what workedCheck which marketing efforts brought the best results.Look at reader feedbackConsider what readers loved and what they wanted more of.Set goals for the next bookBe specific about what you want to achieve.

Keep your writing muscle active. Start brainstorming. Outline ideas. Dive into the next adventure.

Growth is continuous. So is the journey of a writer. Keep learning, keep improving, keep writing.

Frequently Asked Questions

What Is An Ebook?

An ebook is a digital book format that readers can access on electronic devices such as computers, tablets, or smartphones.

Why Write An Ebook?

Writing an ebook allows authors to easily share and distribute their work globally, target specific audiences, and often, self-publish.

How To Start Writing An Ebook?

Begin by choosing a compelling topic, create an outline, and dedicate time for consistent writing to maintain progress on the ebook.

What Makes An Ebook Stand Out?

A unique perspective, engaging content, exceptional value to the reader, and professional formatting are key elements that make an ebook stand out.

Tips For Marketing An Ebook?

Effective ebook marketing strategies include building an email list, leveraging social media platforms, and getting reviews to enhance credibility and visibility.

Conclusion

Embarking on an ebook creation journey marks the beginning of an exciting adventure for any writer. By following the steps outlined, your book can shine amidst a sea of digital content. Remember, crafting an engaging narrative and providing unique insights will captivate readers and set your work apart.

Keep honing your skills, stay true to your voice, and the path to a standout ebook is yours to claim.

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Thanks for reading my article on A Writer’s Journey — Discover The Steps To Writing An eBook That Stands Out, hope it will help!

Affiliate Disclaimer :

This article Contain may be affiliate links, which means I receive a small commission at NO ADDITIONAL cost to you if you decide to purchase something. While we receive affiliate compensation for reviews / promotions on this article, we always offer honest opinions, users experiences and real views related to the product or service itself. Our goal is to help readers make the best purchasing decisions, however, the testimonies and opinions expressed are ours only. As always you should do your own thoughts to verify any claims, results and stats before making any kind of purchase. Clicking links or purchasing products recommended in this article may generate income for this product from affiliate commissions and you should assume we are compensated for any purchases you make. We review products and services you might find interesting. If you purchase them, we might get a share of the commission from the sale from our partners. This does not drive our decision as to whether or not a product is featured or recommended.

Source : A Writer’s Journey — Discover The Steps To Writing An eBook That Stands Out

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zentechia · 2 months

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Elevate Your SEO Game: The Ultimate Guide to Website Analysis

Uncover the secret to skyrocketing your website's success with the ultimate guide to SEO analysis tools! 💡

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njerimr · 3 months

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Influencer Marketing 2.0: Shaping the Future of Brand Endorsements

I. Introduction A. Opening statement Did you know that influencer marketing is projected to become a $22.2 billion industry by 2025? The key to successful branding is consistency. Consistent messaging, consistent visuals, and consistent engagement with your audience. – Jason Goldberg B. A brief overview of influencer marketing. Over the past decade, influencer marketing has transformed the…

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#Affiliate #affiliate Marketing #AI in Marketing #brand #brand authenticity #brand building #Branding #digital Marketing #Digital strategy #Digital Transformation #Marketing #marketing insights

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webnavals · 4 months

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Social Media Strategies For Affiliate Marketers: Boost Your Earnings

Social media plays a crucial role in the success of affiliate marketers. One important strategy is to research and utilize peak engagement times on various platforms. By analyzing data and insights, you can identify the specific days and times when your target audience is most active. This knowledge allows you to schedule your content for optimal visibility and reach. Tools and services, like Hootsuite and Buffer, help automate this process by allowing you to schedule posts in advance. By posting your content at strategic times, you increase the likelihood of reaching a larger audience, increasing engagement, and ultimately driving more traffic to your affiliate offers. Be sure to monitor and analyze the performance of your posts regularly to fine-tune your posting schedule. Consistency and strategic timing are key for effective social media marketing in the affiliate industry.

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raulmolinaposts · 8 months

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How Affiliate Marketing Works?

Introduction In today's expansive e-commerce landscape, affiliate marketing has become a potent mechanism for brands to amplify their reach. As digital footprints burgeon, this marketing stratagem plays an instrumental role in weaving a web of online consumer connections, leveraging partnerships to enhance sales.

Historical Context: The Evolution of Affiliate Marketing

The inception of affiliate marketing can be traced back to the early days of the digital renaissance. As businesses began recognizing the Internet's vast potential, pioneering endeavors were made to monetize web traffic. Over the decades, this nascent concept has evolved, undergoing various metamorphoses to become the refined and strategic marketing tool it is today.

The Affiliate Marketing Ecosystem

Central to understanding affiliate marketing is grasping the triad of its main constituents: merchants, affiliates, and consumers.

Merchants are businesses or individuals offering products or services. Affiliates, often colloquially termed as publishers, are entities that promote these offerings on their platforms. Lastly, consumers are the end-users whose purchasing decisions are influenced by these promotions. This triad operates in a symbiotic relationship, with each entity benefiting from the actions of the others.

Mechanics of Affiliate Marketing

Fundamental to affiliate marketing is the affiliate link. This unique URL, embedded within content, serves a dual purpose: directing potential consumers to the merchant's product or service and tracking the origins of this traffic.

Cookies digital markers play a paramount role in this tracking mechanism. A cookie is placed on their device when a consumer clicks on an affiliate link. This facilitates recognizing sales instigated by a particular affiliate, ensuring due compensation.

Types of Affiliate Marketing Channels

Affiliate marketing is no monolith. Its channels are as diverse as the digital realm itself.

Bloggers and content creators, with their niche audiences, offer targeted promotion opportunities. Influencers, wielding vast follower bases, can drive substantial traffic to merchants, capitalizing on their credibility. Another facet includes paid search-focused microsites, which utilize targeted keywords to drive traffic to affiliate products.

Compensation Structures in Affiliate Marketing Monetary

compensations in affiliate marketing are as varied as its channels.

Pay-per-sale is straightforward—affiliates earn a commission when their referral culminates in a sale. In the pay-per-click model, affiliates garner revenue based on the traffic they drive to the merchant's site, regardless of sales. Conversely, pay-per-lead compensates based on specific actions, like sign-ups or form submissions, instigated by referrals.

Challenges and Ethical Considerations

While affiliate marketing brims with potential, it's full of challenges.

Striking a balance between authentic promotion and overt salesmanship is crucial. Overzealous promotions risk alienating consumers. Furthermore, the increasing prevalence of ad-blockers and cookie blockers can impede tracking, complicating revenue attribution. Central to all these challenges is the need to uphold transparency and trustworthiness, ensuring consumer trust isn't eroded in the quest for revenue.

Affiliate marketing, with its intricate web of relationships and mechanisms, stands as a testament to the innovative spirit of the digital age. When wielded judiciously, it offers businesses a formidable tool to extend their reach, driving growth in an ever-evolving digital marketplace.

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virtualizationhowto · 8 months

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CasaOS: Best Home Server Operating System

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When setting up a home server and wanting to run a few critical services at home built on top of Docker, many may get intimidated by the technical requirements to spin these services up by hand. However, there is an awesome “operating system” of sorts that takes the heavy lifting out of creating your own personal cloud or home server. The solution is CasaOS, and it is free to download and use.…

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#Affiliate Marketing 2023 #Content Marketing Tips #Digital Marketing Trends 2023 #Email Marketing Growth #Mobile Marketing Insights #Online Marketing Strategies #PPC Campaign Best Practices #SEO Techniques 2023 #Social Media Optimization #Video Marketing Techniques

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mrhairybrit · 9 months

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How to Make Money on YouTube in South Africa: A Comprehensive Guide

YouTube has emerged as a powerful platform for content creators worldwide, and South Africa is no exception. With a growing community of YouTubers, the potential for earning income through YouTube is more viable than ever. In this guide, we’ll explore how to make money on YouTube in South Africa, with key strategies, statistics, and actionable insights. I use VidIQ to maximise my channel growth.…

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blogdays · 10 months

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Gainforall - Gold

One of the popular ways to generate passive income online is through affiliate marketing. Affiliate marketing allows individuals to earn a commission by promoting and selling other people's products or services. It provides the potential for passive income as once the initial setup is done, individuals can continue to earn income without actively participating in the sales process . This form of passive income offers flexibility and freedom, allowing individuals to work anytime and from anywhere . The earning potential in affiliate marketing can be significant, with average annual passive income ranging from $37,000 to $51,217. By leveraging the power of affiliate marketing, individuals can build a steady stream of passive income. The allure of affiliate marketing lies in its potential for huge passive income. Another way to generate passive income online is through e-commerce and dropshipping. Dropshipping involves setting up an online store and selling products without having to handle inventory or shipping. The dropshipping business model allows individuals to earn passive income by taking advantage of the difference between the wholesale and retail prices. With persistence and hard work, a dropshipping e-commerce store can become a profitable source of passive income. Additionally, e-commerce platforms like print on demand offer opportunities for individuals to create and sell custom products online, further expanding their passive income potential. Books like "Dropshipping from $0 to $10K a Month" provide valuable insights into building a successful e-commerce business and earning passive income. Creating and selling make money online courses and digital products is another avenue for generating passive income online. Online courses allow individuals to share their knowledge and expertise with others while earning passive income. Selling digital products such as e-books, audiobooks, and digital downloads can also provide a steady stream of passive income. Platforms like Thinkific offer the tools and resources needed to create and sell digital products online. Success stories of individuals making significant passive income selling digital products online highlight the potential of this income stream. Selling online courses and digital products is a relatively simple and realistic way to earn passive income online.

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mortalityplays · 8 months

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Unfortunately the incredibly fragile fanfic writer with thin skin thing has crossed over into literature, particularly YA and genre literature, these days. Everyone is having a bad time and no one can stand constructive engagement with their work

there is a particular kind of person that falls in love with the concept of being a writer, but is absolutely unwilling to put any effort into seeing or treating it as a craft they need to actively master. they have always existed and will always exist, probably because it's much harder to see at a glance when a writer is full of shit than when someone makes terrible visual art.

traditionally you'd either find those people vanity publishing or wealthy/connected enough to publish through friends, family, old classmates etc. the people who didn't have access to those avenues (or who were too cowardly even to brush against the possibility of having someone read their work and think it was less than perfect) would stereotypically just work on their great novel forever and never let anybody read it.

the point I'm getting to is I think the larger and larger market share commanded by crybaby bad writers is reflective of the point we've reached in late capitalism. publishing companies have realised there's money to be made in doing marketing pump and dumps on writers who don't know or care enough about writing to spend more than maybe 2 years producing a finished manuscript, and who are so intensely horny for attention that they'll happily accept whatever conditions are put on them (we're looking for vampire enemies to lovers in a speculative future hunger games marriage tournament. also you have to promote it on tiktok and speak on a panel at this fan expo we sponsor, and give every other YA author in our stable a 5 star goodreads review. we will not be paying you for this). at the same time, people have been conditioned to see media consumption and audience affiliation as virtues and even skillsets. an infantilised media landscape combined with the proliferation of youtube media analysis hustle culture has primed an entire generation to believe that they're insightful, incisive, genre savvy wunderkinds whose bts-meet-the-winchesters fanfiction is actually the voice of a generation and DESERVES a three novel series and movie adaptation.

we're sick. we're not well.

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summerlinenss · 3 months

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out of curiosity, if Max doesn’t release its metrics, then what metrics are you actually using to make these statements about the show’s popularity? what does “it’s currently in the 99.7th percentile of the comedy genre, meaning it’s in higher demand than 99.7% of all comedy series in the u.s.” even mean? How are you measuring what’s “in demand” - by who? Where? It’s bold to claim that this show was wildly popular (despite the fact that I never hear about it outside of tumblr, tho that’s a personal anecdote) but cancelled just for being queer, so I would be really interested to know where you’re getting all these numbers from. Thanks!

hey anon! first of all i am so sorry for the delayed response. i started typing something up and then i got distracted with something else and totally forgot about this in my drafts.

sure, i have no problem citing sources. i probably should’ve linked some in my original post, that’s absolutely fair.

this ended up way longer than i planned so bear with me, but a quick overview of what i’ll be going over:

1) what are the stats/where did they come from?

2) how is the show so popular?

3) was it really cancelled for being queer?

(also just a disclaimer that this will contain spoilers for the show)

1) first, the numbers

you’re right that hbo doesn’t release metrics to the public. in fact, ceo casey bloys tried to justify the cancellation to the hollywood reporter by saying “the numbers weren’t there,” despite refusing to say what exactly those numbers were or where they came from.

however, there are websites dedicated to researching/analyzing the data of different media. one of those is parrot analytics, who focus on industry insights like audience demand, competitive analysis, and content valuations. they’re trusted as a reliable source by forbes, the new york times, reuters, the wall street journal, and more.

this is what we can learn from them about our flag means death from a basic google search (note that all of this data is relevant to the last 30 days as of january 26 2024):

audience demand for our flag means death is now 33.6x greater than the average tv series in the united states. as explained in the “about demand distribution” section, this means it’s one of only 0.2% of all u.s. shows to fall in the “exceptional” performance range compared to the “average” demand benchmark of 64.1%.

the change in demand for ofmd in the u.s. has increased by 7.5% compared to the average tv series.

ofmd now actually ranks at the 99.8th percentile in the comedy genre in the u.s. i’m not a math person, but in basic terms, this is like a scale of measuring and comparing performances to create an average score. essentially, ofmd is performing at the very top of all comedy series in the u.s.

ofmd has 100% home market travelability. as it says above, the market of origin is always 100%, so in fairness i included the graph of international markets for comparison. some of these aren't super high, however (as explained by parrot analytics themselves) one of the key issues with the international market is accessibility to content, which has been an ongoing struggle for international fans. many people (i guess fittingly) have resorted to pirating ofmd because they don’t have access to max or affiliate streaming services in their country.

there are more stats i could have and wanted to go more in-depth into but it would make this even longer than it already is, so i’ll just leave some links you can check out if you’re interested and move on:

• comparison of ofmd's success to shows like ted lasso, euphoria, and peacemaker

• ofmd's placement as #1 most in-demand breakout series in the u.s. for 8 weeks

• ofmd's impressive 94% critics score and 95% audience score on rotten tomatoes

• how ofmd evolved from sleeper hit to a flagship series at max

• a list of ofmd's past and present award nominations/wins

• praise and recognition from news/entertainment sites: the atlantic (2022); the new york times (2023); tv guide (2023); vulture (2023); forbes (2023); the los angeles times (2022); vanity fair (2023)

2) so why haven’t you (or others) really heard of the show outside of tumblr despite all this success? likely because max did a terrible job marketing it.

ofmd first aired on hbo max (pre-merger before it was “max”) in march 2022. the entire season aired over one month, every thursday at 12am pst. season 2 followed a similar release schedule in october 2023.

season 1’s marketing was almost non-existent, pretty much relying on taika waititi’s name being attached. there was one teaser and one full-length trailer, as well as a few clips on youtube of taika and rhys darby answering pirate-themed trivia, all painting the show as a “silly pirate workplace/buddy comedy.” but hbo max didn’t put any real effort in because they didn’t care. david zaslav and the other higher-ups had no faith in the show and expected it to fail.

most people weren’t aware it was actually a romance due to the poor marketing, and although there were many romantically charged scenes between them, many were still wary to believe it wasn’t queerbaiting until ed & stede confessed their feelings and kissed.

showrunner david jenkins has said in interviews that he had no idea how deeply queerbaiting had hurt audiences and impacted their ability to trust what’s on screen without feeling like they’re being ridiculed, despite the fact that he was calling it a love story the whole time. it wasn’t until people realized they weren’t being queerbaited and that it was a funny, sincere show with a compelling plot that word-of-mouth began to spread. by the time the season 1 finale aired, there was a decent-sized fandom that continued to grow as it received more praise.

it was a fight to even get the show renewed for season 2, and david jenkins and the cast have majorly credited that renewal to the unexpected and massive fan response to the show, which basically forced hbo’s hand.

max didn’t bother trying to properly promote the series until season 2, when they begrudgingly accepted that it was one of their most profitable and successful shows. ofmd had huge billboards in times square, downtown los angeles, and on the side of hbo headquarters. they started accurately marketing the show as not just a workplace comedy at sea, but a heartfelt romcom. max began selling long-demanded merch (which became best sellers) and spent money on an FYC campaign.

i will emphasize, whether they liked it or not, they knew ofmd was their new moneymaker (especially with the recent end of succession, which was obviously a cash cow for hbo).

photo credit: @/bookishtheo

3) now if it was that successful, was it really cancelled just for being queer?

i mean, i can’t say that definitively. no one can. there are several potential factors at play that we may never know, and there have been a lot of rumours and speculation (many of which i don’t feel comfortable discussing in case they aren’t true) since the cancellation.

but do i believe the fact that it’s a queer romcom was one of those factors, especially since max has a history of cancelling and scrapping its most diverse projects? absolutely.

first and foremost, i can’t stress enough that this isn’t just a show with a few characters thrown in for token representation. ofmd is built on a diverse, intersectional cast and narratives, including:

• lgbtq+ representation: 5 main couples are explicitly queer (including mlm, wlw, nblm, and nblw relationships). multiple characters are implied to be poly, and there’s a polycule forming in season 2 that was hinted to be developed more in season 3. beyond relationships, it’s confirmed that (similarly to the way wwdits depicts all vampires as being pansexual) all of the pirates are somewhere on the queer spectrum.

• bipoc representation: the majority of the main cast are people of colour. this includes david fane, joel fry, leslie jones, samson kayo, vico ortiz, anapela polataivao, madeleine sami, samba schutte, ruibo qian, and taika waititi, as well as many guest actors (like rachel house, simone kessell, and maaka pohatu) and extras.

• disability representation: multiple characters have physical disabilities, most notably amputated/prosthetic limbs and visual impairment. a lot (actually most) of the characters also deal with mental health issues, particularly coping with severe trauma and suicidal ideation/behaviour.

• the show has been praised for addressing difficult and serious themes like toxic masculinity, colonialism, and self-discovery, all while still managing to be a witty comedy and not come across as “preachy.”

• the diversity also extends off-screen, with a team of directors, writers, and additional crew comprised of numerous bipoc, women, queer people, and trans/non-binary people.

my point isn’t just the quantity of representation, but the quality. they take great care and respect into every marginalized group depicted on-screen. the actors would often be consulted about their characters’ costumes, hair, tattoos, and the kind of language they use. it’s not a world where discrimination magically doesn’t exist, they just have zero tolerance for it. if a character does something homophobic or racist, you can guarantee they’ll quickly (and often violently) be punished.

so okay, sure, it’s got great representation. what does that have to do max cancelling it?

because they’ve been interfering with production from the start.

i already mentioned the marketing issues so i won’t get into that. it was also revealed in interviews with david jenkins after season 2 that hbo cut their budget by 40%, which is why they had to do everything they could to save money. this included letting go of some of the original cast (and even still having episodes where some of them don’t appear at all) and moving the entire production to AoNZ. the budget cuts also meant two less episodes, so they had to rush to fit an entire season’s worth of plot into eight half-hour long episodes.

but one of the biggest frustrations is hbo’s (alleged) censorship of the show. samba schutte revealed that the entire plot of episode 2x06 was completely different in the original script. before it was rewritten as “calypso’s birthday,” the episode took place during lucius & pete’s wedding and focused on the crew getting sick of the sexual tension between ed & stede and trying to get them to hook up (this aligned with lucius & pete getting engaged and ed & stede deciding to take things slow in the previous episode).

vico ortiz and writer jes tom have also commented that many scenes between jim, oluwande, and archie establishing them as a polycule were cut, including one of the three of them emerging from a bedroom in their underwear. jes has mentioned other elements of season 2 that had to be cut out or rewritten, like the implication of other poly dynamics between the crew and more sexually explicit scenarios and jokes.

considering that ofmd is an extremely sex-positive show that isn’t afraid to be raunchy or taboo, it’s clear that either higher-ups at hbo forced them to cut these things out or they had no choice but to cut them out due to tight budget/time restraints.

in addition to this, a recent article citing an “anonymous insider” has alleged that hbo was uncomfortable with and was unsure how to market the “shock violence” in the show (the same network that aired game of thrones), which david jenkins outright called out as being bullshit. ofmd is rated TV-MA and the posters and trailers all show the audience that it contains violent content. there is literally nothing more graphic in ofmd than any other pirate show — it’s probably a lot tamer than most of them, actually.

violence on the show is most frequently used in a comedic context, in the sense that it’s not meant to be seen as scary or taken seriously. the few instances of serious graphic imagery on the show are meant to invoke a mood shift, like ed’s transformation into the kraken or ned low’s murder. it should also be noted that some of the most graphic deaths are reserved for bigots, like ed snapping the neck of a colonizer who was ridiculing stede’s love letter.

it’s also most often used in a sexual context — not sexual violence, but violence as a sexual metaphor. more specifically the act of stabbing as a metaphor for penetration, as seen with both ed & stede and anne & mary. bearing all this in mind, it seems like the real issue here isn’t executives struggling to market explicit violence to a mainstream audience, but rather explicit gay content.

as much as we joke and affectionately call it the “gay pirate show,” ofmd has always been nothing more than an opportunity for rainbow capitalism for hbo (e.g. the fact that they waited three months to announce season 2 just so they could do it on the first day of pride month). like other cancelled queer media, ofmd was a way for hbo executives to show how “inclusive” and “accepting” they are when it was convenient (aka profitable) for them, but they never actually respected the show or us as a community.

it’s impossible to be certain of what the exact reasoning for cancellation was, especially when they won’t give us a clear answer themselves. and maybe it had nothing to do with ofmd being a queer romcom at all. maybe that’s all a horrible coincidence. but for hbo/max to axe a critically acclaimed and beautifully inclusive show that’s successful by every metric, with an extremely devoted fanbase, especially after casey bloys just had the nerve to ask “gay twitter” to hype up the gilded age? it doesn’t exactly put them in the best light regardless.

in summary, i’ll leave you with this editorial, which details how the campaign to save ofmd isn’t just about one show, but a fight to save the future of all queer art.

#asks #anon #ofmd #our flag means death #save ofmd #renew as a crew #fuck david zaslav #queer media

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legendarymarketer · 16 days

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marketingprofitmedia · 4 months

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Stay Ahead of the Curve - The Latest Trends in Internet Marketing You Need to Know

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Search Engine Optimization (SEO) Trends

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Predictive Analytics

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Blockchain and Trust in Marketing

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Gamification in Marketing

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Augmented Reality Trends

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The Future of Internet Marketing

Predictions for Upcoming Trends

The future of internet marketing holds exciting possibilities. Predictions include the continued growth of video content, advancements in AI-driven personalization, and the integration of emerging technologies like virtual reality into marketing strategies.

The Importance of Adaptability

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Staying Updated in the Dynamic Landscape

Continuous learning and staying updated with industry developments are crucial for marketers. Attend conferences, engage with industry publications, and leverage online resources to stay abreast of the ever-evolving internet marketing landscape.

Conclusion

In conclusion, staying ahead of the curve in internet marketing requires a proactive approach to adopting and implementing new trends. The possibilities range from SEO and content marketing to cutting-edge AI and blockchain applications. Businesses may effectively traverse the shifting world of internet marketing if they keep trained, adjust their methods, and prioritise user interaction.

FAQs

Q. Are these trends applicable to all industries?

Yes, the outlined trends are applicable across various industries. However, the degree of relevance may vary based on the specific nature of each industry.

Q. How often should businesses update their internet marketing strategies?

Regular updates are essential, at least annually, to align strategies with evolving trends and technologies.

Q. Is influencer marketing only effective for certain demographics?

No, influencer marketing can be effective across diverse demographics, provided the chosen influencers resonate with the target audience.

Q. What role does user-generated content play in internet marketing?

User-generated content enhances authenticity and can significantly impact brand perception. Encouraging and leveraging user-generated content is a valuable strategy.

Q. How can businesses ensure data privacy in their marketing efforts?

Implementing transparent data practices, obtaining explicit consent, and adhering to privacy regulations are key measures to ensure data privacy in marketing.

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Affiliate Disclaimer :

This article Contain affiliate links, which means I receive a small commission at NO ADDITIONAL cost to you if you decide to purchase something. While we receive affiliate compensation for reviews / promotions on this article, we always offer honest opinions, users experiences and real views related to the product or service itself. Our goal is to help readers make the best purchasing decisions, however, the testimonies and opinions expressed are ours only. As always you should do your own thoughts to verify any claims, results and stats before making any kind of purchase. Clicking links or purchasing products recommended in this article may generate income for this product from affiliate commissions and you should assume we are compensated for any purchases you make. We review products and services you might find interesting. If you purchase them, we might get a share of the commission from the sale from our partners. This does not drive our decision as to whether or not a product is featured or recommended.

Source : Stay Ahead of the Curve — The Latest Trends in Internet Marketing You Need to Know

Thanks for reading my article on “Stay Ahead of the Curve — The Latest Trends in Internet Marketing You Need to Know“, hope it will help!

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transmutationisms · 5 months

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hi, i was reading ur other posts and got from it that u might be a professor? i was wondering what it is you studied & ur thoughts on academia & entering it.

i'm a doctoral candidate in history so i can't speak much to stem fields and i haven't yet had to properly face the academic job market. you might be interested in some of the posts in my tagged/academia

academic work occupies a slightly odd place in a lot of public discourse because on the one hand there are many people who configure it on ideal terms as a force of enlightenment, social improvement, and self-actualisation for both student and professor. on the other hand there are those within academia (or, often, recently exiled from it) who went in with those sorts of high-minded expectations, had their dreams shattered, and now portray academic labour as uniquely or excessively exploited, monetised, and exhausting. in regards to the first group i would respond that academics work for institutions that exist to enforce hegemonic power structures; to uphold class hierarchies and the illusion of meritocratic social mobility; and to profit from the restriction of access to knowledge and debate. in regards to the second group i would say that academics are exploited by the same labour relations as any other workers in a capitalist system; that we, like all other workers, should be agitating for liberation not just for ourselves; and that this means the abolition of the university as the institution that we now know, as well as the class barriers it erects and enforces.

i can't really tell anyone whether they should go into academia or not. certainly there are things i like about it: for one, i do feel a sense that i 'get' to spend a lot of my working time reading and writing about things that i find genuinely interesting and that i think are valuable to share and study. the material benefits of having a white-collar / desk job are also real.

however, it is also true that academic jobs involve affiliations with institutions that are by nature capitalist, colonialist, exclusionary & élitist; and that the degree of security and financial stability you get from these jobs will vary widely between fields and positions (the vast majority of people who earn a phd will never become tenured professors). teaching and research are really two different jobs often bundled into one, and each presenting their own challenges. many of the things that suck about academia suck about work in general: interpersonal abuse is rife in academia and both created and enabled by its hierarchical nature and reliance on networking; it's virtually impossible to get any accommodations if you are disabled; unis are hostile to marginalised people and groups both internally and externally; you may not like your research, or even find what you do all day to be pointless, useless, or meaningless; if you have any kind of genuinely communist commitments then these will always and inherently be at odds with the institution you now rely on to survive, and that conflict continually stymies the production of radical and revolutionary theory and scholarship.

ultimately academic jobs are jobs, with all of the exploitation and baggage that entails. i think there are people who have produced, or are producing, work that is genuinely valuable, insightful, incisive, and so forth, from within the university. however, that's not what the institution is there for, it's something you have to constantly fight for and for which you may very well be professionally punished, and you should never let anyone tell you the university is the only path, or even a cooperative or altruistic path, toward doing such work, if that's what you want to do.

#academia

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