Avoid these pitfalls to build a successful and scalable ebook business
Creating your own digital book platform is a smart move for authors, publishers, and institutions looking to retain control, increase revenue, and connect directly with readers. But many well-intentioned launches fail—not because the idea is bad, but because of avoidable mistakes in planning, execution, or technology.
Here’s a list of the most common pitfalls and how to avoid them.
1. Underestimating the importance of user experience
A beautiful catalog means nothing if your readers get lost navigating it. A cluttered layout, confusing buttons, or broken links can quickly turn visitors away.
Tip:
Focus on intuitive design, mobile responsiveness, and seamless reading access. Use a platform like Bookset, which is built with the reader’s experience in mind.
2. Skipping accessibility standards
If your platform isn’t accessible, you’re excluding a significant portion of your audience—plus, you may not be compliant with legal requirements in some countries.
Tip:
Ensure your content and interface meet standards like WCAG and EPUB 3 accessibility, including screen reader compatibility, adjustable fonts, and alt text.
3. Poor metadata and SEO setup
Even the best ebooks won’t sell if people can’t find them. Incomplete or poorly structured metadata reduces discoverability.
Tip:
Take time to write clear, keyword-rich titles, descriptions, and tags for each book. Platforms like Bookset let you manage all metadata easily from one place.
4. Choosing the wrong file formats
Some creators only upload PDFs, ignoring more dynamic and user-friendly formats like EPUB. This can limit readability, accessibility, and interaction.
Tip:
Offer multiple formats—EPUB for digital reading, PDF for downloads, and even audio where possible.
5. Ignoring analytics
Launching your platform without proper tracking tools is like flying blind. You won’t know which books perform best or where to improve.
Tip:
Use integrated analytics (like those in Bookset) to track downloads, user behavior, and engagement. This data is key to making smart decisions.
6. Over-relying on third-party platforms
Some creators set up a personal catalog but still depend heavily on Amazon, Apple Books, or others for distribution—giving up revenue and audience data in the process.
Tip:
Use your own platform as the primary hub. Third-party sites can supplement, but your traffic, data, and brand should live on your own domain.
7. Not planning long-term
Many ebook platforms start strong but fade because they lack a clear content plan, monetization strategy, or marketing routine.
Tip:
Create a sustainable calendar of releases, updates, promotions, and audience engagement. Your platform is a business—treat it like one.
How Bookset Helps You Launch the Right Way
Bookset is designed to simplify the process of launching and managing your digital book platform:
- Publish in EPUB, PDF, and audio
- Customize design and user access
- Ensure accessibility and metadata compliance
- Track analytics and optimize performance
- Sell or lend books directly—on your own terms
👉 Ready to launch your own ebook platform the right way?
Bookset gives you the tools to do it quickly, professionally, and without costly mistakes.
Start now 👉 bookset.app
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