[Third Post in a Series on How to Make an Ebook]
You’ve been thinking about writing a book. You even have a
subject picked out. You’re all ready to start creating your ebook.
You know the book will sell great because so many people
need what you’re going to write about.
need what you’re going to write about.
But are you sure it’s what people want?
What’s the difference between a need and a want?
Below is an example of a need and a want. Can you tell which
is which?
is which?
1. I should eat
more veggies and exercise. I want to be healthier. I’ll start doing that
tomorrow. I’m too busy today to think about it.
more veggies and exercise. I want to be healthier. I’ll start doing that
tomorrow. I’m too busy today to think about it.
2. I need that
cute little red purse I saw yesterday. It’s a little out of my budget. But if I
skip lunch all this week, I can afford it.
cute little red purse I saw yesterday. It’s a little out of my budget. But if I
skip lunch all this week, I can afford it.
It’s very easy to tell the “need” for a purse is actually a
Want. Although we often use the words need and want interchangeably, they
really do have two different meanings.
Want. Although we often use the words need and want interchangeably, they
really do have two different meanings.
Did you also notice how I rationalized and made excuses for
each?
each?
Eating better and exercising is something I know I should be
doing. It is something I need to do. However, it’s not something I want to do.
So until I get to a point that causes me to change my mind, I’m not going to
want to do it.
doing. It is something I need to do. However, it’s not something I want to do.
So until I get to a point that causes me to change my mind, I’m not going to
want to do it.
No matter how good your ebook is on that subject.
I will not have any interest in your book because I don’t
want to be interested in that subject.
want to be interested in that subject.
What would cause me to change my need to exercise into a
want to exerceise?
want to exerceise?
A Point of Pain.
That’s like a tipping point where a need can turn into a
want. In this case, when I can’t even fit into my “fat” jeans, then I’ll be motivated
to do something about exercising and eating right. That is when I will suddenly
become interested in your book on the subject. But not until then.
want. In this case, when I can’t even fit into my “fat” jeans, then I’ll be motivated
to do something about exercising and eating right. That is when I will suddenly
become interested in your book on the subject. But not until then.
If you have a really great book on a subject that everyone
needs to read, it may not sell well.
needs to read, it may not sell well.
However, did you notice how I was able to explain to myself
a way to get the purse I wanted? There is no reason why I need that purse. I
have others. But I saw it sitting there in the store and I WANT IT! Want is an
emotional response.
a way to get the purse I wanted? There is no reason why I need that purse. I
have others. But I saw it sitting there in the store and I WANT IT! Want is an
emotional response.
It even had a price that was more than I should spend on a
purse.
But I WANT IT!
purse.
But I WANT IT!
And if I want if enough, I will find a way to get it.
If you can focus your ebook to make it more about a Want
rather then a Need, you will have an easier time selling your ebook.
rather then a Need, you will have an easier time selling your ebook.
If you liked this post, see the other posts in this series.
How to Make an Ebook. Part 1:
What Should I Write a Book About?
How to Make an Ebook. Part 2:
Create a Cover that Grabs People
If you liked this post, please sign up for my email newsletter at the top right of this page so you don’t miss any of the posts in this series.
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{ 4 comments }
So true! stumbled!
Yes, you're so right but I liked the way you explained it. I hadn't thought of it quite like that. Thanks!
I've been in marketing for 30 + years and never thought of it that way – the difference between a want and a need. I've always thought about products or services fulfilling a need. You have made me think of this from a whole new perspective!
Really enjoy your writing, Ann. I started from tracking you down on Twitter after you followed me because I loved the name of your book. I'm sure you hear THAT a lot! In fact, I love the name of the book so much that I'm gong to promote it in our Fifty Work Force Group on Facebook! Hope you'll drop by.
Alison & Linda, That's great that this post caused you to look at things differently.
Linda, thanks so much for your comments about my book title. You can't imagine how many titles I went through before thinking of that one. Once I did, I knew that title was the right one.
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