Reaching the MySpace Generation: Using Widgets and Other Technologies to Market Books Online and on Mobile

With more than 200 Million people using mobile devices and active in social networks like Facebook and MySpace, the places where people spend their free time are rapidly changing.

For traditional publishers to remain relevant and increase sales, it is essential that they incorporate new services into their digital properties and retail channels that provide new ways for these “digital networkers” to access, discuss, and consume book and other content from publishers. New technologies, particularly widgets, will change how people share information on books. New technologies will also affect how consumers express their personalities online by providing a simple way for people to showcase their favorite books and authors on their blogs and between mobile devices.

How can publishers harness the energy and success of new distribution technologies? How do you distribute content across a variety of new platforms and maintain copyright protections? How does the expanded digital content provide the basis for sales opportunities? The answer may seem radical to traditional book publishers and the modern-day online users.

Mainstream book publishers, like HarperCollins Publishers, recognize the value of embracing new and different forms of internet distribution and content access. This session will explore options for publishers seeking to improve their ROI and sell more books, while offering a more open and pervasive web experience to captivate a new generation of consumers.