PDF, the acronym used to denote Portable Document Format, has been in use in business for more than 20 years, and with good reason. There are many benefits to using PDF in your business, and we’ll discuss those here, but did you also know that you can use PDF format to earn some bucks using your knowledge of playing with it?
First, let’s explore the benefits of using PDF format in the run of your business day. Then, we’ll discuss ways in which you can use this format to increase your bottom line.
Formatting is maintained
One of the biggest drawbacks of using a word-processing program such as Microsoft Word to create documents is that when you share that file across computers, the formatting can be changed depending on the receiver’s system, the program or version used to open the program, and other factors. This can negatively impact the professional impact the document has and cause confusion, delays in work flow, and other issues. The PDF solves all of those issues. Because a PDF is essentially a snapshot of the document that cannot be changed, the receiver will see the document exactly as you intend it to look. PDFs can be shared between Mac and PC systems as well. For example this guide with so many images and artwork could never hold itself together without a PDF format
Small file size
Often, larger documents cannot be easily emailed or otherwise shared because they are too large. PDFs are generally smaller. Emailing them is easier, and they don’t take up as much hard drive space.
Format is widely adopted
These days, PDF is very widely used. Whether you are sharing your files with a colleague in the same office or with a client around the world, you can be reasonably assured that they will be able to open it.
Password protection
Sometimes, PDF files contain sensitive or confidential information, such as when dealing with banking or other financial information. PDF format allows you to assign a password to the document, preventing any unauthorized parties from viewing the sensitive information.
Easily incorporate other elements
PDFs are about more than text. This format allows you to incorporate images, links, and more into the document, creating a dynamic document that can speak volumes for your business.
Now that we’ve seen some of the many benefits of PDF format in general, let’s look at some of the ways you can use that format to make some money, shall we?
- Write an e-book: Write an e-book on virtually any topic and sell it. As long as it’s a topic that will interest enough people and you can market it effectively, an e-book is one of the easiest ways to make money with PDFs. People will pay for access to download the file, and you can set up an affiliate structure to have other people promote and sell it for you, too. They’ll earn a commission for each sale and you’ll extend your reach. Your content can either be original or OPC, which stands for Other People’s Content. OPC e-books are essential collections of articles written by other experts in any particular field who have given you reprint permission to use their intellectual property. Be sure you can prove that they have given you permission, however, or you could be facing copyright infringement troubles!
- Create a “tips and tricks” guide. People love to read things that are all about making their lives easier, more productive, and just generally better – so much so that they’ll be willing to pay for it. Create a PDF tip guide that relates to your somehow and make it available for download on your site and/or to your email subscribers.
- Provide a transcript: If you offer webinars, for example, offer a written PDF transcript of the session for users to download. People like to have a written reference document, and they will be willing to pay for it if your webinar is seen to have been of value to them.
- Online business cards: Gone are the days when business cards were simply printed pieces of cardstock. These days, more and more companies conduct their business online. Why not harness the power of PDF to create an online business card? These highly shareable documents can be a very easy and effective way for clients and potential customers to share your information with other targeted, motivated, and interested parties. That can be a powerful marketing tool for your business.
- Create a newsletter: Customers love a newsletter, and a PDF will have a longer life than other file formats. People will be much more likely to download and print a PDF or other file formats. A well-crafted, well-timed newsletter will keep you top-of-mind with your potential customers, which can help drive sales.
- Create a downloadable brochure: Whether you also have a paper brochure or not, using PDF format to create a downloadable e-brochure is a good idea, too. This way, your brochure can be easy distributed, shared, printed, etc.
As you can see, a PDF document has many benefits and uses within the business setting. There are lots of ways to use PDFs to make money online, either directly (such as by selling products) or by creating documents that will serve as marketing tools for your business.