Like it or not, we live in a world or immediate gratification, particularly when considering the online world. People use the Internet mostly to search for information. When your prospects arrive at your web site, they are in the mindset of gathering information, so it is critical to meet that need. Because of this, ebooks are all the rage. They are easily sent from author to user, they are immediately downloadable and they are relatively inexpensive to create.

Any business can benefit from having an ebook. Ebooks are generally used in one of two ways. First, you can use it as an irresistable complimentary offering to your prospects so they can start to know, like and trust you. This is important because people buy from people they know, like and trust. Second, you can use your ebook as an item for sale on your web site. Either way you choose to use it, the point is that you use your ebook to grow your business.

Here are the six steps to developing an ebook that lead your reader through a series of organized thoughts that lead them to the conclusion that you are the “go-to” expert in your industry:

1. Address the Main Problem or Problems

This is the first section of your ebook, after your cover page and table of contents and perhaps a forward. In this section, you commiserate with the reader. You need to let the reader know that you understand their issues and their points of pain. So if your business involves coaching corporate executives, you may want to address the pain point of dealing with stress and the expectation of doing more with less. Generally speaking, this section should be one to four pages.

2. Explain the problem

Letting people know that they aren’t the only ones suffering from these issues is extremely important. People like to feel that they are not alone. Be sure to let them know that there are plenty of others suffering with these same problems. In fact, in this section of your ebook you discuss why the problem even exists. Make sure they feel that you understand the issue at hand. Statistics and quotes from other experts are great things to include here. This section is around two to four pages.

Using the executive coach scenario, you can explain that in your work with other executives, you have noticed that stress is an ongoing and deeply disturbing issue. You will want to address why this is such a critical issue that needs to be addressed. You can talk about the economy, tightening of the purse strings, eagerness to please investors, etc.

3. Introduce Your Solution

Now that you have addressed your ideal clients’ pain points, it’s time to let them know there is a solution. In fact, it’s important to let them know that you hold the solution. To do that, this is where you explain your formula or your program. You really need to break it down and make it as simple as possible to understand. This section can be very short and sweet – one half to two pages. As an executive coach, you can simply provide the name of your program and a short description.

4. Describe your Solution

This section of your ebook includes the meat of your ebook and will be at least 10 pages. If you can provide a certain number of steps to your solution and describe them in detail, that works really well.

For example, as an executive coach, you could talk about your program that has helped other executives. You may feel like you are “giving away the farm” when you create this ebook, but the point is that you need your reader to understand your philosophy and how you work. You need to show your reader that your solution will work for them. Your solution solves the pain that you gracefully uncovered in the above sections.

5. Provide Your Social Proof and Credibility

Finish your ebook with real-life examples of how your system has worked with others. “I’ve worked with dozens of (or maybe hundreds of) … and they have all had successes to share. ” Then provide them in testimonial or case study format. Use headshots if you can as it helps build your credibility.

6. Give Your Ebook a Great Title

You’ve heard the saying, “You can’t judge a book by its cover.” Well, actually in the online world, people most certainly do! And even more, ebooks are judged by their titles. If you need inspiration, look at magazines for great headline and title examples. Here are a few headline templates to get you started:

• How to (list result here) in 6 Simple Steps
• 10 Secrets to (list big result here)
• How (target market) Can (result) in Record Time

As you write your ebooks, keep in mind that you lead your reader through these six steps every time. It’s a winning formula that has been used to help write many ebooks over the years. Some of your readers will take action on with the help of your ebook while others will contact you to hire you or engage your business further. Either way, job well done!

A few other fast facts and tips about your ebook: Use graphics to break up your text and help to illustrate your points. Have it professionally designed and convert it from a Word document to a PDF. Ebooks can be any length, but generally they are 20 pages or more in length.

Following these steps will put you on track to create your ebook. While you’re at it, how about creating a series?

© 2009 Meredith Liepelt, Rich Life Marketing

Meredith Liepelt, President of Rich Life Marketing, publishes Smart Marketing, a free bi-weekly ezine featuring marketing tools and resources designed to help the busy entrepreneur attract more clients. Subscribe today at www.richlifemarketing.com.

This article may be reprinted when the copyright and author bio are included.