Create unique digital publications in 3 steps

In PUBLISHING
8 July 2021
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Not all publications on Calaméo are the same, and that’s a good thing! You surely already know, but in communication, and more generally in marketing, you must know how to differentiate yourself while still being recognizable right away.

To help you create excellent publications, the entire Calaméo team got together to list their best tips for unique digital publications, and here is the result:

Step 1: Before importing your document on Calaméo

For a unique and recognizable publication, it starts with the writing (on your word processor) and the design (on your layout software).

Tone

The way you speak is an integral part of your brand’s identity. The tone you use is unique and should reflect your values: it can be funny, serious, informative – or any other adjective – it all depends on you and the character you want to give your brand. Find and adopt a tone that is specific to your business and use it in all your communications.

Document design

Design is a very important element in making you stand out. Having a strong brand style guide or graphic charter that you will use in all your communications – including your digital publications – is essential.

Remember to follow your brand style guide when using:

  • colors
  • typefaces
  • images and illustrations
  • your logos

And while it’s necessary to stand out, keep the user experience in mind: your content must be understandable and readable. Don’t lose the meaning of your message because of a layout that is too complex.

💡 TIP: Think of your document and its format according to the purpose it will have: will it be printed? Will it be downloaded? Or only viewed online? You should adjust your document accordingly (ex: no image for printing, etc.)

Step 2: When importing your document on Calaméo

When publishing your document on Calaméo, just before uploading it, you will have the opportunity to start working on the design of the viewer to offer a unique experience to your readers.

Choice of display mode

You can choose how the pages of your document will flow: scroll up, or a slideshow, or a flipbook with pages that turn like a magazine. Think carefully about how you want your publication to be displayed because each mode offers a different reading experience and comfort level.

Sound atmosphere

So far we’ve only talked about visuals, but with digital publishing you can also import audio elements. With a Premium or Platinum Calaméo account, you can add background music to your publication, as well as a sound effect each time the page turns to create a unique reading environment!

Personalizing the viewer

Another advantage reserved for Premium and Platinum users: you can add your logo and a customized background to the viewer. Of course, you should respect your graphic charter so that all your publications reflect your brand. For example: you can choose to create a single background that you will use for all your publications or you can create color variations that correspond to your charter.

Step 3: Once your document is posted on Calaméo

Once your document is posted on Calaméo, it becomes a publication. To make your publication unique and recognizable, you can use several of our personalization tools that will operate directly on your publication or on the viewer.

Adding interactivity

Thanks to our Editor tool, you can add all sorts of interactive elements to embellish your publications. You can add:

  • external links: send your readers to your site, to your sources or any other URL.

💡 TIP: thanks to the “Overlay” option (reserved for Platinum users) of the external link integration tool, you can also add forms that open directly in your publication

  • internal links: redirect to a page inside your document. You can make an interactive table of contents for example.
  • shopping links: link directly to the product information. For example, you can insert a shopping link over a photo of a product in your publication.
  • videos: for example, you can create personalized videos and insert them in each one of your digital publications, like a vlog, to give your content more personality.
  • audio tracks: add music that will accompany your readers on a single page or throughout the publication. You could also add music at a convenient time to create a specific mood: joy, fear, relaxation, etc.
  • media: think of all formats. You can add photos, images, animated GIFs, etc. Feel free to experiment!
  • zoom zones: created to improve visual comfort. You could also insert elements that are only readable with the help of this zoom zone like a small hidden QR code for example.

Thanks to the elements you can add with the Editor tool, you will be able to create an atmosphere specific to your brand: bring movement and energy by adding animated GIFs, recall the environment of your stores by adding a recognizable audio track, imagine unique experiences for contests etc.

💡 TIP: Learn how to use our Editor tool  

Personalizing the viewer (continued)

Thanks to our Elements tool (reserved for Platinum accounts), you can create custom themes and change the appearance of the viewer however you like. Change all the elements directly in the code: the social network buttons can change color, the navigation arrows can be a different size, etc.

💡 TIP: Explore the Elements tool and make your publication stand out with customization

The possibilities for customization are infinite with the digital publishing tools that allow you to create personalized content that is unique to you and your brand!

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5 tips for creating outstanding online publications

In PUBLISHING
2 November 2023

In the digital age, online content creation is a necessity for any business or individual looking to reach a wider audience. However, with so much content online, it can be difficult to stand out from the crowd. In this article, we’ll discuss 5 tips for creating unforgettable online publications.

Use compelling images

Images are an important part of any online publication. Readers are more likely to read an article if it’s accompanied by eye-catching images. Images can also help convey information more effectively. Be sure to use high-quality images that match the subject of your publication.

Tell a story

Stories are a powerful way of capturing readers’ attention. When creating an online publication, try to tell a story that’s relevant to your target audience. Use anecdotes, examples and testimonials to bring your story to life.

Be original

With so much content online, it’s important to stand out by being original. Avoid using ready-made phrases or clichés, and try to find a unique angle for your publication. Research your topic thoroughly to find new and interesting information to share.

Use the right tone

The tone you use in your publication is important for capturing your audience’s attention. Try to find a tone of voice that suits your subject and your target audience. Use simple, clear language to make your message easy to understand.

Use a clear, easy-to-read layout

The layout of your publication is also important for understanding your message. Use a clear layout that makes your publication easy to read. Use headings and sub-headings to organize your content, and use short paragraphs to make it easier to read.

Conclusion

Creating outstanding online publications may seem difficult, but by using these 5 tips, you can create publications that stand out in any channel (whether on Calaméo or on social networks). Use captivating images, tell a story, be original, use an appropriate tone and a clear layout to capture your audience’s attention and communicate your message effectively.

🔎 Read more : Create unique digital publications in 3 steps

PUBLISHING

Essential resolutions for even better digital publications

In PUBLISHING
13 January 2022

Happy New Year from Calaméo!

To kick off the year, we’ve prepared a few ideas to help you with essential New Year’s resolutions for even better digital publications. These good habits will help your online publications reach the best of their potential all year long!

Polish your account page

Take five minutes to update the information in your Calaméo account page. By making sure that your account name, website and description are as accurate and relevant as possible, you can quickly and easily boost your business’s digital presence. (Remember to use your logo as an avatar, too!) Optimizing your account page will help you take advantage of our SEO and allow more readers to find your digital publications.

Account page

Publish regularly

In a digital world brimming with content, it’s important to establish consistency for your online publications. If your audience knows when to expect your publication, they are more likely to make a habit of enjoying it whether you bring out issues weekly, monthly or quarterly. Scheduling your publications in advance on Calaméo can be a powerful tool to manage deadlines and build a loyal readership.

Think big picture

The visual identity of your business is an important part of its online presence. Whether you link to your digital publications on Calaméo or embed them in your own site, you can customize the viewer to ensure a seamless fit between your documents and your brand. First, you can choose the best theme to display your publication or create your own to achieve that perfect look. Next, set a background image or add your company’s logo, as in the example below from Espace Publications. Strengthening the visual connection between your digital documents and your business can really help your publications shine!

Tell a story

Make good use of social media to get the biggest impact out of sharing your digital publications. Keep storytelling in mind on Facebook, LinkedIn and more! A post on any of these platforms can introduce your publication to the world, so be sure to communicate the part it plays in your business’s mission and why your audience should check it out. This tweet from the New York University Alumni Magazine is a great example:

Dig into your statistics

Calaméo’s readership statistics provide you with key information about your audience and the success of your online publications. For a refresher, check out our tips for updating your approach to analytics and make a habit out of tracking your statistics on Calaméo in 2022.

With these New Year’s digital publishing resolutions, you’ll be in great shape to start a stellar year.

Have you made your own resolutions this year for your digital publications? Let us know on Twitter @calameo! Don’t forget to follow us on Facebook, LinkedIn, Instagram and YouTube for all the latest Calaméo news and updates.