Although there are several different types of ebooks, this article will focus on HTML compiled ebooks.

Ebooks or electronic books are compressed files of HTML that are distributed and presented within one downloadable file. This file does not require any installation and will open on your readers desktop simply by clicking on it.

Ebooks are completely interactive with the Internet and can contain just about everything a standard web page contains, such s live links, graphics, forms, JavaScript, and video. They can also be protected with a username and password and can be prevented from being passed around by only displaying on one computer.

What's more, you can even create a shareware version of your ebook that will either expire at a specified time, or only allow your potential customers to view certain pages and prompt them to purchase the full version.

Another great feature ebooks provide is the ability to create special fields within your ebook that can be changed by your readers if you so choose. This provides a great way to create promotional ebooks for your affiliates and allow them to include their own affiliate ID.

The possibilities are endless!

Please note: If you would like to create an ebook with any of the above features, not all ebook software programs offer these features. Please ensure you select an ebook software that will meet your needs.

Creating an Ebook to Use as a Viral Marketing Tool

Although ebooks make great products that you can sell online, they also make great marketing tools.

Offering a quality free ebook on your web site is a great way to get your visitors to come back to your web site and obtain repeat traffic.

This can be accomplished by including links to further information on your web site within your ebook and providing your readers with special offers.

Writing Your Ebook

The key to writing an effective free ebook is to select a subject that will be of interest to your target market. If your web site focuses on web site traffic, you may want to write an ebook on generating traffic.

For example, you could write an ebook, such as, "A Complete 'How To' Guide to Generating Massive Traffic to Your Site." Include several references to your site throughout your ebook, such as 'For even more great traffic generating tips, visit 'Traffic Tips' - Your complete source for generating massive traffic to your web site.

Increasing the Distribution of Your Ebook

Although giving your ebook to your visitors and obtaining repeat traffic is a good marketing strategy, allowing your visitors to distribute your ebook is a great strategy.

If your ebook is good, here is an example of how powerful your ebook can be:

10 of your visitors download your ebook.

Your 10 visitors each give away 10 ebooks - 100

Those 100 each give away 10 ebooks - 1000

Those 1000 each give away 10 ebooks - 10,000

Those 10,000 each give away 10 ebooks - 100,000

Those 100,000 each give away 10 ebooks - 1,000,000

For massive distribution, make sure you include a short paragraph on your main page in regard to your copyrights and distribution. For example, if you're allowing your ebook to be freely distributed, let your readers know by giving them permission. Your text might look something like this:

This ebook may be freely distributed, used as a free bonus with any products you may be selling, included within membership sites and packages, and used as an incentive to gain new subscribers to your publication.

The key to using this technique effectively is to create a quality ebook that contains powerful information that will be of interest to your target market - not just any information, but information that your target market will be absolutely passionate about. Information that they would pay for and are just dying to get their hands on!

Please keep in mind, you can't write a cheap little ebook of little or no value, filled with ads, and expect it to be successful. Your ebook must be good enough to actually sell to be good enough to use as a viral marketing tool.

Ebooks can provide Internet marketers with one of the best viral marketing tools online. By creating a small, quality ebook that contains in-demand information, you can produce an on going promotional tool that will work 24 hours a day, seven days a week for years to come. Your ebook will have the potential to be viewed by millions of Internet users simply by giving it away.