Unless you’ve been locked in your basement without internet access, radio, television, or a phone, chances are you’ve heard about the phenomenon of the book series Fifty Shades of Grey. But 50 Shades has done much more than just sell books.
Notwithstanding the surge of spicing up the bedrooms and the “mommy porn” erotic novel has sparked a boom in women on the hunt for a rich man who will show them an exciting new lifestyle – just like Christian Grey, but there’s much more than that. It’s also boosted segments of our economy, and Barnes and Noble has benefited greatly in its effects.
In spite of the popularity of 50 Shades, many women simply aren’t comfortable with being SEEN IN PUBLIC reading the spicy E.L. James Book. The impact, is a surge in the sales of ebook readers, tablets and other portable electronic devices. Readers can read while they’re on the subway or bus as they’re commuting to work, or enjoying a quiet afternoon in a public park. Ereaders and tablets provide a sort of anonymity that a paperback with its cover simply can’t. So much so, that each time I now see a woman in a public place reading a book on an iPad or other portable device I often wonder, “is she reading 50 Shades.”
Reports flooded the web this week citing the surge in sales in B&N’s recent quarter. And although it didn’t quite bring them into the black, the effect is obvious. “We continued to see improvement in both our rapidly growing NOOK business, which saw digital content sales increase 46% during the quarter, and at our bookstores, which continue to benefit from market consolidation and strong sales of the Fifty Shades series,” said Chief Executive William Lynch.
I guess that we can conclude that sex sells. Hence sales of e-readers and, particularly, smaller screen tablets that fit into handbags has been increasing in popularity.
As an online marketer, remember that the digital market is growing. Many more women now have the ability to consume digital media than ever before, and tablets are growing in both popularity and acceptance. When creating your digital products, producing your videos, and marketing to your niche, keep in mind this ever growing market. As a producer of YouTube videos, downloadable content and creator web sites, be sure that your content is ready for consumption on a handheld device too!
