Understanding Metadata
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Understanding Metadata Getting it right from the start Bill Newlin Publisher, Avalon Travel A Member of the Perseus Books Group
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Metadata is simply information about your content, formatted in a way that makes it easy to share with your partners and users, and that fully enables the “magic” of search algorithms and search engine optimization strategies to work. In this presentation, Bill Newlin will explain the metadata basics: what it is, why it’s important, and how to make sure the metadata on your ebook effectively enables both discovery and transaction.
Transcript of Understanding Metadata
Understanding Metadata
Getting it right from the start
Bill NewlinPublisher, Avalon TravelA Member of the Perseus Books Group
Metadata: What?
Core Title/subtitle, cover image, ISBN, format, price, publication date Subject/BISAC, page count, illustration details, series, edition
Enhanced Description, author bio, reviews Publicity, Q&A, reader feedback, supplementary material
Critical for online discovery, both print and ebook Most titles discovered via search query If title isn’t listed in the top 10-20 results of a query, no chance of
discovery
Many different systems of classification Amazon, Apple, Barnes & Noble, Bowker, Google, Ingram, etc. Often not compatible, different catalogs/vendors employ different fields XML data feed (usually ONIX) must be customized for each vendor Systems constantly changing
Metadata: Why?
Metadata: Where?
Input Title management system (if working with a publisher or distributor) Or input directory into vendor system(s)
Output ONIX feed delivers metadata to various catalogs and vendors 1-2 weeks from input to visibility on catalog/vendor sites Check output regularly, varies from field to field, site to site Experiment! No limit to the number of times fields may be changed
Metadata: When?
Pre-Publication Review title/subtitle, cover image, description, author bio, BISAC Carefully manage publication date
Post-Publication Add reviews, user feedback, author publicity and promotion Experiment with subject codes, price, etc.
Brush Up Your Backlist The stronger the title, the more important to review periodically
Metadata: How?
Choose your keywords https://adwords.google.com/keywordtool Look for keywords with high monthly searches, low competition Avoid general terms – aim to be targeted, relevant and specific
Use your keywords Incorporate into title/subtitle, description, keynote, author bio
Maximize use of BISAC codes Use multiple codes – at least three “subcategory” codes
