What Is Product Information | Information Products: Definition, Types, Examples

Today, we live, communicate, and learn in an information space. Moreover, we trade in this space, and it is now normal to speak of knowledge monetization and information products. In the long run, the latter may materialize, for example, become real books sold in hard copies – this may happen when your information product becomes so popular that everyone wants to have a copy on the bookshelf as a clear symbol of being related to it.

This happens to outstanding information products like, for instance, Dale Carnegie’s bestseller “How to make friends and influence people.” You can easily access it online and read it free in fb2, pdf, or any other format. But many readers want a hard copy and keep it as a souvenir like we keep printed photos. It may be a reference to some period in the owner’s life or just a wish to have a hard copy in a home collection of psychology books.

Successful information products usually travel a long way to a hard copy version, but this is preceded by a period online when the product is developed, brought to the market, positioned, advertised, sold, reviewed, edited, republished, sold again, etc. This blog will help you understand what an information product is, how to create it, and its types and benefits.

What Is an Information Product?

An information product is a digital good that provides knowledge, guidance, or insights in various formats, such as eBooks, online courses, webinars, and reports. Information products are as many as information channels. Today’s information space offers many opportunities for streaming, blogging, and publishing. These three channels define the main products that can be created online. The table below shows the correlation between channels, info products, and tools used to make information products.

Information channels	Information products	Tools
Streaming	Online communication and education products like webinars, online courses, online tutorials, live events, etc.	Videos, live streaming
Blogging	Blogs, membership sites	Content writing (posting) + visual content (optional)
Publishing	Ebooks, templates, reports, cheat sheets, etc.	Content writing + visual content (optional)

The table above can be expanded. More products and tools can be added, but the ones in the table are the most popular.

Benefits of Information Products

Information products have advantages that make them attractive to both customers and producers. Below are just some of the benefits you can get from buying or selling such products:

• Competitiveness. Info products sold online are more competitive than traditional ones. Usually, info products exist in digital form and can be downloaded for a price that is lower than that of the hard copy version. This feature makes them more competitive.
  For example, downloading a digital book will be cheaper than buying one in a bookstore. In the latter case, the price will include the money invested in producing a physical copy. The same concerns online courses. Enrolling in an online course will cost you less than attending a course in person. In this case, the price will be higher, as the company will have to rent rooms, pay for equipment, etc.
• Low production cost. Digital information products require very small or no financial investment. For example, to publish a book, you need a minimal arsenal of tools: access to the internet, writing and editing software, a design program, and an online publishing platform.
  The latter combines editing and design features to create your book on the cloud. Publishing platforms, like Readz, BlueToad, or Kitaboo, typically offer users a whole environment for writing, editing, and publishing online. Some even provide bookstores for publishers to sell their content right from the platform.
• Easy scaling. You can sell as many copies as you want as soon as you have created your product online. You can scale your business to any extent and satisfy any demand. On the contrary, if your business is offline, you have all the usual restrictions, like problems with materials, equipment, procurement, vendors, subcontractors, etc.
• Higher profitability. Low production cost makes information products more profitable. Theoretically, the lower your expenses are, the higher your profit margin.
• Boosting your business. An information product can play an auxiliary role in your business. For example, publishing a cookery book will attract more attention and customers if you run a company connected with nutrition products.
• Optimization of the education business. Information products can help teachers to use their time more effectively. Usually, teachers spend their time giving lessons, training, tutorials, delivering lectures, etc. The money they get is equivalent to the time they spend. But why not write a course and sell it online? You will invest your time only once when writing the content; after that, the content will work for you.

Information products have disadvantages, too. The value of information products depends on the value of the knowledge they contain, and you will never sell a single copy if your content doesn’t grab the readers’ attention. Still, the advantages above are essential factors that will help you understand how the information market works.

Types of Information Products: Examples and Characteristics

A short list of information products includes:

• Ebooks
• Online courses
• Webinars
• Live event recordings
• Live event recaps
• Membership sites
• Q&As
• Cheat sheets
• Reports and analysis

Ebooks

An ebook, or electronic book, is a digital version of a traditional book that can be downloaded and read on various devices. It is widely used due to its accessibility, portability, and cost-effectiveness. Unlike printed books, ebooks require no physical storage and can be distributed instantly. This makes them especially convenient for readers who prefer to carry an extensive library without the burden of physical weight.

Online Courses

Online courses provide structured learning experiences that users can access from anywhere. They have gained immense popularity due to the growing demand for flexible education. Many platforms offer self-paced courses, allowing learners to acquire new skills within a short period. Unlike traditional education, online courses eliminate the need to attend physical classes, saving both time and resources.

Webinars

Webinars are interactive online seminars where participants can engage in real-time discussions, ask questions, and gain insights from experts. They differ from pre-recorded courses by offering live interaction, which enhances engagement and learning. Webinars are widely used for professional training, product demonstrations, and industry discussions.

Live Event Recordings

These are digital recordings of live events such as concerts, conferences, or keynote speeches. Many fans and professionals prefer purchasing these recordings to experience events they could not attend in real time. They are also useful for educational and entertainment purposes, preserving valuable content for future reference.

Live Event Recaps

A live event recap is a summarized version of an event, capturing its key moments, insights, and highlights. They are often used in business and academic settings to provide a concise overview of discussions and presentations. Notable speeches, such as Steve Jobs’ 2005 commencement address, are examples of recaps that continue to be referenced over time.

Membership Sites

Membership sites provide exclusive content to subscribed users. These platforms often offer online courses, premium articles, or industry insights tailored to a specific audience. Businesses and educators use membership sites to build a loyal community and generate recurring revenue.

Q&As (Questions and Answers)

Q&A sessions are structured formats where users ask questions and receive expert responses. This format helps clarify doubts and provides valuable insights on a given topic. Q&As are commonly found in online forums, social media platforms, and corporate websites, ensuring customers and learners get the information they need.

Cheat Sheets, Checklists, and Templates

These are simplified guides designed to help users quickly grasp complex concepts or follow step-by-step procedures. They are highly effective in improving productivity and efficiency, particularly in industries requiring detailed processes, such as software development and marketing.

Reports and Analysis

Reports and analytical documents summarize research, market trends, or industry insights, offering a well-structured overview of a specific topic. They help businesses, academics, and professionals make informed decisions based on expert evaluations and data-driven conclusions.

Each of these information products serves a unique purpose, catering to different audiences and needs. Understanding their characteristics can help individuals and businesses create valuable content that educates, informs, and engages their target audience.

How to Create Information Products

Let’s look at how to create information products on the example of an ebook. The steps below will help you understand what it takes to publish it.

• The first step is to write or assemble the content. If it is a new idea, it will take longer (maybe years and without a guarantee to get to the finish). If you already have the materials, it can take a couple of days or a couple of weeks.
• Convert your content into a PDF format. Use a file converter if you like. It will probably be free for you, as the limitation for free conversions can be several files depending on the site. This will take you a couple of minutes.
• Design a cover in Canva, or hire a designer. If your book does not contain many visuals, it will not require the services of a professional designer. Just do it yourself. It will take you 1-3 hours.
• Set up online payments on a membership platform like Podia or Wishlist (3 hours).
• Promote your ebook using your email list and friends list on FB or any other social network.

The last step cannot be precisely measured in terms of time as your PR activities may cover an extended period (last as long as you are interested in selling your book) and have different intensity levels. You can make posts about your new or upcoming book every day or every month, creating the effect of suspense.

Conclusion

Information products are more competitive and more profitable than ‘tangible’ products. They can help you monetize your knowledge in a way that will require no expenses except those related to your creativity and writing skills.

We all think of saving a bit of time and are still wasting it on inefficient work. We have lots of valuable knowledge to share and still keep it to ourselves. Why not create a series of online lessons or write a teardown of your latest experience with the new software? This might bring you more money and publicity than the routine work you do every day. It should also make it easier for students and other learners to access valuable knowledge while allowing creators to build their brand and reach a broader audience. Additionally, working with a partner can improve the quality of the content and keep it updated with the latest updates in the industry.

Good luck with your technical writing!
ClickHelp Team
Author, host and deliver documentation across platforms and devices

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