E-reading apps or mobile reading apps are essentially robust mobile service developed to make the habit of reading more accessible, convenient, enjoyable, and hassle-free. In a post-COVID world, offline reading habits are plunging as the online option is coming across as rather safer.
According to GlobalNewsWire, the global e-book reader market size will bloom and reach up to USD 38.17 million by the year 2026. The market and the consumer interest — both are growing at a brisk pace when it comes to online books.
That’s why we say — there’s never been a better time to make one! Businesses should never say no to new business! Let’s understand how you can develop an ideal mobile reading app from scratch that can grab the attention of readers across the world.
WHY IS IT A GOOD IDEA TO DEVELOP A READING APP?
Nook, AIReader, OverDrive, Rakuten Kobo, and Google Books are currently some of the most prominent names in the e-book market, reaping the best benefits like these:
HIGHER SALES
Nearly everyone today owns at least one smart device (mobile phone, iPad, tablet, etc.) that they carry with them everywhere. Bringing books to them in those handy devices adds convenience and visibility, increasing overall sales.
A POOL OF OPTIONS
A reading app is much easier to browse through compared to an offline bookstore. With the search engine, separate compartments according to taste and age, and other segregation features, readers find themselves in a rich pool of options to choose from.
CUSTOM EXPERIENCE
Apps allow you to change the font, color, and size of the book pages, which is the kind of customization that physical books could never offer.
BOOST THE BRAND
Brand awareness and brand loyalty, both see a spike with online reading apps.
ESSENTIAL FEATURES OF AN E-READER
Along with seamless UI/UX, some must-haves are:
- Should support different e-book formats like MOBI, ODF, AZW, LIT, TXT, PDF, and EPUB.
- User library and bookstore
- Background, color themes, and font customization
- Night mode (dark theme)
- Notes, highlights, and bookmarks
- In-app search engine with automated sorting
- Push notifications
- Cloud storage for books that users save, so that their phone storage isn’t demanded
- Social media APIs so that readers can easily share their favorite quotes, etc.
- Help Center
There’s certainly room for enhancement in the user experience. What kind of features are considered rather novel? Let’s check them out too.
ADD-ON FEATURES OF E-READERS
These are the features that can make your app stand out and make it a premium choice for users:
MORE RESPONSIVE
The app should quickly adapt to different device ratios.
MORE PERSONALIZED
Users can choose their favorite genres and authors when they’re signing up, so later the recommendations are based on the same.
MORE INCLUSIVE
Try to include as many languages in the app as possible. It will not only lure readers of local-language books but also make you a more inclusive brand.
MORE ACCESSIBLE
Make a cloud/web version of your app so it accessible over other gadgets like laptops and desktops. Also, make your app (or at least some books) available in offline mode.
MORE SOCIAL
Give users a chance to engage with people across the world who also love the same books as them. Go beyond just rating systems. Add a comment section for individual books or a general forum with different subsections where people can actually talk.
MORE STATISTICAL
Offer statistics to individual readers about their reading time, their top genres, their current and previous books, etc. Explore a premium graphical representation of the same.
HOW TO MONETIZE A READING APP?
You can monetize your app in many ways, some of which are listed here:
IN-APP ADVERTISEMENT SPACE
You can rent space on your app to relevant advertisers and reap the income from there. In this model, you can make e-books totally free for the readers.
PAID APP/PAID CONTENT
Your income can come from users’ upfront payments. Either they can pay for the app in the App Store/Play Store, or they can pay for individual books. Any way you pick, make sure to make the process as smooth as possible.
FREEMIUM
This is the “try before you buy” model where you can offer some basic books and services to all users for free, but there is a premium subscription that can be availed for exclusive features.
SUBSCRIPTION
You can offer monthly or yearly subscriptions instead of charging for individual books or offering anything for free.
FINAL WORD
Many offline bookstores and libraries are adapting to the growing consumer need and digitizing their services. Bookworms are sharing their love for fiction and non-fiction through these apps, too.
Now is the time to invest in a premium e-book app, connect with your developer now!
Valere is an award-winning software development agency that has built over 300 top-rated applications for startups and Fortune 500 companies in all verticals like healthcare, finance, sports, fitness, education, and more. Their apps have been featured by the New York Times, and have been consistently recognized as Apple App Store’s top featured apps, TechRadar, and Google Play Store’s top featured apps! Schedule a call with us today to learn how we can help your team create the perfect software or application that can Accelerate Your Business Goals!
