Online publishing is the dissemination of information or other content via the Internet or other computer networks. As such, it differs from the more traditional print publishing primarily by the means of dissemination. Indeed, many print publishers are also online publishers. Some simply repurpose their print content for online audiences. Others develop separate content especially for online.

The number of online publishers is growing very rapidly compared to the number of print publishers. The primary reason is the relatively small amount of capital that is required to get started. For instance, a new magazine can be designed and put online for very little money, especially if the publisher chooses not to engage the services of a professional magazine designer. In addition, the cost to put a new publication online is very low. Print publications incur much more expense for the paper and printing that they require. The dissemination costs for print publications are relatively high, as well.

There are a number of expense items that are overlooked, however, by many neophyte online publishers. The first is that of audience aggregation -- in other words, getting visitors to see and read the publication. It is usually a fallacy to believe that once a publication is online, that it will automatically acquire an audience. That rarely happens. More likely it is necessary to pursue a well-thought-out marketing plan to acquire readers.

Once an audience has been acquired, the burden shifts to the content as the means for sustaining audience interest. To be really effective at this, the online publisher should use the best practices of the publishing world in writing, editing, and design. Our sister site, Editors Only, provides readers with extensive information and advice in the areas of writing, editing, and design.