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Amazon.com announced Dec. 27 that the company’s third–generation Kindle is now the top–selling product it has ever offered. With that news, some in the tech industry were undoubtedly taken aback, especially considering that Apple, the company that typically wins out in battles over consumer electronics, hasn’t been able to outright dominate the Kindle.
Of course, that hasn’t stopped the naysayers from coming out and saying the Kindle won’t be able to repeat its success in 2011. It’s a mantra that the market has been hearing for quite some time. And, in each case, those who deny Amazon’s chances of performing well are proved wrong. Going into next year, all the naysayers will likely experience the same result.
Read on to find out why 2011 will be an even better year for Amazon and its Kindle.
1. Sales are up
Sales are usually the best indicator of whether a device will have a solid future. At least when it comes to the Kindle, sales remain remarkably strong. Considering the 3G e-reader is now the top-selling product on Amazon.com, there’s no reason to suggest that won’t continue going into 2011. The Kindle has struck a chord with consumers, and that won’t change in a matter of months.
2. E-readers are hot
Although they’re distracted by so many other options, consumers around the world still love to read. The only difference is that more people are doing it with e-readers these days than they used to. That might be a problem for book publishers, but it’s good news for Amazon. As the market continues to move toward e-readers-Gartner expects better than 68 percent growth in 2011 alone-the Kindle will be well-positioned for continued growth in 2011.
3. The iPad is helping
Although the iPad is a competitor to the Kindle, it’s ironically helping Amazon sell more e-readers. When Apple first announced its tablet and showed off iBooks, it made the mainstream pay more attention to the e-reader market. Although many of those folks opted for the iPad, there were still many others who saw value in e-books but opted for Amazon’s product simply because it was more affordable (and has received high marks from reviewers).
4. Remember the mobile app
Amazon is offering more than just an e-reader to consumers. In fact, owners of smartphones and tablets can download Amazon’s mobile application, allowing them to choose from and read the online retailer’s collection of books on their respective devices. That doesn’t necessarily help Kindle sales, but if nothing else, it keeps Amazon relevant in the e-book market. That could actually help drive stronger sales of future Kindle models.
Amazon Kindle E-Reader Sales Will Keep Growing in 2011: 10 Reasons Why
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5. The marketing works
Going into 2011, Amazon seems to have found its stride in marketing the Kindle. Not only does the company use its Website effectively to drive people to the purchasing page, but it also uses more traditional marketing methods, like ads and commercials, to drive the point home that its Kindle is a worthwhile device. So far, those efforts seem to have caught on, and, going into 2011, they will only improve Amazon’s chances of selling more Kindle units.
6. The momentum is growing
In the technology space, success depends on momentum. Products need to have the ability to build on the success they’ve enjoyed before. As Amazon’s recent sales announcements show, its 3G e-reader is building on the success of previous models. Going into 2011, Amazon will continue to capitalize on this sustained momentum to drive even better sales with more capable models.
7. Amazon is prepping better models
Speaking of those more capable models, they could be integral to the future success of Amazon’s e-reader. Right now, when compared with the iPad, the Kindle might not seem like the better option. It lacks color, a worthwhile browsing experience, and all the bells and whistles that Apple’s product has. But Amazon is undoubtedly working on a more capable model. When that arrives, Apple might just have an even more dangerous competitor to deal with.
8. The price is right
Although Amazon’s Kindle is an e-reader at heart, the device is still competing as a tablet. It’s fighting against the iPad, Samsung’s Galaxy Tab, and perhaps most important, all the devices that will be made available next year. When features are compared, the current Kindle can’t quite match up. But it has a significant benefit in its corner: price. The Kindle can be purchased for as little as $139. The iPad, on the other hand, sells for $499. That’s a major difference, especially for people who really just want a basic e-reader. This factor should help buoy Kindle sales next year as more tablets come out for about the same price as the iPad.
9. Barnes & Noble isn’t a factor
Barnes & Noble currently sells the Nook, another e-reader that attempts to compete against the Kindle and iPad. But for Amazon, it’s clear now that the Nook isn’t much of a competitor. The device is fine for some consumers, but it can’t match what the Kindle offers. Considering Amazon’s option is still the most recognizable e-reader on the market, it doesn’t seem that the Nook will be able to top the Kindle in 2011.
10. It has the hype
As Apple has proved time and again with its own slate of successful products, hype is extremely important in today’s marketplace. Although the Kindle doesn’t enjoy the same level of hype that the iPad does, it actually haswon greater buyer recognition than any other e–reader on the market. Consumers are at least considering the Kindle when they know they want to start reading e-books. In a market where Apple continues to compete, just having consumers think twice is enough of a victory.