Digital publishing offers incredible opportunities, but it also comes with unique challenges that print publishers may not realize. Moving content online is not as simple as uploading a PDF. Instead, it requires a fresh mindset, intentional strategy, and awareness of the risks involved.

One major peril is assuming that digital audiences behave like print readers. Online readers skim, scroll, and often multitask while consuming content. This means that long blocks of text may not hold attention. Editors and designers need to rethink layout, use engaging visuals, and ensure that articles are accessible on multiple devices.

Another common hurdle is the financial model. While digital can reduce some printing and distribution costs, it introduces new expenses such as web hosting, platform subscriptions, and digital marketing. Publishers need to carefully balance these realities to avoid falling into financial strain.

Yet, there are also so many new possibilities: wider reach, faster publishing, and innovative multimedia storytelling. Digital formats allow for interactivity, video integration, and social sharing that can amplify impact far beyond traditional print circulation. The challenge is learning how to leverage these possibilities while managing the risks.

**This is based on the workshop “Digital Publishing: Perils and Possibilities” presented by Rick Edwards. You can watch the full workshop on-demand for free.**