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Creative Ways to Use Links in PDFs

One of the many great things about digital publishing is the ability to create and add links to PDF files. With Issuu, links are so much more than just clicking a button. There are a handful of creative ways to use Issuu links to enhance your marketing experience and increase engagement with your audience. Not only that, but you can also use Issuu links to earn money for your business. Read on to learn creative ways to use Links in Issuu publications.

Issuu's Links feature showcased with flipbooks and visual elements

Use video links on Issuu to play videos right in your PDF flipbook reader. You can set your Videos on Issuu to auto-play, so when your readers flip to the next page, your video will start playing automatically. Alternatively, you can also choose to create pop-up video links to fully immerse your readers in your content. This multimedia feature engages your audience and can also attract advertisers with ready-made video content, making your PDFs even more appealing.

Prompt Readers to Join Your Email List

Prompt readers to join your email list by adding links to your sign-up flow into your publication. You can make these look like a button when you are designing your PDF in Canva, Adobe Express, or Adobe InDesign. Otherwise, you can simply add a hyperlink to PDF documents where they apply in your copy, and Issuu will auto-detect them. Whatever your preferred method, it's easy to leverage your readers on Issuu to grow your email list. Email lists are a fantastic marketing tool for your brand as you can always grab their attention with new offers, services, or product updates.

Sell products with shopping links on Issuu. When users see shopping links, they’ll see a small shopping cart button. This will prompt them to click the links if they’re interested in purchasing your product or service. The shopping cart will distinguish that this link is shoppable. It’s more enticing to viewers than a standard link in your publication’s copy. Use shopping Issuu links to sell products or services in your digital publication.

Give Advertisers an Incentive

Give advertisers an incentive when you publish digitally with Issuu. The ability to link out their site directly from their advertisement in your publication is more promising than your traditional physical ad. The fact that consumers can go directly to an advertiser’s website at the click of a button is a big checkmark for brands.

Use affiliate links to earn money from your Issuu publications. Many blogs and websites use affiliate links to partner with brands and services because this is a great stream of additional income for products you are passionate about. Use the same method in your digital publication to earn money from your audience. Start by creating affiliate partnerships with brands that align with your own, and then use these links in your Issuu publication to pull your readers in with the products you care about most.

Adding links in Canva is a straightforward process that instantly elevates your content. Follow these steps to add links to PDF files in Canva:

  1. Start by opening a new or existing project in Canva.

  2. Right-click on the text, image, or element where you want to add a link.

  3. Click on the Link option in the toolbar that appears, then type or paste your link in the text box under Enter a link or search.

  4. Click Done to attach the link to your selected element.

  5. Once all your links are added, publish your work directly to Issuu using Issuu's app on Canva. Our integration allows you to instantly turn your designs into interactive Flipbooks and other engaging formats – like Articles, Social Posts, and GIFs – ready to be embedded on your blog or website, shared across channels, or sent directly to your audience’s inboxes.

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