Ingram Content Group has created Bookfinity.com, a consumer-facing website to help booklovers choose the next "great read" and make the "discovery process both fun and easy and in the process, aiming to expand book discoverability, bolster book sales and get more great books in the hands of readers."
Bookfinity users begin by taking a quiz about their interests, hobbies and lifestyle preferences that establishes their "reader type," which leads to customized book recommendations. The nearly 20 reader types include: the subject matter expert, beach reader, trendsetter, woke up like this, young at heart, cool mom/dad, spiritual seeker, lifelong learner, world traveler, game day hero, mountain climber, dissenter and time traveler.
Using propriety technology and metadata, Bookfinity then generates "personalized title recommendations" that readers can rate on a "like it or lose it" scale that further customizes their book list. "Unlike other online tools that make recommendations based on genres, the Bookfinity technology goes much deeper--providing insightful recommendations that cut across genres and styles based on a reader's overall personality, interests and reading behavior," Ingram said.
When a user wants to purchase a book, buy buttons go to Bookshop, Amazon, Barnes & Noble, Google Play, Apple Books or Target.
Brian McKinley, Ingram v-p of marketing, commented: "Our mission is to connect readers around the world with books they'll love. Bookfinity is our latest effort in that quest. During this unprecedented time, it has become difficult for readers to pop into their favorite, local bookstore, or library. We hope Bookfinity gives readers an outlet to discover more titles and order online from their favorite retailer to support them in this challenging time."
Kim Schutte, Ingram director of consumer marketing, added: "Ingram has always been at the forefront of helping the book industry use technology to drive book sales. We're excited about the newest frontier in that mission--putting technology to work for consumers. Bookfinity will not only help readers discover their next great read, but also help the industry get more books into the hands of readers."