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Has Anyone Ever Implemented A Waiting List For Your Website?

by Allen Graves
8 replies
I have a member "cap" on one of my websites and although I didn't anticipate reaching the cap, it is quickly approaching!

I would really like to start somoe kind of waiting list rather than simply turning future prospects away!

So my question is - has anyone ever implemented a waiting list for your site? Is there a nice script out there to use? Did you do it manually with a mailing list?

What are my options? :confused:

Thank you for your time!
Allen GRaves
#implemented #list #waiting #website
  • Profile picture of the author dv8
    To be upfront, I have never done it. But....

    You could do something basic like just set up a flypaper page. Just a simple page saying how your website is near completion and only XXX spots are available and XXX are already taken! If they would like to join they can do so by filling out their email address.

    When it fills up. Change the page to say just that. That your memebrship is full. But, "in case anymore spots become available, please submit your email address to be put on the waiting list and be notified of any openings. Please note, it is first come first serve. So don't delay."

    Nothing crazy. Just use a little scarcity.
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    • Profile picture of the author John Burton
      There probably is some javascript code out there somewhere but I would recommend simply adding a form to your site saying something like 'to be added to our waiting list please enter your name and email address'.

      John Burton
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      • Profile picture of the author Martin Luxton
        Allen,

        Why turn them away?

        Once you reach your cap offer a lower value free membership with the option to upgrade when spots become available.

        Martin
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        • Profile picture of the author mariochase
          I know that Jimmy D Brown on his membership site Membernaire, says to put a little scarcity mentality.

          And in the end do what you said you would do... or you could be burned in the market.

          If you say 1000.. when you reach 1100.. put "SOLD OUT put your name on the waiting list".

          It creates more value for your product... because it is EXCLUSIVE.

          There will be people that won't put the name on the waiting email list.. but than..
          They just didn't want it bad enough.
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        • Profile picture of the author Allen Graves
          Originally Posted by Martin Luxton View Post

          Allen,

          Why turn them away?

          Once you reach your cap offer a lower value free membership with the option to upgrade when spots become available.

          Martin
          Mainly because we want to maintain high quality customer service. If we continue past the cap, then the paying clients will suffer.

          Once we spend a while at the cap, we will consider outsourcing and scaling, bu for now, we want to build the website with the reputation of top-quality service - which can only be done right now with a cap, unfortunately.

          But I would like to at least grab their information for future marketing of the service.

          Allen
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          Every day I check the obituaries. If I don't see my name there, then I know it's going to be a good day!
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  • Profile picture of the author CliveG
    Interesting double-edged sword. If people can't join they will go elsewhere unless you give them a convincing reason to wait. If you say that they can join when someone else drops out why would they wait? Either your site is so good that people would not drop out often, or people drop out so why should they join only to drop out later. The only answer seems to be to increase capacity to meet demand while it's there.
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    • Profile picture of the author uncle randy 71
      Originally Posted by CliveG View Post

      . . . The only answer seems to be to increase capacity to meet demand while it's there.
      This makes the most sense. If someone has their wallet open, ready to buy your membership, product, etc. the last thing you want to do is say "Sorry, try back tomorrow, maybe we will be better prepared then." Just my two cents.
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  • Profile picture of the author Jesus Perez
    Hey Allen! It's been busy over here...here's an idea.

    Place a PHP redirect on your salespage/order page at the very top of the code. This way the page can't be accessed.

    Redirect everything to a "sold out" squeeze page with a optin form. Prospects are placed into a separate Aweber list called "pre-notification" or whatever.

    Once you have spots available, undo the PHP redirect, mail the pre-notification list and enjoy a full membership again.
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