Requiring Customers to Join Your Newsletter?

[TimS]

I'm sure that people have strong opinions about this in both directions but I was wondering if any of you have experience with requiring customers to sign up for your newsletter before receiving their product. I am having software developed that requires a key to unlock and this would make the entire process very convenient, both for me and for them.

I also have an auto responder built in to my shopping cart through e-junkie so I could easily send them the download link and link to the registration page and that way as well but that is where the communication would stop.

One of the reasons why it would be convenient to have them on a list is to e-mail them about any upgrades that take place in the future as well as to send them tips on using the software.

In your experience, does requiring someone to sign up for a double opt-in newsletter annoying them or do they just consider it to be part of the process?

[marciayudkin]

Originally Posted by TimS

In your experience, does requiring someone to sign up for a double opt-in newsletter annoying them or do they just consider it to be part of the process?

I would not buy from you if you required me to do that as part of my purchase.

How on earth can you justify forcing buyers to sign up for something they may not want?

You should automatically get all the contact information for your buyers anyway to use for legitimate business purposes. (For example, letting them know about a free update.)

If you do not already get buyers' contact information then you need to change your ecommerce setup.

Marcia Yudkin
Author, 6 Steps to Free Publicity and 10 other books
http://www.yudkin.com/6steps.htm

[mrmcd]

Originally Posted by TimS

I'm sure that people have strong opinions about this in both directions but I was wondering if any of you have experience with requiring customers to sign up for your newsletter before receiving their product. I am having software developed that requires a key to unlock and this would make the entire process very convenient, both for me and for them.

I also have an auto responder built in to my shopping cart through e-junkie so I could easily send them the download link and link to the registration page and that way as well but that is where the communication would stop.

One of the reasons why it would be convenient to have them on a list is to e-mail them about any upgrades that take place in the future as well as to send them tips on using the software.

In your experience, does requiring someone to sign up for a double opt-in newsletter annoying them or do they just consider it to be part of the process?

When it comes to software, registration is totally fine. But compulsory newsletter is not fare on the customer, who after all is your pay-check!

[ChristianM]

List it as a bonus and be open about the process - if it affects conversion rates badly then rethink the process but I don't see why it should be a problem... No worse than forced continuity.

[TimS]

Originally Posted by marciayudkin

I would not buy from you if you required me to do that as part of my purchase.

Hi Marcia,

This is some of the feedback that I was looking for, thank you.

I'm not looking to step on anyone's toes or even for a way to upsell them through an autoresponder. I just am looking for a way to insure that they get the registration information.

Inevitably, something will go wrong and someone will not get the code to unlock the software. I'm would like to avoid that if at all possible as that can be a very frustrating experience, both for them and for me.

Thanks,
Tim

[Frank Donovan]

Tim

It's all about the phrasing. The customer has already decided to buy from you, so is probably feeling well-disposed toward you.

If you say that as an added customer bonus, you'd like to keep them aware of all future updates (with a software product, that's pretty normal) and at the same time send them a free regular newsletter with valuable product information, most customers would be pleased to accept.

Be bold and be proud of the value of your service and you'll have no problem.


Frank

[clogmoney]

I personally would be put off by this type of tactic. But I'm also put off when they ask me for my address when I'm purchasing products from a store in the high street also.

[BIG Mike]

Hey Tim,

In all honesty, it just pisses me off to no end. I bought something I wanted the other day, but was "Forced" to subscribe before I could get the product. I did subscribe, but I'll tell you, it really soured me on the marketer and the product.

I don't like having to jump through hoops to get something I bought. I don't mind if it's there as an option, but forcing me to signup is a great way to get me to just say screw it and ask for a refund.

[TeamGlobal]

Hi Tim,

Re: "In your experience, does requiring someone to sign up for a double opt-in newsletter annoying them or do they just consider it to be part of the process? "

I'm sure that it annoys some but with products that will have updates and upgrades you need a way to keep them informed.

I simply level with them and inform them that I will not be able to send them updates unless they confirm their subscription.

All The Best,


Tony

[TimS]

Thank you everyone for your suggestions and feedback!

I just got done with a chat with my programmer. We are modifying the registration process and moving the opt-in to a suggested option.

Tim

[Chris Lockwood]

It's funny... the only people who complain about this are on this forum. Real customers don't complain.

[marciayudkin]

Originally Posted by Chris Lockwood

It's funny... the only people who complain about this are on this forum. Real customers don't complain.

Right, real customers do not complain. They simply decide not to buy.

Marcia Yudkin
Copywriting Mentor
http://www.yudkin.com/become.htm

[takita787]

Make it optional but already checked, therefore they have to click the check to NOT be added. Best way.