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Using a download page for the free report versus sending the attachment in an email...

by CatherineC Banned
10 replies
After sending pre-warmed traffic to a squeeze page, and the traffic inputs and submits their email info, do you prefer to give them the free gift (in my case a PDF report) via a download page, or by actually sending the PDF as an attachment in an auto-email?

It seems like the attachment method used to be more common a few years ago, but as I myself sign up for free eBooks from veteran warriors this month to learn IM I've noticed most route me to a download page instead.

What are the pros and cons?

Thanks all!!!
#attachment #download #email #free #page #report #sending #versus
  • Profile picture of the author bulldawg13
    We're questioning the same thing.

    It seems more common to send the deliverable via email.
    One - It gives a valid reason why you asked for their email in the first place -- to send your report/ebook to them
    Two - It gets the recipient accustomed to anticipating/receiving your emails (I would assume that this would be the first email in a series in order to close a sale)
    Three - Sending the report via email can be a way to double opt-in.

    The only real advantage to having the report on a separate page to download would be ease and immediacy for the user. But then, your first email to them should contain the ebook anyway -- just in case they didn't download.

    There are probably other advantages of sending via email -- would love to learn as well.
    Thanks.
    Good Luck.

    Steve
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    • Profile picture of the author netmatrix
      If you offer the free report on a download page, they can use a fake e-mail address.

      If you offer it as an attachment via e-mail, they have to use a correct e-mail address.
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      • Profile picture of the author Bryan Zimmerman
        I always send the book inside the first email after confirmation. This way it forces them to opt-in and confirm the subscription before they get access to it. It takes what was said above about people using completely fake emails out of the equation.
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  • Profile picture of the author vishalduggal
    I also send the ebooks or mindmaps in email.One of the advantages of it is when you attach a file with email then it looks rare then other emails and your open rates increased very much.
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    • Profile picture of the author peterj
      I don't like sending attachments as I am suspicious of receiving attachments in my emails.

      After they subscribe and confirm you can send out an email to the download page.

      The download page gives you the opportunity to present all sorts of other stuff such as affiliate banners/links, links to other offers you may have etc.

      Pete
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      • Profile picture of the author netmatrix
        Originally Posted by peterj View Post

        I don't like sending attachments as I am suspicious of receiving attachments in my emails.

        After they subscribe and confirm you can send out an email to the download page.

        The download page gives you the opportunity to present all sorts of other stuff such as affiliate banners/links, links to other offers you may have etc.

        Pete
        Some good points here. I'd send an e-mail with a link to the download page.
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  • Profile picture of the author GarrieWilson
    Attachment Cons:

    1. It gets corupted, people need to ask for it again.
    2. Filters might stop it.

    Pros. None.

    Download Page Pros:

    1. Have an upsell
    2. Multiple ways to display ads for other products.
    3. They can redownload if needed, easily.

    Cons: None really.

    Flow should be...

    1. Opt-in
    2. Confirm email.
    3. Get sent to a special offer page.
    4. Email sent giving the download link.

    3 could send them to the download page but a special offer will create some really easy cash.

    Garrie
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    • Profile picture of the author GameVoid
      Originally Posted by GarrieWilson View Post

      Attachment Cons:

      1. It gets corupted, people need to ask for it again.
      2. Filters might stop it.

      Pros. None.
      I would consider these as pros:
      You have their confirmed, legitimate email address.

      Email delivery is much easier to set up compared to protected downloads, particularly if you are looking for free ways to do it.

      And it's just as easy to bundle upsells and other advertisements into an email or email attachment as it is to put them on a web page.
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      • Profile picture of the author GarrieWilson
        Originally Posted by GameVoid View Post

        I would consider these as pros:
        You have their confirmed, legitimate email address.
        Nope. I have that with a download page. Notice I said "confirm email" (2) in the flow part.

        Email delivery is much easier to set up compared to protected downloads, particularly if you are looking for free ways to do it.
        Did you know some email providers limit the size email attachments can be? Did you know some are under 100k?

        Thats another filter to worry about.

        And it's just as easy to bundle upsells and other advertisements into an email or email attachment as it is to put them on a web page.
        Which can cause more filter issues. Plus you can't do nifty little things that increase sales.

        The attachment can also cause security filters based on wording in the file. And if you zip it, the zip file will not unzip unless you unblock it. Most computer users don't know how so this will give you more support issues and a bad user experience.

        Garrie
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        • Profile picture of the author Joe Mobley
          In Catherine's scenario, false e-mail addresses are not a problem. If they want her amazingly-wonderful PDF, they're going to give a valid e-mail address.

          Joe
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