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What Incentive Do You Offer To Get People On Your List?

by scrofford
33 replies
Hey everyone,

List building has gotten tougher over the last few years because people are getting tired of exchanging their email addresses for sub - value incentives amongst other things. So there is the need to have your incentive offer top notch when building a list.

So what changes have you had to make as far as your incentive offers go and what have you found is the best technique to build a highly targeted list? I really don't think just offering some lame ebook or ecourse works anymore. Value has to be built into the incentive...a lot of value! So what do you offer your prospects? What do you use to build your list? I am curious to hear all about this! Thanks!
#incentive #list #offer #people
  • Profile picture of the author Coby
    I use a few offers . . . Software is my favorite . . .

    Here is a list of stuff I offer for opt-ins:

    1. 7 day e-course on affiliate marketing
    2. 7 day e-course on PLR
    3. Forum Marketing Software
    4. WP Theme Creator Software
    5. Website Indexing Software
    6. A report about viral marketing with mrr/giveaway rights

    So, as you can see from this list I don't really do the ebook thing . . . The one I do give away is one I created myself. I like to give away software as it tends to get more responses because who doesn't like free software
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    • Profile picture of the author scrofford
      Originally Posted by Coby View Post

      I use a few offers . . . Software is my favorite . . .

      Here is a list of stuff I offer for opt-ins:

      1. 7 day e-course on affiliate marketing
      2. 7 day e-course on PLR
      3. Forum Marketing Software
      4. WP Theme Creator Software
      5. Website Indexing Software
      6. A report about viral marketing with mrr/giveaway rights

      So, as you can see from this list I don't really do the ebook thing . . . The one I do give away is one I created myself. I like to give away software as it tends to get more responses because who doesn't like free software
      Coby, the 7 day course thing still works for you? That's good. A lot of times people will opt-in to something like that and go through whatever course is offered and never buy a single product...freebie seekers.

      Although I guess if you continue to give them high value content and show them you care about them, when you do have an offer, a lot of them would probably buy your product.
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      • Profile picture of the author Coby
        Originally Posted by scrofford View Post

        Coby, the 7 day course thing still works for you? That's good. A lot of times people will opt-in to something like that and go through whatever course is offered and never buy a single product...freebie seekers.

        Although I guess if you continue to give them high value content and show them you care about them, when you do have an offer, a lot of them would probably buy your product.
        What you are saying is true . . . Freebie seekers are everywhere, no matter what your offer is . . .

        I like the 7 day e-course because it gets them used to seeing and reading emails from me.

        I also promote very few products in these courses and do so very subtly. I wait to build the relastionship (get them to actually read my emails) before I start trying to sell them something.
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  • Profile picture of the author Benjamin Ehinger
    I don't personally like the ecourses because after a couple of days they get ignored. If I give something away it is a free ebook that leads to other products that work with the strategy I am giving away. Sometimes it is as simple as promising future tips, tricks, or secrets, then when you deliver them you can promote a website or a product.

    Benjamin Ehinger
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    • Profile picture of the author Coby
      Originally Posted by Benjamin Ehinger View Post

      I don't personally like the ecourses because after a couple of days they get ignored. If I give something away it is a free ebook that leads to other products that work with the strategy I am giving away. Sometimes it is as simple as promising future tips, tricks, or secrets, then when you deliver them you can promote a website or a product.

      Benjamin Ehinger
      If they start ignoring your emails then you should probably check the content . . . If they won't open an e-course email (that is suppose to help them) they def won't open a sales email . . .

      So, I don't think the "being ignored" issue can be linked just to e-courses . . . An email is an email . . .

      That's why, like I stated above, I like to get them READING my emails before trying to sell . . .

      Good Luck
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      • Profile picture of the author Benjamin Ehinger
        Originally Posted by Coby View Post

        If they start ignoring your emails then you should probably check the content . . . If they won't open an e-course email (that is suppose to help them) they def won't open a sales email . . .

        So, I don't think the "being ignored" issue can be linked just to e-courses . . . An email is an email . . .

        That's why, like I stated above, I like to get them READING my emails before trying to sell . . .

        Good Luck
        That is not exactly what I meant. I was talking about some of the lists I am personally on that were because of e courses. I usually follow them for a few days and lose interest or i will save the next emails planning to get back to them and I never do.

        I am sure this works well, but I prefer and have had more success with taking the full ecourse and putting it into an ebook form for free. Then, I send a message every other day with a tip or two that fits right into the ebook. This usually works great for me.

        And I know many will disagree with me because they think you have to always be offering content and if you over promote people will stop reading your messages, but to me it is like article marketing. If you offer something of value and promote at the bottom or a couple of times through the message, then people will read it and they will also buy from you.

        Benjamin
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  • Profile picture of the author AndrewStark
    The best list is a list of customers.

    Create a cheap < $10 product and add an exit pop for those who didn't buy.

    Give away 100% commissions, and you can soon have an army of affiliates driving traffic. If you look at all the top listbuilders they all have products like this, but it's only when you pay for the high end coaching that they tell the secret about the customer list.

    And yes you are right, getting people to put in their real email address for a freebie is becoming a lot more difficult.
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    • Profile picture of the author oneplusone
      Originally Posted by AndrewStark View Post

      The best list is a list of customers.

      Create a cheap < $10 product and add an exit pop for those who didn't buy.

      Give away 100% commissions, and you can soon have an army of affiliates driving traffic. If you look at all the top listbuilders they all have products like this, but it's only when you pay for the high end coaching that they tell the secret about the customer list.

      And yes you are right, getting people to put in their real email address for a freebie is becoming a lot more difficult.
      I agree with you about the buyer list, but getting them onto an opt-in list first can often result in a bigger buyer list, from the same traffic.

      The mistake people make is that they make building an opt-in list the goal, rather than using it as a tool to build their buyer list.
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      • Profile picture of the author Coby
        Originally Posted by oneplusone View Post

        I agree with you about the buyer list, but getting them onto an opt-in list first can often result in a bigger buyer list, from the same traffic.

        The mistake people make is that they make building an opt-in list the goal, rather than using it as a tool to build their buyer list.
        This is one technique I use. I offer an OTO with 100% commission after they sign up.

        Also, I should point out that I don't prefer the e-courses because they are a lot of work, so I wont make anymore. However, the ones I have are working for me. My e-courses are only a week long so if they lose interest in the first 7 emails then it really doesn't matter they would lose interest any way. If they don't care enough to read the first 7 emails, they won't read the rest either. . .

        Just my 2 cents (if its worth that, lol)
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  • Profile picture of the author vip-ip
    Offering incentives is a 2-edged sword ... your intention might be to offer them something really valuable, something very beneficial, but the email they get can be perceived as spam, as something that bothers them.

    I think the best way to not only show appreciation of new signups, but to discourage people from unsubscribing, is entertainment. The craft of intertwining entertainment with the subject matter at hand becomes the tough part.

    Best Regards,
    vip-ip ...
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    • Profile picture of the author Sarah S
      Originally Posted by vip-ip View Post


      I think the best way to not only show appreciation of new signups, but to discourage people from unsubscribing, is entertainment. The craft of intertwining entertainment with the subject matter at hand becomes the tough part.
      I definitely agree with what you said about entertainment. I've just realized that the only internet marketer's lists that I'm still on are the ones that are not only valuable, but entertaining to read. This doesn't necessarily mean that they're funny, just that there's something more than a sales pitch, rehashed tips, or a fake personal story. (I get really impatient now every time I read: "My good friend so-and-so just discovered such-and-such secret to blah blah blah...")

      There are lot's of ways to persuade someone to join your email list, but keeping them entertained and interested in your emails is just as important, or they won't stay. I've unsubscribed to countless IM'ers lists because of this very reason.
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      • Profile picture of the author scrofford
        Originally Posted by Sarah S View Post

        I definitely agree with what you said about entertainment. I've just realized that the only internet marketer's lists that I'm still on are the ones that are not only valuable, but entertaining to read. This doesn't necessarily mean that they're funny, just that there's something more than a sales pitch, rehashed tips, or a fake personal story. (I get really impatient now every time I read: "My good friend so-and-so just discovered such-and-such secret to blah blah blah...")

        There are lot's of ways to persuade someone to join your email list, but keeping them entertained and interested in your emails is just as important, or they won't stay. I've unsubscribed to countless IM'ers lists because of this very reason.
        I fully agree with you on this. I think it takes thinking outside the box so to speak nowadays. From what I have seen, and received, most marketers just want to send the same ol dry boring stuff once you are on their list, and I think this is why list building has become tougher.

        People don't want to be bothered with boring, dry, spam emails. They don't have time and are already hammered with that junk. So yeah, after getting someone on the list, it's important to keep things fresh, entertaining, and even interactive if possible.
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  • Profile picture of the author jeremysteam
    Originally Posted by scrofford View Post

    Hey everyone,

    List building has gotten tougher over the last few years because people are getting tired of exchanging their email addresses for sub - value incentives amongst other things. So there is the need to have your incentive offer top notch when building a list.

    So what changes have you had to make as far as your incentive offers go and what have you found is the best technique to build a highly targeted list? I really don't think just offering some lame ebook or ecourse works anymore. Value has to be built into the incentive...a lot of value! So what do you offer your prospects? What do you use to build your list? I am curious to hear all about this! Thanks!
    What I've found is Give them something quick and easy that they can start USING NOW, or SEE RESULTS Now. A simple promotion I'm doing is a 'recruiting mastery course' that actually helps people learn how to take control of the conversation and how to do it. So they can, on their next phone call for prospecting, start using these techniques and start seeing results NOW.
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  • Profile picture of the author Paul Myers
    I really don't think just offering some lame ebook or ecourse works anymore.
    Depends on your definition of "lame." The general approach still works for me.


    Paul
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    • Profile picture of the author jeremysteam
      Originally Posted by Paul Myers View Post

      Depends on your definition of "lame." The general approach still works for me.


      Paul
      It Does Still work.. You Just have to make sure its packed full of content that they really need. And you need to "SELL" it the opt in.. Having decent copy writing skills can really help your optin. Even though its free it doesnt have to be JUNK.

      I mean my 30 minute course I give away is Packed full of content that I could probably sell for $67 to $97
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    • Profile picture of the author J.M.Wilson
      Originally Posted by Paul Myers View Post

      Depends on your definition of "lame." The general approach still works for me.


      Paul
      The very approach still works wonders for me.

      Thing is, people will happily give you their email address if you are giving them something the either need or desperately want in return.

      It's when you are offering women interested in pregnancy tips a birth control ebook you will run into trouble.
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    • Profile picture of the author scrofford
      Originally Posted by Paul Myers View Post

      Depends on your definition of "lame." The general approach still works for me.


      Paul
      Yeah you are right Paul...I should have used a different word than "lame." I happen to have your ebook sorry man. Maybe I should use the word cheap or not very valuable.
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    • Profile picture of the author wayne60618
      Originally Posted by Paul Myers View Post

      Depends on your definition of "lame." The general approach still works for me.


      Paul
      Paul, if memory serves me your free report is more like a book with over 200 pages. I certainly don't think that your freebie falls into the lame category... In fact, there are paid products that don't give the quality of info found in your freebie.

      However, lame freebies probably do worse than something like Paul's freebie. If your optin rates are low, you might want to take another look at your freebie and ask if it really has a low perceived value to your market.

      The other thing you have to ask, is how did the person arrive at your squeeze page? If you've had the opportunity to provide value and do a good job of preselling, your optin rates will go up dramatically.

      Wayne
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  • Profile picture of the author cashmagnet
    I would create a say a written report then turn that into a written course then create an audio & video report and course to give away. By that time or by the time you have a good few hundred on your list just ask them for what they would want the most or need the most help with. The most prevalent response wins as your next give away. I would recommend creating a few like I have suggested, for follow ups.
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  • Profile picture of the author Leo McMackin
    I still offer just a standard free guide to Internet Marketing. It works well with people who are being introduced to IM for the first time.
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    • Profile picture of the author scrofford
      Originally Posted by Leo McMackin View Post

      I still offer just a standard free guide to Internet Marketing. It works well with people who are being introduced to IM for the first time.
      Originally Posted by infomaniacs View Post

      I offer a free ebook related to my niche.
      Hey Leo, I'll bet though that the ebook is pretty valuable with good quality though right? If not you would probably be having people unsubscribe.
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  • Profile picture of the author infomaniacs
    I offer a free ebook related to my niche.
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  • Profile picture of the author HotDamnShortSales
    we are about to launch hot damn short sales, the full sales page is being reviewed and tweaked. we will be giving away a few things, one will be an audio report on short sales and real estate, also another audio report with some "secret' tips and real estate. so we shall see. Also the "free version", which is an ebook that has links to purchase the "full edition" so we shall see.
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  • Profile picture of the author Lateef Olajide
    if it is IM niche a simple app (web based or desktop) that will require email for activation will be a good one. Ecourse, free reports, discounts, coupons and gift certificate could be great for other niche markets. Or something somebody is charging for that could be made free.

    But then it all depends on what works in your niche. So spy first.
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  • Profile picture of the author Andrea Wilson
    Free offers still work like wonders. Just remember to make a fantastic sales page for it. Its not always the offer's problem actually, sometimes its how you deliver.

    Andrea
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  • Profile picture of the author CB Elite
    A free report on th form of a video has worked for me.

    I've used this exact model to add over 250,000 subs to lists in the past
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  • Profile picture of the author Steve McBride
    I read this idea from another warrior and I'm planning on trying it soon. Write an informative ebook, decent quality, but not one you would charge too much for. Setup an affiliate program for it and give your affiliates 100% commission. Just require that the customer be put on your list to purchase the product. This way you have OTHER marketers doing the list building work for you, plus the entire list will be qualified buyers. Then you promote another bigger and better product that you've created to that list, and you should see a very high sales rate.
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    • Profile picture of the author Nancy Radlinger
      Originally Posted by TheSteve View Post

      I read this idea from another warrior and I'm planning on trying it soon. Write an informative ebook, decent quality, but not one you would charge too much for. Setup an affiliate program for it and give your affiliates 100% commission. Just require that the customer be put on your list to purchase the product. This way you have OTHER marketers doing the list building work for you, plus the entire list will be qualified buyers. Then you promote another bigger and better product that you've created to that list, and you should see a very high sales rate.
      I like this - going to try this one
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      • Profile picture of the author KevinTorrence
        For the newest list I'm getting ready to build ... right now I'm researching what they really want from the physical products I'm promoting. I'm gonna put that into a short report that helps to achieve their desired results faster/easier ....PLUS, I'm gonna experiment with a chance to win FREE products.

        So not only will they get insider strategies about how to use the product to help them get what they really want ... but they also get entered in to win a free (physical) product of their choice each month.

        I'm not sure how it's gonna turn out, but I have a good feeling about it. Should be a fun & interesting experiment.
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  • Profile picture of the author David Maschke
    An ebook just will not cut it anymore.

    Recently in my area there have been two amusement parks that shut down. The only one that remained open was that one that understood the concept of having an "attraction". Something bigger, newer, and more powerful to draw people in.
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  • Profile picture of the author Paul Myers
    Yeah you are right Paul...I should have used a different word than "lame." I happen to have your ebook sorry man. Maybe I should use the word cheap or not very valuable.
    I didn't make my point well at all. Sorry. That's what I get for throwing an offhand comment out and letting it stand on its own.

    There are two different issues involved with the comment you made. The first is using an ebook or report as a freemium. The second is the impact the bonus has on new subscribers' expectations of your list.

    It is possible for a less-then-useful product to be effective in getting subscribers if it's presented in a sufficiently promising way. It's also possible for a great product to be presented in a way that's less effective in convincing visitors to sign up.

    The quality/usefulness of the bonus has a big impact on how your new subscribers view your emails.

    The main point I failed utterly at making is that the quality of the incentive has very little to do with how many subscribers it attracts, and a lot to do with how interactive those subscribers are after they sign up.

    A lot of people treat any and all ebooks as lame, which just tells me that they're not paying attention. Books are books. Some are great, some good, and some worthless. The medium is only relevant because so many people can create PDFs that wouldn't ever make it into print in hard copy format.

    For folks who don't write well, or even for those who do, there are other options that work. Video appeals nicely to the "Do it for me" crowd. More interactive options tend to attract the "I want to learn to do it myself" types. Tools, like software and checklists, are good for getting subscribers who are already active in their businesses.

    None of these are mutually exclusive, mind you, but it's good to think about what kind of person you want to attract and what sort of offer is the best fit for them.


    Paul
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  • Profile picture of the author Benjamin Ehinger
    The main thing here is that you need to start building your list now rather than later. You can cross promote and try different things to get subscribers. I can tell you that I wish I would have been building lists 8 years ago when I started instead of just recently starting to build them. I have used a free ebook, simple tips, and just the promise of some good content related to the niche and what I have found is that it all depends on the niche you are in. TEST, TEST, TEST and when you find what works well for one niche it might not be what works well for another niche.

    Benjamin Ehinger
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  • Profile picture of the author JoshuaZamora
    I give away a free video course to help people get there first blog online. I myself am more inclined to opt-in on a video course then an ebook so I made a video course. I'm also currently giving away my free list building plug in.
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