"Challenge" Resource Boxes...

BigRedNotebook · 01-07-2009, 10:01 AM

I've been playing around with different resource box strategies to improve CTR and sales.

One of the techniques involves using the box to "pre-qualify" traffic. Instead of encouraging the click, I'm basically telling would-be tire-kickers to take a hike.

I'm telling readers up-front that the freebie train is staying in the station and that the next click is going to tell them about something they'll need to, gulp, BUY. And I'm being pretty blunt about it.

The results so far have been interesting... CTR has measurably decreased, but sales are actually up overall.

Sometimes I think we try to be a little delicate when we pre-sell... Taking off the kid gloves and warning folks that they better get their wallets out right from the get-go seems to be working.

Obviously, this isn't the right approach for every product/niche. It seems like a good fit for others, though.

TLTheLiberator · 01-07-2009, 10:10 AM

Sounds interesting!

If the tactic produces more income then more power to it.

A simple test will reveal some insights.

TL

Steve Grish · 01-07-2009, 10:46 AM

Hey Guys,

I have tested many different types of resource boxes and my results vary depending on the niche however, I have noticed that a cliff hanger on my resource box has produced a significant increase in click through rate. Not necessarily sales which is important, but I want more people to the site, because the upfront sale means nothing compared to the total customer value.

Let us just say hypothetically you are writing an article on SEO tips, and you included five well though out tips in your article.

An example of my resource box would be:

Steve Grish is an expert in interactive media and ebusiness.With over seven years experience on the Internet he has learned all the in's and out's to correct search engine optimization. Beyond the everyday methods, his favorite method is utilizing competition keywords, a simple way to steal unique traffic from the competition. A three minute setup described here (your website)

I try to indicate the best method or my favorite to the reader, as a marketer you know this is the method in which I will be selling, but on the linked site I will describe it in brief and sell software to automate the process.

I try not to talk to much about myself
I try to keep my resource box below 20% size of my article
I try to keep pitches low.

01-07-2009, 10:01 AM	#1
BigRedNotebook Could Be Worse War Room Member Join Date: Oct 2008 Location: Middle of the USA Posts: 143 Thanks: 31 Thanked 84 Times in 25 Posts Social Networking Contact Info	"Challenge" Resource Boxes... I've been playing around with different resource box strategies to improve CTR and sales. One of the techniques involves using the box to "pre-qualify" traffic. Instead of encouraging the click, I'm basically telling would-be tire-kickers to take a hike. I'm telling readers up-front that the freebie train is staying in the station and that the next click is going to tell them about something they'll need to, gulp, BUY. And I'm being pretty blunt about it. The results so far have been interesting... CTR has measurably decreased, but sales are actually up overall. Sometimes I think we try to be a little delicate when we pre-sell... Taking off the kid gloves and warning folks that they better get their wallets out right from the get-go seems to be working. Obviously, this isn't the right approach for every product/niche. It seems like a good fit for others, though.
	Professional SEO Content Provider and Copywriter Prices that Make Sense! 5+ Years of Full-Time Experience Carson Brackney

01-07-2009, 10:10 AM	#2
TLTheLiberator Please get a net biz plan War Room Member Join Date: Apr 2008 Location: , , USA. Posts: 1,428 Blog Entries: 3 Thanks: 1,105 Thanked 559 Times in 427 Posts	Re: "Challenge" Resource Boxes... Sounds interesting! If the tactic produces more income then more power to it. A simple test will reveal some insights. TL

01-07-2009, 10:46 AM	#3
Steve Grish Interactive Media Expert Join Date: Jan 2009 Posts: 48 Thanks: 4 Thanked 7 Times in 4 Posts	Re: "Challenge" Resource Boxes... Hey Guys, I have tested many different types of resource boxes and my results vary depending on the niche however, I have noticed that a cliff hanger on my resource box has produced a significant increase in click through rate. Not necessarily sales which is important, but I want more people to the site, because the upfront sale means nothing compared to the total customer value. Let us just say hypothetically you are writing an article on SEO tips, and you included five well though out tips in your article. An example of my resource box would be: Steve Grish is an expert in interactive media and ebusiness.With over seven years experience on the Internet he has learned all the in's and out's to correct search engine optimization. Beyond the everyday methods, his favorite method is utilizing competition keywords, a simple way to steal unique traffic from the competition. A three minute setup described here (your website) I try to indicate the best method or my favorite to the reader, as a marketer you know this is the method in which I will be selling, but on the linked site I will describe it in brief and sell software to automate the process. I try not to talk to much about myself I try to keep my resource box below 20% size of my article I try to keep pitches low.