Is this message too risky to put in an autoresponder?

[Dayne Dylan]

So I've got a physical product I'm selling, and of course, there is an opt-in for a multi-part course/articles that go out over 7 days or so. I really don't "push" my product until a bit later in the autoresponders...the first 7 messages are mainly just content for them only.

Now, would it be too risky to put in a message after the first 7 or so and simply ask them something like...

"I'm sure by now you have had taken a bit of time to check out (my product). If you have not got your copy yet, I would love to know if there is something that is keeping you from trying it out. Your honest feedback is greatly appreciated. My goal is to serve you the best I can, so feedback is always welcomed."

Of course, this is just a rough idea of what I would say.

I think it would be great to get some responses as to why they are not buying (price, not filling a need, etc.)

What do you think...would an email like that turn you off and make you unsubscribe?

[LynnM]

Personally, I'd be happy to to get this message - you're saying you want my feedback and are prepared to take action on the response. It seems like you're really communicating, not just trying to push a product.

[jamesviago]

i would be most happy to get a follow-up message like that one.

[koolwarrior]

I'd do it, bro. No one else is even thinking about their subscribers in that regard, so you might as well be the 'speck of pepper in the salt shaker'...and be different (yet caring).

[Riz]

Yes, i agree - excellent way to softly get them to check out ure product whilst at the same time asking for feedback.

[Logan_5]

When you create your contact message, you might consider incorporating some kind of limited time offer or some kind of time sensitive material. Just ideas on how to get more people motivated to respond.

[BizBoost]

You're on the right track.

You can tell them, sincerely, that in order to better service the public, you'd not only appreciate them taking a (state the minutes) survey but would be willing to give them a report and/or a free trial offer for their few minutes assistance.

Go for it... and keep tabs on that survey and anything else people say. It could help build an FAQ and even, possibly, become an industry-based info product itself.

Best wishes,
Eric

[Frank Donovan]

Hi Dayne

I'm going to go against the tide here. The way you've worded it, to me it comes across as a bit desperate.

It's all very well getting feedback, but your subscribers must have been already interested in your product to opt in for your multi-part course. The only reason they haven't bought it yet, is you haven't made them want it badly enough.

It's not a question of price or fitting their needs. Hit them with the benefits and make them feel they'd be crazy not to buy.

If you have to survey them, do it as they unsubscribe.


Best,


Frank

[nick1123]

I think it's a decent idea but the only way for you to know is to try it and find out.

[Amitywill]

To be honest Dayne I wouldn't because I don't see
the point in sending that email so early.

If all you have been giving your subscribers
is free content and not mentioning or promoting
your product then it's going to seem very out
of the blue to ask them why they haven't bought
it yet.

I would firstly get a few promotional emails set up
in the auto responder series and then after a few
promotional emails ask them why they haven't
purchased.

Will Cooper

[Jay White]

I always teach my students to "bookend" a series, starting with a "Congrats! You Did It!" type of email that pats them on the back for subscribing and a "Whatcha Gonna Do?" type of message at the end that tries one last time to close the deal.

That last message hits the highlights of what I've told them so far, i.e. the benefits of the product, how it will solve their problems, what it will do for them, etc and then asking 'Whatcha Gonna Do"? I've also written some messages that are similar, but make a play on a line from Oceans Eleven, where Danny ask Linus, "Are You In Or Out?"

It's the last ditch effort to get the buy and it gives closure to the entire series. I always tell them they won't be hearing from me anymore, and it's the last chance they have to take advantage of (limited time offer here).

[pavondunbar]

Hi Dayne!

I personally like the idea...

I would appreciate a message like that...

It's a lot better than some of these messages I get from so-called "gurus" about their products...

Great job on this one...

I may even use it in my autoresponder...

Have a great day and much success to you...

Pavon

[epicbob]

I think it is a great idea to ask for the sale, but I might not like the way you phrased it after only 7 days. Keep feeding me info and gently ask me for the sale a few times until I either buy or not.

[jimojeda]

Hi Dayne,

I think that if I got an email like that after a series of seven "pure content" emails, I'd be thinking, "Huh? He was selling something? I didn't even realize it!"

An email like this would be effective if at the end of each of your first seven emails you have a plug for your product.

For example, if your product is an ebook on how to potty train your child and the title of the ebook is: Seven Steps To Potty Train Your Child

Then, at the end of each content-filled email, you could say something like...

This amazing tip, along with many others, is available in my new book, "Seven Steps To Potty Train Your Child". Click Here to read what else is covered in this never-before-released guide.

Tomorrow, I'll tell you about the biggest mistake parents make when they try to potty train their children. Stay tuned...

After a helpful series that plugs your book at the end in a non-pushy manner, then getting an email like the one you mentioned above would most likely make me feel comfortable purchasing your book... or at least I'll be happy to tell you what held me back from purchasing.

That's just my thoughts anyway... what do you think?

Sincerely,

Jaime Ojeda

..

[Loren Woirhaye]

In my general opinion the content element of a free course
is to get them to open and read. The more hypnotic, entertaining
and relevant it is the more enthusiastically the best prospects
will read. Always mention and push your product at the end
of the email. You don't have to hard-sell every time, but if
you are waiting until the 7th email to start pushing your product
you are making a mistake because most of your subscribers
will no longer be reading your emails ,unless they are or
phenomenal quality, and those that are still reading will have
forgotten that you are in business to sell stuff. Always keep
them aware they are dealing with a business, not a charity,
not a hobbiest.

[Mark McClure]

You could include a link to a private contact page where they can leave a comment or get an email address to reach you.

Add some FAQ-style content on that page based on the comments/feedback/concerns of others... then hit them with a OTO pop-up or just a link to order on page. (Test).

[Vince Runza Online]

The real answer will come when you test it. That's the thing -- if you've attracted a bunch of freebie-seekers, you will get unsubscribes.

Since freebie-seekers are, by definition, not interested in buying, that's GREAT~!

IMO, if your content is personalized and "customer focused", asking them why they haven't bought yet is perfectly natural. You've built some rapport and delivered good content, right?

Check out Cialdini's Rule of Reciprocity...