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[not so] Sneaky Email Marketing Strategy

by Coby
23 replies
So, I like to think I have a pretty good relationship with my list. I do my best to make sure they only see quality emails from me...

So I thought I would try something and stuck my neck out...

What I did was send an email to my list with my phone number in the subject line...

I told them that if they had any questions about my coaching site they should give me a call as I knew it was a big decision and I wanted to let them know that I was there for them...

Plus, how many other marketers do that? So I was also trying to stand out in their inbox.

Now you might be wondering about the results? Did I get a ton of prank calls? Did anyone sign up for my site?

I actually had only 5 people (out of 1,000+ that opened the email) call me. I didn't get to talk to 2 of them because I was already on the phone, but I did communicate with them via text.

2 of the 3 people I talked to signed up the same day. I also got a few sign ups that didn't call me and a few people that sent questions via email or text.

I was a little nervous about trying this strategy - but was rather pleased at the results. I didn't receive any "prank calls" and I was able to connect with my subscribers better and on a deeper level.

All in all - I think it was worth the effort and I will be doing it again in the future. It also helps build trust with your list because you are giving them access to you that they aren't used to receiving.

So, what's the take away from this? If you treat your list like real people and show them that you are a real person in return while taking your time to answer their questions and show them you care it will be a win-win situation for both parties.

I should add that I personally hate talking on the phone, but this was actually kinda fun. So don't be afraid to stick your neck out.

Hope this helps.

Cheers,
Coby
#email #marketing #phone #sneaky #strategy
  • Profile picture of the author dylan4f
    Hi Coby,

    I think you did a great job with this.. nothing better to establish real trust then talking in live to a person on your list.. Many marketers says that talking to them through video on your site is best way to establish trust, but this is even better..

    ~Dylan
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  • Profile picture of the author thatjc
    Good thinking Coby - glad it worked out so well. Thanks for sharing.

    Have you tried a chat system on your site?
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    • Profile picture of the author Dave Card
      I Know a marketer that's been doing that for years and does great with it.

      He said the first time he put his number out there he was afraid his phone would blow up. Not so, He got a few calls and one called just to see if he was for real.

      It's a great way to build trust. You just can't be afraid to talk to people, after all, they are, or could be customers.

      What do you say to them? They called you, answer their question, be helpful.

      Dave
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      • Profile picture of the author Coby
        Originally Posted by dylan4f View Post

        Hi Coby,

        I think you did a great job with this.. nothing better to establish real trust then talking in live to a person on your list.. Many marketers says that talking to them through video on your site is best way to establish trust, but this is even better..

        ~Dylan
        I agree videos are big and I do a lot of them. But letting them call me gives them the ultimate "connection" to me.

        Originally Posted by vickybabe View Post

        Sweet post, I have been thinking about doing this myself but was worried about the same things. Sounds like i will have to give it a try now
        Yeah, I was worried my phone would blow up or I'd get lots of prank calls. However, the folks that did call were very polite and respectful of my time.

        Originally Posted by Dain View Post

        I'm actually adding this strategy to my follow up sequence as well. I think this is the way to take ones business to the 'next level.'

        Congrats!
        I agree. It's worth sticking your neck out to test it.

        Originally Posted by thatjc View Post

        Have you tried a chat system on your site?
        I haven't tried this - might consider it in the future.

        Originally Posted by Dave Card View Post

        What do you say to them? They called you, answer their question, be helpful.

        Dave
        I didn't have a "script" or anything prepared. I just did my best to be myself and answer their questions honestly.

        Cheers,
        Coby
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  • Profile picture of the author JasonBennet
    Hi Coby,

    I salute you for daring to put your phone number out for people to call. Interesting experiment though and I might want to test it too.

    I agree that it shows that you are a real person and you have nothing to hide.
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    • Profile picture of the author Coby
      Originally Posted by JasonBennet View Post

      Hi Coby,

      I salute you for daring to put your phone number out for people to call. Interesting experiment though and I might want to test it too.

      I agree that it shows that you are a real person and you have nothing to hide.
      It was definitely daring

      I was a little scared at first - but glad I did it in the end.

      Cheers,
      Coby
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  • Profile picture of the author Stevie C
    I'm not at a stage in my IM path where I can offer coaching but I am slowly growing my business and the main way I'm doing this is by stepping out of my comfort zone to try out new ideas, glad your step into the unknown worked!
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  • Profile picture of the author Alex Blades
    I seen that email and thought it was bold, but a great way to build rapport with your subscribers. I was thinking of setting up a line just for my subscribers, because of your idea. By the way, I sent your first prank text :p
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    But I knew the one thing I might regret is not ever having tried. "

    ~ Jeff Bezos

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    • Profile picture of the author Coby
      Originally Posted by Alex Blades View Post

      I seen that email and thought it was bold, but a great way to build rapport with your subscribers. I was thinking of setting up a line just for my subscribers, because of your idea. By the way, I sent your first prank text :p
      I got it! Yes, my fridge is running :p

      Cheers,
      Coby

      P.S. A line just for your subscribers would be very cool.
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  • Profile picture of the author ltrain_riders
    Great way to connect with your subscribers! If you are worried about giving out your phone number, you can grab a google voice number and give that out.
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    • Profile picture of the author Coby
      Originally Posted by ltrain_riders View Post

      Great way to connect with your subscribers! If you are worried about giving out your phone number, you can grab a google voice number and give that out.
      Great idea! I guess a Skype number would probably work also.

      Cheers,
      Coby
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  • Profile picture of the author bullfrog
    I've done this for about 3 years now. In my experience, people that call in convert to buyers at around 30% for my resume writing info products.

    Here's a tip ... add some scarcity and you'll get more calls (and, as a result, more sales)

    I'll send out an email in the morning letting people know that I'm out of town, away from my office for the day (or whatever I'm actually doing) and I've had a 2-hour meeting that was scheduled for the afternoon that cancelled on me. So, I've decided to open up those 2 hours to anyone that wants to call in and ask me anything they want.

    I give them my cell phone number and let them know that I'll be available from 1 - 3 p.m. (or whenever) and that I'll take calls first-come, first-served. If they get my voicemail, it means I'm already talking to someone else, so just leave a message and I'll get right back to them.

    Usually, my phone lights up for the first 30 minutes with people calling in. Most end up leaving a message and I call them back throughout the day. They love the service.

    The best part ... sometimes, they get my voicemail, leave a message, and go buy the product a few minutes later.
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    • Profile picture of the author Coby
      Originally Posted by bullfrog View Post

      Here's a tip ... add some scarcity and you'll get more calls (and, as a result, more sales)

      I'll send out an email in the morning letting people know that I'm out of town, away from my office for the day (or whatever I'm actually doing) and I've had a 2-hour meeting that was scheduled for the afternoon that cancelled on me. So, I've decided to open up those 2 hours to anyone that wants to call in and ask me anything they want.
      Sweet Tip! I will definitely use this technique the next time I send them an email like this.

      Cheers,
      Coby
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  • Profile picture of the author mstrmindmktg
    Fabulous! In this day of communication being automated, online social media, tweeting to let everyone know what you are doing - real human interaction is value.
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    • Profile picture of the author C. Sierra Love
      Yes, this is a very effective strategy. I use a
      modification of this strategy in my email
      sequence too; however, the phone number in
      the subject line goes to a personalized presell
      message.

      If you sent this email to clients who have
      already invested with you, then you definitely
      accrued some social currency; however, if
      you sent this email to everyone on your list,
      even people who have not earned the right to
      such a high level of access to you, you may
      have inadvertently lowered your status as a
      coach.

      My recommendation if you want to send your
      entire list your cell number...

      Put a small barrier to access in place and give
      them the reason why you are open to taking
      calls which are normally reserved for your
      private clients.

      It could be as simple as stating you want their
      feedback on specific areas of the program you're
      promoting. This will force them to review your
      program more completely and give them the reason
      you are giving them access to your most valuable
      asset: your time.

      Great move!
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  • Profile picture of the author lanew
    Way to think outside the box, Coby!

    Be well,

    Lane
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  • Profile picture of the author Drew Trainor
    I know for a fact that when you're promoting higher ticket stuff... or coaching etc, there's nothing like talking to someone one on one. And if they call they're obviously serious about learning more (or they're going to tell you you ordered 20 pizzas).
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  • Profile picture of the author Creativistenterprise
    This is very outside the box, I cannot wait to try it either.

    Now, for people who just simply don't want to give out their phone numbers, I believe google voice or skype has a feature where you can get a phone number, than forward all calls to your cell phone.
    Would appreciate if someone could provide a link to the specific feature, I forgot how to access it.

    This'll be highly effective, since clients 'know' that marketers don't want to get too personal.
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    • Profile picture of the author Coby
      Originally Posted by Creativistenterprise View Post

      This is very outside the box, I cannot wait to try it either.

      Now, for people who just simply don't want to give out their phone numbers, I believe google voice or skype has a feature where you can get a phone number, than forward all calls to your cell phone.
      Would appreciate if someone could provide a link to the specific feature, I forgot how to access it.

      This'll be highly effective, since clients 'know' that marketers don't want to get too personal.
      Even though in this particular email I gave out my main cell phone number. A company I use for my 800 number is Virtual Phone Number | Voicemail | Toll Free Number | eVoice which helps redirect calls to any employee/phone number at will.

      Cheers,
      Coby
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  • Profile picture of the author zpoll92
    This is an awesome idea actually. I haven't see this from any marketer which I've subscribed for. Very original and it might be a good idea to give it a chance!

    Thanks for the share.
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