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Squeeze page alert: Stop giving FREE ebooks. Here is an alternative that converts way better..

by Junaid khawaja
32 replies
How many of you have downloaded Free ebooks only to read the first few pages - never to re-open it again?

This happens to all of us. We never read the FREE ebooks unless they are REALLY REALLY good or are only 5-page long..

Moreover, offering free ebooks is the most common thing you will find on squeeze pages. So, does it stand out from the rest? Not really..Infact, it makes you similar to thousand other product creators.

So what's the best alternative - something that converts even better than ebooks?

I am not going to ask you to create another FREE product. In fact, I just want you to package your ebook differently. You see, old wine in a new bottle..

Here's an alternative that converts way better than ebooks:

Instead of giving away a free ebook, convert your ebook content into a 7-day course that will be emailed to your subscribers throughout the week. Here is why I think it's a better opt-in bribe than anything else:


1. Courses are perceived as high-value products. What would you opt-in for - a FREE 7-day course on mastering your Facebook ads or a FREE ebook on 'mastering your Facebook ads? I leave that to you.

2. When most of the internet gurus are offering free ebooks - a free course stands out and steals more eyeballs.

3. Creating a course is similar to crafting an ebook. The only difference is the way it is packaged. You send 7 emails in 7 days that not only makes your name familiar with your subscribers but also develop interactive relation.

4. A course is more easily followed than an ebook. Why? Because subscribers perceive information in small bits - easy to absorb and be acted upon. ..And when they read your FULL course, they are more likely to consider you as an authority.

5. A 7-day email means 7 great chances to pitch your subscribers with a tripwire. You see, the power of "P.S" comes here.

These are 5 advantages I can think of at the moment. I bet there are several others. Bottom line: Stop giving FREE ebooks. Instead, package them as 7(or 5)-day course, set an autoresponder, and Bingo!

Junaid
#alert #alternative #converts #ebooks #free #giving #page #squeeze #stop
  • Profile picture of the author Randy McLean
    Agreed. I offer a lot of e-courses with my squeeze pages.

    It also justifies collecting an email address in the first place. You don't need someone's email to give them a PDF. You do need their email if you're delivering an email course.

    It also allows you to work at your own pace. You can write part one and start marketing. When you start getting leads then you can start working on part 2.

    This way of doing it will allow you to set up the front end of your funnel in a weekend. It's a great tie in with affiliate marketing.
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    • Profile picture of the author Junaid khawaja
      Originally Posted by Randy McLean View Post

      Agreed. I offer a lot of e-courses with my squeeze pages.

      It also justifies collecting an email address in the first place. You don't need someone's email to give them a PDF. You do need their email if you're delivering an email course.

      It also allows you to work at your own pace. You can write part one and start marketing. When you start getting leads then you can start working on part 2.

      This way of doing it will allow you to set up the front end of your funnel in a weekend. It's a great tie in with affiliate marketing.
      Hi Randy,

      Nice addition! Couldn't agree more. Offering e-courses allows you to work on your own pace. To top that up, once you have automated all your emails, the rest is all about capturing leads.

      Thanks
      -J
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  • Profile picture of the author Sam JTB
    Thanks for the idea J. I think this is a great approach and it's actually something I'm dealing with now. I can't tell you how many times I've seen the same advice "offer a free eBook." But you're right - how does that make you stand out from the crowd?
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    • Profile picture of the author Junaid khawaja
      Originally Posted by Sam JTB View Post

      Thanks for the idea J. I think this is a great approach and it's actually something I'm dealing with now. I can't tell you how many times I've seen the same advice "offer a free eBook." But you're right - how does that make you stand out from the crowd?
      Sam, really that's the main point. What is making you stand out from the noise?

      People discard whatever becomes noise. For example, in for-profit business, there was a time when salesmen pitched their prospects with "If you buy this umbrella, a $1 will be donated to African homeless people. " and other related pitches. Today, it has become noise and lesser people buy into this.

      Similarly, free ebooks are noise now. In coming years, free e-courses will meet same fate. Till then, cash it.

      Thanks
      Junaid
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  • Profile picture of the author EPoltrack77
    You can give software and all sorts of VALUE to your subscriber. The idea is to start to build trust with them before you ask for the sale!
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  • Profile picture of the author Horusbuis
    you just made me rethink the way i offer a bribe for an optin .
    thank you for that.
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  • Profile picture of the author discrat
    Yep, I've always found an E Course qualifies your Leads better and you get more responsive ones who are committing to it
    ... versus someone who wants to get the E book and "run"

    - Robert Andrew
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    • Profile picture of the author Junaid khawaja
      Originally Posted by discrat View Post

      Yep, I've always found an E Course qualifies your Leads better and you get more responsive ones who are committing to it
      ... versus someone who wants to get the E book and "run"

      - Robert Andrew
      Hi Robert, thanks for validating whatever I have said..

      I agree. Free e-courses beats e-books by a mile.

      -J
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  • Profile picture of the author Courage
    I've done this myself in the past and it worked really well.

    - Don't stop sending emails after day 7
    find a way to transition from the course
    to "Regular" emails and keep going.

    - Make sure to put links to your offer in ALL
    of the emails (In my experience most people
    bought on day 2 or 3.)

    - You can extend the course by "Taking a break"
    i.e. on day 5 or 6 you say, I'm taking a break from
    the course today because you need to know about this other
    stuff.
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    • Profile picture of the author Junaid khawaja
      Originally Posted by Courage View Post

      I've done this myself in the past and it worked really well.

      - Don't stop sending emails after day 7
      find a way to transition from the course
      to "Regular" emails and keep going.

      - Make sure to put links to your offer in ALL
      of the emails (In my experience most people
      bought on day 2 or 3.)

      - You can extend the course by "Taking a break"
      i.e. on day 5 or 6 you say, I'm taking a break from
      the course today because you need to know about this other
      stuff.
      Hi, thanks for sharing your personal experience. That's a great advice. As I said, throughout the e-course, you have a perfect opportunity to pitch your subscribers with more advanced knowledge on the stuff you are already teaching...

      People would like to learn more on something they are already reading on through emails...and that's when you will pop in with a priced offer.

      Thanks for adding in..

      -J
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  • Profile picture of the author Regional Warrior
    Sorry to pop the bubble but only works in some niches not all , I have found if you use the word White Paper it gives perceived value as a give away and the freebie seekers wont touch it

    Just have to make sure that what is written is solid and no bad grammar or typos , and converts well with the buying public

    Jason
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  • Profile picture of the author aizaku
    yea,, especially if its in video


    nice share and good job explaining

    -Ike Paz
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  • Profile picture of the author boblyle
    Great idea,I just finished a new ebook that has just enough quality material to do just what you suggested. I was beginning to wonder if I wanted to sell it , give it away or...?
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  • Profile picture of the author unlimitedoptions
    Hi Junaid:

    That's a good idea as has been said before. I see more and more of the top marketers using this approach. The course does have more perceived value and breaking it up should keep your new subscribers engaged longer. It should also help your open rates which should translate into more clicks which should translate into more sales over the long run.

    Regards,

    Dan
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  • Profile picture of the author customerblast
    Its all about giving away as much value as you can without asking for money, and ebooks just aren't that valuable, and even though the "course" might actually just be the same as an ebook, it does sound better.

    Free software with upgrades is a very good business model speaking from experience
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  • Profile picture of the author Virginia Sanders
    Great advice. I was just contemplating participating in a program that provides exactly what you suggest thank you
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  • Profile picture of the author allancaeg
    You can't also break up your book into multiple PDFs!

    PDF can have higher perceived value than email.

    You can split your PDF into 4 sections sent as 4 dripping emails, training people to open their email every time.
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  • Profile picture of the author Junaid khawaja
    Thanks to everyone who have poured in their valuable suggestions and PRAISES.I appreciate that. As regional warrior has said "it may not work in all niches." Well, nothing works in all niches. We are trying to find the BEST and TRENDING way here. If you are using different opt-ins at different blog posts on your web - the best option would be to give a cheat sheet on the topic you just covered..

    Junaid
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  • Profile picture of the author alfa_375
    Great suggestion Junaid for providing this valuable information. It is a good solution to train them first to open the emails, because that is why they had optin right!
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  • Profile picture of the author JohnVianny
    I agree BUT

    i give them BOTH.

    An ebook about List Building and a course of email marketing.
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    • Profile picture of the author Junaid khawaja
      Originally Posted by Connann View Post

      I agree BUT

      i give them BOTH.

      An ebook about List Building and a course of email marketing.
      Well, Connann, you are just following the advice of Ramit Sethi (maybe without knowing it). He says "Whenever you are stuck between X and Y, do both." For example, if you are stuck between a mathematics and economics course - select both and manage it with all your grit and passion.

      Good luck!
      Junaid
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  • Profile picture of the author KosenIvra
    I was just discussing this with a friend a few days ago, ebooks have become such an annoying thing, everyone is using them to pitch sales or enlarge their emails lists, and most of them are just crappy content, a collection of fun facts gathered from Wikipedia or from some blog with a nice cover. They dont bring any value.

    The courses are definitely a good alternative to that, but they must also be valuable, if your courses are just another collection of fun facts, they will end up in the junk box.

    The key, as always, is to bring value, as much value as you can.
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  • Profile picture of the author toysoldier80
    What is better than free?

    So many people chat about money this and money that. Usually its the people with the most money who are able to control and limit the field.

    Usually the ones at the top of the game control who is able to learn what it will take for them to succeed. Even when they do learn, they are unable to grasp certain concepts and language because of the complexity of the Game. Hence, control. Not only do they control with money, now you can control with words.

    Freebies limit the control and actually levels the playing field.
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  • Profile picture of the author Coby
    I've also had good luck with giving away software without requiring an opt-in...

    Then when they open the software they have to "register" it to unlock it - how do they register it? They opt-in of course...

    Most people are accustom to registering software - and this "freebie" has a higher perceived value.

    I've also done the 7 day e-course and it works well also.

    Hope this helps.

    Cheers,
    Coby
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    • Profile picture of the author Junaid khawaja
      Originally Posted by Coby View Post

      I've also had good luck with giving away software without requiring an opt-in...

      Then when they open the software they have to "register" it to unlock it - how do they register it? They opt-in of course...

      Most people are accustom to registering software - and this "freebie" has a higher perceived value.

      I've also done the 7 day e-course and it works well also.

      Hope this helps.

      Cheers,
      Coby
      Hi Coby, that's a nice suggestion. I have seen multiple such offers of "No email required." So, this was the marketing genius working behind.

      Thanks for adding in. Much appreciated.

      Junaid
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  • Profile picture of the author desireedavid
    This is a great idea. I am actually in the process of building a new website. I have already started preparing the pdf that I am making for my opt in. I will now turn that into a 7-day course.

    Is there a specific length or value per day that you recommend? Or is it as short and simple as 7 tips and techniques broken down into 1 tip per day?
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    • Profile picture of the author Junaid khawaja
      Originally Posted by desireedavid View Post

      This is a great idea. I am actually in the process of building a new website. I have already started preparing the pdf that I am making for my opt in. I will now turn that into a 7-day course.

      Is there a specific length or value per day that you recommend? Or is it as short and simple as 7 tips and techniques broken down into 1 tip per day?
      Your subject line of each email should begin with "Day 1: xyz" Similarly on day 2:xyz

      If you were using fillers in your ebook to make it look long, omit it from your emails. Only deliver the meat - the most succinct and valuable information.

      Make sure you avoid redundancy in emails i.e don't repeat the same concept over and over again.

      And here is how you can monetize those emails too:

      Also, craft something advance on the same tip you have just delivered. Say, for example, you were talking about how to create your unique selling point on day 1. By using P.S sell your prospect something like "For advanced marketers: If you want to grab on some of the best USPs ever written (something that will stimulate your creative juices), buy my $2.99 swipe file here."

      Hope this helped.

      Thanks
      Junaid
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  • Profile picture of the author John Cho
    ideas are great and I do agree this sounds like a great idea but have you tested this? The beauty of a free report is that it gives instant informational value to the person seeking it whereas a mini course such as this is drip feed content and a lot of folks myself including don't like the idea of being drip fed and want the information now.
    That being said - it's still better than the millions of free reports out there..
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  • Profile picture of the author shim333
    I think its depend on niche, and also the best is to make split test and see what convert better.
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  • Profile picture of the author Robert Bridgen
    I find that video is better then ebooks Robert
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  • Profile picture of the author Robert Bridgen
    I find that sending out videos helps and a lot better then ebooks Robert
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