Ways to present "early bird" incentive...

Scarcity. Only so many seats and if they want this help they need to lock in their spot or risk losing it.

Bonuses are fine, but I would work to ensure you aren't having to spend a lot more time to fulfill something because of it. So a one to many relationship here, like a group session for the early birds, or a product you can develop over the next few months to educate, whet their appetite for the full meal deal, and keep them interested.

"Why should I part with my money today, instead of waiting?" The answer is a lever to help them make their decision. IMO something further out in time (a session afterwards) is not as good as something sooner. They need to GET something in return for their commitment.

Couple quick questions, to start...

How dedicated is your following?

Do you work with the same clients once a week? Once a month? (Once in a while, when they need your help?)

What's your churn rate? (how long does your average client stick around?)


The reason I ask is because quite frankly, an event that's 11 months away, doesn't really come with an organic sense of "urgency" attached to it. (even high demand concert tickets only go on sale a couple months ahead of time)

But, if you have a religious following (I'm not talking about church here, I mean people who depend on you as a regular part of their lives) then it will be a whole lot easier to sign them up for an event so far out in the future.

A dedicated following will be easier to bring on board with the idea of this lifestyle being a long term adventure. And, an event 11 months away is just your way of helping them maintain a vision for their future. (you're planning ahead... for their betterment)



On the other hand (if you have a lesser bond with your clients) then as Jason said, using scarcity is probably your best bet. (like, "only 100 seats available for this event, and last time we sold out quickly")


If you don't get any bites right away, then follow up in a couple days with a bonus (some type of immediate gratification, like a download, or a free 15 minute coaching session, for those who sign up within the next 30 days)

Still no bites? Wait a few more days and try one more awesome bonus (just because you really want this to be something that impacts their lives for the better) for the early birds.

Just be careful though, because too many bonuses and you'll start to sound desperate


Then, if you get a few sign ups... the next message could be a reminder of the event (and how special it will be)... a reminder of the bonuses (for those who sign up right away)... and a heads-up that there's a limited number of seats available, and (X) number of them are already gone.


Also, I wouldn't recommend lowering your prices for early birds. But, you could mention the price will go UP as the event gets closer.


These are just a couple basic ideas based on empathy, and scarcity. Of course, you know your clientele better than we do. So take what we give you here, and try to use it as a springboard for your own strategy.

1st - Give more value instead of discounting the price.

One idea would be to have a special early birds meeting at the event. If your space is booked all day, have the early birds meet early and you give them some time that the others don't get.

You also make sure everyone at the event knows the early birds got this extra bonus. This makes them want to be early birds next time and gives the early birds bragging rights.

2nd - why are you running an event on such close margins. You should make money on your events. If not, restructure something before you start this.

I've put on many events and you have to have margin for error. Things can and do happen.

Hi there!
I think you have a great question there and answers flowing in that many of us can refer back to pick up some advice. Personally, I believe that if someone can make me feel like I am going to miss out big time if I don't join or register for a service then I will quickly decide to opt in.