What is a Good "Free Report" Size?

14 years ago

I think size of e-book not matter more but what content you are delivering to your subscriber is important. If you deliver good content then you will build loyal subscriber list and if you deliver very big size book but it is just scrap then it might be possible that your e-book will just remain on desktop. Your unsubscriber list will grow very quickly. I think you got my point.

- Pradeep

[ 1 ] Thanks

{{ DiscussionBoard.errors[2602783].message }}

lstoops

14 years ago

I think 20-30 pages is good. However, I agree with the above poster it's all about the quality of the report. As long as you are teaching something of value then it doesn't matter - it could be 7 pages and excellent.

[ 1 ] Thanks

Signature

Freelancers and Service Pros...need help with Facebook ads? Let's chat!

{{ DiscussionBoard.errors[2602796].message }}

success_89

14 years ago

agreed with the two above...... value value value if you can deliver the same about of value in 10 pages versus making the report a lengthier read then that would work. so theres no set number which would determine how many pages is right

[ 1 ] Thanks

Signature

Click To See Exactly How I started Making a Consistent income Online

{{ DiscussionBoard.errors[2602817].message }}

MichaelParsons

14 years ago

Lauryn,

I have used free enticements with some success. The length of the freebie is not as important as the information in it. I've given templates that are only one page, instruction manuals (with images) over 50, and lists of good free programs that are only 5 or 10 page.

I've also heard that the term "eBook" should be reserved for 40-50 page manuscripts only (let the debate begin

).

Your freebie is a reflection of what your paid content will be...

Thanks
1 reply

Signature

Warriors Donate to a Stricken Fellow Warrior!

Auto Insurance Quote In | Buyer of Structured Settlement Annuity | What is Mesothelioma

{{ DiscussionBoard.errors[2602823].message }}

Lauryn

14 years ago

Originally Posted by MichaelParsons

Lauryn,

I have used free enticements with some success. The length of the freebie is not as important as the information in it. I've given templates that are only one page, instruction manuals (with images) over 50, and lists of good free programs that are only 5 or 10 page.

I've also heard that the term "eBook" should be reserved for 40-50 page manuscripts only (let the debate begin

).

Your freebie is a reflection of what your paid content will be...

Lol I use e-book by default, but I think it would be a "report" *ahem*
Quality definitely matters, so I will use a few people to review the product before I offer it.

Thanks

Signature

I Go Hard = "Slanguage" for putting forth a lot of effort.

Don't be an arse and try to flip something you clearly have no knowledge of against me.

{{ DiscussionBoard.errors[2602835].message }}

Lauryn

14 years ago

Thanks! Trust me, I agree, I am quality-driven and have just ordered 2 copy writing books to help me with this ebook. I might still have to outsource the final result - even if it's only to be reviewed for effectiveness.

I don't think I could stretch to 20 or 30 pages. Maybe 10-15 but I guess it's time to outline this book... off to figure out "e-book" or "writing" outlines.

Thanks

Signature

I Go Hard = "Slanguage" for putting forth a lot of effort.

Don't be an arse and try to flip something you clearly have no knowledge of against me.

{{ DiscussionBoard.errors[2602826].message }}

petelta

14 years ago

As others have stated, the size isn't going to matter when the content is there. The purpose of the free gift is to get them on your list and have them happy with the content you provide. If you can do that with 1 page, then that works.

Try not to over complicate each step. Size and appearance of the free ebook will have very little affect on how much money you make.

[ 1 ] Thanks

Signature

TEESPRING Student Rakes In Over $116k In Less Than 3 Months
Niche Pro Profits - How I raked in OVER $120k in 9 months with authority niche sites...

{{ DiscussionBoard.errors[2602828].message }}

Trieu

14 years ago

I don't think its a good idea to make it too long. I'd 10 - 20 pages is good. If I'm offering the report from a squeeze page, you also have to consider what info you are going to send them from email followups, so dont pack too much info in the report.

[ 1 ] Thanks
1 reply

Signature

======================================

"$100 On eBay with just 10 Minutes Work! {120+ copies SOLD}"

==> Download FREE WSO PLR NOW! <==

======================================

{{ DiscussionBoard.errors[2602858].message }}

JohnMcCabe 14 years ago

Lauryn, here's the exact answer...

Your report should be as long as it takes to deliver the value you promised in return for the opt-in, and not one word longer.

Don't pad your report simply to make it fit some image of 'long enough', and don't leave things out to keep it from getting too long. It should be like Baby Bear's porridge - just right.
- [ 5 ] Thanks
{{ DiscussionBoard.errors[2602884].message }}

Scott Million

14 years ago

20 - 30 pages for a freebie is pushing it, unless a lot of those pages have screenshots or some kind of filler (like you give away 20 best man speech examples, for example.)

1-5 page reports can do as much (and often more) than anything going into the high teens and beyond. Remember, these people are getting a freebie, not a paid product. They don't value it as much and aren't going to have the same attention span as if they purchased it... so be direct, but fun... and to the point... your goal is to warm them up with the know you / like you / trust you factor while delivering high value, and then send them to an offer presold. The best results I've gotten are when the report teases them, forcing them to click the links in the report because they can't stand not knowing the full answer, and then getting it on the salespage

[ 2 ] Thanks
1 reply

{{ DiscussionBoard.errors[2602882].message }}

Lauryn

14 years ago

Originally Posted by Scott Million

20 - 30 pages for a freebie is pushing it, unless a lot of those pages have screenshots or some kind of filler (like you give away 20 best man speech examples, for example.)

1-5 page reports can do as much (and often more) than anything going into the high teens and beyond. Remember, these people are getting a freebie, not a paid product. They don't value it as much and aren't going to have the same attention span as if they purchased it... so be direct, but fun... and to the point... your goal is to warm them up with the know you / like you / trust you factor while delivering high value, and then send them to an offer presold. The best results I've gotten are when the report teases them, forcing them to click the links in the report because they can't stand not knowing the full answer, and then getting it on the salespage

You're right, several others have said the same thing but you've really hit the nail on the head for me.

I do have a tendency to "over-write" for people because I'm so focused on trying to give too much information. Ends up being overkill. However, I think I can focus my product's benefits at the end with a good focused CTA that persuades interested parties to purchase.

On to the copywriting of it all! LOL (there lies the migraine!)

Thanks

Signature

I Go Hard = "Slanguage" for putting forth a lot of effort.

Don't be an arse and try to flip something you clearly have no knowledge of against me.

{{ DiscussionBoard.errors[2603046].message }}

madno

14 years ago

for me? The ebook itself, most people create the ebook at 90 and above pages.
And the report should be 30 and below pages. It is subjective. I never heard of people selling very ebook for very few pages unless the ebook is really helpful.

[ 1 ] Thanks

Signature

Free Wordpress Landing Page Download it for free. Now you can customize the header and background very easily. One theme with infinite design. Provided with video tutorials.

{{ DiscussionBoard.errors[2602982].message }}

Tomwood

14 years ago

Laura I think 20 pages is defiantly to long you need to give away enough information to show off your expertise, reinforce their desire and whet their appetite for more information, but no more

If you give away to much in your free book they won't feel the need to buy the paid version.

This balance is more important than the page length

[ 1 ] Thanks

Signature

FREE >>As We Thinketh << as a man thinketh for the 21st century The missing chapters are actually the best

{{ DiscussionBoard.errors[2603013].message }}

Alfred Shelver

14 years ago

I agree with 1-5 (if its value)... If you give too much your follow up emails are going to feel hollow in comparison.

[ 1 ] Thanks

Signature

Best $10 Articles on Warrior Forum Guaranteed

{{ DiscussionBoard.errors[2603072].message }}

Lauryn

14 years ago

Cathy,

Hollow would be an understatement.
I really need to research this list-building stuff!
Should I invest in aWeber first?

I want to have the report done, as well as the landing page - basically the whole site - ready to go when I prepare to launch this!

Thanks

Signature

I Go Hard = "Slanguage" for putting forth a lot of effort.

Don't be an arse and try to flip something you clearly have no knowledge of against me.

{{ DiscussionBoard.errors[2603085].message }}

Scott Million

14 years ago

Aweber is fantastic, highly recommended.

Setup your sales funnel before going crazy acquiring leads. Get the selling system in place first, and then you can move onto stage 2 (driving traffic and split testing different headlines and email copy...)

Also a good idea to at least have your first 30 day funnel in mind (the longer the better.) After your initial subscribers series what will you be selling next? Many people focus on the first email or two and put all their energy into new lead generation and miss the real money with building rapport with their list and making repeat sales month after month.

You've got the right idea. Good luck!

Thanks

{{ DiscussionBoard.errors[2603143].message }}

Lauryn

14 years ago

Is aweber compatible with wordpress (omg I sound like a newb!!!)

Setting up the sales funnel, such as the product I'm selling, and then complimentary add-ons that go with this product, correct? How long is too long of a funnel?

Thanks
2 replies

Signature

I Go Hard = "Slanguage" for putting forth a lot of effort.

Don't be an arse and try to flip something you clearly have no knowledge of against me.

{{ DiscussionBoard.errors[2603195].message }}

SDenham

14 years ago

Originally Posted by Lauryn

Is aweber compatible with wordpress (omg I sound like a newb!!!)

Setting up the sales funnel, such as the product I'm selling, and then complimentary add-ons that go with this product, correct? How long is too long of a funnel?

YEs, and there is a plugin that will make a sidebar widget for you, if you like. look up 'aweber" in the plugins list.

I've used several autoresponders, and currently use aweber with wordpress, and I'm becoming very partial to the aweber/wordpress combo.

Works very nicely, and without a whole bunch of coding headaches.

As far as too long of a sales funnel, I"ll let the more seasoned experts contradict me on this, but I don't think there's too long of a sales funnel. Then "Too long" comes in when you wait 2 or three weeks to contact the people in the funnel.

Your sales funnel should extend out as far as it takes for customers to either buy, or unsubscribe.

if you're building a list and providing value over time, the goal is to get them to either buy or NOT unsub.

if you just have a one off product and don't care about building a relationship, then, you don't care if they unsub or not, as long as they buy, right?

Shoot for making that funnel keep them engaged as long as possible, and keep feeding them products and sending them info that builds value, so they buy and NOT unsub.

LIkey?

Thanks

Signature

http://ReleaseTheWuss.com
Techniques and tools to increase your Alpha Male energy RIGHT NOW and have more luck with the ladies!

{{ DiscussionBoard.errors[2603300].message }}

Scott Million

14 years ago

Originally Posted by Lauryn

Is aweber compatible with wordpress (omg I sound like a newb!!!)

Aweber is compatible with WordPress, and most 3rd party payment systems and applications integrate with Aweber easily. There are lots of free plugins that integrate with Aweber for wordpress, but you don't need them (they can be helpful and save time, though!)

Originally Posted by Lauryn

Setting up the sales funnel, such as the product I'm selling, and then complimentary add-ons that go with this product, correct? How long is too long of a funnel?

That's a big part of it... I think 'sales funnel' can better be explained with an example. Here is an example sales funnel in the weight loss niche:

Day 1:

A visitor looking for "how to lose weight quickly" finds your Ezinearticle in Google, reads it, and then clicks through to your website.

At your website they opt-in to your list to get a free report on "how to lose weight without changing your diet" that you email to them.

They read the report and you share with them how eating less meals more often boosts their metabolism, yada yada. At the end of the report you refer them to a diet that leverages this system and helps them to lose weight even quicker by eating certain food groups together.

Some buy, some don't.

Day 2:

You send another email, this one thanks them for joining your list and provides the link to your report again. Below that link you add your link to the salespage your were promoting in the report and say, "...And for those of you that didn't have time to read the full report, here is the system I recommended for even faster results."

Day 5 (doesn't have to be... this is just an example):

You send another email, this time to a video where you talk about the benefits of exercise and how to train your mind to take action everyday, and how to free up time to exercise. At the end of the video you promise them an exercise program that anyone can do which will produce results in an upcoming email."

Day 7:

Another email, goes to a short page where you give a brief outline of the exercise program that anyone can do, and then say, "for those that need the extra push from a person, check out X, the best site I've found for online personal trainers.

Days 14-21:

Another email... repeat process... maybe take break this week and just give free awesome content. No rules here... everyone has there own approach and you'll acquire yours when you get there.

Days 21+: A lot of the same, maybe doing a product launch, etc.

----

Does this make sense? Your sales funnel is simply the journey you take your traffic through to pay you again and again - how to maximize ROI and how to lead your traffic into offers. Some or all of it can be automated...you might put all of your new subscribers through the same 30 day sales funnel because you know you'll make an average of $X or $XX per subscriber and that will allow you to know what you can pay for traffic to build your list. After that, they move on to your 'new and up to date' emails after they've "graduated" ... sometimes you have to space things out to educate your list to a point where they need your product. People interested in losing weight might not be ready for "how to program your mind to do anything" by Tony Robbins... but after 30 days of content that nudges them this way they're ready to shell out $300 because they're now educated enough to realize the real reason they aren't losing weight is because they don't take action, and need someone to push them to do so.

Another example, I build some of my IM list through a lot of "make money taking surveys" sites... what they really want is an at-home solution to make extra cash. I can't sell them an internet marketing course right off the bat, but with a 30 day sales funnel they'll be ready for it after 30 days.

So anyway, this is why it's important you plan out your sales funnel... determining where you want your list to be in 2 weeks, 2 months, etc. Don't focus on this so much that you don't get going, but anyone who's made it will tell you, it's a lot easier to get where you want to be when you know where you want to go

[ 3 ] Thanks

{{ DiscussionBoard.errors[2603640].message }}

Loren Woirhaye

14 years ago

It's a good tactic to mention the free report in your autoresponders
and repeatedly tell where readers can download it.

... because many people won't download it the first time, or they
will and won't read it.

[ 1 ] Thanks

Signature

HOT! $25,000,000/yr Copywriter's Secret Bookâ€”FREE! |
*Breakthrough Marketing Blog (+ goodies) *
CopyWriting Services

{{ DiscussionBoard.errors[2603333].message }}

Janice Sperry

14 years ago

I would call it a "report" for the reasons stated above but also for another reason. From my testing "report" is working better than "e-book." I think people are sick of long inflated fluff, recycled e-books. In my mind the word is almost negative now.

I didn't see any other replies but I would not double space. People do usually prefer short sentences, short paragraphs, bullet points and so on.

You are getting some good feedback - I hope you have success.

Thanks
1 reply

{{ DiscussionBoard.errors[2603377].message }}

Lance K 14 years ago

Halbert or Carlton once said that a sales letter should be like a woman's skirt...

Long enough to cover the essentials, but short enough to keep it interesting.

I'd use that advice as a guide for your free report as well.
- [ 1 ] Thanks
- 1 reply
Signature

"You can have everything in life you want if you will just help enough other people get what they want."
~ Zig Ziglar
{{ DiscussionBoard.errors[2603398].message }}
- Lauryn 14 years ago
  
  Originally Posted by Lance K
  
  a woman's skirt...
  
  Long enough to cover the essentials, but short enough to keep it interesting.
  
  .... .... just enough to give your dad (or husband) another patch of gray hair. :p
  
  Thanks.
  I am getting some great information here.
  I definitely need to outline this entire list-building and sales scenario as I plan this. I don't want to leave a thing out!
  
  Thanks
  
  1 reply
  
  Signature
  
  I Go Hard = "Slanguage" for putting forth a lot of effort.
  
  Don't be an arse and try to flip something you clearly have no knowledge of against me.
  
  {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[2603535].message }}
  
  Hanz 14 years ago
  
  Hi Lauryn, have you ever split tested and seen differing results between the following 2 sales funnels? I'm planning on trying this soon but wondered if you or anybody here has experience in this? The 2 sales funnels I'm referring to are:
  
  a) Have visitors opt-in to your squeeze page, they download the free short report and are obviously on your list. You help them our further through an autoresponder series of emails before pitching your main product once you've established trust with the visitor.
  
  b) Have visitors opt-in to your squeeze page, they download the free short report and then are directed immediately to the Thank You page where they are introduced to the Sales Letter and given the chance to buy the FULL book.
  
  This is one area where many members have varying opinions. Some are able to sell their main report immediately to the visitor after the visitor opts in to get the free short report. Other members tend to use the autoresponder method over a week or two, gain trust with the visitor and then pitch the main product.
  
  [ 1 ] Thanks
  
  Signature
  All The Hottest eBooks, Graphics, Software, Videos, Audios, SEO Reports & Articles You Want with PLR ~ New Products Added Daily in Super Hot Niches! ~ Sign Up to PLR Assassin Today
  
  {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[2603583].message }}

J Bold

14 years ago

10 pages of good, helpful content ought to do it. Don't make it too long, I'd say.

but that's just me...

Thanks

Signature

[Free] Learn How to Crush Web Traffic with Kenster

{{ DiscussionBoard.errors[2603391].message }}

Nathi Fakudze

14 years ago

Ever heard the phrase "size doesn't matter"?

[ 1 ] Thanks

{{ DiscussionBoard.errors[2603573].message }}

Lauryn

14 years ago

Scott Million, you rawk dude! :-D

Definitely makes sense, you have definitely been a great help!
I'm definitely going to begin the strategy. This report should be a cinch once I outline it properly. The real work is planning this list out and executing it appropriately.

I'm excited - and nervous!

Thanks

Signature

I Go Hard = "Slanguage" for putting forth a lot of effort.

Don't be an arse and try to flip something you clearly have no knowledge of against me.

{{ DiscussionBoard.errors[2604078].message }}

Dean Jackson

14 years ago

Lauryn, I think you should keep the content extremely short. 20-30 pages is far too long for the average internet marketer who wants fast results.

Make sure to have all the information, short, and actionable. Don't need long explanations about what your doing, why, etc etc.

Just the steps needed to do whatever you're offering in the report. I suggest you keep it 10-15 pages tops. Space and format it out nicely with a hyperlinked bookmarking system (Word can do this, just save as a PDF).

Also, I highly recommend you have a compelling call to action at the end of the report to a paid product (pref. low, but you can funnel into higher prices).

As a side note, getting people to buy as soon as they join your list is best. Delaying the buying process over a few weeks is leaving money on the table. Yes, most people say provide tons and tons of value first before pitching to a subscriber. That's not to say don't provide any more value at all, just give them short, sharp good content a few times then lead up to your harder pitches.

Your sub just got something valuable out of you, they can trust you, why should they need to wait weeks to get something else even more valuable from you?

Oh yeah, another cool thing im trying out at the moment is creating short mini reports which are value packed all leading to my squeeze page, and then having them spread virally

BTW, im not just saying stuff because it makes sense. I've tested it myself after purchasing an expensive course on list building and the results were excellent.

- Dean

Thanks

Signature

NEW: CRAZIEST Copywriting offer ever offered on WF

My top student WILL make your sales go BANANAS!

-> Click Here To Check It Out [Spots Going FAST!]

{{ DiscussionBoard.errors[2606441].message }}

Lauryn

14 years ago

Dean, thanks!

Creating short mini-reports, as in 1-5 pages, which lead to a squeeze page?

As in, the person finds your site, opts in for a free report, and is clicked to a squeeze page for even more information on the product that's embedded in the report?

My product isn't a digital product. It's definitely physical and has recurring sales potential. It's in the health and fitness arena. I've used it, and so have others, so I know it's definitely a positively excellent product.

You're right, I don't want to leave money on the table, but taking a look at how quickly to convert will be important.

Thanks guys again! I'm learning so much here. I want to click thanks but the button is missing for more recent posts!

Thanks

Signature

I Go Hard = "Slanguage" for putting forth a lot of effort.

Don't be an arse and try to flip something you clearly have no knowledge of against me.

{{ DiscussionBoard.errors[2606481].message }}

Will Edwards

14 years ago

Quality is what matters; having said that, my free books are generally about 5,000 words.

Good luck,

Will

Thanks

{{ DiscussionBoard.errors[2606483].message }}

hmigroupllc

14 years ago

I haven't read the entire thread, however, scanning through, I agree with the content folks...

If you deliver excellent, useful content in 2 pages, your potential customer will be happier with you than with a report containing 15 pages of babble.

Stay well

Wayne Sharer

Thanks

Signature

How Start a Flow of Quality Website Traffic You Can't Stop

{{ DiscussionBoard.errors[2606514].message }}

gjabiz

14 years ago

Aim for 11 and 1/2 pages. It is the perfect FREE report size.

gjabiz

Thanks

{{ DiscussionBoard.errors[2606542].message }}

AndyBlackSEO

14 years ago

I think people go about it the wrong way when they try and put a figure to a 'total' number of pages. It doesn't really matter. The important thing is to make the content easy to understand and follow and more importantly, to the point. To put a figure to something like this is kind of like planning on filling in the space with filler content, which will cloud your focus and probably result in the reader losing interest.

Think about content first. Break it down into chapters and then complete each chapter. Whether it is 6 pages or 30 pages, it doesn't matter providing you offer good content.

Thanks

Signature

[FREE SEO TOOL] Build 29 Effective, High Authority Backlinks that Will Increase Your Google Rankings in 2020... CLICK HERE ...
... Instant backlinks that can get you results within 24-72hrs.

{{ DiscussionBoard.errors[2606571].message }}

NicoleBeckett

14 years ago

Originally Posted by Lauryn

I'm getting ready to begin listbuilding on a site. The report/ebook is going to discuss the link between body fat in certain areas, how it affects the overweight person, and introduce the product as a solution in the end.

I want to provide a good wealth of information but I don't want to overwhelm the reader. I plan on creating the ebook with men in mind, 20-40.

For a free ebook, how many pages should it be? I am thinking 10-15 pages of solid content, with pictures, is substantial. The font will be 12 - to - 14, unless 14 is too large? Should I double space?

What are your thoughts on tracking conversions with a special "offer code" for purchase as well?

Thanks in advance.

Like some of the others have mentioned, there is no "magic" length. You have to create something that people will WANT to read all the way through - whether it 's 5 pages or 50 pages.

I've read free ebooks that were 15 pages, and others that were 40 pages (and a whole bunch in between). The good ones kept me hooked until the very end. The bad ones (even if they were short) got deleted as soon as I got bored.

The key is to make it long enough that readers feel like they actually learned something - without boring them.

Thanks

Signature

Sick of blending in with the crowd? Ready to stand ahead of the pack? The right content writing services can get you there...

{{ DiscussionBoard.errors[2606582].message }}

What is a Good "Free Report" Size?

Trending Topics

How did you turn it all around?

Any thoughts on golf's latest phenom...Scottie Scheffler??

What's the Best IM-Related Skill to Learn Today That Can Help in the Future?

Infographic: How B2B marketers on LinkedIn can maximise their efforts for better audience reach

Some interesting stats about brand comms