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Followup messages, what works best?

by TonyAG
9 replies
I'm not sure what I should be sending my subscribers after they download my free product.

What I want to do is build a trusting relationship with them before I send any sort of message where I promote a product.

Is it a good idea to send them a few messages containing more lessons about the subject they're interested in?

What about sending them an unannounced bonus the day after they opt in?

Should the messages be long and informative or short and to the point?


Please help this newbie out
#followup #messages #works
  • Profile picture of the author dadamson
    There are many differing opinions on this. It all comes down to the niche and the reason they have subscribed.

    In nearly all situations it is way better to keep it short, to the point, friendly, and informative, with NO affiliate links, or anything.

    SOMETIMES an unannounced bonus can be good, but in the IM niche people automatically think you are forwarding them to another list or something.

    I would keep the followups short, and for the purpose of giving your subscribers quality tangable information only.
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  • Profile picture of the author Benjamin Ehinger
    Originally Posted by TonyAG View Post

    I'm not sure what I should be sending my subscribers after they download my free product.

    What I want to do is build a trusting relationship with them before I send any sort of message where I promote a product.

    Is it a good idea to send them a few messages containing more lessons about the subject they're interested in?

    What about sending them an unannounced bonus the day after they opt in?

    Should the messages be long and informative or short and to the point?


    Please help this newbie out
    I am a big believer in always promoting something even if it is just a call to action at the bottom of a blog post you send them a link to. If whatever you promote has to do with the main subject they will find it useful.

    Bonuses are good if they are actually of value and I find that a mixture of longer and shorter messages works well.

    Benjamin Ehinger
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  • Profile picture of the author xavierfok
    Hi Tony,

    I suggest that you can give them more free content with the subject they are interested in 80% of the time. 20% of the time its still free content but there is a call to action somewhere at the bottom.

    you are correct to say that you need to build trust with your subscribers. That trust is built while meeting their needs for information. Naturally when you do it often enough (the average is 7 contacts), they will already be ready to buy from you before you sell anything.

    they also want the information quickly and want it to be effective, so a quick message to a video would be great. the video is interactive and delivers better than a message
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  • Profile picture of the author MikeTucker
    As stated above, this depends on quite a few factors.

    However, here is my general rule-of-thumb:

    1. 10 emails for building credibility, with light advertising
    2. 15-day perpetual sales campaign until they buy


    Be advised, if you are promoting with hype and not reason,
    you will usually have a lower open rate after the first four or five emails.

    (in my experience)


    Advice:
    1. Pay someone who knows what they are doing to write it for you
    2. Pay someone who knows what they are doing to teach you how to write it yourself
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    • Profile picture of the author TonyAG
      Thanks guys I really appreciate the advice.

      I'm thinking about sending them short but informative messsages and giving them a gift as the 7th follow up message, followed by more informative messages and another free gift. Some of the info messages will have a link for those who want to learn more about the subject that will send to a product they might be interested in.

      Think this is a good plan?
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      • Profile picture of the author dadamson
        Originally Posted by TonyAG View Post

        Thanks guys I really appreciate the advice.

        I'm thinking about sending them short but informative messsages and giving them a gift as the 7th follow up message, followed by more informative messages and another free gift. Some of the info messages will have a link for those who want to learn more about the subject that will send to a product they might be interested in.

        Think this is a good plan?
        Sounds perfect to me.

        Come across as doing it to HELP them, not as in HOW CAN I MAKE MONEY FROM THIS and you will do great.

        If you are in the IM niche even the slightest sniff of you trying to cash in from them will send them running, it's a whole different ball game.

        The best way to proceed is to split test though.

        You could get hundreds of people giving you advice here but you will only really know the best options through split testing and studying the results. Your list's mindset will be different to the next persons list.

        Cheers
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        • Profile picture of the author Ian Jackson
          80/20 content/promo is a reasonable split to get you going, but ultimately you need to consistently and constantly test, test, and keep testing.

          There' s no one-size-fits-all even in the same niche, and you'll find that you need to be make constant adjustments based on what results you get - through analysis of your subscriber relationships - i.e. their demographics.
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  • Profile picture of the author Sornie Samante
    In my Opinion, Do not Assume. Ask and Listen. When you know what they need, help them in a way possible wherein you yourself can make profits too.

    The best way to keep subscribers is giving what they want, what they came for, and yes..

    ....the reason they have subscribed.
    Other than make..

    ...people automatically think you are forwarding them to another list or something.
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  • Profile picture of the author ephame
    I think it will depend on how you are as a person.

    If you like to waffle on and that's how you sell then by all means waffle away...

    But if you are a sharp to the point edgy person in your marketing then keep that in your e-mail style.

    I would just advise to be consistent and be yourself that's what i would relate most to and in turn help to build that personal connection with me. If i see you talking in your e-mails the same way i see you in videos etc.. then i would feel that, that is who you are and how you act (not fake).

    I personally prefer short and to the point for my e-mails
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