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Tips On Writing A FREE Report

by TheChanger
16 replies
Hello everyone,

So I think I am going to give away a free report to my potential subscribers. Unfortunately, I am not able to figure out what to include in the free report? I plan on building my first list in the "how to get rid of bed bugs" niche? So with that said, can someone please recommend some potential topics that I can write about in the report?

How many pages should the free report be? Would one page be enough? Would it be OK to offer something like "10 tips to avoid bed bugs"? or would it be best to offer "10 tips to treat bed bugs"? If I offer the latter wouldn't I be given the subscribers too much information? After all, if I give them too much information they would have no need to buy the affiliate product that I am promoting?

Please help clear up some of this confusion :confused:

Cheers
#free #report #tips #writting
  • Profile picture of the author celente
    It doesnt matter how many pages, as long as it has good content.

    Then plug affililate pages, and sales pages, and get your funnels in order.
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    • Profile picture of the author TheChanger
      Originally Posted by celente View Post

      It doesnt matter how many pages, as long as it has good content.

      Then plug affililate pages, and sales pages, and get your funnels in order.
      Thank you! For now I just want to get the ball rolling by placing a simple opt-in form on my website. After that I will look at perfecting the whole process

      Any suggestions on what topics I should write about?
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      • Profile picture of the author davidshaw1
        Hi there

        I think the one thing above all else that you need to focus on in your report is adding value. This is your first impression with your potential customers. You need to give them excellent information and leave them thinking you know your stuff and can really help them. The information needs to be related to your product but not be the same as your product.

        With regards to length, it is very much a secondary issue. How long does it take to deliver that value? 10 pages. 20 pages. 30 pages. Make sure not to use fluff and make the report longer than it needs to be. I have seen really good reports in the 10-20 page range.

        I hope this helps
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  • Profile picture of the author seobro
    Try to not provide too many pages. Other wise people will not read it to the end which is where the "Call to action" is put in. Also, add some valuable content, or people will think your e-book is a promo. People hate an e-book that is pushing a service.
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    • Profile picture of the author NicoleBeckett
      Originally Posted by seobro View Post

      Try to not provide too many pages. Other wise people will not read it to the end which is where the "Call to action" is put in.
      With all due respect, this advice just isn't accurate. People will be happy to read long reports/ebooks, as long as you present the facts in an interesting, easy-to-read way. Keep people engaged, and you'll be able to keep them around for as long as you want. Our very own Paul Myers gives away an ebook that's more than 100 pages long - and completely chock full of value.

      As for the OP's original question, think about what your target audience needs to know right now. What facts and figures are going to help them solve their bed bug problem? What can you tell them that's going to establish you as an expert and get people to trust you enough to read your emails and follow through on your sales pitches? Remember, your goal in this report is to build a relationship - not to sell a specific product. The selling will come later.
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  • Profile picture of the author djlest
    easy download others free reports!
    then think of similar options and content

    why work harder when you can work smarter?
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  • Profile picture of the author Halcyon
    Google "bedbugs" and see what comes up.
    Depending on how much work you want to do, pull 3, 5, 7 or 10 problems mentioned by people who have with bed bugs and offer a solution to each or offer 3, 5, 7 or 10 ways to prevent bedbugs. Your directions are limitless.

    If you're not sure how to conduct research for writing, check out the Free article writing class link in my sig and watch the videos on 'Research. There's no opt-in or anything to sign up for. Even though the course focuses on article writing, the technique is easily scaled for larger projects.
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  • Profile picture of the author Elmar
    If you can get someone from a "bed bug exterminating" company on the phone and ask them what are the top 3 questions they get that would be the basis for your report. You can offer some free services in exchange for the information.
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  • Profile picture of the author Jack Coxill
    Elmar has some great info here above, if you don't know what to write about just call a company, or look up reviews and past cases of bed bugs and see what people did to resolve the issue.

    As for your report, I'd look at giving away 7-10 pages. I once got told to give away the cake and sell the icing, you grab people in with such valuable and good content, and then sell them things that will make things easier for them or speed things up.
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  • Profile picture of the author princecapri
    TheChanger,

    You are kind of asking the wrong questions. Well, the right questions to the wrong group. If bed bugs is your area, I would suggest doing a thorough research to investigate what kind of issues people are facing. Remember, you want to provide solution (as well as information). I would actually be tempted to use the free report to promote an actual report. Kind of like give information, followed by paid-solution.

    Hope this helps.
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  • Profile picture of the author PreciousGems
    Hello my suggestions is after you have provided the 10 tips to avoiding bed bugs. You would want to engage your readers after reading the 10 tips provide something where they can learn more about the bed bugs by addressing a need or a solution such as, To learn more about bed bugs and effective ways to rid your home of them, (you can provide your website) for helpful information on how to deal with the infestation.
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    • Profile picture of the author TheChanger
      Hey everyone,

      Thanks for all great advice. It looks like I now have to seek out a content writer that specializes in email copy.

      Cheers
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  • Profile picture of the author TiffanyLambert
    What's the exact product you'll be promoting? If it's an info product on how to get rid of bed bugs, then maybe a free opt in report like "Is It Bed Bugs?" where you teach them how to identify if they even have them, since they're hard to identify.

    Or, a report on preventing recurrences.
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  • Profile picture of the author travlinguy
    I'd suggest that if you don't know diddly about your topic then you should pick a topic you do know about. What makes you want to market to this niche anyway? It's a tough one. There's tons of free info out there already on it. That's not to say people won't pay for it though.

    As already mentioned, if you really, really have to do this just spend some time on searching. You'll find enough free info to not only write a free report, but to put together a 'for profit' guide on the topic. Though, IMO, there are easier mountains to climb.
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  • Profile picture of the author marcuslim
    Here's a quick way to get content. See if the info product you are promoting has any affiliate resources - email swipe, articles etc. Then simply use that for your free report. Length really does not matter for free reports. In fact, the shorter the better. Remember, more information does not equal more value. Giving them instant gratification and aha moments is your aim in these free reports.
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    Silver Bullet Publishing

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  • Profile picture of the author healthseocontent
    Free reports are an invaluable part of my own marketing. I can say from personal experience:

    * There is no such thing as too much GOOD, QUALITY information.
    * A typical expected length would be 5 to 15 pages, that being said.
    * Focus on answering questions and solving problems.
    * Do include a number in your title...those grab readers' attention.

    There are a lot of valuable tips here, so I'm sure you will do well.
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    Do you have a natural health, vegan, etc. related site? I'm ready to write copy, content, and e-books for you!

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