Are drip fed ecourses dead?

by MissTR
41 replies
Hi,

Lately, I have heard a few "guru" types mentioning that people no longer like drip fed content as far as them being a part of your email list/ email course that they pay for. They are saying a 6 wk e-course, for example, should not be drip fed over the 6 weeks. Just give it to them all at once (likely in a download page or member area of website).

I kinda liked the idea of drip feeding the parts, because people can't learn it all at once anyway. However, I am sure there are pros and cons to both sides of this.

I was looking forward to putting together something to drip feed to customers. But now I am second guessing. Maybe that shipped has sailed and people won't by a drip fed e-course (they would probably still take it for free though).

Maybe I have just been listening to too much hype and negativity lately.
Anyway, would like to hear some constructive suggestions.

Can anyone shed some light on this subject as it stands today? Is it a good idea to drip feed an e-course, or not? Are there still proven niches/ business models for this?

Actually, it is pretty well known that other types of online delivery-such as membership sites (rather than delivering through email). I could take this route I suppose.

Still, I am weighing my options.

So, I would love to hear what's working now from some people who are actually doing it.

Looking forward to the feedback.

Thanks,
-MissTR
#drip #drip fed #e-courses #ecourses #email marketing #membership sites
  • Profile picture of the author mr2monster
    It's gonna depend on your market.

    Infomarketers are probably going to mostly want it all now so they can keep hoarding the information and never do anything with it... but maybe in another market you could do it with success.

    I did a drip fed product once, but never brought it to market... now you have me thinking....
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    • Profile picture of the author mrdomains
      Depends on the market. What you should do is split test because no matter what anyone says or suggests - it is up to you to get the most out of your traffic.

      Even though you amy be satisfied with your current setup, unless you test alternatives you will never know if you are leaving a lot of money behind.
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      • Profile picture of the author Muhammad Iqbal
        Yes it Depends on the market. You Can Try it Again
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        • Profile picture of the author MissTR
          Originally Posted by Muhammad Iqbal View Post

          Yes it Depends on the market. You Can Try it Again
          Muhammad,

          In what market is this working for you?

          Thanks,
          -MissTR
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      • Profile picture of the author MissTR
        Originally Posted by mrdomains View Post

        Depends on the market. What you should do is split test because no matter what anyone says or suggests - it is up to you to get the most out of your traffic.

        Even though you amy be satisfied with your current setup, unless you test alternatives you will never know if you are leaving a lot of money behind.
        Mrdomains,

        This is good advice. You broke this down plain and simple. I really hadn't thought about split testing, in this scenario. But now that you brought it to my attention, I will need to remember this always because this can be applied to virtually everything! (when usually I tend to limit it to just a few)

        I appreciate your feedback.

        Thanks,
        -MissTR
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    • Profile picture of the author MissTR
      Originally Posted by mr2monster View Post

      It's gonna depend on your market.

      Infomarketers are probably going to mostly want it all now so they can keep hoarding the information and never do anything with it... but maybe in another market you could do it with success.

      I did a drip fed product once, but never brought it to market... now you have me thinking....
      Hmmm...ironic.

      Stop thinking about it and just do it! (strange coming from me- right?)
      Glad I could be of inspiration to you .

      Seriously, follow through on that product and let me know how it works out.

      Thanks for your reply to my post.
      -MissTR
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  • Profile picture of the author jessiepadgal
    I hate but love them as the customer, and am ultimately for them because they make me more effective (ie I will actually take action if I have consistent reminders). Consider offering all the content upfront but still dripping related messages to get the best of both worlds.
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    • Profile picture of the author MissTR
      Originally Posted by articlesforim View Post

      I hate but love them as the customer, and am ultimately for them because they make me more effective (ie I will actually take action if I have consistent reminders). Consider offering all the content upfront but still dripping related messages to get the best of both worlds.
      Interesting idea, and definitely worth a try. (This could be part of a split test as well.)
      Have you tried this yourself? If so, what were your results?

      Thanks,
      -MissTR
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      • Profile picture of the author jessiepadgal
        Originally Posted by MissTR View Post

        Interesting idea, and definitely worth a try. (This could be part of a split test as well.)
        Have you tried this yourself? If so, what were your results?

        Thanks,
        -MissTR
        I have not tried this yet, but as soon as I do I will be happy to share the case study with you.
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  • Profile picture of the author AndrewStark
    Drip feed by e-mail doesn't really work, but combined with a membership site it does still work.

    The best training I've received recently is at click track profit where the video content is drip fed through a membership script and you have to complete tasks to allow the next video to play.
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    • Profile picture of the author MissTR
      Originally Posted by AndrewStark View Post

      Drip feed by e-mail doesn't really work, but combined with a membership site it does still work.

      The best training I've received recently is at click track profit where the video content is drip fed through a membership script and you have to complete tasks to allow the next video to play.
      Interesting twist...might go there in the future.

      Thanks for your reply,
      -MissTR
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    • Profile picture of the author MissTR
      Originally Posted by AndrewStark View Post

      Drip feed by e-mail doesn't really work, but combined with a membership site it does still work.

      The best training I've received recently is at click track profit where the video content is drip fed through a membership script and you have to complete tasks to allow the next video to play.
      Hey Andrew,

      I checked out your blog. It is very good. Congrats.

      What is the name of the plugin you are using for the "love it, hate it" web 2.0 buttons?

      I remember seeing this as a WSO recently, but I don't recall the name of it. Can you tell me what it is?-or, better yet send me the link to the thread (if you have it).

      Thanks,
      -MissTR

      P.S.- Out of curiousity, which WP theme are you using?
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      • Profile picture of the author J Bold
        Originally Posted by MissTR View Post

        Hey Andrew,

        I checked out your blog. It is very good. Congrats.

        What is the name of the plugin you are using for the "love it, hate it" web 2.0 buttons?

        Sounds like you are talking about Link Claw.
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        • Profile picture of the author MissTR
          Originally Posted by redicelander View Post

          Sounds like you are talking about Link Claw.
          Yep, that sounds right.

          Thanks,
          -MissTR
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          • Profile picture of the author Jeff Henshaw
            Horses for courses. If you are not in the IM niche then drip feeding is no different to sending out a regular email or newsletter via an autoresponder, regardless of whether or not the 'feed' is free or paid.

            This too:
            And that is what limits the niche this is workable in.

            The "How to remove a splinter in 6 short weeks" probably isn't winning drip membership of the year.
            IMers are more suspicious and cautious. If the 'feed' is free, then probably no issue, as one can unsubscribe at will. If the 'feed' is paid, say monthly or weekly, then the IMer will probably accept the arrangement - after all he or she did subscribe!

            If the 'feed' has to be paid in full in advance however, then most savvy IMers might want to download the whole package/series asap, rather than be 'drip fed'. Why? Because if the vendor ceases trading (and it happens every day) the IMer gets only part (or even nothing) of what they paid for.

            Just my thoughts,
            Jeff.
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  • Profile picture of the author James Foster
    When ARs first came out, you know why IMers started doing these 7 day ecourses?

    Because they could.

    ... They now had the technology, and they thought it was cool.

    That doesn't mean you should do it.

    Think about it... What would you prefer? If you're looking for some kind of 'how to' - you'd like the answer right now, wouldn't you? Not over the next 7 days.
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    • Profile picture of the author MissTR
      Originally Posted by James Foster View Post

      When ARs first came out, you know why IMers started doing these 7 day ecourses?

      Because they could.

      ... They now had the technology, and they thought it was cool.

      That doesn't mean you should do it.

      Think about it... What would you prefer? If you're looking for some kind of 'how to' - you'd like the answer right now, wouldn't you? Not over the next 7 days.
      James,

      Interesting comment. However, I do think it depends on the subject matter and your business model/sales funnel.

      What I am seeing most right now is IMers who are doing this to "pre-sell" something, so the 7 day thing is just a lead magnet for the eventual sale.

      In my case, I was looking at strictly a product. Although, I should probably start with a report or something as a lead magnet.

      That said, I do think that because we are living in an "INSTANT" Society, it will probably work better to just allow all content up front. Still, most people can't and don't learn everything, of anything, all at once- regardless if they want to or not.

      I guess I've found a great debatable subject. I agree with other replies here, which is to Test It in the market (at least).

      Thanks,
      -MissTR
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    • Profile picture of the author MissTR
      Originally Posted by James Foster View Post

      When ARs first came out, you know why IMers started doing these 7 day ecourses?

      Because they could.

      ... They now had the technology, and they thought it was cool.

      That doesn't mean you should do it.

      Think about it... What would you prefer? If you're looking for some kind of 'how to' - you'd like the answer right now, wouldn't you? Not over the next 7 days.
      James,

      Do you have any membership sites?

      Thanks,
      -MissTR
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  • Profile picture of the author Troy_Phillips
    If the information is in the MMO niche .. you can drip for a year and get opens .. if each drip actually helps the person make money.
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    • Profile picture of the author MissTR
      Originally Posted by Troy_Phillips View Post

      If the information is in the MMO niche .. you can drip for a year and get opens .. if each drip actually helps the person make money.
      Hi Troy,

      I agree. Any drip content, needs to actually be helping the customer.


      Thanks for your reply.

      -MissTR
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      • Profile picture of the author Troy_Phillips
        Originally Posted by MissTR View Post

        Hi Troy,

        I agree. Any drip content, needs to actually be helping the customer.


        Thanks for your reply.

        -MissTR
        And that is what limits the niche this is workable in.

        The "How to remove a splinter in 6 short weeks" probably isn't winning drip membership of the year.
        Signature

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        • Profile picture of the author MissTR
          Originally Posted by Troy_Phillips View Post

          And that is what limits the niche this is workable in.

          The "How to remove a splinter in 6 short weeks" probably isn't winning drip membership of the year.
          TRUE. lol.

          Thanks,
          -MissTR
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  • Profile picture of the author MissTR
    Originally Posted by Resale Rights Ninja View Post

    God no.... But I would link to a video on your website instead of a plain old email course. Then you just drip feed the videos via email.
    Yeah, you're right, videos are huge.

    You've given me more food for thought about my approach.

    Thanks,
    -MissTR
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  • Profile picture of the author sanwacik
    I find video courses still work rather well as long as all the videos can be delivered at one time but I agree with the others here that you may want to split test things out.

    It does depend on what market you are in and with that said - I believe that regardless of the "Instant Gratification" generation - if somebody wants to really learn about what you are offering - if they are truly SERIOUS to begin with - they will go through the videos at their own pace and actually learn something from it.

    However - membership sites are the way to go in my opinion. Offer some free videos and then if the member wants to take it to the next level - they have to pay a monthly nominal fee. People can't expect everything for nothing (even though many think otherwise).

    If they want to let their videos collect dust on their computer - then so be it but I don't think we have to give all our knowledge away. We have to put bread on the table too. That's just how this business works.
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  • Profile picture of the author Fernando Veloso
    I'll be starting a new membership site soon, video content drip along the months. Hope this particular market is not tired of this...
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    People make good money selling to the rich. But the rich got rich selling to the masses.
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    • Profile picture of the author MissTR
      Originally Posted by Fernando Veloso View Post

      I'll be starting a new membership site soon, video content drip along the months. Hope this particular market is not tired of this...
      Fernando,

      I wish you good luck with that. I hope you are taking some good advice (it looks like you have been around the warrior forum for a while).

      Let me know how this goes for you. The success of these membership sites has so many different variables (thinks that could work, or might not work, or works a little, works a lot).

      I would be interested in hearing about your story with your new site.

      Keep me posted, if you don't mind.

      Thanks,
      -MissTR
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  • Profile picture of the author Adrian Int
    Originally Posted by MissTR View Post


    Can anyone shed some light on this subject as it stands today? Is it a good idea to drip feed an e-course, or not? Are there still proven niches/ business models for this?
    As always, what you provide as a product should be dictated by the wants/needs of your market.

    However, there is something to be said for creating products with flaws. Offering different versions of the "same" product can often help you capture more sales without a ton of additional work putting it together.

    I like to try to create an "economy", a "standard" and a "premium" option when I set out to create a new product. This lets you supply your stuff at multiple points on the demand curve, helping you to capture sales at the highest price a particular customer is willing to pay.

    In doing it this way, you can leave less money on the table.

    Were I you, I would consider doing this for your ecourse. Something like...

    Economy: bare bones, drip fed.
    Standard: whole package, drip fed.
    Premium: whole package, bonus material, instant (full) access.


    Depending on your particular niche one of those is likely going to be the clear winner. If it's the top-end, fantastic!

    If it's the bottom-end, here's a word of warning... Don't remove your top-end offer.

    Sometimes, the presence of a higher end option increases the perceived value of the low-end option. In other words... simply having a "BETTER" option can make the cheap option more successful.

    Think of all the people who buy Ferrari or Porsche or Lamborghini vehicles.... Compare that to how many buy branded merchandise from those companies.

    There would be no value in owning a baseball cap with a Porsche logo on it if the cars weren't so unattainable, right?


    Anyway...

    Without going on any more tangents, I don't think that drip-fed courses are "dead". They just aren't as "hot" as they once were.


    Cheers,
    -Adrian In't Veldt
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    ATTENTION: Improve your list building. Free report and mp3
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    • Profile picture of the author MissTR
      Originally Posted by Adrian Int View Post

      As always, what you provide as a product should be dictated by the wants/needs of your market.

      However, there is something to be said for creating products with flaws. Offering different versions of the "same" product can often help you capture more sales without a ton of additional work putting it together.

      I like to try to create an "economy", a "standard" and a "premium" option when I set out to create a new product. This lets you supply your stuff at multiple points on the demand curve, helping you to capture sales at the highest price a particular customer is willing to pay.

      In doing it this way, you can leave less money on the table.

      Were I you, I would consider doing this for your ecourse. Something like...

      Economy: bare bones, drip fed.
      Standard: whole package, drip fed.
      Premium: whole package, bonus material, instant (full) access.


      Depending on your particular niche one of those is likely going to be the clear winner. If it's the top-end, fantastic!

      If it's the bottom-end, here's a word of warning... Don't remove your top-end offer.

      Sometimes, the presence of a higher end option increases the perceived value of the low-end option. In other words... simply having a "BETTER" option can make the cheap option more successful.

      Think of all the people who buy Ferrari or Porsche or Lamborghini vehicles.... Compare that to how many buy branded merchandise from those companies.

      There would be no value in owning a baseball cap with a Porsche logo on it if the cars weren't so unattainable, right?


      Anyway...

      Without going on any more tangents, I don't think that drip-fed courses are "dead". They just aren't as "hot" as they once were.


      Cheers,
      -Adrian In't Veldt
      Adrian,

      Many thanks for your reply.

      Cheers,
      -MissTR
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  • Profile picture of the author NACAdam
    personally I dont like drip fed PAID content but if you start an email list and drip feed them a FREE e course than that is very smooth because they won't mind when you promote them affiliate products ..Don't be lazy with your list and this is a great way to keep them responsive FREE plr what ever is giving your audience value VALUE is key
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  • Profile picture of the author buildablogsite
    Hi there,

    I wouldn't say they are dead, and I would say if done correctly can work.

    I like the idea of providing like a manual, and then daily, weekly etc videos or webinars. This way people who are wanting the information fast can get it from the manual and they can catch up with the videos for clarification. Others who want to take the time can use both together.

    This is when knowing your market really pays off...

    Talk Soon
    Joe
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  • Profile picture of the author PaulyC
    This is one of those things where it completely depends on who you're customers are... For example, if you're delivering a product that someone should have access to right away, such as an IM product, then I think people expect immediate delivery of everything, at least that's what I'd want.

    On the other hand, my main niche is an educational one and I deliver a 4-week course that I drip feed over the course of the 4 weeks... This is similar to the way a college or University course is delivered, which I think my customers enjoy as it mimics a typical learning experience.

    In the end though, you should simply ASK your customers which they prefer... sending a quick survey is a great way to connect with your audience and get this exact question answered - and sending a survey isn't a big deal because they feel as though you care (which you should).

    Hope that helps you out a bit!

    Pauly
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    • Profile picture of the author deejones
      I admit I'm more likely to sign up for a free report than a free ecourse, no matter what the niche.

      But the last ecourse I signed up for (and I hadn't signed up for one in a while before that) was huge. There were two or three ebooks worth of content in that thing. Anyone receiving the whole thing all at once would've been completely overwhelmed. And it contained good information, so I found myself really looking forward to each new lesson.

      I do feel like the person who sent it built up a "relationship" with me with each new message. I don't know if that would've happened if I'd gotten the whole thing all at once.
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    • Profile picture of the author josephjabawaba
      I tend to find that the customers don't really know what they want. They'll say "this is a great idea" when it isn't, or they'll tick a "do this" box when it's clearly not popular by their actions.
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  • Profile picture of the author josephjabawaba
    I actually think that a drip fed course, where the subscriber can choose which module to use and in which order might be best.

    I've found that in my life, I don't learn in a normal textbook way, I like to jump around from section to section. If I had course where the course gave me the modules, and they were self-contained units, and then I could make the course order myself. That would be good. That would even make the discussions in the forums good.
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  • Profile picture of the author josephjabawaba
    I'm on a drip fed marketing course at the moment. But I think it will be a great course!
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  • Profile picture of the author celente
    We still have an e-course going from 2008 (ok it is related to the financial crisis back then)

    But this product is still going well for us. Partly to do with the niche obviously. The questions is, are you guys ready for the economic crash coming, and putting yourself in the right niches. That is the most important thing to ask.....

    Yes it is coming, but just realise, while everyone out there is packing guns, ammo and stocking up on canned goods, there is going to be an incredible opportunity to make money while everything is collapsing. I am not going to tell you which niches, cause I do not need the competition thankyou very much
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  • Profile picture of the author Curtis2011
    Originally Posted by MissTR View Post

    Is it a good idea to drip feed an e-course, or not?
    My suggestion: Think of what type of course your customers would want the most, then sell that type.

    If it is drip fed over time, then do that. If it is all at once, then do that. Or maybe some combination of both where they can follow along with you over time or get it all at once and do it themselves? Just a thought.
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  • Profile picture of the author Randall Magwood
    Drip fed e-courses still work. To make money, you will need lots of leads, and yes... some niches will convert better than others. But it still works. I still do it in my business today.
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    • Profile picture of the author MissTR
      Originally Posted by Randall Magwood View Post

      Drip fed e-courses still work. To make money, you will need lots of leads, and yes... some niches will convert better than others. But it still works. I still do it in my business today.
      Hi Randall,

      In what niches are you converting with this technique? Can you give me a couple different examples?

      Thanks,
      -MissTR
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  • Profile picture of the author Anton Nadilo
    Golden Rule of Sales - "give them what they want"

    In your front end offer make is known it is drip fed content.

    Then offer them an "upsell" option to get access to all the content immediately for a small charge say $4.95...then each person can choose the option that best suits their learning style and personality and you are less likely to get refund requests.

    Hope this helps.

    Stay Strong & Prosper

    Cheers

    Anton
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    • Profile picture of the author MissTR
      Originally Posted by Anton Nadilo View Post

      Golden Rule of Sales - "give them what they want"

      In your front end offer make is known it is drip fed content.

      Then offer them an "upsell" option to get access to all the content immediately for a small charge say $4.95...then each person can choose the option that best suits their learning style and personality and you are less likely to get refund requests.

      Hope this helps.

      Stay Strong & Prosper

      Cheers

      Anton
      Hey Anton,

      Thanks for your response. That's a good idea. I'm sure that will definitely work, still taking into account the niche (won't work for all of them).

      This leaves me with a happy medium, that I had not really given much thought.

      Thanks a lot.

      -MissTR
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