79 {{ upvoteCount | shortNum }}
79 {{ upvoteCount | shortNum }}

How to Get Your List to BUY?

by brit16
66 replies
I signed up with aweber almost exactly two months ago. I have right at 200 subscribers so far...which I am pretty happy with.

Let me give you some detail about what I have been doing so far:

I have a free report that they are getting when they sign up. They then get three (one at a time a few days apart) articles about the topic, then the fifth email is a short review of the clickbank product I promote. Then there are a few more informational emails after that.

Also, my audience is VERY targeted. I am not emailing people with a random promotion.

My results so far:

I am getting around a 50% unique open rate on all the emails (some a bit higher, some a bit lower). Of those about half of them click through on each email (including the one with the clickbank offer). I am not happy with these numbers but that is not really my question.

I have only made one sale that came directly from that fifth email promoting the product. I know it is still early but I expected at least 4 or 5 by now. Within the last two weeks I have made more sales than normal...I would typically have 3 or 4 and the last two weeks I have had 10. I know this is probably nothing to many of you, but I really want this site to be as succesful as possible and I am willing to do the work.

My Questions:

1.) What is the best way to improve the click-through rate of the promotional email?

2.) How can I improve my conversion rate once they have clicked through?

3.) Are some of the other sales I am making likely coming from people on my list, that have returned to the site. Or is the rise in sales likely not related to the list?

4.)Any thoughts / suggestions / criticism about the site in general are welcomed and appreciated. ( I know the "look" of the site needs some work, that is what I plan on focusing on next.)

Thanks in advance for all the help you give!! Also, if you are newer than I am and there is anything I can do to help, please let me know. I would love to be able to give back .
#buy #list
  • Profile picture of the author Zeus66
    Your open rate is very high. Your click-through rate is also much higher than average. Be prepared for those both to come down as your list grows.

    The key to list marketing success mostly has to do with your list members seeing you as an authority in the niche and trusting you to recommend good products/services.

    What are you doing to build up both (authority and trust)? It's like anything else in business.... you buy from people you think know what they're talking about and in whom you feel a sense of trust.

    John
    {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[5923001].message }}
    • Profile picture of the author brit16
      THanks, I feel like my viewers have a lot of "trust" in me. I am going through all of the same things they are (I am a part of the niche myself) and we relate in that way. I share my personal experiences negative and positive. Also lately I have been recieving many emails thanking me for my site and asking for support, etc. I have been replying personally to each of these emails, which I feel like will help the "trust" issue.

      What else can I do to build trust? Should I be doing something specific in the emails to build trust? The site is in my signature if that helps.

      Thanks agian!

      Originally Posted by Zeus66 View Post

      Your open rate is very high. Your click-through rate is also much higher than average. Be prepared for those both to come down as your list grows.

      The key to list marketing success mostly has to do with your list members seeing you as an authority in the niche and trusting you to recommend good products/services.

      What are you doing to build up both (authority and trust)? It's like anything else in business.... you buy from people you think know what they're talking about and in whom you feel a sense of trust.

      John
      {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[5923066].message }}
      • Profile picture of the author wordwizard
        Congratulations on doing so well with your list. Keep doing what works!

        About those "extra" sales... I think your hunch is correct! People often save sites that interest them, either the URL or they leave the site open in their browser, and then go back later to buy. Some of us just like to sleep on buying decisions sometimes.

        You could also add another email or two occasionally writing about that site and how much their product has helped you etc. Or share a tip and add a link to the site for more...

        Just don't overdo it, and keep providing value...

        Good luck!

        Elisabeth
        Signature

        FREE Report: 5 Ways To Grow Your Affiliate Income
        Let Me Help You Sell: Sales Letters, Email Series, Pre-Sell Reports... PM me & we'll talk!
        {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[5923133].message }}
    • Profile picture of the author TBInternetMarketing
      Originally Posted by Zeus66 View Post


      The key to list marketing success mostly has to do with your list members seeing you as an authority in the niche and trusting you to recommend good products/services.
      Couldn't agree more. And the best way to do this is to cut out all the BS, and just give people what they want. If you know how to do something, share it with them and give them some useful information to show them how to do it. This will help you build a solid relationship with them and they will be far more likely to buy the products you recommend to them .
      {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[5925130].message }}
    • Profile picture of the author makingiants
      If your squeezepage optin rate is high,
      if your open rate is high,
      if your clickthrough rate is high,
      if your buying conversion rate is high,
      then you won't have a problem.

      Since you do, check on
      wherever your problem is. Test your copy,
      design, offers, traffic to improve everything.

      HTH
      Vince aka makingiants
      {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[5959344].message }}
  • Profile picture of the author Zeus66
    The other thing here is that a list full of people who got a free offer from you isn't as responsive to buying your suggestions as a list full of people who bought something to get on your list.

    I would consider selling something to grow your list. Whatever you know a lot about or have experience doing successfully would be a good starting point. Doesn't really matter how much you sell it for. Just start getting some buyers on your list and your conversion rate should go up when you send other offers.
    {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[5923185].message }}
  • Profile picture of the author Cataclysm1987
    Originally Posted by brit16 View Post

    My Questions:

    1.) What is the best way to improve the click-through rate of the promotional email?

    2.) How can I improve my conversion rate once they have clicked through?

    3.) Are some of the other sales I am making likely coming from people on my list, that have returned to the site. Or is the rise in sales likely not related to the list?

    4.)Any thoughts / suggestions / criticism about the site in general are welcomed and appreciated. ( I know the "look" of the site needs some work, that is what I plan on focusing on next.)

    Thanks in advance for all the help you give!! Also, if you are newer than I am and there is anything I can do to help, please let me know. I would love to be able to give back .
    1. Test test test. Generally speaking, informal, friendly e-mails convert higher than spammy looking advertisements.

    2. I recommend webinars and video content. Those typically perform very well.

    3. The only way you can know this is by tracking your traffic and conversions. You are tracking this...right?

    4. I love your site. If you don't make 100-200 dollars a day within a few months, I will be stumped.
    Signature

    No signature here today!

    {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[5923210].message }}
    • Profile picture of the author brit16
      Originally Posted by Cataclysm1987 View Post

      1. Test test test. Generally speaking, informal, friendly e-mails convert higher than spammy looking advertisements.

      2. I recommend webinars and video content. Those typically perform very well.

      3. The only way you can know this is by tracking your traffic and conversions. You are tracking this...right?

      4. I love your site. If you don't make 100-200 dollars a day within a few months, I will be stumped.
      I think I am tracking my traffic . Sorry I am pretty new to all this. I have google analytics so I know where everyone is coming from. I also have clickbank ID's assigned so I know where the clicks are coming from. What I don't know is if someone from the list buys through my site, instead of through the email. Is there a way to track this??

      I think the videos are a great idea. I have thought about this before but it seems a little intimidating (I had not even heard of IMing a little over a year ago ).

      Thanks for the compliment on my site!! When you say you expect me to be making 100-200 a day...it makes me think "what am I doing wrong???". I have been at this site for a little over a year now and only make $100 -$300 a MONTH. The first 6 months were a lot of learning, not as much doing. And I only started the list two months ago. So....how do I go from $200 a MONTH to $200 a DAY????? We are really hurting for money and even a sale a day would help greatly at this point!! Any suggestions? Thanks again.
      {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[5923289].message }}
      • Profile picture of the author Cataclysm1987
        Originally Posted by brit16 View Post

        I think I am tracking my traffic . Sorry I am pretty new to all this. I have google analytics so I know where everyone is coming from. I also have clickbank ID's assigned so I know where the clicks are coming from. What I don't know is if someone from the list buys through my site, instead of through the email. Is there a way to track this??
        Of course.

        Just assign a tracking ID to your e-mail list and link through that for e-mail, then make sure your website has a separate tracking ID. You should be able to view the conversions separately.
        Signature

        No signature here today!

        {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[5923312].message }}
        • Profile picture of the author brit16
          Are you referring to a clickbank ID? Or is there some sort of ID I can use with aweber? Thanks.

          Originally Posted by Cataclysm1987 View Post

          Of course.

          Just assign a tracking ID to your e-mail list and link through that for e-mail, then make sure your website has a separate tracking ID. You should be able to view the conversions separately.
          {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[5923331].message }}
          • Profile picture of the author Cataclysm1987
            Originally Posted by brit16 View Post

            Are you referring to a clickbank ID? Or is there some sort of ID I can use with aweber? Thanks.
            A clickbank ID.

            So you have one Clickbank ID you use for your site, another you use for your e-mail. By keeping those separate, you can track what is converting and figure out which method you should focus on.

            If you want to make this easier, save the ID in a link tracking plugin like GoCodes.

            Then every time you send someone to an affiliate link via your list, you just type in mysite.com/go/emailtrackingid. Much easier than finding it in Clickbank every time.
            Signature

            No signature here today!

            {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[5923373].message }}
            • Profile picture of the author brit16
              Originally Posted by Cataclysm1987 View Post

              A clickbank ID.

              So you have one Clickbank ID you use for your site, another you use for your e-mail. By keeping those separate, you can track what is converting and figure out which method you should focus on.

              If you want to make this easier, save the ID in a link tracking plugin like GoCodes.

              Then every time you send someone to an affiliate link via your list, you just type in mysite.com/go/emailtrackingid. Much easier than finding it in Clickbank every time.
              I am already using clickbank tracking id's, so I do know who is coming from an email. But what if the person from the list does not buy when they click through the email, but ends up buying later through a link on my site. Is there anyway to know that they are on my list? Thanks!
              {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[5924098].message }}
          • Profile picture of the author Anna Kowalski
            Great specific advices here already.

            In more general terms, try to be as "interactive" as possible. Instead of all your communication being "one way" (with you preaching to the congregation), try to get feedback, opinions, etc. from your subscribers. Make communication go both ways.

            You could take polls, or invite questions, then use the subscriber submitted questions and concerns to formulate your own content going forward.

            I mean all of this in general. Not trying to get too specific.

            This is a great thread and I look forward to more responses from other Warriors.
            {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[5923422].message }}
            • Profile picture of the author brit16
              Originally Posted by Anna Kowalski View Post

              Great specific advices here already.

              In more general terms, try to be as "interactive" as possible. Instead of all your communication being "one way" (with you preaching to the congregation), try to get feedback, opinions, etc. from your subscribers. Make communication go both ways.

              This is a great thread and I look forward to more responses from other Warriors.
              This is something I have been wanting to do but I feel a little nervous that I would put out a poll on the blog and that no one would answer . This would look bad for newcomers to the site. Some of my post get numerous comments and some of them get none. I am having a hard time knowing how to try to make the site more "interactive". Any suggestions?
              {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[5930493].message }}
              • Profile picture of the author brit16
                Originally Posted by paul nicholls View Post

                hi brit

                1. Make your about me page longer. When someone wants to find out more about you, the only thing they have is an about me page. Make it a lot more in depth and tell people your past and what you have gone through and be more transparent. This will build a lof more trust and credibility
                paul
                I am so glad you said this; I have been wondering if I should put more effort into this page. The only thing I wasn't sure about is that I already have a page called "My IVF Success Story", that tells most of what I would potentially say on the "about me" page. Is it ok to have both of these?? And what all should the About Me include?

                Originally Posted by paul nicholls View Post

                2. Your first follow up email after they have opted in, send them to your about me page. Of course you will need a better about me page as mentioned above. If you send them to your about me page you will again build more trust, authority and credibility right off the bat

                paul
                On the welcome emial right now it is about recieving the free product. Should I send them to the about me page on the first email, and send them the product on the second email....or should I just have link to download the book and a link to the about me page in the same email?? Thanks!

                Originally Posted by paul nicholls View Post

                3. The clickbank product that you are selling is $40. That is quite a hefty price to charge for the first product that you are selling to your list. I know you are an affiliate but if i was you i would create your own in depth report and sell it for $5 - $7

                This does 2 things, it seperates the people that have the "ability to pay"

                paul
                I have often wondered if the price itself was preventing me from making more sales. Many of us infertility sufferers have to pay for treatment out of pocket, so we may not be able to afford $40, but we are also very desperate ! The thing that concerns me about this method is I am not sure that they will be willing to buy more than one product with basically the same or similar information in it???? Also, I created the "free e-book" to get people to subscribe, so I am not sure that I could create another product that was more of the same. (Does this make sense....most of what I had to share went into the free e-book.) There are other clickbank products over IVF that I could promote first to my list. Should I also find a different product to promote on the website????? Right now I am only promoting one clickbank product all throughout my site. (The same one I am promoting to the list. Sorry for all the questions, just want to get a plan in mind before I go changing things.



                Originally Posted by Zeus66 View Post

                The other thing here is that a list full of people who got a free offer from you isn't as responsive to buying your suggestions as a list full of people who bought something to get on your list.

                I would consider selling something to grow your list. Whatever you know a lot about or have experience doing successfully would be a good starting point. Doesn't really matter how much you sell it for. Just start getting some buyers on your list and your conversion rate should go up when you send other offers.
                Should I consider selling my free ebook for a small price instead of giving it away for free?? It seems like this would decrease the amount of people that sign up and defeat the purpose of building trust by giving them something for free.

                Thanks everyone for your thoughtful replies. I feel like I have some good things to think about. Any other thoughts are welcome!!!
                {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[5930595].message }}
                • Profile picture of the author bchez
                  Originally Posted by brit16 View Post




                  I have often wondered if the price itself was preventing me from making more sales. Many of us infertility sufferers have to pay for treatment out of pocket, so we may not be able to afford $40, but we are also very desperate ! The thing that concerns me about this method is I am not sure that they will be willing to buy more than one product with basically the same or similar information in it???? Also, I created the "free e-book" to get people to subscribe, so I am not sure that I could create another product that was more of the same. (Does this make sense....most of what I had to share went into the free e-book.) There are other clickbank products over IVF that I could promote first to my list. Should I also find a different product to promote on the website????? Right now I am only promoting one clickbank product all throughout my site. (The same one I am promoting to the list. Sorry for all the questions, just want to get a plan in mind before I go changing things.
                  You have plenty you can write and sell:

                  Do a short ebook on success stories
                  Create a "infertility journal" that has pages to write on and quotes of encouragement
                  Change your freebie to a 10 things you didn't know about fertility article and sell your ebook
                  Write a guide on the best programs in the nation
                  Write a guide on how to choose a fertility doctor
                  Put together a guide to all the books on fertility in the field (cliffs notes) with both a complete summary and a review of each one (especially LONG ones)
                  Put together a guide about resources to help afford the treatments, or a guide on how much it will cost and how to budget for it.

                  You can fill any fact based paper with stories about people who use the techniques and what happened along their journey. Creative non-fiction to illustrate your facts.

                  Anything that people want to read about regarding your topic can be turned into a product for sale with some work. I just sat and thought some ideas for a few minutes, and I know nothing about the topic, I know YOU can some up with a million ideas, since you have lived it!
                  {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[5932403].message }}
                  • Profile picture of the author brit16
                    Thanks so much. I know there are many many things related to fertility, but to me they seem like things to write articles over, not books . I guess I need to focus on my writing skills. You gave some great thoughts, thanks again!
                    {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[5932666].message }}
                    • Profile picture of the author brit16
                      Just thought I would see if I could get anymore responses. I would really like to know everyone's opinion on should I be selling my free ebook for a cheap price instead of giving it away??? Also, do I need a cheaper product to be promoting first to my list? These are some comments that came up on the thread and I would like to hear some opinions on them.

                      I went to clickbank yesterday and couldn't find an IVF product that was cheaper. Thanks for any thoughts.
                      {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[5937270].message }}
  • Profile picture of the author dylanloh
    Hey,

    Are you considering selling your own product? Perhaps you should.

    Based on what I know...from what I've read off this post here's my 2 cents worth of advice:

    1. Before your 5th promo email, did you do any pre-sells in your 3rd or 4th emails? It doesn't have to be an aggressive pre-sell. I've found very subtle ones - just a name drop works extremely well.

    For example in your 3rd content email you could say something like:

    "...and that's the last part of the method you need to employ if you wanna potty train your cat. Of course there is an easier (and quicker) way to training your cat (like they were dogs) in 'Cat Insiders' but more about that later."

    By name dropping - in this case 'Cat Insiders' - you're building anticipation and priming them for your promo. You're also anchoring your lists by associating the known - your content with the yet-to-be-known - the name of the promo.

    I find that doing that increases not only click through rates but eventually sales conversion.

    2. Have you been soliciting feedback from your list? I like to survey them and have them tell me what was useful and what was not. I take the opportunity to also ask them to "if you could ask me one question, what would that be?".

    What I find there usually surprises and I use that as a basis to frame my future promos and future content.

    Hope this helps!

    Dylan
    Signature
    How To Convert Your Traffic INTO CASH Literally.
    {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[5923287].message }}
    • Profile picture of the author brit16
      Thanks so much for the advice! I think the name dropping sounds like a great idea. I tend to be a little afraid of pushing to hard. I want to be relatable and not come off like a sales person. But I think you are right about just something subtle. Thanks again!

      Originally Posted by dylanloh View Post

      Hey,

      Are you considering selling your own product? Perhaps you should.

      Based on what I know...from what I've read off this post here's my 2 cents worth of advice:

      1. Before your 5th promo email, did you do any pre-sells in your 3rd or 4th emails? It doesn't have to be an aggressive pre-sell. I've found very subtle ones - just a name drop works extremely well.

      For example in your 3rd content email you could say something like:

      "...and that's the last part of the method you need to employ if you wanna potty train your cat. Of course there is an easier (and quicker) way to training your cat (like they were dogs) in 'Cat Insiders' but more about that later."

      By name dropping - in this case 'Cat Insiders' - you're building anticipation and priming them for your promo. You're also anchoring your lists by associating the known - your content with the yet-to-be-known - the name of the promo.

      I find that doing that increases not only click through rates but eventually sales conversion.

      2. Have you been soliciting feedback from your list? I like to survey them and have them tell me what was useful and what was not. I take the opportunity to also ask them to "if you could ask me one question, what would that be?".

      What I find there usually surprises and I use that as a basis to frame my future promos and future content.

      Hope this helps!

      Dylan
      {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[5923321].message }}
  • Profile picture of the author paul nicholls
    hi brit

    ive taken a look at your blog and the product that your selling

    your blog is good and looks quite trustworthy

    but there are quite a few things that you can do to improve your campaign and also help with your sales

    1. Make your about me page longer. When someone wants to find out more about you, the only thing they have is an about me page. Make it a lot more in depth and tell people your past and what you have gone through and be more transparent. This will build a lof more trust and credibility

    2. Your first follow up email after they have opted in, send them to your about me page. Of course you will need a better about me page as mentioned above. If you send them to your about me page you will again build more trust, authority and credibility right off the bat

    3. The clickbank product that you are selling is $40. That is quite a hefty price to charge for the first product that you are selling to your list. I know you are an affiliate but if i was you i would create your own in depth report and sell it for $5 - $7

    This does 2 things, it seperates the people that have the "ability to pay"

    Its no good trying to sell a $40 product to someone if they wont even buy a $5 product from you

    By selling your own $5 product you will not only be building your own buyers list but these are customers that you can then sell more expensive products to. Your next product could be a $17 product and then promote the $40 IVF clickbank product

    spending some time creating your own IVF type of product would be a much better investment of your time so that you can sell it for $5 - $7

    you will find that your conversions are much higher and you will be seperating the buyers from freebie seekers which is very important

    Theres a few other bits you could improve on but if you make the above changes you will see a drastic improvement in your conversions and profits

    hope this helps

    paul
    Signature
    FREE REPORT===>> 7 Reasons Why You Will probably Fail Online This year
    {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[5923294].message }}
  • Profile picture of the author Tadresources
    I think you're doing exceptionally well at this point. Your open and click through rates are higher than average so you must be doing something right. Just keep establishing yourself as an authority and do whatever you can to keep that up.
    {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[5923366].message }}
  • Profile picture of the author Randall Magwood
    Increase the number of times your sales link is displayed throughout your message. Also, send broadcast emails every 1-2 months offering a discount of your product. This can get you sales very quickly.
    Signature
    ==>> Free video reveals how to make $10k/month with affiliate marketing
    {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[5924403].message }}
  • Profile picture of the author Ricochet
    A huge topic for debate, which will enevitably come with experience.
    You need to nurture your list.. Provide great value and let them know that they can rely on the content you send them before promoting to them..
    This is key and why many fail when it comes to generating profits from there list.
    You have a high click through rate, which is good.
    Perhaps the offer you're sending them to doesn't convert that well.
    Also make sure you keep your promotions niche specific, i.e if someone signs up to your list for an SEO report then don't send them to promotions on CPA marketing for instance.

    It's hard to give exact guidance, without knowing much more detail, i.e your follow up sequence, offers you send them too.

    Continually track, test and tweak your campaign for incremental improvements.
    Perhaps you could configure a follow up message asking your list exactly what they want.
    I have this in my follow up sequence and it's a real golden nugget

    Hope that helps and good luck.
    Signature
    {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[5924467].message }}
  • Profile picture of the author KBrown
    The message is the same .... give them great content that they can use and they will give you what you want. Great tips here .. thanks for the share.

    KBrown

    Rockn Internet~
    Signature
    What to see how its done? I Dare You!
    ListBuildingScience.Com
    {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[5928055].message }}
  • Profile picture of the author jamesrich1
    Your open rate is insane! Keep doing what your doing to get your list to open. 10 sales from a list of 200 is good. Just keep building that list...
    {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[5930624].message }}
    • Profile picture of the author brit16
      Originally Posted by jamesrich1 View Post

      Your open rate is insane! Keep doing what your doing to get your list to open. 10 sales from a list of 200 is good. Just keep building that list...
      I had ten sales in the last couple of weeks but only one of those was directly from the list . Also, this is a highly targeted audience and I am very dissapointed with the open rate!! I know everyone keeps saying it is great but the audience couldn't be more targeted so I don't understand why more of them are not opening??? Thanks!
      {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[5930722].message }}
  • Profile picture of the author jamesrich1
    Open rates are normally 5-10% and 10-20% is considered great. Everybody isn't opening because they might have hundreds to thousands of other emails in their inbox. Do you have tracking in place to show you where every sale is coming from?
    {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[5930747].message }}
  • Profile picture of the author emrom
    I don't think there is any such thing as a 100% buyer list. what one customer buys one time, doesn't mean they will buy again or even look at other offers. Every offer, every email is a first timer. Just my thoughts.
    {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[5930782].message }}
    • Profile picture of the author brit16
      Originally Posted by emrom View Post

      I don't think there is any such thing as a 100% buyer list. what one customer buys one time, doesn't mean they will buy again or even look at other offers. Every offer, every email is a first timer. Just my thoughts.
      I am not looking for %100 buyers, just looking for ideas on how to increase my buyer percentage.
      {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[5931240].message }}
    • Profile picture of the author myob
      Originally Posted by emrom View Post

      I don't think there is any such thing as a 100% buyer list.
      It is possible actually to maintain a list of 100% buyers. In my promotions, only the first-time buyers ever even become subscribers to begin with, then everyone must continue to buy at least once every 3 months. Those who don't are deleted. The rational behind this marketing approach is that in my experience, if they don't buy within any 90-day cycle, only a small percentage ever will buy again. Your mileage may vary, but at some point there are usually sharply diminishing returns.
      {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[5940076].message }}
      • Profile picture of the author brit16
        Originally Posted by myob View Post

        It is possible actually to maintain a list of 100% buyers. In my promotions, only the first-time buyers ever even become subscribers to begin with, then everyone must continue to buy at least once every 3 months. Those who don't are deleted. The rational behind this marketing approach is that in my experience, if they don't buy within any 90-day cycle, only a small percentage ever will buy again.
        Thanks, this makes sense. Do you think this would be true in my niche, where people can be desperate for years??? I am in the infertility niche, and I went through treatments for nearly 5 years before finally having my baby. Thanks for the advice!
        {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[5940147].message }}
        • Profile picture of the author myob
          Infertility is not one of my niches, but such a marketing approach may be worth a shot. A quick search on Amazon for example, shows there are over 3,000 books regarding this topic. From a business and sales position, your experience certainly will be of great value in recommending best references, resulting in repeat conversions.
          {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[5940238].message }}
          • Profile picture of the author brit16
            Thanks, in general how much do you make off each Amazon book? Since the amount is so much less than clickbank products is it worth it???? Thanks for the great advice.
            {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[5959056].message }}
            • Profile picture of the author myob
              Originally Posted by brit16 View Post

              Thanks, in general how much do you make off each Amazon book? Since the amount is so much less than clickbank products is it worth it???? Thanks for the great advice.
              The commissions on Amazon are only 4%-8.5% depending on monthly number of sales, but even with a small list you can earn a very comfortable recurring income. And with Amazon's ingenious sales suggestion feature, you earn commissions on any additional products purchased at the same time or within a 24-hour period.

              One caveat, however, is that you cannot include your affiliate link directly in Amazon email promotions or any other off-site marketing method. What I do is hyperlink to a stand-alone product review/sales page which has the affiliate link embedded for ordering.
              {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[5959782].message }}
              • Profile picture of the author brit16
                Originally Posted by myob View Post

                The commissions on Amazon are only 4%-8.5% depending on monthly number of sales, but even with a small list you can earn a very comfortable recurring income. And with Amazon's ingenious sales suggestion feature, you earn commissions on any additional products purchased at the same time or within a 24-hour period.

                One caveat, however, is that you cannot include your affiliate link directly in Amazon email promotions or any other off-site marketing method. What I do is hyperlink to a stand-alone product review/sales page which has the affiliate link embedded for ordering.
                Could you expain what you mean by not being able to include your affiliate link. I am signed up with amazon but have not done anything with them yet. Am I allowed to send them to a review page on my site and the review have an affiliate link? Or should it be a stand alone page off of my blog?? Thanks again! Also, would I really need to read any books that I promote off amazon? I hate the idea of promoting things I don't really know about. Do authors ever offer review copies of the books? I can't afford to be buying numerous books just to have the opportunity to review them. Thanks!
                {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[5965077].message }}
                • Profile picture of the author myob
                  Originally Posted by brit16 View Post

                  Am I allowed to send them to a review page on my site and the review have an affiliate link? Or should it be a stand alone page off of my blog??
                  Either of these is perfectly acceptable within Amazon's TOS. You can not use a direct Amazon affiliate link in email promotions.

                  Originally Posted by brit16 View Post

                  would I really need to read any books that I promote off amazon? I hate the idea of promoting things I don't really know about. Do authors ever offer review copies of the books? I can't afford to be buying numerous books just to have the opportunity to review them.
                  The most effective way IMO for consistently selling books is writing reviews with your own personal recommendation or opinion, even more so if you can establish yourself as being a specialist about the topic.

                  Authors may offer review copies, although I consider it a time-consuming process and have never done so. But you can often "browse" in bookstores or visit your local library.

                  Just be sure to never use Amazon's or any published reviews in any of your promotions or website copy; this very common practice ("copy and paste marketing") results in low conversion rates.
                  {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[6362340].message }}
  • Profile picture of the author Vid Yo
    Before you are down on yourself about an aspect of your email marketing, don't forget to take a moment to celebrate the fact that your open rate AND click thru rate are VERY good!
    Signature
    Need Web Design Leads?
    These Aren't Your Average Kind. Click Here Now!
    {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[5932158].message }}
    • Profile picture of the author brit16
      Originally Posted by ncp63837 View Post

      Before you are down on yourself about an aspect of your email marketing, don't forget to take a moment to celebrate the fact that your open rate AND click thru rate are VERY good!
      Thanks, I am just looking for ways to improve the buying rate. It does not matter how many people open if none of them actually buy !
      {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[5932178].message }}
  • Profile picture of the author alxwf
    Product Launch Formula has some great information on this but its expensive. If you can find it for free then it has everything you need to know.

    In short you need to give your list some free stuff to build reciprocity and wet their appetite then offer them something that completely solves their problem but obviously costs them some money.

    Think about a four part email series where they get free stuff AND are being sold a product at the same time.

    You need to GIVE before you GET
    {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[5937935].message }}
    • Profile picture of the author Nightengale
      Brit,

      As others have said, you're doing REALLY well so far! Pat yourself on the back.

      What have you been doing to build your list?

      One thing I'd do is reach out to others in this niche and see if you can do a joint venture of some type. A joint venture is an implied endorsement, if not an outright endorsement. That will often bring high opt-in and buy rates.

      Check out Dawn Davenport at Creating a Family: Creating a Family She has a radio show and is active on Facebook. I've subscribed to her updates on Facebook for quite a while. I have no idea how big her audience is, but I'd check her out. Also look for others like her.

      Also check out Infertility - IVF, TTC, PCOS, Causes, Fertility Treatment, Male and their forums at Infertility, Fertility Forums, Message Boards, Discussion Groups. IVF, TTC, In Vitro, etc

      Hope that helps!

      Michelle
      Signature
      "You can't market here. This is a marketing discussion forum!"
      {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[5938208].message }}
      • Profile picture of the author brit16
        Originally Posted by Nightengale View Post

        Brit,

        As others have said, you're doing REALLY well so far! Pat yourself on the back.

        What have you been doing to build your list?

        One thing I'd do is reach out to others in this niche and see if you can do a joint venture of some type. A joint venture is an implied endorsement, if not an outright endorsement. That will often bring high opt-in and buy rates.

        Check out Dawn Davenport at Creating a Family: Creating a Family She has a radio show and is active on Facebook. I've subscribed to her updates on Facebook for quite a while. I have no idea how big her audience is, but I'd check her out. Also look for others like her.

        Also check out Infertility - IVF, TTC, PCOS, Causes, Fertility Treatment, Male and their forums at Infertility, Fertility Forums, Message Boards, Discussion Groups. IVF, TTC, In Vitro, etc

        Hope that helps!

        Michelle
        Thanks so much. I feel like I am doing well as far as getting opt-ins and having a decent number of people open, but I am very dissapointed in the lack of actual sales. I will check her out!!

        Could you explain a little more about how the whole joint venture works? I have heard people talk about this kind of thing a lot and am very interested in it. But I don't know how to go about getting it set up and how "big" my site should be before I approach someone. Also, I have emailed many bloggers in my niche about guest post and most have not replied or they replied and said that they "don't do guest post".

        I am very active on the infertility forums and get some traffic from there. Were you saying that I should contact their owners????? Thanks so much for the thoughtful advice!

        As for what I have been doing to build my list..... not much other than offer a free ebook, and encourage people through my post to subscribe. Don't really know the best way to encourage them to sign up????
        {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[5938280].message }}
    • Profile picture of the author brit16
      Originally Posted by alxwf View Post

      Product Launch Formula has some great information on this but its expensive. If you can find it for free then it has everything you need to know.

      In short you need to give your list some free stuff to build reciprocity and wet their appetite then offer them something that completely solves their problem but obviously costs them some money.

      Think about a four part email series where they get free stuff AND are being sold a product at the same time.

      You need to GIVE before you GET
      I cannot afford to be buying products, even cheap ones, I have learned everything on my own (with the help of this forum of course ). I am giving away a freebie and I have recieved positive feedback from my viewers. I feel like I am "giving" first.
      {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[5938222].message }}
  • Profile picture of the author ryanmilligan
    Banned
    People love free stuff.

    I've always warmed up my list by offering them free stuff; I give all my lists a couple of free things a month. It might be a report or a video. Maybe even an audio, just give them something.

    This way - if the free stuff is great quality - its gonna' leave them thinking *Wow, they gave me that for free, I wonder what kind of stuff they would give to me if I payed them!*
    {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[5938317].message }}
    • Profile picture of the author brit16
      Originally Posted by ryanmilligan View Post

      People love free stuff.

      I've always warmed up my list by offering them free stuff; I give all my lists a couple of free things a month. It might be a report or a video. Maybe even an audio, just give them something.

      This way - if the free stuff is great quality - its gonna' leave them thinking *Wow, they gave me that for free, I wonder what kind of stuff they would give to me if I payed them!*
      Thanks I agree that it makes sense to give them freebies and build their trust. But I have had many people mention that building a "buyers" list is more successful??!!


      Also, is there a way to create a sub-list of my main list, where I put the people who have bought (all 1 of them )????
      {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[5939462].message }}
  • Profile picture of the author remega
    You have to condition your list to take the actions you want them to take. You do this by starting out with self liquidating offers. Then move up to higher ticket items. The more they buy from you with the self liquidating offers, the more they will be conditioned to buy big ticket items.
    Signature
    Need Biz or Project Funding? Just Click Here For Private Money!
    {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[5939557].message }}
    • Profile picture of the author brit16
      Originally Posted by remega View Post

      You have to condition your list to take the actions you want them to take. You do this by starting out with self liquidating offers. Then move up to higher ticket items. The more they buy from you with the self liquidating offers, the more they will be conditioned to buy big ticket items.
      Sorry, but what is a "self liquidating offer" ?????? At the moment I only have one clickbank product to promote and the free e-book that I wrote to get them on the list in the first place. Should I promote some cheaper amazon books or something first? It just doesn't seem like that would make enough to make a real difference. Thanks!!!
      {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[5939714].message }}
      • Profile picture of the author fluffythewondercat
        How do you get your list to BUY?

        I make it painful for them not to.

        fLufF
        --
        Signature
        Fiverr is looking for freelance writers for its blog. Details here.
        Love microjobs? Work when you want and get paid in cash the same day!
        {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[5939759].message }}
        • Profile picture of the author brit16
          Originally Posted by fluffythewondercat View Post

          How do you get your list to BUY?

          I make it painful for them not to.

          fLufF
          --
          How do I do that????!!!!
          {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[5939815].message }}
          • Profile picture of the author koz
            Originally Posted by brit16 View Post

            How do I do that????!!!!
            Simple... Fear. Same as what religion does. Follow me and live or don't and die! It is fear based selling. The Karma is big and has to be paid for, but it works.

            There are other ways of using fear based marketing that is not so harsh but in the end people will only buy based on perceiving value, need and fear.
            {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[5939942].message }}
  • Profile picture of the author Jon Brickley
    Authority is great, trust is great, but when people like you they will follow you
    Signature
    100% FREE: How To Set Up The Most Effective Automated Sales Funnel Formulas And Strategies.
    {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[5959886].message }}
  • Profile picture of the author Mike Hill
    Run an "A/B" split test on your sales page to improve those elements. Your email clickthru is high which is good so it suggests that there is something on your sales page that is stopping people from buying.

    Your job is to figure that out.

    I would be tempted to send an email asking why they haven't purchased yet. Something like:

    - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -

    Hi <NAME>,

    I've noticed that you haven't secured your copy of XYZ and was
    just wondering if there was something stopping you that I haven't
    addressed?

    I'd love to hear your feedback and to thank you for your time I'd
    like to extend to you a special discount for the next 24 hours at
    this special link:

    <SPECIAL LINK>

    Have a great day and Enjoy!
    <YOUR NAME>

    PS. Simply hit the reply button and type your feedback right in
    this email. When you're done, send it to me and then go and get
    your copy of XYZ at the special discount I mentioned.

    - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -

    I would probably add that email to my autoresponder to be delivered the second or third week of your autoresponder email series. If you are splitting your email list automatically then if a customer buys before that email in the series, they will never see that email.

    This might be a good thing to do while you're in your testing phase and could make your tests move along faster because you're customers will tell you what was holding them back.
    {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[5960429].message }}
    • Profile picture of the author Brian Tayler
      Originally Posted by Mike Hill View Post

      Run an "A/B" split test on your sales page to improve those elements. Your email clickthru is high which is good so it suggests that there is something on your sales page that is stopping people from buying.

      Your job is to figure that out.

      I would be tempted to send an email asking why they haven't purchased yet. Something like:

      - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -

      Hi <NAME>,

      I've noticed that you haven't secured your copy of XYZ and was
      just wondering if there was something stopping you that I haven't
      addressed?

      I'd love to hear your feedback and to thank you for your time I'd
      like to extend to you a special discount for the next 24 hours at
      this special link:

      <SPECIAL LINK>

      Have a great day and Enjoy!
      <YOUR NAME>

      PS. Simply hit the reply button and type your feedback right in
      this email. When you're done, send it to me and then go and get
      your copy of XYZ at the special discount I mentioned.

      - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -

      I would probably add that email to my autoresponder to be delivered the second or third week of your autoresponder email series. If you are splitting your email list automatically then if a customer buys before that email in the series, they will never see that email.

      This might be a good thing to do while you're in your testing phase and could make your tests move along faster because you're customers will tell you what was holding them back.
      Great advice here from Mike. Suggest the newer warriors take note.
      Signature
      .-=-.

      .-=-.
      X81MBTp
      {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[6412704].message }}
  • Profile picture of the author tpw
    I believe that there are three important factors.

    1. Building Trust with your readers, convinces people to give you their time.

    2. Offering Real Value to your readers enables people to keep opening your emails.

    3. Giving Your Readers Access To What They Want To Buy is what is necessary for people to be able to buy from your list.
    Signature
    Bill Platt, Oklahoma USA, PlattPublishing.com
    Publish Coloring Books for Profit (WSOTD 7-30-2015)
    {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[5965122].message }}
  • Profile picture of the author Ashish Poonia
    Banned
    Originally Posted by brit16 View Post

    I signed up with aweber almost exactly two months ago. I have right at 200 subscribers so far...which I am pretty happy with.

    Let me give you some detail about what I have been doing so far:

    I have a free report that they are getting when they sign up. They then get three (one at a time a few days apart) articles about the topic, then the fifth email is a short review of the clickbank product I promote. Then there are a few more informational emails after that.

    Also, my audience is VERY targeted. I am not emailing people with a random promotion.

    My results so far:

    I am getting around a 50% unique open rate on all the emails (some a bit higher, some a bit lower). Of those about half of them click through on each email (including the one with the clickbank offer). I am not happy with these numbers but that is not really my question.

    I have only made one sale that came directly from that fifth email promoting the product. I know it is still early but I expected at least 4 or 5 by now. Within the last two weeks I have made more sales than normal...I would typically have 3 or 4 and the last two weeks I have had 10. I know this is probably nothing to many of you, but I really want this site to be as succesful as possible and I am willing to do the work.

    My Questions:

    1.) What is the best way to improve the click-through rate of the promotional email?

    2.) How can I improve my conversion rate once they have clicked through?

    3.) Are some of the other sales I am making likely coming from people on my list, that have returned to the site. Or is the rise in sales likely not related to the list?

    4.)Any thoughts / suggestions / criticism about the site in general are welcomed and appreciated. ( I know the "look" of the site needs some work, that is what I plan on focusing on next.)

    Thanks in advance for all the help you give!! Also, if you are newer than I am and there is anything I can do to help, please let me know. I would love to be able to give back .
    Write sales letter with compelling subjects.This really works(increase 20% sales)
    {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[5965186].message }}
  • Profile picture of the author Muhsin Aziz
    What you can do is to build a relationship with your list.

    One of the best ways is to share stories with your list.

    Relate that story with the product that you are selling
    and at the end of your story, soft sell your product.
    {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[6396270].message }}
  • Profile picture of the author AndyBlackSEO
    I agree with a lot of the others here... You open and click through rates are good. Remember, that some people make more money from 200 subscribers than others do with 10,000.

    It boils down to a few things. Do you offer them value, do they trust or respect you within your niche, do they have money to spend.

    If you recommend products that you know most of them would appreciate then they will welcome your emails... Even if you are marketing to them. You're simply making them aware of a product or service that they may not be awa of.

    Throw in some useful blog posts or free content and you can't go far wrong. Keep building your list in ways that are proving positive.

    To increase your sales, it is just a case of scaling it up and building your list. There are ways and means of speeding this process up with ad swaps, solo ads, paid traffic, banners or even WSO's.

    Andy
    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[6396582].message }}
  • Profile picture of the author TamilYoung
    I would say, "Don't always push your offers on them and only send them your affiliate links. Instead, interact with them, provide them true value and suggest those products you really have used and benefited. That's the only great and ethical way to make your list buy for a long time from you."
    Signature
    {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[6396591].message }}
  • Profile picture of the author ddev
    IMHO, lists are responsive if people trust you or you have a product / service people love and follow. You have to build that relationship.

    I found that building membership sites gives better results (due to that relation you build with your members: users are more connected with you if they frequently use the membership site, so it's easy to get their attention).
    Signature
    {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[6397275].message }}
  • Profile picture of the author sanjx01
    Hey Brit,

    You have some great suggestions here from some very experienced warriors.

    One thing you might want to have a look at is hiring a professional copywriter to write better converting emails for you.

    Just a thought.

    ~S
    Signature
    Got A Facebook Account? That's All YOU Need To Make $520 In 30 Minutes (See Proof)
    {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[6401750].message }}
  • Profile picture of the author karlmay1980
    These are good rates, you will never get everyone opening your emails, and the majority won't click through to your offer and buy, keep doing what you are doing and make sure you grow your list, and sales will carry on coming, make sure you are offering value with every article you send.
    Signature
    Want To Make Your First £10,000 Online?
    {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[6401814].message }}
  • Profile picture of the author zudierh
    Just my own opinion and experience. I am subscribers to many of IMer. I am subscriber of them maybe because of i am their product buyer or their freebies taker.

    If i put myself in a 'subscriber' foot. i am always open an email when i know who are the sender and i got little bit good communication with them (important). Through my experience as a subscriber of them, when i write and send a simple email to them, maybe just say hi or little bit get advise or help from them, they email me promptly although they don't know who am i. (I know they have a huge number of list and still they have a time to reply my email. I am appreciated it!)

    So, indirectly, they are my priority when they email me anything, i 'll open all their email and watch their promotion. Although i know if i buy from their link, they got some commission. I think they deserve for it.

    Others who are just keep on promote, promote and promote and never want to build any relationship with their subscribers. (most importantly, for those who are never reply my simple email) I will just put their email on my secondary open email list and maybe never open their email anymore.

    Just little bit of my experience! Good luck my friend

    Zudie
    {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[6405917].message }}
  • Profile picture of the author williamk
    Banned
    There are some good advices in this thread. I also think that your open rate is high. Also conversion is like 1% in reality so, you cant expect more. From 50% open rate 1 sale is decent in my opinion.
    {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[6411399].message }}
  • Profile picture of the author eman1
    If you continue to focus only on getting more targeted traffic to your website and building your targeted list, your affiliate sales will continue to increase as your list grows.
    Signature

    Click For Success In: FACEBOOK MARKETING - AFFILIATE MARKETING - GETTING MASS WEBSITE TRAFFIC

    {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[6411854].message }}

Trending Topics