What Would You Do When Your List Is Not Responsive?

12 years ago

One thing you can really do with a list like this to get them to interact and also get the list to grow is to have your subscribers and people you are trying to get to subscribe to send in photos and stories about their german shepards.

Be creative, let them know their pictures and stories may be featured in upcoming mailings.

Say you ask for pictures and stories then Lisa send in some pictures and stories about her german shepard playing in the sprinker with her children.

You can add in that story to the folowups with a very catchy headline. This way you are getting them to interact, attracting new subscribers and getting free content all at the same time.

People love to feel like they are part of things and love to hear other peoples stories and see cute and funny pics. They will be showing all their friends and feel big when their pictures and story gets posted.

Thanks
2 replies

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Alexa Smith Banned 12 years ago

Hi Elion,

The things that significantly affect responsiveness relate almost entirely to issues arising before, while and immediately after people subscribe. I think this thread may help you: http://www.warriorforum.com/main-int...ml#post6123982

It's all about continuity-processes and expectation-setting.

It's true that minor, later details (such as email subject-lines) can make some difference, but in general it's far, far easier to give birth than it is to raise the dead, and I think what really matters, taking the long-term view (which is the only one that matters much), is to have a very different continuity-process in place for your next 300 subscribers from the one used for your current 300 subscribers - as explained in the thread mentioned above.

Other little threads that may by helpful to you, for the "bigger picture" ...
What are the essential things to know about list building?
Lists: How Long to Presell - Averages
Where to get reports to give away on opt in page?
Autoresponders vs. Broadcasts
Website or squeeze page

I don't believe this! Higher opt-in rate, fewer sales
- [ 2 ] Thanks
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Joe Thio

12 years ago

Originally Posted by hotrod26

One thing you can really do with a list like this to get them to interact and also get the list to grow is to have your subscribers and people you are trying to get to subscribe to send in photos and stories about their german shepards.

Be creative, let them know their pictures and stories may be featured in upcoming mailings.

Say you ask for pictures and stories then Lisa send in some pictures and stories about her german shepard playing in the sprinker with her children.

You can add in that story to the folowups with a very catchy headline. This way you are getting them to interact, attracting new subscribers and getting free content all at the same time.

People love to feel like they are part of things and love to hear other peoples stories and see cute and funny pics. They will be showing all their friends and feel big when their pictures and story gets posted.

These are good ideas, perhaps you can have a web page with a google docs form where people can submit their stories or something. One idea could ask your subscribers to submit their favorite games to play with their dogs, then send out an email that talks about "these are the games you all suggested". Possibly even include a survey of which is their favorite. The possibilities are endless.

Thanks

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Stuart Walker

12 years ago

Make contact with them, find out what they want from you as obviously if they aren't opening or buying you aren't giving them what they want. Ask them what their number 1 problem with their pets are at the moment, create a survey monkey survey and ask them to take part so you can only send them the best possible information.

Sending them crappy PLR articles or endless freebies isn't the solution. You need to find out what their problems are and solve them whilst building a relationship and trust with them.

I recently sent out an email to my list telling them to ask me any question they wanted about the niche and I would reply within 24hrs. And I did. The amount of people who were amazed that I even replied and even more amazed I replied personally (!) was incredible. If they know you are a real person who's willing to help them and you send them things they are interested in they will open your emails, click your links and if you pitch the right products in the right way they WILL buy from you.

Also what Alexa said above, set their expectations and stick to what you've said you'll do. Be consistent.

Thanks
1 reply

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Malcolm Thomas

12 years ago

Originally Posted by RockingLastsForever

Make contact with them, find out what they want from you as obviously if they aren't opening or buying you aren't giving them what they want. Ask them what their number 1 problem with their pets are at the moment, create a survey monkey survey and ask them to take part so you can only send them the best possible information.

Sending them crappy PLR articles or endless freebies isn't the solution. You need to find out what their problems are and solve them whilst building a relationship and trust with them.

I recently sent out an email to my list telling them to ask me any question they wanted about the niche and I would reply within 24hrs. And I did. The amount of people who were amazed that I even replied and even more amazed I replied personally (!) was incredible. If they know you are a real person who's willing to help them and you send them things they are interested in they will open your emails, click your links and if you pitch the right products in the right way they WILL buy from you.

Also what Alexa said above, set their expectations and stick to what you've said you'll do. Be consistent.

This is some very solid advice. Focus on solving your subscribers problems and giving them what they want. When you focus on offering solutions you will begin to make a lot more money in the long term while at the same time building a better relationship with your subscribers.

Thanks
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Elion Makkink

12 years ago

Originally Posted by hotrod26

One thing you can really do with a list like this to get them to interact and also get the list to grow is to have your subscribers and people you are trying to get to subscribe to send in photos and stories about their german shepards.

Be creative, let them know their pictures and stories may be featured in upcoming mailings.

Say you ask for pictures and stories then Lisa send in some pictures and stories about her german shepard playing in the sprinker with her children.

You can add in that story to the folowups with a very catchy headline. This way you are getting them to interact, attracting new subscribers and getting free content all at the same time.

People love to feel like they are part of things and love to hear other peoples stories and see cute and funny pics. They will be showing all their friends and feel big when their pictures and story gets posted.

Thanks, never thought of including these stories in my e-mails before.

Originally Posted by Alexa Smith

Hi Elion,

The things that significantly affect responsiveness relate almost entirely to issues arising before, while and immediately after people subscribe. I think this thread may help you: http://www.warriorforum.com/main-int...ml#post6123982

It's all about continuity-processes and expectation-setting.

It's true that minor, later details (such as email subject-lines) can make some difference, but in general it's far, far easier to give birth than it is to raise the dead, and I think what really matters, taking the long-term view (which is the only one that matters much), is to have a very different continuity-process in place for your next 300 subscribers from the one used for your current 300 subscribers - as explained in the thread mentioned above.

Other little threads that may by helpful to you, for the "bigger picture" ...
What are the essential things to know about list building?
Lists: How Long to Presell - Averages
Where to get reports to give away on opt in page?
Autoresponders vs. Broadcasts
Website or squeeze page

I don’t believe this! Higher opt-in rate, fewer sales

Thanks! Great advice, digging through the threads now.

Originally Posted by RockingLastsForever

Make contact with them, find out what they want from you as obviously if they aren't opening or buying you aren't giving them what they want. Ask them what their number 1 problem with their pets are at the moment, create a survey monkey survey and ask them to take part so you can only send them the best possible information.

Sending them crappy PLR articles or endless freebies isn't the solution. You need to find out what their problems are and solve them whilst building a relationship and trust with them.

I recently sent out an email to my list telling them to ask me any question they wanted about the niche and I would reply within 24hrs. And I did. The amount of people who were amazed that I even replied and even more amazed I replied personally (!) was incredible. If they know you are a real person who's willing to help them and you send them things they are interested in they will open your emails, click your links and if you pitch the right products in the right way they WILL buy from you.

Also what Alexa said above, set their expectations and stick to what you've said you'll do. Be consistent.

Open (40-70%) and click rates (20-30%) were quite high, but as the follow up series continued they kept dropping.

Originally Posted by JohnMcCabe

I won't even start on the spelling and grammar of your sales page, since that's not what you asked about.

It's not clear how many messages are in your sequence, but even there I don't see the main problem.

The main problem is that you are sending mixed messages. You offer a monthly membership for a dog training 'system', yet all of your emails are plugging Amazon and Clickbank offers. My guess is that the CB offers are for dog training systems. Right?

Why would anyone accept the idea that you have a clue about training shepherds? You come across as a JAM (Just Another Marketer), pumping out superficial tips to plug products. Even products that would seem to compete with yours.

In fact, from your post, one could easily make the assumption that your real objective is to either find a buyer or find affiliates.

That said, what would I do if a list is not responsive?

Start at the source and follow the path I want my subscribers to follow, looking for disconnects and contradictions. In your case:

> Your main source of subscribers is a Facebook page, presumably in the role of a lover of German Shepherds. Without knowing what you are offering, it's hard to say what people expect.

> You have a site offering a membership to a dog training system which you expect dog owners to pay you $20/month.

> Your email followups offer a tip and an affiliate link, and nothing else (at least from what you posted). If you send every three days, at 30 days your oldest subscribers have seen 10 messages. My guess is that your emails expose you as a marketer, as opposed to a dog lover with something to market.

> Even in rewriting your followups, you talk abut simply rewriting generic 'dog' PLR to apply to shepherds. Let me guess - by changing the word 'dog' to 'German Shepherd'?

Bottom line, it doesn't sound like you've given your list anything worth responding to.

Keep in mind, I'm making a lot of guesses based on the skimpy info posted here, along with your sales page.

On a side note, you mention how many affiliates JVZoo has and how much they've paid out over their lifetime. Neither of those has any relevance to recruiting affiliates, at least not as stated.

I'm sorry if this sounds harsh, but I'd rather risk that than blow sunshine up your skirt with some rah-rah 'congrats on taking action' BS...

Don't worry, I'm not offended at all! This is probably the best advice so far. Thanks! But to make things a bit more clear, the follow up series were prior to promoting my membership. Since the follow up series weren't making me any money I decided to create my own product and market that to them. But that's where I got stuck since I didn't exactly knew what the best thing would be to do.

Originally Posted by Bill Hugall

Comments like this drive me absolutely mad!!!

My first $2000 dollar day came from a list of 1400 people and my first 8 sales came on a list of 40 people.

My suggestions to improve any open and conversion rates are this.

Create a simple sequence of emails all leading into the next. Be informative, helpful and caring. Try to do something other than butter up your them up to make a sale.
View the people on your list (your customers) as people that have problems. Offer free solutions. ***This can be very powerful when done properly and very lucrative***
Get out side engagement. Take them out of that shut in world of email and bring them to a Facebook page encouraging interaction. This is a great way to add direct competition offers without selling.
Focus on relationships not money. The only person who cares about your product between you and a new prospect is you.
People love to read about real life. Not dry articles. Imagine for a moment reading something for Alexa.(not doing this on purpose Alexa) Clean to the point yet always opening new doors in your thought process. Imagine doing that for your customers on a day to day basis an viewing your list as a great way to help not sell.

Try those things and tell me how it goes. My guess. You make far more money in the long run and have repeat customers.

Thanks for the bullet list, quite helpful.

Originally Posted by NickMarks

Sounds like you need to rebrand yourself. Make a few videos (you on video) giving free tips about your niche. You more you give out this content of you on video, the more they'll look at you as an expert and take the advice you give them. PLR articles are a dime a dozen.. Brand yourself and you'll be rewarded..

Definitely, but no videos!

Originally Posted by Malcolm Thomas

This is some very solid advice. Focus on solving your subscribers problems and giving them what they want. When you focus on offering solutions you will begin to make a lot more money in the long term while at the same time building a better relationship with your subscribers.

Yes I thought I was focusing on their problems by offering a nice and straight forward gsd training membership. However, the spelling and grammar of the salespage and perhaps the course itself is horrible, since I purchased this as a PLR and tweaked it a bit to apply to gsds.

Thanks
2 replies

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Alexa Smith Banned 12 years ago

Hmm ... this has certainly turned into a pretty good thread. I think you've had some really good advice from some really good Warriors, above!
- Thanks
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JohnMcCabe

12 years ago

Originally Posted by Elion Makkink

Don't worry, I'm not offended at all! This is probably the best advice so far. Thanks! But to make things a bit more clear, the follow up series were prior to promoting my membership. Since the follow up series weren't making me any money I decided to create my own product and market that to them. But that's where I got stuck since I didn't exactly knew what the best thing would be to do.

If the course is good, the first thing to do is put the wagon (affiliate offers and follow-up tips) back behind the horse (selling your own product).

If the course isn't good, you need to fix that first.

Maybe start with an opt-in report on some beginning aspect of training, like using various tools to interrupt undesirable behavior. You could cover everything from simple finger snaps to training collars. Maybe some theory on training - setting dog up for success, repetition, praise/rewards, etc.

Your follow-up series could go into more detail about the rewards of having a well-trained pet and the risks of not training. Make the follow-ups part of your course, and at the end of each email add a gentle plug for the course.

Save the (carefully hand-picked) affiliate offers for members.

Thanks
1 reply

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Elion Makkink

12 years ago

Originally Posted by Alexa Smith

Hi Elion,

The things that significantly affect responsiveness relate almost entirely to issues arising before, while and immediately after people subscribe. I think this thread may help you: http://www.warriorforum.com/main-int...ml#post6123982

It's all about continuity-processes and expectation-setting.

It's true that minor, later details (such as email subject-lines) can make some difference, but in general it's far, far easier to give birth than it is to raise the dead, and I think what really matters, taking the long-term view (which is the only one that matters much), is to have a very different continuity-process in place for your next 300 subscribers from the one used for your current 300 subscribers - as explained in the thread mentioned above.

Other little threads that may by helpful to you, for the "bigger picture" ...
What are the essential things to know about list building?
Lists: How Long to Presell - Averages
Where to get reports to give away on opt in page?
Autoresponders vs. Broadcasts
Website or squeeze page

I don’t believe this! Higher opt-in rate, fewer sales

I just read through your posts and they were really interesting and helpful. However, I still have some questions:

1). You say that your subscribers know exactly when and how many messages they will receive, or at least to some extend. May I ask you how you tell this your subscribers? Something like: "You will receive x amount / a few / a 7-day minicourse e-mails for the coming days"?

2). Make sure that the "free report" is designed specifically to make sure that its recipients open and read the subsequent email series. Could you be more specific on how to accomplish this?

3). Would it be wise to have a 5-part follow up series (on day 0, 3, 6, 10, 15) regarding something that is mentioned on the squeezepage (in my case gs dog training) and then just a regular newsletter every 5 days (in my case about gs dog training/health/breeding as well)?

4). Would you recommend to rewrite PLR articles to fit the gsd breed and make sure they are consistent / high value for this regular newsletter I just mentioned?

Originally Posted by JohnMcCabe

If the course is good, the first thing to do is put the wagon (affiliate offers and follow-up tips) back behind the horse (selling your own product).

If the course isn't good, you need to fix that first.

Maybe start with an opt-in report on some beginning aspect of training, like using various tools to interrupt undesirable behavior. You could cover everything from simple finger snaps to training collars. Maybe some theory on training - setting dog up for success, repetition, praise/rewards, etc.

Your follow-up series could go into more detail about the rewards of having a well-trained pet and the risks of not training. Make the follow-ups part of your course, and at the end of each email add a gentle plug for the course.

Save the (carefully hand-picked) affiliate offers for members.

The problem is: English isn't my native language. That's why I purchase PLR and pre-written salespage/membership course. However, I know that there're still some spelling and grammar errors like you mentioned. So I guess I need someone to check/correct them.

I think I get the point you and Alexa are making, will pm you both with some additional information. Thanks so far!

Thanks
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Elion Makkink

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Alexa Smith

Banned 12 years ago

Originally Posted by Elion Makkink

1). You say that your subscribers know exactly when and how many messages they will receive, or at least to some extend.

Yes, indeed - expectation-setting is hugely important, in list-building (though "email frequency" is only one very small of part of it).

Originally Posted by Elion Makkink

May I ask you how you tell this your subscribers? Something like: "You will receive x amount / a few / a 7-day minicourse e-mails for the coming days"?

I don't send minicourses, myself. I tell them openly that I'll send them an email every five (or sometimes every six) days, after one or two more frequent ones at first, and I explain some of the things they'll discuss (making them sound as appealing/interesting as possible, of course, so that people are looking forward to receiving and opening them).

I do this on my website, in the first email I send them (together with the download-link for the "free report"), and especially in the "free report", where I go into more detail to set their expectations.

Originally Posted by Elion Makkink

2). Make sure that the "free report" is designed specifically to make sure that its recipients open and read the subsequent email series. Could you be more specific on how to accomplish this?

I've said a little more about it here: http://www.warriorforum.com/main-int...ml#post7647187 . You need your free report to fulfil the specific functions listed in that post, I think.

Originally Posted by Elion Makkink

3). Would it be wise to have a 5-part follow up series (on day 0, 3, 6, 10, 15) regarding something that is mentioned on the squeezepage (in my case gs dog training) and then just a regular newsletter every 5 days (in my case about gs dog training/health/breeding as well)?

Sorry, I don't know the niche. More specifically, I don't know anything about your traffic demographics and exactly what's attracted them to your site in the first place (that's the first part of the "continuity process", isn't it?). So I have no way of knowing this.

Originally Posted by Elion Makkink

(in my case gs dog training

What is "gs"?

Originally Posted by Elion Makkink

4). Would you recommend to rewrite PLR articles to fit the gsd breed and make sure they are consistent / high value as this regular newsletter I just mentioned?

It's not something I've ever done, or wanted to, myself.

But I'm saying that without knowing what the availability is of high-quality PLR in your niche.

I certainly wouldn't be re-writing PLR for the "free report", though.

You need to give people some information that they can't get anywhere else.

Most of your subscribers, in a niche like dog training, are going to be on ten other marketers' lists and/or have been on ten other marketers' lists from which they've unsubscribed. Most of them have seen before the same products (or at the very least the same sort of products) which you're going to try to promote to them. You have to be able do better than the others, to make money and build a business. You have to become the person from/through whom your subscribers choose to buy, because their trust and confidence in you and their respect for you is such that you're the one whose recommendations mean something to them. This is absolutely fundamental.

I don't say it's impossible to do that by recycling/re-writing PLR (because I don't know anything about the niche, so I can't offer any such assertion) but it seems to me, instinctively, that that perhaps isn't going to be the optimal kind of approach and that countless not-too-successful marketers are probably already doing that, anyway? I may be mistaken.

Thanks

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JohnMcCabe

12 years ago

Originally Posted by Elion Makkink

I did sent quite some follow ups in the past. Every 3 days, with a gsd tip and a product recommendation. But after 1000+ messages were sent, not even a single sale was made.

I promoted mainly amazon offers but now and then also cb offers.

I won't even start on the spelling and grammar of your sales page, since that's not what you asked about.

It's not clear how many messages are in your sequence, but even there I don't see the main problem.

The main problem is that you are sending mixed messages. You offer a monthly membership for a dog training 'system', yet all of your emails are plugging Amazon and Clickbank offers. My guess is that the CB offers are for dog training systems. Right?

Why would anyone accept the idea that you have a clue about training shepherds? You come across as a JAM (Just Another Marketer), pumping out superficial tips to plug products. Even products that would seem to compete with yours.

In fact, from your post, one could easily make the assumption that your real objective is to either find a buyer or find affiliates.

That said, what would I do if a list is not responsive?

Start at the source and follow the path I want my subscribers to follow, looking for disconnects and contradictions. In your case:

> Your main source of subscribers is a Facebook page, presumably in the role of a lover of German Shepherds. Without knowing what you are offering, it's hard to say what people expect.

> You have a site offering a membership to a dog training system which you expect dog owners to pay you $20/month.

> Your email followups offer a tip and an affiliate link, and nothing else (at least from what you posted). If you send every three days, at 30 days your oldest subscribers have seen 10 messages. My guess is that your emails expose you as a marketer, as opposed to a dog lover with something to market.

> Even in rewriting your followups, you talk abut simply rewriting generic 'dog' PLR to apply to shepherds. Let me guess - by changing the word 'dog' to 'German Shepherd'?

Bottom line, it doesn't sound like you've given your list anything worth responding to.

Keep in mind, I'm making a lot of guesses based on the skimpy info posted here, along with your sales page.

On a side note, you mention how many affiliates JVZoo has and how much they've paid out over their lifetime. Neither of those has any relevance to recruiting affiliates, at least not as stated.

I'm sorry if this sounds harsh, but I'd rather risk that than blow sunshine up your skirt with some rah-rah 'congrats on taking action' BS...

[ 8 ] Thanks

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tahir100

12 years ago

dont expect any sale from a list lower than at least 2000 subscribers.

[ 1 ] Thanks
3 replies

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Alexa Smith

Banned 12 years ago

Originally Posted by tahir100

dont expect any sale from a list lower than at least 2000 subscribers.

Wow, how pessimistic can you get? I expect to make my first sale in a new niche before my subscriber-numbers reach 30, let alone 2,000! I wouldn't have pursued internet marketing if it took a list of 2,000 before I made a sale ...

[ 4 ] Thanks
1 reply

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World Marketing

12 years ago

Originally Posted by Alexa Smith

Wow, how pessimistic can you get? I expect to make my first sale in a new niche before my subscriber-numbers reach 30, let alone 2,000! I wouldn't have pursued internet marketing if it took a list of 2,000 before I made a sale ...

Well said...The quality over quantity any day....

Thanks

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Bill Hugall 12 years ago
Originally Posted by tahir100

dont expect any sale from a list lower than at least 2000 subscribers.

Comments like this drive me absolutely mad!!! My first $2000 dollar day came from a list of 1400 people and my first 8 sales came on a list of 40 people.

My suggestions to improve any open and conversion rates are this.
- Create a simple sequence of emails all leading into the next. Be informative, helpful and caring. Try to do something other than butter up your them up to make a sale.
- View the people on your list (your customers) as people that have problems. Offer free solutions. ***This can be very powerful when done properly and very lucrative***
- Get out side engagement. Take them out of that shut in world of email and bring them to a Facebook page encouraging interaction. This is a great way to add direct competition offers without selling.
- Focus on relationships not money. The only person who cares about your product between you and a new prospect is you.
- People love to read about real life. Not dry articles. Imagine for a moment reading something for Alexa.(not doing this on purpose Alexa) Clean to the point yet always opening new doors in your thought process. Imagine doing that for your customers on a day to day basis an viewing your list as a great way to help not sell.
Try those things and tell me how it goes. My guess. You make far more money in the long run and have repeat customers.
- [ 3 ] Thanks
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AndyCole1971

12 years ago

Originally Posted by tahir100

dont expect any sale from a list lower than at least 2000 subscribers.

As sad as this seems, it's more or less true. I remember one time complaing to the owner of a product I was an affiliate for. I had sent well over 300 clicks to the sales page and made NOTHING! ZERO, ZILCH! I couldn't believe it. Your list is similar. I only started to get sales in my niche when I got over the 1,000 subscriber mark and ensured my follow up emails were spot on. :p

Thanks
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Stuart Walker

12 years ago

Originally Posted by AndyCole1971

As sad as this seems, it's more or less true. I remember one time complaing to the owner of a product I was an affiliate for. I had sent well over 300 clicks to the sales page and made NOTHING! ZERO, ZILCH! I couldn't believe it. Your list is similar. I only started to get sales in my niche when I got over the 1,000 subscriber mark and ensured my follow up emails were spot on. :p

But it's not more or less true though. It may be your experience but then you probably built a list by sending solo ads to a squeeze page then blasted your subscribers with affiliate offers, right? That's why it took you 2,000 subs to see a sale.

Thanks
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AndyCole1971

12 years ago

Originally Posted by RockingLastsForever

But it's not more or less true though. It may be your experience but then you probably built a list by sending solo ads to a squeeze page then blasted your subscribers with affiliate offers, right? That's why it took you 2,000 subs to see a sale.

Um....no. I nurtured my list by providing value and once I could see that trust was established, I started including calls to action. I'm in the 'make money online' niche and I'm sure you can imagine there's a massive amount of skepticism. I was trying to give the guy some advice on a 'worst case scenario', even though in his niche he probably will start to see success a little earlier. Having said that, he probably doesn't want to hear success stories like "I made a sale with my first subscriber". I've been there when you feel like nothing's working for you while everybody else is raking it in. It's not fun.

Either way, I'll back off now and let you explain how he can make sales......

Thanks
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JohnMcCabe

12 years ago

Originally Posted by AndyCole1971

Having said that, he probably doesn't want to hear success stories like "I made a sale with my first subscriber". I've been there when you feel like nothing's working for you while everybody else is raking it in. It's not fun.

Making a single sale on your first subscriber is luck. Making another, and another, and another...that's success.

Aside from that, I agree with you. It's no fun to think you're the only one who is struggling. Until you realize that most of those people embody the saying "all hat, no cattle."

[ 1 ] Thanks
1 reply

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Elion Makkink

12 years ago

Originally Posted by AndyCole1971

As sad as this seems, it's more or less true. I remember one time complaing to the owner of a product I was an affiliate for. I had sent well over 300 clicks to the sales page and made NOTHING! ZERO, ZILCH! I couldn't believe it. Your list is similar. I only started to get sales in my niche when I got over the 1,000 subscriber mark and ensured my follow up emails were spot on. :p

Originally Posted by AndyCole1971

Um....no. I nurtured my list by providing value and once I could see that trust was established, I started including calls to action. I'm in the 'make money online' niche and I'm sure you can imagine there's a massive amount of skepticism. I was trying to give the guy some advice on a 'worst case scenario', even though in his niche he probably will start to see success a little earlier. Having said that, he probably doesn't want to hear success stories like "I made a sale with my first subscriber". I've been there when you feel like nothing's working for you while everybody else is raking it in. It's not fun.

Either way, I'll back off now and let you explain how he can make sales......

I was thinking to adjust the pricing of my membership to either micro $4,95/month payments for an ongoing membership, or keeping it at $19,95 - but in that case for a fixed term membership (4 months).

BUT, having read your comments and the comments of others - perhaps I should try to provide value first before worrying about the price? I have no idea what they are willing to pay for my membership right now. The thing is, $19,95 for an ongoing membership might be too expensive. Besides, it's not clear what they will receive after the 4-month training on the salespage. The trial period in combination with the 30-day money back guarantee might be confusing as well.

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AndyCole1971

12 years ago

Originally Posted by Elion Makkink

I was thinking to adjust the pricing of my membership to either micro $4,95/month payments for an ongoing membership, or keeping it at $19,95 - but in that case for a fixed term membership (4 months).

BUT, having read your comments and the comments of others - perhaps I should try to provide value first before worrying about the price? I have no idea what they are willing to pay for my membership right now. The thing is, $19,95 for an ongoing membership might be too expensive. Besides, it's not clear what they will receive after the 4-month training on the salespage. The trial period in combination with the 30-day money back guarantee might be confusing as well.

We can all only offer you advice from our own experiences. It's all very well telling you how it 'should be done' but unless somebody has succeeded with a specific method, it's a moot point. All of the advice I ever received from successful marketers was to provide VALUE - non STOP value. And when you think you've delivered enough, deliver MORE!

I put this into practice and it certainly helped me make sales. The good thing about it was when potential customers got in touch with me, I stayed consistent and didn't feed them any BS. Word of mouth helped make more sales.

I would definitely worry about value before price, yes.

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Elion Makkink

12 years ago

Originally Posted by AndyCole1971

We can all only offer you advice from our own experiences. It's all very well telling you how it 'should be done' but unless somebody has succeeded with a specific method, it's a moot point. All of the advice I ever received from successful marketers was to provide VALUE - non STOP value. And when you think you've delivered enough, deliver MORE!

I put this into practice and it certainly helped me make sales. The good thing about it was when potential customers got in touch with me, I stayed consistent and didn't feed them any BS. Word of mouth helped make more sales.

I would definitely worry about value before price, yes.

True that - You're absolutely right. I'm already working on it

I have also sent you a PM!

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johnorc 12 years ago

Open a conversation with your subscribers!

And the best way to do that is to simply ask them a question. Better yet, try to help them with a problem they may be having.
For example, if your niche is in the weight loss industry, ask new subscribers what their biggest struggle is with losing weight?

You may be surprised by how many people actually respond. This opens up a conversation and builds trust.
Of course, there are other ways to reinvigorate your list, such as:

Create a survey to get feedback from your users. AWeber makes it really easy to add a survey to your emails and segment your list by the survey results!

Offer a free gift to get their attention like an eBook or a digital product

But, while those techniques aren't necessarily bad, they don't help build a relationship or trust with your subscribers like one on one communication does.

If you have an existing list you are trying to reinvigorate, then be sure to place the question in the subject line of the email to entice them to open it and respond.

But, if you're new to list building then start off your autoresponder series with a question to build trust right off the bat. This will make it easier to engage with and sell to your subscribers in the future.

BUT, this works only if you respond to every email!

Don't ask a question and never respond. That's a good way to lose your subscribers and build a bad reputation.

So, try this out with your list and see how it goes. It's a very simple tactic that can produce great results!
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NickMarks

12 years ago

Sounds like you need to rebrand yourself. Make a few videos (you on video) giving free tips about your niche. You more you give out this content of you on video, the more they'll look at you as an expert and take the advice you give them. PLR articles are a dime a dozen.. Brand yourself and you'll be rewarded..

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dbrwn

12 years ago

Yeah, adding stories and photos from your subscribers is definitely a start in the right direction because the subscribers will not be board at all. They will have something to look forward to in the next issue of your newsletter or ezine.

People love fresh and new content so try to not always sell sell to them all of the time. If you must sell to them in each message that you send, then put all of the sales materal at the bottom of the issue and place the interesting content first for them to read.

That way, when they get to the bottom, they can check out what products and or services you have to offer. Also, if you try to have products and or services that relate to the content above the sales material, then you might be more likely to make money.

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Charles AK

12 years ago

you need to build a relationship with your subscribers, you can't just build a list of a couple thousand people and expect to make money from them immediately, people need to trust you which is why it is important to start building a buyers list, since they already trust you some what.

You have to make your emails stand out, unresponsive subscribers are bombarded with emails everyday, that basically say the same thing.

You should make your emails more personal, and bring out your real personality in your emails.

A list that trusts you will be more responsive, instead of a list that doesn't know who you are.

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GobBluthJD

12 years ago

Provide better, higher quality, unique, engaging content.

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beelzebul

12 years ago

I suggest you use words that'll grab attention in the subject line of your newsletter.

if your list don't respond anymore it means they don't trust you anymore. just build another list and establish a good relationship with them.

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TravisO

12 years ago

Even if it is not responsive, just do not delete it. They may have not checked your updates though. Or they may just ignore it.

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tomerep

12 years ago

You can send separate email to your non responsive subscribers. Ask them why they have not responded to your promotions, queries of or other contents you sent on their email. You can also talk about the value of the emails but of course, don't highlight them too much. Might be because the "value" you are giving to them is not OK for them.

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sylviad

12 years ago

Hi,

I love this thread. It's so informative. You've given me some ideas for MY dog sites. Thank you, fellow Warriors.

To the OP, it's my impression that people who sign up are not all dog lovers. Some are marketers checking out your offers, email sequences, etc. In some cases, they do it to get material for their own marketing, such as to copy your ideas or utilize your information somehow.

Some people are just inquisitive. My impression there is that they sign on to several lists but forget or don't really care or have moved on or perhaps found something better. They might be looking for specific answers to a particular problem they're having at that time and aren't interested in anything more than that. There is a multitude of reasons why people don't respond to emails.

I started a dog list a year ago offering a weekly newsletter that did little if any sales. It was a lively ezine that provided various forms of advice, from choosing a dog to training and more. It was quite informative plus it was fun. Still, the open rates were dismal with 300+ members. I couldn't believe how few people actually looked at my mailings, if Get Response Activity Reports can be believed.

I'll definitely try some of the ideas offered here to revitalize the ezine and boost open rates. BTW, none of my content was PLR. It all came directly from the library and my own experiences with dogs over my lifetime.

Maybe they were looking for more freebies, I don't know, since they sure got lots of quality material between the ezine and the related blog which contained versions of articles I was distributing online.

I'd suggest holding on to your current list and keep building it. Do whatever you can to make sure your emails don't go into their junk folders. I suspect that happens a lot, especially if there is an attachment, which I used to do.

That's about all the insight I can offer at the moment, along with what's already been said.

Sylvia

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Elion Makkink

12 years ago

Originally Posted by johnorc

Open a conversation with your subscribers!

Create a survey to get feedback from your users. AWeber makes it really easy to add a survey to your emails and segment your list by the survey results!

Engagement is the key

And the survey might be a good idea, thank you.

Originally Posted by AndyCole1971

All of the advice I ever received from successful marketers was to provide VALUE - non STOP value. And when you think you've delivered enough, deliver MORE!

I would definitely worry about value before price, yes.

VALUE - got that point!

Originally Posted by sylviad

Hi,

I'll definitely try some of the ideas offered here to revitalize the ezine and boost open rates. BTW, none of my content was PLR. It all came directly from the library and my own experiences with dogs over my lifetime.

Maybe they were looking for more freebies, I don't know, since they sure got lots of quality material between the ezine and the related blog which contained versions of articles I was distributing online.

I'd suggest holding on to your current list and keep building it. Do whatever you can to make sure your emails don't go into their junk folders. I suspect that happens a lot, especially if there is an attachment, which I used to do.

Sylvia

Originally Posted by JohnMcCabe

If the course is good, the first thing to do is put the wagon (affiliate offers and follow-up tips) back behind the horse (selling your own product).

My course is definitely good and although it's PLR, I rewrite everything to be consistent with my own niche/business. And no, this isn't simply replacing the word 'dog' with 'german shepherd'. I carefully pick my PLR articles as well.

I'm already setting up a new follow-up series including a very nice free report - and implemented all the advice Alexa mentioned. The spelling and grammar of the salespage will be taken care of. But, I will go with a low subscription price ($4,97/month) since I think it fits my course the best and I may include some up-sells/backend products in the future.

Let's see how the next 300 subscribers convert!

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uzomaeze

12 years ago

dear friend from the look of things, you can't sell be selling to just 300 facebook users, I believe you need to interact more and create more valuable time with them

Be strategic in your marketing, apart from facebook try using other marketing stragies, DO NOT rely on one list building method

This is just my 2 cents

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rickwill71 12 years ago

warriors you did it again, very very good info
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