I'm always looking for information... on how to make my list building faster, more profitable, take less time, etc. Show me a less time consuming method of driving quality traffic, and I'm all over it. I think most people would be happy with information that leads to more quality time with their family.
I think it would vary somewhat depending on the niche you are in, but I use a free ebook that is related to my niche on several of my sites. It works great for getting signups even without a squeeze page or pop up.. which I rarely use. If you're in the IM niche you can offer any manner of stuff, including niche websites etc.
Ebook. Why? If you want new or loyal readers, give them something they want whilst at the same time demonstrating your killer content. No brainer for me. Plus they are relatively easy to put together and cost very little too.
It is a great experience to write a Ebook as a webmaster but pulling the readers to get your book read is quiet challenging. I have atleast 5 EBooks saved on the desktop screen but dint felt excited enough to read them. I am not disagreeing Ebook's potential as a crowd puller but I doubt today also the same charisma remains for Ebooks but it is a fact that it used to be a great tool to make readers queue to subscribe to your newsletter. I think Ebooks are over used to an exhaustation level, need to find something new.
Whatever you offer, make sure people can consume it fast! How many ebooks do you have that you haven't read? I have like gigs & gigs of ebooks that I'm going to "read later". I like to either offer a SHORT white paper, or a SHORT video, or maybe even a small graphic (infographic) to ensure that people can consume it quick! When they consume it, they will LEARN who you are. Branding 101.
I 100% agree and have been trying to tell people this for quite awhile. The novelty has long since worn off and one can no longer rely on these as a traffic/suscriber magnet. Although there are some well written exceptions that do very well, most Ebooks are poorly written, not properly researched, and not worth even looking at.
Free ebooks/reports still rock. i would offer a great free report straight to the point and eye-catching. reports are shorter than ebooks and users can read in a single shot.They work great for me. Also remember to add a OTO after you got the lead, this will help in monetizing while building your list at the same time. As soon as they are in the funnel you can work with them. Provide value and they will turn into customers.
Well stated... I also like to add a downsell to the OTO ... and although I don't have a real upsell in the funnel right now - that's next on my list of things to do... Nothing is more fun than buying a solo - and making a sale or two - cutting the cost of the solo down. And while some brag about making more in sales than the solo cost, my funnel isn't good enough to do that yet... I'm happy to just cut the cost a little. Monday, for example, I had two 50 click solos (I like to 'test the water' with small purchases) - one for $15, and one for $20. I had one sale for $17. So instead of costing me $35, the 100 clicks only cost me $18 (ignoring JVzoo & Paypal fees...)