I've been noticing lately, even on this forum, that the offer of free information (ie, ebooks, newsletters, video training) is being met with increasing resistance if a name and email address is required. If this is the case, can anyone suggest "tweaks" to this particular strategy to make it more effective, other than the "no spam policy" and an unsubscribe option? Maybe providing a snippet of the content to show that it's not crap. Just looking for brainstorming ideas... Thanks!
What your saying is to offer incentives for your offers? Most companies don't want you to do that with their product as it usually generates faulty leads.
I think this resistance is directly related to the quality of the free information that's being offered. If you offer something that has real, high perceived value most people will give you their email address. A way to go around this problem is using a tool like viral tweets. Get the people to follow you on twitter and once you've conquered their trust they may sign up for your list.
With so much shit out there nowadays, it is no longer a "viable marketing option." *shrugs shoulders* And in my opinion, I don't think it ever was. I sell e-books and subscriptions on dating, and, website marketing / advertising, and because there are so many moochers out there, I have never, nor will I ever do that kind of opt-in marketing. If you have a squeeze page, a lot of people do not like them. They will just back on out. I'm one of them. Why in the hell should I give my e-mail address, just so I can read the rest of your site? Fuck that noise. It might as well be called "squeeze-out pages," since so many back out. Talk about a high bounce rate. Whew! Between that and the moochers, in the long run, opt ins just doesn't work. If you want to try it, do like you suggested: Give them free samples, tips, ideas, and then to read the rest, they fill out the e-mail form. You could also put the info on a subdomain page, instead of sending it to them. Then send everybody on your mailing list a notice every time new updates have been added. This way you can add pictures, videos, links.... And it's also a twist to it. "No spam policy" is not effective because everybody and their brother uses that same ol' line. "We hate spam as much as you" is so old, and I have read it so many times, I have it memorized. heh heh
Thanks for all the feedback. Copper 12, I really like your response. Even though I have chosen to opt-in on a few sites here and there, all of the info is pretty basic and I end up unsubscribing when the flood of emails start. I didn't want to take this route because it seems so cheesy, almost like begging. I think if I provide some of the examples Copper 12 mentioned, I will be much more successful. To Your Online Success!
Yes, "free" is still commonly used. Many software developers offer a free basic version or even a free trial to draw attention to their software.
Bottom line is if you have good content that others find useful, this free give away marketing would work; otherwise not.
One thing that could be done is to offer free competions for a low cost product. It would be free but the person who enters would give their email address in the understanding that they have signed up for something. Can users really expect something for nothing.