I am launching a new niche focused real estate listing service. I have a database of agents to promote the site to, but I am looking for some input on various incentives that could be offered to convince agents to purchase ads for a new site.
Give their competition free ads and show them that they can advertise on top of their competition for X amount of dollars.
If you have highly confident about your services, you can offer one free advertising space. Of course when the advertiser is satisfied with the first results, it may lead to several other sales for future listings.
You could offer to set up a separate page about their company on your website for free. I have seen other sites do this with success.
I agree with the idea of giving their competition free listings. Another point is that you should offer them as much value for money as possible. Even go as far as helping them with their site and giving a few tips. Unless they make a positive return from advertising on your site they won't want to pay.
We are setup that when an agent registers for free they will receive a free profile page where they can discuss there services. I am thinking of offering a pre-launch special where the first 50 agents who can post a minimum of 10 ads will recieve an upgrade to a featured agent for life. We will also be offering these agents a 50% discount off of the 1 year membership rate. Any other suggestions that could be offered?