When I work with clients on websites, I recommend creating your ezine giveaway before writing anything else for your website. I call this giveaway your Irresistible Freebie. It’s something free — an ebook or mp3 download – that your website visitors find irresistible.
These days readers expect bonuses when they sign up for ezines (or just about anything else). Develop an ebook or “Special Report” with a short, one-phrase title that communicates your solution to their painful problem. Writing your book’s title will help you focus your energies. You’ll realize what really pushes the buttons of your clients and website visitors.
“The Truth About Making Money On The Internet” has worked well for Kathleen Gage. Titles beginning “10 secrets” or “truth about” are especially valuable. Remember to focus on solutions. You can say “Don’t make these mistakes.” But readers will turn away from titles like, “Bored and Lonely.”
One of my freebies (I use more than one) is “7 Secrets of websites that really attract clients.” I found that my clients wanted websites that brought in clients.
Freebies range from a few pages up to 200 or more. Some marketers encourage you to assign a value to your freebie so readers recognize they’re getting something.
Some marketers like to send out CDs on the grounds that you are sending something tangible. The problem is that nowadays, your tangible CD will be buried under a big pile of other CDs on someone’s desk. In many markets, your readers would rather just download an mp3 file. We’re all pressed for physical space and many of us are better organized on our computer than in our live home offices.
I also don’t recommend videos. Videos can be a nuisace. You can’t multitask while you’re watching. Some downloads are shaky, even with a high-quality DSL connection.
Learn more about attracting opt-ins from my forthcoming mentoring course. Click here.