Give it away free. Not the whole farm of course, but give true value in every e-mail. Most successful e-mail promotions offer more than simply an opportunity to spend money. E-mail promotions that build a strong following often offer things their readers can use – for free, no strings attached.
What does your reader need and want? What can you give to help them? Useful information? A laugh? A place to ask questions?
Also think about offering any of the following - for free:
- Articles
- E-books
- Webinars
- Teleseminars
- Video tutorials
- Audio podcasts
- Resource lists
- Checklists
So what’s in it for you? Ultimately sales. It may not be right away, and not everyone will make a purchase, but in general, people tend to do business with those they know, like and trust. I use the 80/20 rule; 80% free content and 20% information about my products or services.
Don’t worry. There is a tremendous amount you can offer for free that can help your readers. Give some of it away. There will still be plenty you can charge for. Even if your product is information, you can always charge for in-depth courses, personal consultation, etc.
A simple tip of the month can help endear customers to you and encourage their opening your e-mails.
Show your readers that you care about them. Show them that you’re generous and always willing to be helpful. Build a relationship. And before you know it, you’ll be making sales and loyal customers, along with a feeling of satisfaction about how you’re doing it.
More on the subject:
When are e-mails more than just e-mails?
Grow your relationships and watch your business bloom
Your intentions are showing
Staying in the game