Giving is something that makes us feel good. We love donating items and money to organizations that do good work. I know that I love giving gifts during the holidays, it gives me this warm, fuzzy feeling (isn’t that cute!).
If we can give to a loved one or a charitable organization, why can’t we give to our customers? The key here is give, not take.
Chris Guillebeau has this “Freely give, freely receive” mentality and it works for him. Chris gives away great information for free (no email opt-in) and barely markets his products at all. He still makes a full time income on the internet.
Lots of times internet entrepreneurs will offer something for free in exchange for an email address. They will then get a pre-made marketing email sequence that will ask for their money multiple times. There will be more on this in an upcoming post but I think that there’s a better way.
This better way is to give something of high value away, and then let the giftee decide whether or not they want to give you their information. As an example, if you give away a free report, you would put a link to your newsletter opt-in at the end. This gives your reader a choice and if your gift was a quality one they will probably opt-in.
It’s not about you. It’s about your potential customers and the delicate relationship you create with them. Do you give a gift just for the sole purpose of getting something back? No, that’s why it’s called a gift.
If your gift is good people will probably give one back, in the form of an email address or sale.
Just something to think about.
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{ 1 comment… read it below or add one }
Nate,
Really! I love the idea of giving because you care about what you’re giving and who you’re giving to. I think the real key is your intention. As you said, if you’re providing something of high value for free, people will follow you, email you, or join you in some meaningful way. And why wouldn’t they?
If you care and want to improve the lives of those who read your material or visit your website, it will show. And that’s the best way to get people to invest their trust and time in you.
Great post!
Scott