WDYDT: 04 Aug
Got around to changing the process on one of my sites as I explained in yesterdays WDYDT…
The Scenario
My site gives away a free piece of code. The user can download it, and put it onto their website(s).
Before
If they like it, they can purchase a license which entitles them to remove the backlink. I waws being really very reactive to this - if the person decided to buy a license, then great. If not, then "oh well".
I have no way of contacting people who have not purchased a license (in case of script updates and whatnot).
After
Now the person has to insert their email address to join a mailing list. Once confirmed, the script download address is emailed to them. After 2 weeks another email is sent asking if they like the script and asking if they would consider helping the site to stay alive.
I also am collecting email addresses, in case of future updates.
Why make the change?
- Create a mailing list. This is useful, as I have already mentioned in case of script updates. In addition, should I ever want to sell the website as a going concern, a database of customers will always help the price!
- Double visits to the site. 1st visit = get the email address. 2nd visit = grab the download. More visits = more chance of other monetisation methods (adsense, text link ads, etc). Also, I am utilising a traffic funnel (someone else might call it "gaming alexa").
I hope the above makes sense to you - the main reason of course, is for the follow-up email (100% automated) which will ask if the downloader is happy, then ask for a donation.
I'll let you know how it goes over the next 6 months or so.
Comment by Dominic — August 5, 2007 @ 12:16 pm
Hi Burt, I'm really enjoying this little series of posts. It's amazing how many little opportunities fall by the wayside due to not paying attention.
Today I wrote up a formal review of a product that I am affiliated with and get a heap of search traffic for but only goes to a blog category with posts that mention the product in passing. I can't believe I've been wasting the traffic for so long.
Comment by Gary — August 14, 2007 @ 10:44 am
Update on this. I'm getting signups at the rate of about 2 per day on average. Here's how it works;
1. Signup to mailing list, it's a double opt-in. On the first "proper" email sent, they get a link to the download (it's totally free).
2. About 5 days later, another email is sent asking if they had problems and if so, to contact me for more help.
3. About 10 days after that, comes the email which asks for a donation.
As of right not, no-one is at the "donation" email, so I'll keep a close eye on it and let you know of any outcome.
Comment by Gary — August 23, 2007 @ 11:05 am
Since making the change to this website, it's produced $105 in the last week.
Comment by Gary — August 27, 2007 @ 11:38 pm
The site is now signing up an average of 6 users per day into my mailing list. Stat based on the last week of signups.
In 30 days from today, I'll update the thread again with the number of confirmed sign-ups, and any update on cash earned.