Can It Be? Is Flashy Free Stuff A Turn Off?
Can you find my Opt In Form? It’s right there in plain sight.
Just kind of blends in.
Why?
When my visitors come here I want them to read my content, why else would I post it? I don’t want their attention over shadowed by a neon flashing arrow in my Opt In box.
My reasoning?
I’ve joined a lot of lists, for reasons of espionage, and in my experience the more they offer, the less they give. For example:
“Get $943 In FREE Internet Marketing Success Training
Fill out the form below and click “submit” to get my weekly email series featuring FREE training videos ,articles & newsletter.”
I have no idea where the dollar figure came from, I got some decent advice, at first. Nothing I would pay $50.00 for, let alone $943.00.
Doesn’t ‘weekly’ mean once a week? With the implication of being on the same day of the week?
Two newsletters the first week, two the second, after that anywhere from four to ten days apart. Often it’s the same info I received from Mike Dillard earlier that week.
Only one so far this month.
Oh yeah, he says I need to be consistent if I want to be taken seriously!
You see, when someone, maybe you, opts in to my list I want it to be because you like my style, such as it is.
Not because my auto responder service has a really cool widget to drag your attention away from my post.
Now I know I may get less opt ins that way, I also know they are opting in to my list, not my widget. More targeted to my message.
It’s not that I don’t like the flashy stuff, I think it’s on the way out.
Think of it like a Boardroom, junior executives clamoring loudly, trying to get noticed by the CEO. More senior members are watching with amusement while getting their visual presentations in order.
The Top Banana (can’t say Big Guy, not PC) shakes his head imperceptibly, coughs gently.
SILENCE, as one all faces turn towards the head of the table. Towards the power in the room.
The quiet confidence, no something beyond confidence but never quite arrogance, knowing that when he speaks that all ears are focused on his soft voice.
When so many people are trying to get your attention the low key approach stands out.
Why is that person not grabbing at me? Why are all those people standing around giving their undivided attention?
I have to know what it’s all about.
If the message is too loud you don’t listen as closely, it doesn’t seem as important, somehow.
Like an auto play message on a blog, all but begging you to please, please sign up for my list. I can click the link if interested, thank you. Needy. No thanks, denied.
Here’s the thing, something’s only bright, new, and shiny for a short time. Then it’s on the next bright neon light.
But… I could be wrong.
What do you think? Is my head up my…?
Leave a comment, please.
Do Not Be Denied,
Mike