I don’t know if this is going to work or not…

I’m creating a directory for offline businesses (specific niche involved) but since those places aren’t really business approachable, I was thinking of creating a sales page with an upfront promotion for the first month completely free.

Then mentioning that if they take advantage of that promotion in less than one week, they will get an introductory monthly price and a discount for their own website if they get interested in that.

Like I said in the beginning, I’m clueless if this is going to work but the goal is to make them to say YES (no matter what) to the first offer otherwise I won’t ever manage to get them to work with us.

With those kind of businesses, you regularly have just one shot.

Sergio

Here’s how I’d tie it in…

- When someone joins your site you always want them to do something right away (upload their pic, update their profile, watch getting started videos etc.). Doing so increases retention because it makes the membership more “personal” and gets people consuming content faster.

- Create 10 steps and have 2 already completed (pull pic from Gravatar, etc.).

- Make the steps #3-7 REALLY easy (leave first comment, introduce yourself in the forum etc.). Helps build momentum and excitement.

- Make the reward upon completion access to a “bonus level” or “special report” (aka, extra goodness).

All of this is pretty easy and straight forward to implement. But the thing that I took away from this is to make it “visual” (show a progress bar) and help jump start the progress (which will create more momentum).

Awesome stuff Derek!

Would I offer a free plan to others who recommend so many people? Or should I create a lower priced product and offer that?

Great article.

Come back in a month, please! I still have to put into practice the stuff in the last 5 posts here and at the DIY blog.

Good stuff as usual!