[flowplayer src=’http://p.socialtriggers.socialtriggersco.netdna-cdn.com/vod/socialtriggers.socialtriggersco/traffic-video.mp4′ width=633 height=356 splash=’https://socialtriggers.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/07/derek-traffic-video.png’]
WE’VE BEEN FEATURED & QUOTED ON
“
I very much enjoy your webinars, thank you so much. AWESOME JOB DEREK!
”
Very good stuff. Ideal ideas for social triggers.
Differentiate that’s the one I need to learn to do more of. In a way I think I have it because in my niche no one is doing content and everyone is sell tea so I am focusing on content and a podcast.
Derek, thanks for the info. This should help.
Great advice on standing out.
Great post. Very valuable to me, simple and very well structured. Thanks
Thanks a lot for sharing your cool tips and being so generous.
Hi Derek,
I’m glad I’m one of your subscribers. I found you on Pat Flynn’s SPI Blog. Well, I’m about to setup my new blog and have been learning a lot from you. Thank you so much for great content. More….more…more….great content! 🙂
I feel really stupid…
I only just understood the point of having an email list – to ensure ppl who subscribed come back!
Like I said – I feel really stupid…
I always convinced myself that there was no point in an email list unless I was going to sell something of my own within the first 4-5 automated email series (or something like that!)
Cheers Derek – I love the Social Triggers content.
[…] A few months ago I released the first ever Social Triggers video. […]
[…] site and my business.Derek Halpern for instance can stand in a dimly lit room with a whiteboard and create a captivating video that you’ll sit through. He has a strong personality, and the information is incredible. […]
Nice Derek! Your handwriting is terrible but I still learned a lot from your video. 🙂 I did appreciate the fact that you kept it short and sweet!
Great video Derek, worth sharing, and will do!
You guys definitely have what it takes and inspire me to do the same!
Thanks for your great tips!!!
Good job, you coined a new word – “Implimacation” To Imply, communicate, and implement in the same step.
You stressed: “Focus on your email list” but didn’t elaborate. Where can I learn more about that?
Thanks! Good stuff!
Derek
The three steps to more traffic are practical and deliver great value.
the other thing that I take away is: Conviction+Simplicity=Authority. You have a nice way of simplifying the issue and telling us exactly what to do with confidence. This is a very compelling combination.
I learn from what you say, and also how you say it
Thanks you, thank you, thank you for making it so clear and simple with some personality. I am so sick of the marketing messages and social media tips being presented in boring corporate ways. You- Derek Halpern- are refreshing.
Hi Derek,
you absolutly stand out with your content and I love to read your ideas. You think a little bit different and thats the point which makes your blog so attractive to me 🙂
Regards from Germany
Thomas
Well, I waited until now to read this – I am a new subscriber so I didn’t really realise the importance of your emails. But I have just learnt a very important lesson! I am going to go back and start at number 1 to make sure that I am positioned correctly and then take a lot more effort over my list. THANKS a lot – It would probably be wise to open your emails sooner in future! 😀
Hi Derek,
Nice to see your video. it’s a refreshing post. Especially since you are going against the guest post.
The only problem is I don’t think PAT or Corbett would want to do videos with us who are beginners. I mean, it should be a win-win situation for both. If it scores only for us, that’s not a very good idea.
And, if they start doing it for one person, they might have to end up doing for everyone. I dont see it happening. Your previous connections definitely helped you land where you are now.
I am currently thinking about going the video blogging route. Maybe I’ll take it up over the current model.
I just met Pat Flynn recently. I also just met Corbett recently. Yes, the “connection” helped, but realize this:
No matter who you’re trying to reach out to, people are in the business of improving their business. If you have something valuable to offer, like a site review for example, you can bet the big guys won’t turn it down.
Now if you just want some free traffic from the big guys, that obviously wont work.
Yes, you are right. Given that you are a marketing guy at thesis, would give you added credibility. However I haven’t seen Pat implementing any of the strategies you have mentioned on the site review.
You’re busy trying to figure out “every” reason why people “can’t” do what I do. The fact that I do marketing at Thesis has nothing to do with being qualified for the job.
If you were a web designer, you can EASILY reach out to a blog with a decent-sized audience and say “Hey, I’ll design your site for free.” And will they take it? Probably so… especially if they liked your portfolio.
I’m a conversion guy. I reached out and offered a site review, and they took me up on it. It’s valuable to them. My name had nothing to do with it.
Haha… I guess I gave you the wrong impression. These are questions I had in my mind. I’m pretty sure many had the same too.
I mean, look at what most popular bloggers have in common. They all started early, have a ton of contacts, and what not. So when they give advice, people naturally want to know whether they can be as successful as them.
You have detailed out things pretty neat. Thank you for that.
Expecting more videos from you!!!
IMPLIMACATIONS.. lol
Great video, Derek, and very helpful.
Thanks for the tips on positioning, less comment/guest posting and focus on the email list!
Out of interest, how did you make the video and where is it hosted?
It’s a good quality video so appreciate your advice!
I assume he’s using flowplayer or easy video player. I also assume he’s hosting it on amazon s3 or cloudfront. That’s what most marketers do. But since Derek believes in doing things differently, I wonder if he might have other choices.
Derek, you say focus on your email list, but that means getting people to subscribe. So what’s your tactic for doing that? Big huge button, exclusive freebie offers, threaten their firstborn if they don’t subscribe?
Any reason why this video isn’t on the blog list or linked somewhere when I go to main page? Just curious…maybe I missed it.
Reason I ask is because this was highly valuable and I would hate those who weren’t on your newsletter list (yet) to not catch this.
David Damron
Life Excursion
Hey David,
I created this video — specifically as a bonus for being on my newsletter list. I treat my subscribers well :-).
I leave it unlocked so people can share it, but its not linked on the front page. Maybe sometime I will, not sure yet.
No worries…Thanks for the explanation.
Since you are quickly becoming the king of conversion testing, maybe you could test a newsletter sign up tease with a bulletin of some of these “special” articles/videos offered…Something like the following but with more thought put into it…
(All of the below within a subscriber pitch box)
————–
Subscribe Today for The Social Triggers Newsletter & Get Access to the Following:
-The 3 Step Formula for Getting More Traffic
-(Title of another newsletter only post)
-(Title of another newsletter only post)
—————
The reason I state this is because your current top box on the main page for converting readers into subscribers states characteristics you will pick up by subscribing, but does not detail what “tools” will be provided.
For example, Corbett offers his toolbox as you know. When I land at Think Traffic there are two things going through my head. 1) I want more traffic. 2) I want the tools to do so. When I land at Social Triggers right now I think two things as well. 1) I want to convert better. 2) I want tools/videos/audio that help me do so. Now, I have been following you and I watched todays video post. However, if I was a newbie, that first desire (to convert better) is being addressed, but the second desire (I want tools) is not in-my-face. both desires would be addressed if I was a newbie and learned that if I signed up I could access the kick ass video here.
This thought is also generated by the word “updates” currently in the subscribe box. I am here and I want this now. Sure, I will take the updates too, but what can you give me now. We are impatient humans unfortunately and the more you convince me you can help me now, the likelier I would be to sign up. Something to test at least.
I say this 100% hypocritically because I need to be applying (testing) these thoughts myself. The only reason I bring them up is because I want to help you grow. Maybe you have or will test these ideas and find out I am completely wrong. But who knows…I might be right. Couldn’t hurt to test.
Thanks for the high quality info you provide. You have quickly jumped into my go-to guy for conversions and some other blogging advice.
I appreciate your efforts!
David Damron
Life Excursion
You are right that specificity and tangible almost ALWAYS converts better than vague. Don’t worry, you’ll see more things coming up.
I can’t read your handwriting… 😉
But seriously, great video. This site and what you’re doing is awesome. Thanks for the reminder that differentiation makes all the difference if you want to stand out. Makes sense in hindsight. Now it’s time to put that into practice…
Straight to the point – I like that. Made me giggle though, that you almost claims to be a pain in the ass. Funny! Thank you again for great content.
😉 Lise
You’re welcome 😀
Love the concepts, and I’ve already been thinking about incorporating e-mail. What is your secret to getting people to buy into your e-mail list?
Adding more email sign up forms 😀
http://socialtriggers.com/email-signup-forms-build-list/
Thanks for the information. There must be some magic to it. I did a video yesterday and promoted it on FB, Twitter and LinkedIn and it went absolutely no where. Just launched in May so don’t have much of an e mail list yet. Any advice?
Thanks, Wendy
Love the fact that you posted this warts and all! Most people would redo this missteps. BOLD!
Great content too!
Warts? 😛
This is an excellent video and it is great advice. According to Borrell Associates in Williamsburg, VA – one of the leading electronic media statistics firms in the nation – video usage on the Web was up 232% in 2010 with much greater growth in 2011 expected . It helps tell a good story and people are looking for engaging stories, not facts about how wonderful your new widget is. Video, when done well, is engaging and that is what we are after. However, I just recently viewed the worst video I have ever seen. It was scripted and read aloud. Horrible! Don’t go there! If it can be turned to a conversational tone, it might be a real winner. That is another reason Derek’s video is so good. He did not edit out the “word stumble” and therefore it is even more engaging. Great job my man!
Glad you like Chandler. Video is getting bigger, for sure. But people still prefer text most of the time. I’m will work video in here and there though.
Depends on the audience demographic. There is still a huge group of good business people in the upper ranges of decision-making and up the corporate ladder who are not using Twitter and believe it to be a wasteland. It is not, but that is their belief. As you have said and a lot of your readers have stated – it depends . . . . . . on who you are communicating with and why.
Hey Derek,
Like your simple sales page. The only thing the video is not playing on my iPad?
And this bring me to a question? How to make sure that our videos play on mobile devices? The technology seems to be bad or marketers just ignore mobile devices.
Greetings,
Derek Potocki
Hi Derek,
I guess you can cancel my prior comment, because I’ve checked your page at a different wi-fi spot and the video works on iPod and iPad. I guess the technology is not 100% perfect yet.
I was thinking however about what you said about growing a blog traffic and I believe your strategies are valid.
I want to add something you didn’t mention however.
If I remember correctly, you were already well positioned in marketplace by association with Thesis even before you started your blog. You were the marketing guy at Thesis, which is used by thousands of bloggers. That single fact is even more powerful than all prior strategies combined.
But I will still give you credit for maintaining an incredible momentum. Your market savvy can not be denied.
Thank you,
Derek
Actually, I’ve been connected to a lot of these people you’re seeing me do videos with for a lot longer than just DIYthemes. I’ve been doing this for 5 years… outside the marketing niche. But the results are the same. If you position yourself correctly, and approach people with the right offer, its possible for new people too.
It works on my iPhone… it should work on the iPad too. Generally, you need to make sure your video is in MP4 format and you’re fine.
Hi Derek: really enjoyed this video, especially the white board (I’d steal the idea, but then I wouldn’t be differentiating – perhaps I should use a Lite Brite board?).
My question to you is how you got to do the videos with Chris and Pat that got you 1000+ hits at a time? Did you approach Chris through 3T (where I know you from)?
Thanks,
Mike
I’ve known Chris Brogan for a long time. But if I was trying to break into the niche, here’s what you do:
Find where you’re proficient at something, and then offer to help someone for free. Don’t expect anything in return, but begin building the new relationship.
Derek, I have laid on a bed of nails. It’s true. They don’t puncture. I’ve had more pain from a tiny wood sliver or a paper cut.
My question for you… How did you score the high profile interviews that led to the high hitting traffic?
When you refine your positioning, it’s easy. That’s how I did it, like I said. I’m a conversion guy, and I offered specialized conversion advice to people who had an audience I was interested in attracting.
Derek, despite your awesome video, your handwriting is really awful. LOL.
I’ve been following your email and blog for 6 months now, and I really enjoy anything you produce. Thank you for the video. I love it.
I type around 150 words per minute. Give me a pen, and I can barely write my name. Ha ha
Great stuff Derek…. Thank you very much for providing this.
You did it well Derek. Readers are more becoming curious when you gave them some private “how-tos” like this thing.
This is my first time to see you in person via video. Great way of positioning yourself as an expert.
Thanks for sharing this relevant stuff 😉
~Anton
Hi Derek,
Loved the video, and love your style. You cut straight through the shit and get to your point in a direct and helpful manner. You should do more videos!
Cheers,
Tom
I plan on it. I spend a bunch of money on camera equipment, and this setup. So i better make use of it ha ha.
What’s the name of the person you did a video with someone named “….” Bar? Can you provide a link please? Not Pat Flynn, the other person you mentioned.
Thanks, good stuff as usual.
Corbett Bar. He’s the guy who created Traffic School.
I really loved your video! Thanks for sharing! I like the idea of doing videos with other high-profile bloggers. That’s awesome info!
E-mail lists are good too and I don’t see as many bloggers using this strategy. E-Mail lists are what really help you to build a great relationship with your audience and gain loyal fans. Great stuff!
Hi Derek!
You have been doing some really amazing videos. I actually caught the one with Pat Flynn – I immediately looked at my about page and gagged 🙂 Anyway, as far as this video goes, you’re really on to something when you said to find something that everyone IS NOT doing – only problem, there’s just about nothing left that hasn’t been done 🙂 Now you really got me thinking!
Its about positioning yourself slightly different. Doesn’t have to be completely unique. Or look to other verticals. That whole site review thing is a popular conference session. I decided to take it online.
Derek,
I totally enjoyed watched this video thank you for sharing your ideas.
How many takes did you have? Did you practice or was it off the cuff? Looking forward to the sequel.
How many takes do you think it took? 🙂
Reminds me of Dan Kennedy’s USP (Unique Selling Proposition) you got that and you’re halfway there. Great job Derek!
Awesome video Derek! I completely agree, and it’s obvious that this strategy has worked wonders for you. Just look that the impressive amounts of comments this post generated so quickly.
I’d also like to mention that there really is no single “right way” for people to build audiences online. Everyone can have a different approach (and should, as you pointed out in the video). That’s part of what I love about working online.
Thanks for the shout-out!
I’m from New York Corbett. If I say this is the right way, that’s the right way. 🙂 (Kidding. Traffic school is much more comprehensive, obviously).
I got nothin to add just funny & awesome! Thank you Derek! 🙂
Love the video, especially the raw nature of it. One big thing I think you missed was something that you, Pat and Corbett do. That is connect with other bloggers. You said it yourself, with Pat’s influence you got 1000 subscribers.
Good job,
Craig
You’re right. You do need to connect with other bloggers REGULARLY. As a matter of fact, I do that at least once or twice a week (new people)
In Asia, (esp. Japan) they have a saying, “The nail that sticks up gets hit!” You just demonstrated the truth of that proverb. Be the nail that sticks up!
kelly
That’s a better analogy than bed of nails, for sure.
Ok, so how do you get some one that is already popular to do a video with you if you don’t know them? Mostly they just blow you off.
Well, you need to be an expert in your area… And then you find people who might need your help, and offer it for free if need be… Anything to get on their radar.
Derek,
Great work, man – good points! It was a short video, but I took lots of notes.
-Matt
Awesome Matt. Hows life treating you after SOB Con?
Pretty well, thanks! Busy with new clients and in the midst of a re-work of my positioning and offerings (so this video came at a perfect time!).
Enjoyed the video! Wasn’t too long so I watched the whole thing and it was direct and to the point. Enjoyed your message and advice.
Glad you’re liking it Benny
Hi Derek,
I HATE watching IM videos – because everyone is doing them and they’re zzzzzzzzzzz! When someone has ‘webinar’ or video in their emails, I click delete.
Instantly.
BUT: I watched this one.
And…
It was good. No BS. No fluff. You didn’t sell anything (but you very cleverly did).
So. Thank you. I learned something this morning.
Yea, there wasn’t a hard sale here, but there was a sale, for sure. Can’t just sell all the time in this world. Sometimes you gotta give people some great, usable content.
Great stuff, Derek!
I’m just getting my site going and this is really helping.
Thanks fo rkeeping it simple, Man.
Cheers,
Mike
No problem Mike, and thanks for coming by and checking it out.
Love the way you look at the camera like “DUH, PEOPLE.”
In your emails you ask people to comment and share the post. Nothing earth-shattering there, just common sense.
Funny how that works right? Build an email list, and everything else is easy as “hey leave a comment”
Derek,
Simple advice but it makes lots of sense. Like some of the other folks who’ve made comments I have been focusing on my email list but the results are not spectacular yet. I think I am going to spend more time on Step One, positioning my site.
Anthony
It’s really the key. I know inside Corbett’s training, he has something all about setting up Unique Selling Propositions too.
Very nice Mr. Halpern
Derek,
I read every single thing you send me and watch every video you make ’cause I really get into your style. It’s plain and simple, yet powerpacked. You truly do overdeliver, which makes you unique in your niche, for sure! 🙂
Thanks Christina. Over delivering really is the best way to build a loyal community.
Great tips in a short video. I think you saved me a lot of time watching a more long-winded approach. Thanks, Derek.
You’re welcome Jeffrey.
Nice landing page for promoting affiliate product. No distraction, just one goal per page.
Always influenced by your clean and clear layout. You have completely changed the way website should look.
This wasnt really 100% about promoting a product. It was about a good video, and a product pitch too. 🙂
haha Yes I forgot to mention it 🙂 But that goes without saying as you have always produced quality articles. Most striking point in that was differentiate your site from others and I believe that makes you winner..
Derek, great advice yet again! I’ve been focusing on my email list for some time now, but now plan on spending more time on the unique positioning of my blog. Thanks again!
Awesome to hear Eric. The positioning really is KEY nowadays.
Hey Derek,
Great short little video. Love the information.
Take Care
Robert
Thanks Robert. Glad you dug it.
When you say focus on the email list, what about the opening rate? If the rate isn’t too high, then you really aren’t driving that many people to the blog?
I like the advice, and I like that it is all so simple since honestly, these long winded sites make me become the character on Peanuts, “whahhh whahhh whahhh”
I was trying to keep this under 10 minutes, and I succeeded. I know a lot of people don’t have time for videos.
Derek,
Great information here. I’ve watched your social triggers grow and have attended most of your webinars that are always filled packed an usable content.
I really like this video for the simplicity and that you didn’t edit out your verbal malfunction.
All the best
Implimications 🙂
Dude you rock!
haha thanks Sam 🙂
Simply brilliant. Thanks a lot for these advices… I completely agree, especially with the Step N°3. This is really what’s making a difference for me. 😉
Everyone needs to focus on that, me included, heh.
I think you’re doing yourself a disservice by not linking this page to your blog. I’m spending too much time trying to find it!
You make a good point, but I released this to my email subscribers. If they share it, they share it :-). I often create private content like this for my email subscribers.
Thus the bonuses of being on an email list. Good stuff.
Yep 🙂
Cool video Derek.
I do have one tip for you though. Maybe you could start Branding your emails with Social Triggers as the addresser.
I have almost deleted your emails because I see your name (Derek) and see the title of your emails (internet themes) and usually associate that with spam.
This has happened more than once and I’ll bet that you’re losing a lot of people that way.
Just my 10 cents.
Onuora
This is a deep discussion that I’ve spent a lot of time pondering as well.
Here’s the deal. Your blog doesn’t say “Derek Halpern” in huge letters. It says “Social Triggers.” When people subscribe to the blog, they remember and relate to the term “Social Triggers” much better.
Let’s take this a step further. You don’t use logos in your emails. In many of your broadcasts, the words “social triggers” hardly even appear, and they’re certainly not prominent.
Just in my experience, one of the ways I managed to lower my unsubscribe rate from 2% to 1% was by changing the “from” name to my blog’s name.
Less personable? Yes.
But it’s more relatable. Who cares or remembers Martyn Chamberlin? Nobody.
But mention Two Hour Blogger, and they perk up. 😉
I don’t know about that. People prefer to relate with a person… not a website.
Back that up with psychology studies and I’ll believe it. 😛
How many people can name the owner of Starbucks?
Who is the current CEO of Google?
What on earth is the name of that pink-haired lady behind Copyblogger?
Starbucks: Howard Schultz
Google: That dude with the Russian name
Copyblogger: Sonia Simone (obvious one)
I’m with Derek on this one. Think about the bloggers and the blogs that you remember the most. I’m convinced that I remember people’s names better than blog names. Here’s a running stream of consciousness recall test of names that I remember off the top of my head:
People: Derek Halpern, Chris Brogan, Martyn Chamberlain, Sonia Simone, Darren Rowse, Carol Tice, Brian Clark
Blogs: Copyblogger, Social Triggers, TwoHourBlogger, ProBlogger, Men with Pens
So I guess that split is pretty close.
To cite a study, in an office test, we had a huge increase in the number of people that responded to an e-mail when it was signed by a person than when signed with the company name. This is a little different than having the from line being someone’s name, but it does show that people appreciate relating to a person more than a corporation…
That’s my quarter.
I’ve thought about this extensively. And while I don’t want to lose people, I don’t want to brand my private email list as just “Social Triggers” because I brand myself as Derek Halpern everywhere else. Hrm… There might be a middle ground that I’ll be able to experiment with soon.
In the end it might be easier to sell Social Triggers than Derek Halpern, unless you sell to another Derek Halpern. Either way you’re sharing good stuff. Great video Derek.
Its not 100% about selling for me. Marketing is me. 🙂
Derek: I think I’d concentrate on your strongest brand. That’s you: Derek. Otherwise you’ll start talking about “us” and “we” and in the third person, when you really mean “I” and “me”. Keeping it personal is part of YOUR USP, IMHO 🙂
I hear you there Rob. People do connect with people much better than websites.
“Derek Triggers”?
Too “porn-ish”?
lol…
When you boil it down, it’s a lot more simple than most people make it.
There’s so much bad/mediocre advice out there. That’s what keeps most people from growing as quickly as they should. I included. Cough.
Love your dynamic personality. We don’t have to worry about you falling asleep here!
Thanks Martyn. And yea, that’s me. Mr. Brash New Yorker, heh.
Couldn’t agree with you more on building that email list! Do it early, and don’t exhaust your subscribers…
Eh, I’m not sure if I agree with exhausting subscribers. If you’re putting out good stuff, that would be really hard to do, heh.
You’re right… Or as Gary V. says: “Pump out good sh*t, and people will follow.” Unfortunately, some people just don’t pump out good stuff.
I subscribe to quite a few lists. I like to see what creative things people are doing after all. Some (like yours) are great. Others, well, not so much…
You’re so right Derek. It’s funny how I never open most run-of-the-mill emails and end usually up unsubscribing. But there are a few I just can’t wait to read, Social Triggers among them.
Still, with so much incoming info to deal with on a daily basis, Ricardo makes a good point too. Some days I just can’t get around to reading all those emails, no matter how good the content. On the other hand, I’m not going to unsubscribe from my faves, so knowing there will be another good one in a few days is a good thing.
As for video, I hate it when there are no controls and feel like I’m being held hostage, so thanks for not doing that. For longer videos I’m happiest when there’s a synopsis or transcription available for me to scan.
Thanks for always providing good, useful information in a clear way.
Good job Derek.
Thanks Christopher.
Nice video, Derek, not only have you positioned yourself in the market differently, your site actually looks different that a lot of blogs out there. The minimal design makes me think, this guy is so serious about his content he avoids any extraneous fluff. Keep it going buddy, I’ve learnt a lot from you!
Thanks Rob. Glad you’ve learned a bunch. I do like minimalism mainly because I hate sites that distract me from reading / watching things, heh.
Bravo Derek, I been watching every move and it’s been brilliance the whole way.
P.S. We have a VERY similar audience, however, extracted from two different ponds. Love to do a video with you and mail it to my subscribers (5k+) HOLLA! LoL
Driving traffic to site is necessary and becomes important if you are thinking it as a business. Thanks a ton for sharing your traffic secrets with us.
“if you are thinking of it as a business” and that’s exactly how I see it (too) Vivek.
Thanks Derek, I love the short and sweet advice!