In today’s online world of business, a great free offer is a big key to success. Long gone are the days where people could put up a newsletter opt in box and get subscribers. Now, you need a free downloadable product that people can gain access to immediately. The offer not only needs to be free, it needs to be great. Your free offer should delight and amaze. You should over-deliver.
I know I feel frustrated when I get a free offer and it is a mediocre product. I am unlikely to stay subscribed or enroll in programs when the free offer is not impressive.
So, how can you put together a great free offer? Free offers vary. The offer might be an eBook, a tip sheet, an audio, an eCourse, a DVD/video, etc… Again, the free offer should be immediately downloadable.
Look around at what you have already done. Maybe you have an interview audio, maybe you have some blog entries that could be gathered together in eBook or eCourse form. If you are in business, you have information that already exists. Be creative. See how you can repurpose and tweak what you have. “How to”…is usually well received. Something that is quickly absorbed is also well-received (e.g. don’t give away your dissertation as your free offer.
I created my Top Life Coaching Tips eBook in one day. I read through a year’s worth of blogs and chose my top 25 tips. I edited them and formatted them. This coaching tips eBook is one of my most popular free products that I have ever created. It is now in its second edition. In fact, you can get it free here www.lifeisjoyful.org
Creating audio is simple, too. You can use a free conferencing service like www.freeconferencecalling.com or you can use audioacrobat (this is what I use). I love audio acrobat because you can call in on the phone and record an audio that you can then turn into an mp3. The sound quality is great. You can create a script or an outline to stay focused while you are recording. There are many other services that audioacrobat has as well.
Today, you can even create a nice looking video with your high quality cell phone. I actually recorded a commercial for my husband’s business with my Blackberry and then uploaded to YouTube. Many of the coaches I know also use the webcam built right into their PC’s. People resonate with homey, authentic, real world type of video- as long as your message is strong.
After you create your free offer, get opinions from people you trust. Ask questions about quality, content, ease of access, and finally, “Is the product in total alignment with your business and your truth of who you are as a person?”
Creating products can be a blast. This is one of my favorite pieces of my life coaching business. Have fun. What are you waiting for?…get out there and start creating.
Sheri Kaye Hoff, The Global Living Joyfully Everyday Coach. Sheri Kaye Hoff, MA, CGCL is a Life Coach, Amazon and Barnes and Noble Author, and College Professor. Coach Sheri knows what it takes to go from tragedy to triumph. She discovered her brother after his suicide death as a teenager and she struggled for years with sadness and depression. Eventually, she found her way back to both success and joy. She authored and published Keys to Living Joyfully . Sheri is the creator of the brand new audio: Inspired Action, the brand new eBook Living Successfully and Joyfully Everyday: 90 Days of Inspiration, The Your Path to Success Membership site, The Coaches Corner: Grow Your Biz Workshop, and the How to Write a Book Fast and Fabulously workshop. She is also the author and publisher of the popular eBook Coach Sheri Kaye Hoff's Top Life Coaching Tips which you can get for free at www.lifeisjoyful.org