If you’re busy working on your marketing for your business, then you’ve probably heard that giving away a free report on your website is a fantastic way to build up your email list.
I’ve been working with a business owner recently who knew she wanted to give away a free download on her site, but didn’t know how to go about it. She wanted something that would encourage people to sign up to her newsletter, but didn’t want to give away all of her knowledge for free.
Between us we came up with a plan for a report that would appeal to her client base. Then it was simply a case of doing a little research so that I could create a report that would speak to her ideal customers.
If you’re planning on writing a report yourself, or updating an existing report, then take a look at these tips:
Create a free report that appeals to your ideal customer
· Do your research
Look at what your ideal customers would be interested in reading. Not sure what that is? Ask them! Post a poll on your business Facebook page, ask on any online forums, or start a discussion on LinkedIn
· Offer something of value
Give your website visitors something they want to read. Make it interesting, but also useful. For example ‘How to…’ or ‘Top five tips for…’ Think about who your ideal client is and what problem you can solve for them
· Include useful information
Use statistics, data, case studies, anecdotes, tips – anything you think your ideal customers might find helpful
· Give practical advice
Give examples, which people will be able to relate to, but give practical advice too. This way people will really feel that they are getting something of value
· Keep your text clear and concise
Whatever you write, make sure it’s easy to read. Have an introduction that explains what your report is about and then ensure the main body of text is broken up with bullet points, headings and sub-headings so that it can be scanned easily
· Include a call to action
Make sure you include a strong call to action. Think about what you want the people who read the report to do. Call you? Email you? Visit your website?
· Proofread your report
As well as checking your text for any spelling and grammar mistakes, it’s a good idea to re-read it at least a day after you’ve written it to try and spot any errors. Read it out loud so you can hear how it sounds and re-write anything that doesn’t sound right
· Get it out there!
Once you’ve written your report, the most important thing is to tell people about it. Use an email programme like Mailchimp or Aweber to get people to subscribe to your list when they download it. Then promote it as much as you can on Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn and via email
Do you have any queries or comments about writing a report? If so leave a comment below. If you need any help with writing a report for your website, then please drop me a line.