Day 9: Put Out A Resource People Actually Want

The only thing I remember from my college Economics class is this: There is no such thing as free lunch.

 

That’s why I’d advise my clients who put together valuable resources like tools, playlists, coloring books, recipes, etc.—to make the price of admission an email address. 

 

Sometimes these are called freebies or opt-ins. 

 

What they are is a valuable resources (a template, a prompt, a script, a cookbook, a shopping list, etc) that your potential subscribers actually want. 

 

Here are some examples of freebies we’ve put together for some clients:

Here's how it works. 

🛠️ Setting up your Freebie

Step 1: Take a minute to think about your potential subscriber—what is something they actually want? Here are some questions I like to ask myself:

 

  • Do they have a problem they want solved?

  • Is there something that would save them time?

  • Is there something that would connect them deeper to your work?

For example…

 

🐶 If you are a dog-rescue, maybe you put a three-part video series together on how to teach your dog to sit, stay and walk on a leash

 

🌱 If you're an environmental-focused organization—maybe you put together a recipe book featuring in-season produce or a how-to recipe to eliminate food waste.

 

Whatever you choose—just make sure it's something people actually want!

 

Step 2: Put your resource behind an opt-in using your email service provider. This is often called a “Form”. 

 

Pro tip: assign a “tag” or a segment to your opt-in page so you can pull a group of people who have all opt-ed in to your resource. 

 

Step 3: Share your new freebie opt-in link far and wide (and multiple times). Some ideas include:

  • Your social media page(s)

  • Your email signature

  • A header on your homepage

  • A website pop up

  • In applicable Facebook/Reddit groups

 

Step 4: Deliver your resource via an automated email. 

 

Pro tip: Use a subject line that will capture the reader's attention. Something like “Yey! Your resource is here!” or “DELIVERED” should get the job done. 

 

✨Extra effort step✨: Once you know your freebie is something people want—you can try running ads to it.

💡 Why it works

 People are looking for solutions to their problems every day—why can't you and your nonprofit be the ones to provide it?

 

Like I've said before, no one is dying to join another email list—you have to provide value both in getting people on your list and in the content once they are there. 

📊 Results

 Depending on how helpful your resource is—it has the potential to bring in hundreds if not thousands of new subscribers. 

 

To give you some numbers, here are my most popular freebies and the number of new subscribers they've brought in: 

🧰 Tools Needed

  • A good ol' fashion brainstorming session

  • Canva

  • Email Service Provider

🗣️ Last thought

Freebie opt-ins offer you and your nonprofit to give something to your audience and your potential subscribers. 

 

It feels good to give!

 

It's also a way better move than saying, “Join our email list!” which very compelling. 

 

If you need help brainstorming ideas—hit reply and let me know. I have a knack for this kind of thing 😉

 

See you tomorrow for Day 10!

Jessica CampbellComment