Wait… Hold Your Horses!

Okay, I had a really great idea the other day that I will be implementing on one of my new product sites. It’s officially called the ‘Hold Your Horses’ offer, coined by yours truly. So why is it called that? Let me explain…

Whenever I renew a domain name on GoDaddy or 1and1 I always look for a coupon on Google. Every wants a coupon, a discount, some kind of special savings. It makes you feel special and saves you money, plus it’s also a fantastic marketing technique! I usually seek out coupons for most online software purchases or larger brand name products.

So while thinking about coupons I’ve also been brainstorming ideas of how to collect emails from potential customers. Yes, I can give away a free video, mp3, ebook, email series, picture of myself, etc. But I wanted something a little unique and more powerful. That’s when it hit me, right before the purchase button on my website why not place a ‘Hold Your Horses!’ offer?

The ‘Hold Your Horses’ offer will look something like this…

The ‘Hold Your Horses’ offer combines several powerful marketing methods…

1. It collects an email address from interested visitors. This allows you to follow up with prospects until they buy, die, or unsubscribe.
2. It’s a STRONG incentive, who will pass up a free coupon? Not many! Even those who are mildly interested will grab the free coupon just because they can.
3. Give your coupon an expiration date and it gives your visitors a REASON to purchase now rather than later.
4. You can integrate the coupon into your email follow-up letters so you can promote your product, while at the end of each follow-up letter reminding your readers that their coupon will expire soon.

There are many various ways you can structure the offer and the expiration date. As I have not tested this idea yet I don’t know the best time frame for setting an expiration date on the offer but I am thinking of starting with 10 days. I also plan to use AutoResponse Plus to create the link that will expire.

I am also aware of the fact that someone can just sign up and validate a second email address. But if you think about it, this is okay because YOU WANT PEOPLE TO USE THE COUPON. If they are going through that much trouble then they are likely to buy your program.

No matter how you structure your own ‘Hold Your Horses’ offer, the whole point is to create an immediate sense of urgency while collecting the email address at the same time.

Oh, and what do you email your customers after their 10 day coupon has expired? Whatever you want! You could promote other products, or even do a one-time 20% discount offer after 30 days. Get creative!