The Little Known Marketing Secret Weapon That's Free
for the Taking
BY YANIK SILVER
By now we've all become accustomed to
the "bonus pile on" that's almost a required part of any online offer.
But even though it's quite commonplace, never forget that adding extra
value to your offer is essential - especially when you're selling
information products.
This bonus concept is so
important, I have frequently taken something out that I was
originally going to put into the product just so I could use
it as a bonus. Bonuses really do sell (if you handle them the
right way)!
Most people put some lame
bonuses in that have been "around the block". A bonus can't
just be an afterthought. It's got to be part of your initial
offer strategy.
I know a lot of people
struggle with bonuses so here's an easy way to develop bonuses
with high perceived value. Just look for public domain works
you can repackage.
I love public domain bonuses
for many reasons. First, they're completely free - you don't
have to pay anyone to write them. Second, they're often truly
unique - with millions of pages of public domain material
available, you're bound to find a "sleeper" on a great topic.
And best of all, they can jazz
up just about any old information product. Even a commonplace
how-to course can seem extra special when you've added some
"vintage gems" as bonuses. Talk about an underutilized
marketing secret weapon!
Here are just a few ways to
use public domain materials as bonuses...
Software - Believe it
or not, many software developers don't copyright their works
because they want them to be free for public use! Check out
what's available by typing "freeware" in your favorite search
engine. Don't forget to clear the rights with the author
first.
eBooks - Even if you
can't find a public domain work on a related subject,
inspirational and motivational topics go with just about
anything. There are thousands of public domain works that fit
into this category, from words of wisdom to prayer books.
Government publications
- US Federal works (and some state) are in the public domain,
and they are an absolute gold mine. For example, when I
created an anatomy drawing book for artists (also in the
public domain material!), a little quick searching revealed
government lists to grants for artists. People love free
money, making this an awesome bonus with a high perceived
value!
Diagrams, patterns,
technical spec sheets - While finding these may take a
little more digging, they're perfect for marketing to
hobbyists, crafters, or collectors. If you're selling a how-to
guide to hand quilting, just a couple of vintage quilt
patterns will make your audience swoon. Or what about diagrams
or specifications for antique car parts or vintage airplanes?
Here's one instance where your audience might grab your
product simply to get the bonuses!
Drawings and photos -
The copyrights on many old illustrations and antique photos
have expired - or they were never copyrighted to begin with.
Bundle these graphics into themed sets to complement your
product. While scanning in old artwork may be a bit time
consuming, this is one of those "work once, reap the rewards
forever" products.
Finally, here's a bonus for
YOU. Remember that the more unique your public domain bonus
is, the more likely you can package or even sell it in its own
right! Sometimes something as simple as changing a title can
give your bonus even more perceived value.
What a great way to breathe
new life into those old forgotten works... and pile on
value-added bonuses that justify a premium price tag for your
product!
Copyright © Surefire
Marketing, Inc.
Yanik Silver is recognized as
a leading expert on creating automatic, moneymaking
websites...and he still doesn't know how to put up a website.
He is the author, co-author or creator of several best-selling online marketing books and tools, including his
definitive guide for finding and profiting from the public
domain,
Public Domain Riches.
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