Very simple and very easy question: Would you prefer password protected posts or eBooks?
Now I know which one I would prefer on different occasions and instances but I’m just wondering what you guys would prefer.
I prefer password protected posts because it is easier for me. All I have to do is essentially write a post like I normally do and put a password on it and send it out to my e-mail subscribers. In addition to that, having people come back to my site also helps with traffic and daily visitors. Basically, it still makes my site stats look good and if you ever want to read the post, you’ll have to come back.
See?
But one of the downfalls to this is the fact that a lot of people continue to subscribe via e-mail so they constantly ask for the password. I know I could make my life easier by setting up an automated responder but there’s a slight downfall to that too. Of course, a lot of people tend to unsubscribe soon after they have received the password and read the post.
I guess that’s a given, huh? Once people receive their prize, they have no incentive to come back.
As for the eBook, it’s a little more work. Now it’s basically converting everything over to .pdf format but then again, I still have to get this eBook out to my e-mail subscribers. And again, I don’t have an automated responder.
If I did, I could just put a download link somewhere on my site and that way I could continue to get the traffic needed. Matter of fact, I may potentially get more traffic if the eBook is just that good and rumors pass through forums and blogs.
Also, the main reason why I would prefer eBooks in general is when I’m selling them as a product. In this instance, I’m not selling anything so I’m not in need for a “product.”
Now I know readers, subscribers, etc would probably prefer eBooks because it becomes theirs once they get it. They aren’t forced to come back here whenever they want to read it because they’ll have it downloaded already.
The reason why I ask is simply the fact that I was going to have a password protected post on a slight case study on a small site I sold for a couple hundred dollars. In that, I would include step by step on what I did and the example site and URL.
When I’m exposing URLs, I would prefer my loyal subscribers to get a hold of that precious information rather than someone that just randomly stopped by, you know?
Anyways, on this particular example, would you guys prefer a password protected post or an eBook? Or maybe neither? Let me know!
I have always gone the ebook route, because once you put a cover up it starts to draw attention and people start to recognize it -whether its on an advert on other blogs or just yours.
I just see it as another piece in the branding and marketing of my blog.
Tom – StandOutBlogger.coms last blog post..Killer Blog Posts – 10 Simple Steps!
What about just an email?
I don’t think that sending an email to your list would be that hard?
I do think having passwords for your posts is very important, not only to keep it private, but to avoid spams as well.
Go with the eBook route. Get yourself something like Aweber – it’s a lot, lot easier to build your subscriber base. Have people opt in to get the report.
The benefit of this is that you build a list – you can email them at any time (with offers, good content, contests etc). Some will unsubscribe, but very few.
Jasons last blog post..Brainwave Domain Flip Brings In $2,000
I think you hit the nail on the head. Test it. Do both. See what people access. Of course, you’ll need an autoresponder, but it seems like you’ve invested in your business, why not invest $20-30 more a month? Aweber works great.
I have personally found that people like the attachment (ebook). I get more “opens” that way.
You could always lure people to get on your list by promoting the book as a giveaway. Plus, if you ever want to sell the book you can.
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Hi..
I also use password protected post because it have more secure.but i don’t use password protected e-books.but it will be secure if you can have it.now i will follow it.thanks ..
i think i would not prefer password protected posts or e-books.its time consuming work.why we should hide our information from others? I think at least posting should be open ended.
i dont use both of them.
but maybe it’s important for caughting spam.
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I don’t like password protected posts or ebooks .Although it adds security but a lazy subscriber like me don’t want to do efforts to fill password
I always try to concern e-books because with this you can get lot of information’s and also expert suggestions