"Traffic Exchanges Are a Waste of Time"
Sure if they're not using them correctly then it is a waste of time for them. They're wasting their time using the TE's to advertise because they don't know how to use them effectively.
On the other hand... they're not a waste of time to many people because they do know how to use them effectively.
Today, I want go into the top 5 ways to use TE's effectively.
1. Start with the end in mind. If you want to provide a product they want or desire to a surfer of a TE then you need to ask yourself what they want?
What do most TE surfers want and desire? Well one things for sure you know they want more traffic. You know they're using the TEs to get more traffic... and you know they're goal is get more people to their sites. I think I said the same thing 3 times. :o)
That's an easy one... so is there a product that you own, promote or can create that would be what they want or desire?
Let's say you come up with a product that will help them surf in half the time they're doing now (that's not cheat software :o). Or a new software tool that will help them manage all their TE accounts for them.
Would that be something they would want or desire? You Bet!
So, that's something you have to keep in mind. Too many people are promoting things in TEs that no one cares to buy or use. That's another reason why promoting TEs in TEs works so well. That's what the surfer is looking for #1... Traffic generating tools or services.
Okay so let's say you have the coolest and newest tool that every surfer has got to have... and they can afford to buy it. Now that's half the battle and you've won that one before you even step onto the battle field.
2. Create a Splash Page that lists the top benefits they want and a catchy graphic that stops them dead in their tracks. Too many people promote long sales pages in the TE's that people just don't have the time to read while they're surfing. Remember there goal while they surf is to generate traffic to their sites.
You have to catch their eye first by putting something in front of them that will stop them dead in their tracks and then get them to click over to your site from the Splash Page. That way you have their undivided attention. Your headline needs to contain a sense of urgency. It must tap into anticipation, desire, curiosity, and other emotional hot buttons. It must have a call to action.
Keep in mind, once they click over to your site... it better be something that interests them or they're gone for good and chances are even if they see your page 1,000 more times they won't ever click it again. :o(
3. Lead capture pages... these still work very well. If you give them enough information to get their curiosity flowing, but not enough for the whole enchilada, then you can get them to fill out your lead capture page for more info, or to download a free product. The secret here is to give them something they would gladly pay for, but they don't have to since you're giving it to them for free (plus that let's you know what they're interested in... and means you can sell similar products to them later).
Now if you've captured their name and email to follow up with them for a sale, then It's best from this point to send them some follow up messages that will drip your sales messages over days and weeks with the ability to buy the product at anytime through out the emails you send them.
How many emails should you set up to go out? That's up to you... if you test the emails and know that on day 3 of the emails 90% of the subscribers buy, then you might not need to keep adding email after email. Set up about 5 and add on if necessary. Keep testing and find out what works or doesn't.
4. Squeeze Pages. This is a combination of both a Splash Page and a Lead Capture Page in one. It gets the viewer to fill out the form and once they do they get redirected to your sales page with a more open mind because they just gave you their name and email for more info.
Then you can send them the follow up emails like the lead capture page does. Just make sure if they buy your product from the sales page that you stop sending them emails especially if after a certain amount of messages you start offering lower prices. You don't want upset customers knowing they could have paid less for the product.
5. The Free Report... this is where you give them access right to your Free Report. This can be great for the skeptics out there. These are the people that have gotten burned from opting into too many email lists and they aren't going to just give up their name and email anymore. They get way too many emails as it is and don't trust anyone.
So, adding a link to your Free Report right from a Splash Page can help these people click over and get more comfortable with you and what you're offering before they have to give out their info. Then after they read the report, give them a way to opt-in for more info.
My suggestion to you is to first get something they want, then second add all three methods to present the info through out the TE's. Then third... test each one and see which generates the highest return on investment.
Okay, now here's the most important tip in getting results from promoting in the TE's.
After setting up a product you believe they will want, and implementing all three advertising methods and sending about 10,000 unique visitors to those pages... if you don't see people opt-in or get a sale... Then Stop! That's it... quit wasting your time. You're right... Traffic Exchanges Are a Waste of Time.
I bet that won't happen! Actually, I've had so much success using the TE's I know that won't happen. And if it does...please let me know and I will take the time to explain why it didn't happen and show you what you did wrong or why it didn't work for you.
I will show you how to use Traffic exchanges - CLICK HERE
Regards ..... Kevin - Wednesdayite
