There are many tactics that some companies do that seem clever (to them) and end up annoying most potential clients. Here are 3 of the most common ones:
1. Registering for basic information: Have you ever looked for a great recipe online or some other information and found yourself on a website that asked you to register before they will give you the information? You may have paused at that moment and thought about getting flooded with spam from them and just clicked away, possibly saying to yourself, “I don’t want to register! I just wanted some info”. Registering for basic information is a huge turn off for most people. Of course, this is different than requesting information from a website which asks how you would like to be contacted, such as Insurance Quotes or pricing based on usage.
2. Product monthly-membership programs. Fans of the “Cigar of the month club” or the “Wine of the Month club” may be fine with paying a monthly membership fee for a new product they have never tried before, but most people are not. You may have come across this after finding a product you liked and thought, “Why do I have to join? I just want to buy ONE.” These companies rely on the fact that they will bill your credit card every month, until you get tired and complain. They would be better off long term, earning your business with each sale.
3. Long Term Contracts. Most people at some point have counted down the months to when their cell phone contract expires. The dread of being locked in to a 2 year contract, have turned millions of people to “No-Contract” or “Pre- Paid” cell phones and for good reason. Great companies earn their clients’ business and loyalty month after month with great products and great service and do not force clients to stay. We at Global Messaging have no long-term contracts either, because we believe in precisely that, earning our clients business month after month. Give your clients choices: to register if they like, or to sign up for the monthly membership if they like. Offering choices will keep them happy and coming back for more.
