White Papers, eBooks and Reports: Freemiums
One of the more popular business models that websites utilize is the freemium model. The freemium concept is very simple. You basically allow your basic website members to use, or access, certain areas of your website for free, but if they upgrade their membership to a paid version they unlock extra features and areas that were previously off limits. Pretty straightforward.
For authors, the freemium model is a fantastic way to give loyal fans and readers incentive to become paid members of your online site. This can be accomplished by sharing a white paper, ebook or even a report. Knowing what the difference is among each of these will help you develop content accordingly and make it available to win over interested individuals.
A white paper is a great tool that can be used to sell your services. Typically, a white paper contains quite a bit of copy and a few graphics that are assembled in a persuasive way. The purpose of the white paper is to sell your point of view and usually argue from a specific position. Think of a white paper as written form of opinion that uses facts to support what it is you’re boasting about.
Sometimes, people confuse white papers with reports, but they’re not the same. A report is more along the lines of an article. It’s purpose isn’t to sell, but to convey, or educate. For many writers, a white paper or report won’t be as frequently used as an ebook. Ebooks are electronic versions of a book and they can be written on just about anything you can think of.
Now that we have a better understanding on what these three items are we can use them with the freemium website model. Consider creating a white paper, report or ebook that can be downloaded for free to entice your audience to learn more about your written body of work and you as an author. These free ‘teasers’ can demonstrate your experience, credibility and even highlight your accomplishments. All of these things are contributing factors to who you are as an author and why someone would want to read more of what you’ve written.
Once you’ve hooked your reader, turn them into paying fans and site members by providing them with access to content and material that basic members can’t receive. It’s an exclusive way to say thank you for their support.
Dear Leili:
Congratulations on asking a great question, one that every author, speaker, coach, and consultant should constantly be asking themselves.
Your idea of linking reports, tip sheets,and white papers to the fremium concept is very strong; and your explanations throughout the post are very clear.
It’s amazing what a little clarity can do: congratulations!
Roger
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