The Marketing Tool Every Publisher Undervalues

Why are publishers so scared of free and sample content? Sure, most publishers offer at least one way to test drive their content but they could be doing so much more. I think free/sample content is the single most under-utilized customer acquisition tool out there. Here's why…

Have you noticed that most newspapers and magazines don't offer a free e-trial? Or if they do, they bury it on their site. Most of these publishers have always offered free trials of their print product, but free e-trials are almost unheard of. If they're concerned about chronic freeloaders, why not just give the first few pages of the replica editions?

Even the stingiest publishers let you sample a few articles on their website. I'm sure they figure they'll at least monetize the ad impressions during that sample period but the same philosophy apparently doesn't hold up for replica edition sampling. Even if they can't count those replica edition sampler impressions, why not mix in some interstitial ads between pages for samplers, thereby creating an entirely new revenue stream?

By the way, Amazon, the undisputed king of data and customer acquisition, understands the value of free and sample content; that's why they typically offer two-week test-drives for newspapers and magazines. Why aren't publishers following Amazon's lead? Don't forget the benefit of gathering prospective new customer names and email addresses; these readers may not opt in immediately but you'll have a link to market to them in the future.

Then there's the opportunity for book publishers... Why aren't they creating super-sized samples available exclusively on their websites? The book samples available on the major retailer sites are generally the same ones publishers offer on their own sites. That's a huge missed opportunity to establish a direct relationship with those customers.

I realize plenty of book publishers feel it's hopeless creating a direct-to-consumer channel. They're clearly not trying very hard though. Here's another tip: The first thing a reader should see when they open your ebook is a note from the publisher thanking them for their purchase and a link to your site where they'll find these exclusive, super-sized samples I'm talking about. They should include this messaging in all copies, including the ones sold by retailers. That's right. . . use the retailer channels to build your direct channel.

Lastly, how easy are you making it for readers to share that free sample with others? Most publishers put their sample content under lock and key, missing out on the opportunity for pass-along to family and friends of those reading the samples.

Publishers, it's time to re-think your free/sample content strategy. Learn a lesson from Amazon and start fully leveraging all that terrific content you have to share.