Running an online service-based business can sometimes be a bit tricky. Even with case studies, testimonials and high-value social content, customers want to be 100% certain that investing their money into your business is the right choice for the type of experience they’re looking for. There is no one size fits all in service industry.
So if telling your customers what you can do doesn’t work, how do you show them your expertise, without them buying your service? The answer is -digital products. The type of digital products we are talking about here, are easy to make and can be created within a matter of days or even hours. In fact, you may already have a simple system you use within your business that could be the very solution to your customers’ problems.
Digital products can take on a variety of forms, from online courses to done-for-you customizable packages. Here are four simple products you can start using this week to get your customers’ foot into your business.
E-Books
Just like the name says, an e-book is an electronic book that online shoppers can download and read on their devices. Creating an e-book isn’t as hard or scary as you might think. It doesn’t have to be over 100 pages, or even 50! It’s your business, so you get to talk about whatever you want to in your book. Just ensure that, no matter how long or short it is, the information adds value to your customers’ lives so that it is well worth the price being offered. For example, if you own an insurance company, you can create an e-book detailing how to choose between the different types of insurance, and hacks to get great coverage without dishing out hundreds of dollars.
Once you’ve written the content of your e-book, many websites can help you put together a beautiful book that you can immediately start promoting to your customers.
Workbooks
Workbooks are great because they are actionable. It gives your customers something to do with the valuable information you have provided them. If you have a video or blog out about budgeting effectively, for example, the next step could be to offer your viewers a reasonably priced workbook that gives them the exact steps detailing what they need to do to start their budget. It may contain specific questions that ask about your monthly income or unavoidable personal expenses. The individual would fill out all the information in your workbook until they have finally created their budget based on your instructions.
A workbook helps your customers to make progress towards their goals instead of procrastinating because they are not sure where People often like being spoon-fed. So if you’re promising them the exact steps they need to take, they will be more than willing to pay for it.
Templates
Templates make tiring, repetitive or seemingly complicated tasks easier. If you’ve ever spent time putting together a word file or excel sheet that has made some part of your life easier, chances are there are people in your industry trying to overcome the same barriers you just did. They will therefore be glad to pay whatever the amount to benefit from your template too. Templates may come in many forms depending on what you are selling.
If you are an accountant, you may have a certain spreadsheet you use, complete with automated calculations for laying out income and expenses each month, so that all you need to do, is plug in the figures and watch the magic work. There is no doubt that such a template would be beneficial to your customers too.
Tutorials/Guides
In the service industry, ‘How’ is the most famous question asked when in need of something. “How do I set up an effective Facebook business page?” “How can I diet effectively to lose weight?”
If you have the answers to your customers’ most pressing questions, one of the most valuable things you can do for them is to create a tutorial or guide that they can have at their fingertips, whenever they need it. Make your paid tutorials as comprehensive as possible, thinking of all the different problems your customers may encounter when going through the steps themselves. Tutorials or guides such as these are especially handy for unique services you may offer (e.g. DIY projects, specialized software programmes). Tutorials help show your customers that you know exactly what needs to be done to get a certain result and are willing to show them how to get those results themselves. It’s a great way to serve those of your customers who like to learn on their own. However, it will also send customers straight to your doors when they no longer wish to do it themselves.
Knowledge is Power
Selling digital products is a great way to show your customers your expertise. They also act as a form of passive income for your company as well. Many may feel more comfortable making smaller investments in an e-book or workbook, rather than buying the full-blown service that they are afraid might disappoint. The point is to get them in the door, instead of simply browsing the goods before moving on. After that, anything is possible!
Which one of these digital products will you try using today?
Let’s hear it in the comments!