An ethical bribe is a fancy term for an opt-in incentive to join an email mailing list.
In other words, it is a lead magnet (here are some lead magnet examples for your reference).
A Form of Business Exchange
A lead magnet or ethical bribe is a form of exchange.
You gain someone’s contact information (e.g. email address) and the other person receives your ethical bribe.
For example, the person who signs up for your mailing list receives the benefits of the ethical bribe (such as a free resource guide) and the additional benefits of the email subscription. Your business, in exchange, receives the person’s contact information (typically an email address) to stay in contact and build a relationship with the person.
A good ethical bribe will:
- Attract the right leads to your mailing list and business.
- Grow your online business automatically.
- Give you time back for your family and friends.
Another Way to Look at an Ethical Bribe
Long before the information age, an ethical bribe had a very common name and that is…
Free samples.
Chances are, if you walk into a local bakery or café, you will still be treated with a delicious sample from the chef.
Why do these small businesses give away food for free?
The reason is obvious.
The free sample demonstrates their expertise in food preparation. If the sample is delectable, you will likely pay for more of it.
You will also feel the need to reciprocate the free offer.
In the digital world, your online ethical bribe is your free sample.
Keep it simple and related to your area of expertise.
Just like a bakery chef shouldn’t offer free wine tastings of someone else’s wine, you shouldn’t design a lead magnet that is unrelated to your line of work.
The gesture may be appreciated by someone, but the connection is lost.
Give your leads a free sample that builds trust in you and has them asking for more from the ethical bribe chef!
Ethical Bribe Example
For your additional reference, click here for an ethical bribe (lead magnet) example that outlines the other four characteristics of an essential lead magnet.
Cheering for your online success – one project step at a time!
Brent
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