What the Heck is a Tripwire, and a Peek-Behind-the-Scene

Let's talk TRIPWIRES. 🙌

OK, first let's define the jargon.

A tripwire is a paid offer (usually with a special discount or bonus, often time sensitive, or an offer that isn't publicly available) that people see AFTER they sign up for your free opt in/lead magnet.

It's a great win/win.

You've added someone to your email list AND you're presenting them with something they can buy right away.

WHERE DO YOU ADD YOUR TRIPWIRE? - If your lead magnet/free opt in is in MV, and that's where they are signing up, you can put your tripwire on the sign up confirmation.

If your lead magnet/free opt is using an external service, like your email tool landing page, you'll put it on the thank you page.

Ideas for tripwires:

- something that will make the lead magnet even better, i.e. templates, etc

- a private podcast where you dive deeper into the topic covered in the opt in

- longer access to the thing they signed up for, if it's limited access, i.e. a summit or bundle

- your paid program that has more info or access to you

- access to a pop up group where you'll be taking action on the topic covered in the opt in

Tripwires work best if they are low friction. So think low cost, one time payments with a very clear, easy to understand "what this is, and how it'll help me" that is aligned with your opt in.

***

M'kay, I'm going to be honest with you.

I do NOT currently have a tripwire set up when people sign up for a free trial of MV. And I have a very light-handed one set up for the Recurring Revenue Summit (I'll be changing it out for something a little more snappy later this week). 

So this post is meant as much for ME, as it is you. 

Why? Because tripwires are genius. Someone is INTERESTED in you. They're engaged. 

Don't make them wait to buy something.

If you're all -- "sure, sure, ERIN, but why don't YOU have them?!"....then, yes, fair point. 

And I'll just *shrug* and say, this stuff can feel HARD.

Tripwires especially. You don't want to distract them from next steps. And if you have a recurring revenue model, like I do, then know that recurring offers don't make great tripwires, IMHO. 

Can it be done? Sure. 

But people feel more friction to buy/sign up for a recurring revenue offer, and you want MINIMAL friction with a tripwire. You want that "YES!! I wantz that!" feel, not the "hmmm, will I use it? Is this a good time to sign up for a trial?!", etc feel.

Want to see the rest of the sales series? Here you go!

• Announcement bar: an under-used feature that can help get eyes (and more sales)

• How to increase your cash flow, without growing your audience

• 5 upsell ideas and 5 order bump ideas to get you thinking

• Missed opportunities -- conversion opportunities everywhere
  
  

So, yup, I don't have tripwires (yet), but it's HIGH on my list. 

And I recommend it's on yours too...especially if you're putting energy into growing your list right now. 

If you're using MemberVault to deliver your free opt in/newsletter, you'd put your tripwire offer on the sign up confirmation. If you're using an external tool, you'd likely put it on their thank you page. 

Think:

👉 low cost

👉 low friction

👉 in line with the promo copy on your free opt in/newsletter page

Small steps build BIG momentum. Tomorrow, I'll be back with down sells, and a story about Burger King. 🎉