I see a tweet or a post and the title looks pretty interesting…in fact it looks like it could really be “helpful” for what it is I am working on or struggling with or need to know more about. So I click…
But first, I need to find the “X” to get rid of the pop-up ad.
Then the content…finally…I’m excited to learn more.
As I read I realize this is really an overview of the topic…I already understand the concepts. I continue to read and still not real meat, no real story, no real in-depth insights, opinions, research, stories, or value.
I quickly skim the rest of the post and get to the bottom.
Then it comes into focus…they want me to buy something or go somewhere on their site where they are selling some product or service. Now I see the whole picture. I just wasted my time to be sold…only in a very unsuspecting, unprofessional, and manipulative way.
I leave…unsubscribe…never to come back and be tricked again.
I’m gone.
If any of this sounds like you or your company, “Don’t be that Guy/Girl/Company.” It will erode your credibility, trust, and opportunity to really have a meaningful relationship with that person…possibly forever. The internet is very unforgiving today, unlike in the past few years. People know how to get rid of you and leave…and most likely, never come back.
Don’t listen to the people selling pop-up ads…we all hate them and we all immediately look for the “X” or the “Close” button. Don’t sell me in your content. If you want to sell me, be up front and tell me so if I am interested I at least have opted in to read it. Trickery, manipulation, being sneaky doesn’t work…not today…not ever. Be trustworthy…it’s worth its weight in gold!
