Level 1: Create Curiosity

Start with crafting top-notch, free content like white papers or brief data pieces on key subjects – just like this one.

But, here's the rub: leave your readers craving more, a puzzle to be solved, a picture to be drawn or a path to be taken. Why does every Netflix show end with a cliff-hanger...?

There are two clever tricks at play here. There’s the principle of reciprocation. It's psychology, not style. Hand out free info, and you feel strangely obliged. Nudged even, towards our common goal of better ads.

Then there’s the intrigue of an unfinished narrative. Our brains are wired to seek resolutions – it's the reason quizzes are such a hit.

Level 2: Fancy a Quiz?

Who dunnit? Why did they do it? Only Try This Quiz if you Know about Marketing. 

There's a slew of quiz tools on the market, some won't cost you a penny, most are peanuts. Typeform feels nice, Hotjar surveys can do the trick, too. It's not the style, it's the intrigue, the un-finished.

Want to get a bit more sophisticated? Develop a robust scoring system and a leader board to keep your users hooked and coming back for more. Craft your quizzes smartly to glean better insights about your audience.

'Five things marketers don't know about Google Ads'.

Add a sign-up prompt at the end to 'reveal your score', and you've hit the jackpot.

You're welcome.😀

Level 3: The Power of Calculators

We love a calculation. How much? We can't tell you.

But we can probably calculate it..

We've garnered a staggering number of user sign-ups with cleverly-designed calculators.

Everyone's itching to know what things cost – your product, this service, the whole shebang. If you're sitting on valuable info, share a slice (calling back to Level 1, remember?).

The higher the perceived value of your offering, the more data your users will be willing to part with. It's a fair value exchange.

Don't go straight to BF and GF. Do a little dancing first!

Level 4: Making the Most of Your Data

Now you've caught their interest; it's time to seal the win-win.

Perhaps there’s another calculator or a free trial or even a special invite-only product for sale that runs out soon.

Make each step of the journey offer mutual benefit. An equitable exchange. You’re not just building a customer base; you’re fostering trust every step of the way.

Compare this to the current cookie conundrum. It’s all very underhand. Nobody wants to share their data with 379 unrelated websites just to read a vaguely interesting article!

So play fair. Provide real value for your users, and you’ll find you’ve created a wealth of value for yourself as well.

Level 5: Seal the Deal with User Registration

We've reached the peak – user registration.

This could be for a purchase, a potential lead, a service, or just a newsletter.

But. Your customer is ready to put their trust in you. With their details.

Probably real ones.

It's a big deal for them, and for you. Because you've earned it

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Ready for the ins and outs of successful user registration? There’s lots more to learn about. Like why you probably shouldn’t use social sign ups. Unless…