Why You Should Share

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I got an email newsletter the other day with a link to what looked like a useful tool (an ROI calculator).

Lovebirds [Not; They're Lories]
Image by Steve Snodgrass via Flickr

Since I’m always on the lookout for additions to my “cool tools for creatives” feature, I filed it for future use.  Then yesterday, someone on Linkedin was asking how what a good response rate was and how to figure ROI for direct marketing.  I thought, oh, I know, I’ll post the link to the tool.

I clicked back to the email, clicked on the link, and started to post it.

Then I stopped.

The link went to a sign up page, which seemed to be for the newsletter I was already receiving.  Since I didn’t want to sign up twice.  I left.  I didn’t post the link either, since posting a link to a sign up page (even if it wasn’t mine) seemed rather rude (and not helpful).

The person who created the tool lost a link.  I lost the opportunity to help.  Did anyone benefit? Creating new tools or ebooks (hey look, there are three of them in the right sidebar) or videos helps spread your ideas, get more links to your site, and introduce yourself to new potential new customers. But not if you hide them.

Sure, there are times when putting something behind a sign up page makes sense.  But why try to build your list with people who are already on it?  And if you make a useful free tool, why not spread it? Even birds know it’s good to share.

What do you think?

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4 thoughts on “Why You Should Share”

  1. I have run into a few sites whose sign up pop up jumped into view within five seconds. Technically, people shouldn’t judge a site by such things, but we are all human and we are all working with limited time. When this happens, it is natural to feel a slight offense – I do. Especially since I’ve not even had time to decide if I’m interested enough in signing up.

    Sign ups can be encouraging to the right reader. For the most part, though, they are little walls that keep us separated from the full goodness of their blogs.

    • I know what you mean. Everyone says they increase sign ups, but I hate when they pop up in your face while you’re trying to read a post.

  2. They may increase signups but has any one tracked to see how long those signups stay and if they convert?

    And I think we should judge sites by such things. For example, I could probably make some money with those darn text link things… but I hate ’em so I won’t impose them on my readers.

    • That’s an excellent question Anne. I’m going to ask around and see if I can find out!

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