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HOW TO USE A BAIT-PIECE TO GET MORE LEADS

by Susanna K. Hutcheson

Do you need lots of good quality leads for you or for your sales staff? If so, you'll want to consider using a little known and little-used technique known as the bait-piece.

Many a big business success has been built on this simple technique and it can build your empire too. Simply stated, you offer a premium (bait) to get people to make themselves known to you.

For example, a computer consultant might offer "How to Select a Consultant" special report or brochure. People who respond to the offer are more than likely looking to hire a consultant in the near future. Or perhaps they're looking right now for someone to consult for them.

So when you get their reply device back in the mail either you or someone on your staff calls the prospect and offers to deliver the brochure or special report in person.

If a personal sales call is out of the question because of geography or other reasons, you simply mail the bait-piece along with a tasteful presentation of your business. Then, you follow up with a phone call if you don't get a response within a reasonable amount of time.

REMEMBER WHAT YOU'RE SELLING

You must remember that you're trying to sell an interview or a request for more information. YOU'RE NOT TRYING TO SELL YOUR PRODUCT OR SERVICE AT THIS POINT. Getting an interview or request for information is the ONLY purpose of the initial mailing (unless, of course, you're trying to get a one-stage order.)

So how do you sell your bait-piece? Following is a brief letter that one of my clients uses.

"Just mail the enclosed card and receive my new brochure and portfolio of information. The brochure is full of new ideas and valuable tips on finding and retaining the right consultant for your needs.

In addition to this valuable brochure, I'll send you an information packet that will give you full details on me and my services. It includes samples of my work and the names of companies I've worked for. The information will show you how I can help you increase your productivity.

But first, get your personal FREE copy of 'How to Select a Consultant' --fast. It will give you information you probably won't get anywhere else. It will help you make the right decision when you do decide to hire a consultant. Mail the card right now. You're under absolutely no obligation."

IT BETTER BE USEFUL

Don't disappoint your prospects. Don't send them some dull information they could have received at the library! If you don't have something ready to send -- get it and get it fast!

Prospects get angry if you don't live up to what you promise. If you don't have a premium to offer that's truly as helpful as you say it is, make it helpful. Give the prospect MORE VALUE than he expects.

TIPS

1.You'll increase the quality and quantity of your leads if you describe your premium as "new" or "just published" or "never-before published". You can also list the contents or outline what's in it. Whet the prospects' appetite.

2. Plan a series of letters. One letter usually isn't enough. I recently used three different letters to a single list within three months. Each time I got new replies from different people.

You build up awareness with frequent mailings. It's good business, plain and simple.

3.Always enclose a reply device. Sometimes you'll want a reply card. Other times, a fax-back. But never fail to provide one. You greatly increase your response rate with a reply device.

Be sure to state on the reply device that the prospect is under no obligation by sending the card in.

4.Be prepared for the follow-through. This is VERY IMPORTANT! I can't stress this enough. Have whatever you promise in your bait-piece READY TO MAIL IN AN INSTANT! Your follow-through, or second stage, is actually your salesperson. It goes out and makes the sales call instead of you. It's got to be good. And it's got to be ready to go in a flash.

5.Be prepared with a follow-up letter. After you've personally talked with a prospect, follow it up with a verification of your discussion and it salient points. Show your appreciation for the prospects' time. Try to get a commitment for either another sales attempt or a close.

A FINAL POINT

The bait-piece serves one other very valuable service if it never does another thing . . . it builds your in-house mailing list.

The names you get back are true prospects. Put them in your database along with all the information you can gather. Then work that list regularly.

The bait piece is a fantastic way to get leads. Plan to use one in your own direct mail program. You'll be amazed at the amount of leads it will generate!

Susanna K. Hutcheson is a professional advertising and direct mail copywriter. She was the first copywriter to utilize the Internet as a place to market this type of service. Susanna has clients all over the world. She writes everything from Web site content to direct mail and radio spots. Visit her Web site at http://www.powerwriting.com. Her email address is powerwriter@powerwriting.com. Telephone: 316-665-7626.

© Copyright 2006 by Susanna K. Hutcheson and Power Communications LLC. Any republication in any manner is prohibited without the consent of Power Communications LLC or the author. We do give you limited permission to use this article on your Web site or in your newsletter if you print it or reproduce it exactly as it appears here including this entire notice. This article cannot be sold by you or published in a for-profit publication, a pay-per-view site or a site which sells memberships. It cannot be used by schools or in textbooks without our consent in writing. Rights to use this article for a purpose other than the type of distribution for which it is intended may be purchased from us. Call us at 316-665-7626. You may, however, link directly (not by redirect) to this article.