When your business starts losing momentum, and you need more gas to fuel the engine.. do what I DO – Create a Special Report!
Let me tell you a short story.. before I started writing special reports, my leads weren’t coming in as fast as they are today. Before HectorJCuevas.com (the blog), I literally tried everything to entice people to opt-in into my email list.
I was creating a lot of online real estate, in the hopes of getting someone to bite and become a lead.
This online real estate was mainly lead capture pages which gave away some sort of LEAD MAGNET. I experimented with online videos as a way to entice visitors to give me their contact information but it wasn’t working for me.
I must’ve been doing something wrong, but I didn’t stop there.
So.. Started Writing Reports
These reports (along with my blog, of course) have allowed me to get where I am today, as far as listbuilding goes – and not a day goes by where I don’t FUEL my business with NEW BUSINESS - that simply means, everyday I get new leads into my marketing funnel.
*Just A Side Note* You should, everyday, do at least ONE THING that fuels your business with new business – because if you don’t, one day you’ll run outta gas and your business will be NO MORE.
But I know for some of you creating these Special Reports might be a bit intimidating at first.
I mean, I don’t read anything unless it’s top-notch, quality stuff that will somehow, someway help me or my business. You need to keep in mind that with the overwhelming amount of information available on the web, the people in your market will have the same attitude – no matter what market that is.
Special Reports are exactly that “SPECIAL”, in that they should add tremendous value to the reader, and it should solve any problems their having with getting ONE, and only ONE, thing done.
If what I’m reading is not going to help me in that way, then I don’t bother finishing it. (maybe it’s just me, but I believe very much in getting the best use of my time – so I spend it where I believe I’ll benefit the most)
I don’t say that to discourage you if you’re just starting out (I’m sure you have the same attitude about your time) – I say it to get you to start thinking about OVER-DELIVERING, because when you get in the over-delivering state-of-mind, you will ALWAYS exceed their expectations.
Now that we got that out of the way… let talks about creating the dam’ thing..
Creating A Lead Magnet In 6 Hours Or Less
There’s a lot that goes into creating a content packed lead magnet – especially if you want to over-deliver and ‘wow’ your subscribers. Luckily, I’ve written enough of these special reports to know exactly what you need to put inside of them – and you’re gonna get an entire rundown, right here, for free!
These reports will be added to your arsenal of marketing weapons and will increase the amount of leads you get if you use them right.
Cool?
Great!
Step 1 – Figure Out The ONE Thing You Want To Help People Solve
(Time: 30 minutes)
Most people when they write reports or create any type of content, they hit too many topics and don’t end up solving anything for their subscribers. Doing it this way doesn’t create the ‘WOW’ effect and it doesn’t make them WANT to learn more from you.
But how can you figure out what they need help with? …hmm, here’s a super secret strategy that not many people use. I learned it from years of studying marketing because no one wanted to spill the beans -Just ASK!
………obviously, I’m kidding… but simply asking your subscribers what they want will get you much closer to creating a killer special report.
Take my Launch Your Blog Report for example… it only helps people solve ONE problem – which is how to effectively launch their blog. Not the technical stuff, but the other things that you don’t hear much about… like: “What to do before I get visitors, What plugins do I need, What to do immediately after it’s up and running…”
The reason I created it was because I surveyed my subscribers and it was one of the topics mentioned – simple huh?
Step 2 – Gather Information & Framework Your Knowledge
(Time: 120 minutes)
I don’t know it all – Yeah.. I know, that’s hard to believe – but it’s True ;0) – but the best part is, you don’t have to know-it-all neither. You can use good ‘ol Google to gather information from at least 4 different sources, LEARN IT, and then put it together in your own words.
We’ll get into the writing part in the next step, but first.. you need to understand that even though I can now write a 5 – 10 page report in a matter of hours, I still need to Framework my knowledge – and here’s how you do that.
Frameworks, by definition, are structures that support or contain something – but in this context they are structures that contain an idea or concept. Our job is to take the stuff that we learned during our research and put it together in a step by step, easy to understand body of content.
This can be done through:
- acronyms
- list of tips in sequential order
- graphs & images
- mind maps & flow charts displaying the process
- …or a combination of all of these
The more creative ways that you explain a concept or idea to your readers and subscribers, the closer you’ll be to creating a perfect lead magnet with the “WOW” factor.
Take this post for example, even though this is NOT a special report (which is should be, since it’s jam-packed) I took the time to break down the idea of creating Killer Reports into actionable steps. Each step is also broken with definitions, tips and examples.
If you get ANYTHING out of this post – get this… Framework your Knowledge so that you can help other people “GET” what you’re talking about.
Step 3 – Start Writing… & Don’t Stop til Its Done!
(Time: 180 minutes w/ 15 minute breaks)
What about writing… is there a certain way it needs to be structured? does the number of pages matter? how many pages do I write? are there certain elements that need to be included in the report?
Whoa… what’s with all the questions? – one at a time please ;0)
As far as structure goes, just make sure that the report can be easily read, and that it’s broken down into the smaller concepts and FRAMEWORKS that you created. Include images to describe ideas – graphs and flow charts are great if they fit with what you’re saying.
Structure also includes HOW you write the report. Your writing NEEDS to do 2 things. Educate and Communicate. Educate using the frameworks you created in step 2 and communicate with your readers by being conversational with your writing.
Telling stories and adding humor are 2 great ways to connect with someone on a deeper level, and that deeper connection will enhance the “WOW” factor.
Since these reports focus on eliminating ONE problem, then you can make the report 5 – 10 pages and your subscribers won’t care since their problem is being solved.
You won’t hear anyone say, “hmm, I just created my first special report, and I’m getting a bunch of leads everyday thanks to Hector’s report – but I didn’t like it cuz it wasn’t a gazillion pages long”
So, keep it short – they’ll thank you for it.
Step 4 – Make It Look Appealing
(Time: 30 minutes)
This is when you make it look nice. If you’re writing the report on MS Word, you can add images and graphics, add borders around special phrases or sentences. Read it and re-read it to make sure it doesn’t sound like a text-book.
Make sure it’s very friendly and it doesn’t talk down to anyone. Make sure you didn’t accidentally plaster your affiliate links on every other sentence trying to make a sale.That not only looks bad, it’s bad for business.
We’re building long term businesses here, and that type of stuff will not get you very far. Focus on delivering real value to your subscribers, and you’ll gain some really cool loyal readers and fans along the way.
Report graphic e-covers are NOT required to make this work, although they help with making the report look a bit more professional. Focus on delivering value more than anything else because the best graphics in the world won’t save you if you deliver crappy content.
Cool? – Great, next step…
Step 5 – Convert, Distribute, Rinse & Repeat!
(Time: 30 minutes)
Once you have your Microsoft word document, you can head over to PrimoPDF and download the FREE version of their software that allows you to turn your word document into PDF’s.
The next step would be to get in your readers’ hands, and making money from giving this Free Report away to your visitors.You can either use this report you just created and give it away as a Free-download on your blog without asking for the opt-in, or you can use it as a lead generator.
Why would you want to give it away without asking for the opt-in? Well, you can give your readers giveaway rights and they’ll be able to give away your report to their friends and followers. This creates a somewhat viral campaign that can reach many more people that you could ever reach on your own.
Or you can set up your lead capture page and generate leads using the report as a lead generator.
There are many things that go into creating a automated lead generation process once you have your perfect lead magnet, and a couple ways to monetize so you can start seieng cash-flow.
I get into those advanced tips & strategies in my Funnel Secrets Training Program.
Thanks!
Well, that was a super long post, but I think it should give you a good start with creating your Killer Lead Magnet/Special Report and how to leverage it to attract more leads into your business. Until next time!
I wish you nothing less than success! Leave me your feeback below and please share it with your friend and followers.
Talk soon,
. . . . . . . . . . . .
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32
Hi Hector,
This post was awesome and jam packed full of super helpful information. Thanks for all the tips. They could be applied to creating audios and videos too for people who don’t enjoy writing, and packaging a special report with an audio of the report adds more value too! I could also see a few reports grouped into an entry level sampler for an upsell after opt in!
Thanks for the idea inspiration!
Heather
Heather C Stephens´s last post ..Personal Branding for Network Marketers- Find a Niche
Heather,
You’re totally right.. this process can be applied to any type of content, whether that’s multimedia or text..
& you made a great point – packaging this stuff together can help you create a low-ticket product really easily.
thanks for sharing your thoughts on this.
talk soon
Hey Hector,
I really liked how you laid it out with 5 steps and created a framework and made it easy to follow. Great job.
Coach Freddie
Coach Freddie´s last post ..Enough Is Enough
Freddie,
Thanks for your comment.. I tried to use my advice as you noticed.. :0)
talk soon
This is really help content Hector, thank you.
I think this sentence of yours really sums it all up – “Focus on delivering value more than anything else because the best graphics in the world won’t save if you deliver crappy content”.
I have always been impressed with the quality of your content – this post is no exception. You have inspired me to take a look at creating something of my own in the near future.
Stay Inspired,
Michael
Michael B Wilbraham@Network Marketing Insights´s last post ..2 Words That Scream “Network Marketing Scam”
Michael,
Thanks for you comment man – I really appreciate it.. I try my best not to deliver CRAPPY content.. :0)
talk soon
Hi Hector,
Thank you for the concise tips on writing a report. It’s not so intimidating when you break it down like that. I’d love to see how you do with this in due course.
We all need to realise that no matter what our level of experience, we all have some knowledge to share that will be of value to others.
Thanks and have a great day,
Wayne
Wayne Wu´s last post ..Montana Orders ACN to Shut Down over “Pyramid Scheme” Allegations
Wayne,
I agree.. everyone has one thing they can share that can help others.. all that’s left is putting it in their own words, and explain it in a way that others can benefit from that knowledge..
Hey Hector
This is going to help so many people.
I like the way you break it down into
simple steps.
Thanks!
Antonio Licchelli
Antonio Licchelli´s last post ..1 Super Powerful Traffic Secret
Antonio,
I hope it does..
Hi Hector,
Brilliant, informative post. Just the outline of why a Special Report has proved so powerful is of immense value. The fact that you’ve broken it down so concisely to help others do what you’ve done is the icing on the cake.
I’ll bookmark this to reference when I’m producing my own reports in the future
Thanks,
Jym
Jym´s last post ..5 Beliefs That Will Stop You Generating Wealth… And How To Dissolve Them
Jym,
Thanks for your comment bro – come back anytime… :0)
Hi Hector,
wow, great tips. You offer great advice with this step-by-step blueprint. And you are definitely writing from experience, that makes the advice credible.
I embrace escpecially the tip to do at least one thing a day that fuels new business. Do that and you never need to worry again.
Thanks for sharing.
Take care
Oliver
Oliver,
That’s how bloggers should write – from experience, it makes the content that much more valuable..
thanks for your comment
Hey Hector,
This is what people need to know. Thanks for making this tips so easy to understand. Now, we should be seeing a lot of reports coming from your readers.
Chat with you later…
Josh
Josh Garcia´s last post ..The Secret of Networking With Bloggers
Josh
Hopefully people take this info and put it into practice..
let’s see how that goes..
Hi Hector this is great info and its midnight here in Perth so I’ll revisit tomorrow and digest it when my brain is working better! In the meantime I’ll hit the Retweet
Cheers Kiaran
kiaran´s last post ..Social and Business Networking Sites-what rocks and what sucks! Top 191 Sites
Kiaran,
Definitely come back to digest the info later on..
thanks for commenting
talk soon
A super value-packed post Hector.
I have yet to write a free report but after having been included in your July Report can see the power of generating leads from them.
Thanks for sharing buddy!
Ryan Biddulph
Ryan Biddulph´s last post ..The 5 Worst Mistakes I Made As a Home Based Business Entrepreneur
No problem bro..
thanks for stopping by Ryan..
talk soon
WOW Brother.
Since I have jumped back into the blogging arena this is the most valuable post I have read so far.
Awesome bro, truly.
I am literally going to start doing some reports tonight.
Great stuff
Chat soon
Dwayne
Dwayne Huggins´s last post ..Money Vs People Which One Are You More Interested In
Dwayne,
It’s great to hear that bro – I really appreciate it, THANKS!
I’m glad you found it useful, let me know how that goes.
talk soon
Awesome post Hector. Breaking it down as you have done gives a solid step by step strategy. This I will use.
thank you
Charlie Holles
Charlie Holles´s last post ..It’s Good to be Back – and everything is perfect!
Hey Charlie,
Glad you found it useful.. thanks for the comment
Hi Hector,
I love your step-by-step tutorial. Now, if you could draw some pictures to illustrate it further that would be great.
Na, I’m just kidding! Great stuff! Very easy to follow even if you have never written a special report before.
Thanks for sharing this!
Ilka
Ilka Flood´s last post ..Self-discipline the Key to Achieving Your Goals
Ilka.. I’ll throw in a video next time :0)
glad you liked it.. & thanks for the comment
Excellent advice Hector.
Not to mention how great your step by step plan. That’s the kind of stuff people are looking for and you did an exceptional job.
Well worth sharing. Thanks!
Jerome Ratliff
Jerome Ratliff´s last post ..10 Ways to Pinpoint Your Niche Market
Jerome,
I appreciate your comment bro – just adding my little bit of value to the community.. :0)
thanks for the comment
Gotta luv you Hector! Your a bad-ass blogger! I’m always awed by your over delivery…so much time and thought goes into every post I’ve seen thus far. I never knew about Primo PDF-…that could be fun! You’re right about doing at least one thing’ and giving ‘one thing’ of value away for the use of others. Thanks for all you do. Your friend, Kim
Kim Jensen´s last post ..Deciding- Kickin’ the ‘Buts’
Kim,
Always look forward to your comments – they make my day :0)
Glad you enjoyed the article..
talk soon
Hector
This is a great resource, I will need some time to really digest it. It’s bookmarked so that I can come back and really dig deep.
Thank you for taking the time to write this post!
Stacy´s last post ..Kick That Complaining Habit to the Curb
Thanks Stacy.. definitely come back, It’ll be here waiting for you..
You’re very welcome.. talk soon
Great content Hector! Another type of report I’ve implemented recently is “case studies”. It would be awesome if you would identify a beginner blogger, have them follow your step-by-step approach, then document their progress…in a Special Report of course!
Thanks Karen.. that’s an awesome idea – I think I might just do that..
thanks for the comment..
You did it again Hector.
This post was totally awesome! Thank you for the great step by step instructions on creating a special report.
I really love the way you put this all together.
Thank you!
Susanna
Susanna Hess´s last post ..Work From Home Accountability Program
Did what again?? it wasn’t me..
oh. oh… the post! – thanks Susanna (LOL)
Glad you liked it..
Wow, Hector! You have over-delivered here… Awesome post with easy to follow steps to produce special reports.
Thanks for sharing your insights.
All the best,
Mavis Nong
Mavis Nong´s last post ..Still Struggling In Your Network Marketing Business
Mavis.. glad you liked it..
thanks for your comment
Wow! All I can say is thank you Ilka Flood for sharing this post with me. What an awesome read! Like many before me it will take some time to digest all of the nuggets nested within this article.
I am going to print it out, re-read it then re-read and highlight it again. I can only imagine the work you put into this for our benefit, (and yours too, I’m sure:)) but so worth it.
My thanks and more thanks.
Carla J Gardiner
Carla J Gardiner´s last post ..Alternative Health Chooses Senior Moments
Carla,
I’ll have to thank Ilka for sharing it with you too.. Take your time, digest it, print it out, read it and re-read it – it’s yours
You’re welcome :0)
Talk soon
Hector
These are the kind of things a true leader and successful marketer does. Creates his/her own future.
Great post, Hector – shared with my Twitter crowd.
I also saw one very important thought in your post: make sure you do at least one thing a day that contributes to generating the leads the most.
Ana Hoffman
Ana @ Targeted Website Traffic´s last post ..New Tweet Button- The Good- The Bad- The Ugly
Ana.. thanks for your comment, I appreciate what you said – and yes.. just ONE thing will make a difference in the long haul..
thanks for sharing your thoughts..
Hector,
As Always, a Value Packed Post! Another one for bookmarking. You are overflowing with great tips and value, thanks again!
You Are Awesome!
Wishing You Continued Success,
Vicki
Vicki Berry´s last post ..Resolving the WordPress Stats – Google Analytics Discrepancy
Vicki, glad you liked it.. :0)
thanks for your comment
talk soon
Thanks for the post. I almost passed your we site up in Google but now I’m glad I clicked on through and got to examine it. I’m definitely a little better informed now. I’ll be recommending your site to some friends of mine. They’ll for sure enjoy the heck out of what I just read too. LOL. –Jack
Hector,
Great Tips you share here, i know that giving out Free Reports such as PDFs have definitely spread the word about my business and like you said truly creates a lead magnet!! Have an awesome Weekend:)
Chris Bernardo´s last post ..How to get 2 into your Business-Super Fast!
Chris.. special reports are great because they’re easy to share – im glad you’re having success with them also..
thanks for sharing
talk soon
Nice post hector! Great tip here. Brainstorming matters a lot and i love the idea of kip writing till its done! Keep the good work up!
Sam.. thanks for your comment – yes, we all get distracted so it;s important to focus on one task and get it done
talk soon
No wonder why you are Hector the Alexa Director.
This was such a valuable piece of writing. You broke down all the main points of creating content.
All I can say is “WOW”
PrimoPDF sounds great, I am checking it out right now. Thank you, didn’t even know that existed.
Have a great one,
Tommy
Tommy DiPietro | MLM Prospecting Hero´s last post ..MLM Sales Strategies for the Home Business Owner The Power Of A Phenomenal Goal
Hey Tommy, :0)
Thanks for your comment – I’m glad you liked it..
Microsoft word & Primo and you’re set. good luck
talk soon
Hector
Love your simple but affective approaches and suggestions .. looking for more from you.
Regards
Hey Bruce..
Glad you liked the post..
talk soon
Hector
Great post Hector, and valuable
Almost a Special Report in itself.
I suggest using Open Office to create reports and convert to PDF, 100% free
Peter R Fuller´s last post ..The Law of Awareness – A Personal Story
Pete.. thanks man
I tried to keep it under 1,000 words.. couldn’t do it!
Open Office is another great option – I haven’t used it myself though..
thanks for sharing
Mr. Hector, this is a Powerful message here brother.. With just a little tweek in a business like this, the sky is the limit; I will be definitely looking into implementing some of these strategies.. God Bless:)
Ontarian
Ontarian Hawkins´s last post ..Simple Content Creation Tips- How to Create EFFECTIVE Content From Scratch- Part 2
Ontarian.. I’m glad you enjoyed the post.. adding special reports to your marketing strategy will definitely help you business.
thanks for sharing
talk soon
Hector,
Powerful information that ANYONE can begin using immediately to start getting more leads into their business.
It’s amazing how simple things can be sometimes when we stop thinking that we have to come up with some earth-shattering tactic to get more leads, when just doing some honest-to-goodness work will drive more than we know what to do with.
Great stuff! Keep it coming!
Talk soon,
Mike
Mike Paul´s last post ..Weekly Updates for 2010-08-21
Mike…
you made great point man – the simple things work really well so there’s no need to look for the next best system or strategy..
Just work hard and add value – good things will come
talk soon
Hector
This is a really good read for me. Must admit that you are one of the coolest bloggers I ever saw. Thanks for posting this informative article.
Creating content can be intimidating (especially when you’re first starting out). Hats off to you Hector for creating an easy step-by-step approach to creating a lead magnet report for others to follow along with. This is GREAT STUFF! Thanks so much for sharing your ideas. Your blog looks fantastic and I’m adding you to my “Killer Blogs To Read” LIST
Keep up the great work! P.S. I’m tweeting you out to the twittersphere!
Kai Pei´s last post ..4 Simple Rules – Join The Circle Of TRUST On Twitter And Facebook
Hi Hector,
Great post and definitely awesome content.
Just like Dwayne, you have definitely lit a fire and I will definitely act on this advice….after all, knowledge is about action, and you have just delivered quite a bit.
I like the way you put it out in a structured and easy-to-follow format. Most times, we get stuck trying to do something because we end up in a somewhat confused state of affairs whereby we start on one thing and before we even have a grasp of things in that department, we are onto the next item.
A neat system you put out.
Thank you.
Michael
Wow, sweet post, I was thinking how to do this. and found across your site from msn, lots of great stuff here, now that I’ve got an idea. I’ve bookmarked your web site and also added rss. Please keep us informed….
Hector,
I RARELY COMMENT,OK, NEVER! This post was very informative. There is a lot of FLUFF out there, however, yours is real. When someone new comes into the business they need help quickly. Results are what matters. This article will help newbies, and others that are struggling. You have to follow people like Hector to make it in this business. I know good stuff when I see it. It’s my Business TO HELP PEOPLE GET QUALITY LEADS TODAY. HECTOR LOOKS LIKE HE CAN HELP YOU AS WELL.
Tommy D´s last post ..How To Work With Tommy D Directly And Sponsor 30 People A Month Starting Today
Tommy.. I’m glad you decided to comment on this post, even though you rarely comment :0)
I appreciate what you said, thanks a lot.
Perfect post. I remember once when I offered a free ebook on my site I got a ton of new optins each and everyday. I really recommend people make a lead magnet.
Breaking it down as you have done gives a solid step by step strategy. This I will use.
agel´s last post ..AGEL Coffee Plus-กาแฟเอเจล