Using fake counters on your sales or squeeze pages

July 7th, 2008

Have you ever seen those sales or opt-in (squeeze) pages that have countdown timers on them? Something like, “Receive these free bonuses if you sign up before (insert fake counter here)”? You’ll notice that if you stick around long enough, those counters just reset themselves once they reach “0:00″.

I don’t know about you, but these little tricks or gimmicks turn me right off. If you’re going to offer a free bonus, then give it to your readers! Don’t trick them with fake counters. It may yield results, but is the bottom line more important than your reputation or your customers’ perception of you?

I’m more inclined to subscribe or purchase from someone who seems like they aren’t hiding behind anything, someone who genuinely cares about their readers and customers, and the experience they have when they read or purchase their products.

How about you? Do you run away when you see those fake counters?

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Entry Filed under: General

2 Comments Add your own

1. James | July 13th, 2008 at 4:14 am

I agree with you about these things - they’re bad practice and borderline dishonest. I don’t know how effective they are as I’ve never used them, but I suspect that people who use such tactics probably produce poor products.

James
blog.jvf.com
2. Lindsay | July 15th, 2008 at 7:21 am

Well, I understand the practice to “create urgency” is an oft proven marketing technique, but me personally…

Heck, no, I’m not falling for that flim flam. And I can’t even see a “long sales letter” without rolling my eyes and hammering the back browser button.

But then I’m an introvert and them thar sleazy marketing techniques don’t usually work on us (especially when so obviously artificial), but apparently they work on enough people to ensure their lasting popularity.

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