GTM Dictionary

The Go-to-Market Dictionary: Entry Point Offer

Looking to launch a new product or service? The Go-to-Market Dictionary is here to help! In this article, we'll explore the importance of an Entry Point Offer and how it can make or break your go-to-market strategy.

The entry point offer (EPO) is a marketing strategy that aims to attract new customers by providing them with a low-risk, low-cost opportunity to sample a product or service. It is often the first touchpoint between a business and a potential customer, and it's a crucial step in building brand awareness, loyalty, and trust. In this article, we will provide you with a comprehensive guide to crafting and promoting an effective entry point offer.

Understanding Entry Point Offers

Definition and Importance

An entry point offer is a special promotion or deal designed to entice customers to try a product or service for the first time. It's an opportunity to make a great first impression and build a relationship with a new customer. Effective EPOs address the main concerns of a potential buyer, while showcasing the benefits and value of a product or service.

Businesses can use EPOs to create a sense of urgency in potential customers. By offering a limited-time promotion, customers may feel more compelled to take advantage of the deal before it expires. This can help to increase sales and revenue for the business.

The importance of an entry point offer cannot be overstated. According to a survey conducted by HubSpot, 71% of people are willing to try a new product if they are offered a discount or promotion. In addition, studies show that repeat customers are more profitable for businesses than acquiring new ones. By using an EPO, businesses can increase the likelihood of creating loyal, repeat customers.

Types of Entry Point Offers

There are several types of EPOs that businesses can use to entice customers to try their products or services. Some of the most popular EPO options include:

  1. Discounts: Offer a percentage off the regular price of a product, such as 10% or 20%. This type of EPO can be particularly effective for businesses that sell high-ticket items, as customers may be more likely to make a purchase if they feel like they are getting a good deal.
  2. Coupons: Provide a specific amount of money off the purchase price, such as $10 or $20. Coupons can be a great way to incentivize customers to make a purchase, as they can see the immediate savings they will receive.
  3. Free trials: Allow customers to try the product or service for a limited time, such as 30 days. This type of EPO can be particularly effective for businesses that offer subscription-based services, as it allows customers to try the service before committing to a longer-term contract.
  4. Free samples: Give customers a taste of the product or service without requiring them to make any purchase. This type of EPO can be particularly effective for businesses that sell physical products, as customers can see and touch the product before making a purchase.

Benefits for Businesses and Customers

The benefits of EPOs extend beyond attracting new customers. For businesses, EPOs can help to:

  • Generate leads and increase brand awareness: By offering a promotion or deal, businesses can attract new customers who may not have otherwise been aware of their product or service.
  • Build customer loyalty and trust over time: By offering a great first impression, businesses can build a relationship with customers that can lead to repeat business over time.
  • Boost sales and revenue: By incentivizing customers to make a purchase, businesses can increase their sales and revenue.

For customers, EPOs can help to:

  • Provide an opportunity to try before they buy: By offering a free trial or sample, customers can try the product or service before committing to a purchase.
  • Save money on a new product or service: By taking advantage of a promotion or deal, customers can save money on a product or service they may have been interested in trying.
  • Minimize the risk of purchasing a product that doesn't meet their needs: By trying the product or service before making a purchase, customers can minimize the risk of wasting money on a product that doesn't meet their needs.

Overall, entry point offers can be a great way for businesses to attract new customers and build relationships with them over time. By offering a compelling promotion or deal, businesses can increase their sales and revenue, while customers can save money and minimize their risk when trying a new product or service.

Crafting an Effective Entry Point Offer

Are you struggling to attract new customers or clients to your business? Crafting an effective entry point offer (EPO) can be a great way to entice potential customers and encourage them to try your product or service. But how do you create an EPO that truly stands out? Here are some tips and tricks to help you get started.

Identifying Your Target Audience

The first step in crafting an effective EPO is to identify your target audience. Who are you trying to attract? What are their pain points and needs? Are they primarily young professionals, busy parents, or retirees? Once you have a clear understanding of your target audience, you can tailor your EPO to their specific interests and preferences.

For example, if your target audience is primarily young professionals, you may want to offer a free trial of your productivity app or time-management tool. If your target audience is busy parents, you may want to offer a discount on your meal delivery service or a free recipe book.

Aligning with Your Product or Service

Your EPO should align with your product or service offerings. For example, if you offer online courses, your EPO could be a free trial of one of your most popular courses. This will give potential customers a taste of what you have to offer, and it will help them see the value in your product or service.

It's important to note that your EPO should not be a bait-and-switch tactic. Make sure that your EPO accurately represents what your product or service can offer, and don't promise something that you can't deliver.

Determining the Right Price Point

Your EPO should be affordable for potential customers, while also providing enough value to make it worth their time and money. A good rule of thumb is to offer a discount or deal that is between 25-50% off the regular price of your product or service. This will entice potential customers to try your offering, while also ensuring that your business is still profitable.

It's also important to consider the lifetime value of a customer when determining your EPO price point. If you offer a service that has a high customer retention rate, you may be able to offer a deeper discount on the front end, knowing that you'll make up the cost over time.

Creating a Compelling Offer

Your EPO should be creative and unique enough to stand out in a crowded marketplace. Use language that is exciting and engaging, and focus on the benefits and value your product or service can offer potential customers.

Consider including a time-limited offer to create a sense of urgency and encourage customers to take action quickly. For example, you could offer a discount code that expires in 24 hours, or a free trial that is only available for the first 50 sign-ups.

Remember, your EPO is often the first interaction a potential customer has with your business. Make sure it's a positive one by crafting an offer that truly speaks to their needs and interests.

Promoting Your Entry Point Offer

Creating an entry point offer (EPO) is a great way to attract new customers and generate interest in your business. However, simply creating an EPO is not enough. You need to promote it effectively to ensure that it reaches your target audience and encourages them to take action. In this article, we will explore some effective ways to promote your EPO using digital marketing channels and offline promotion strategies.

Utilizing Digital Marketing Channels

Digital marketing channels can help to get your EPO in front of a wider audience. Consider using social media, email marketing, and search engine optimization to increase your reach and visibility. Social media platforms such as Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter are ideal for promoting your EPO. You can use paid advertising to target your ideal audience, or utilize organic posts to create excitement and buzz around your offering. Consider using eye-catching visuals and messaging that highlights the benefits of your product or service.

Email marketing campaigns can also help to promote your EPO to potential customers. Consider sending out a series of emails that highlight the benefits and value of your offering, and provide a clear call to action for potential customers to take advantage of your EPO. In addition, search engine optimization (SEO) can help to increase your visibility on search engines like Google, making it easier for potential customers to find your EPO.

Leveraging Social Media Platforms

Social media platforms are a powerful tool for promoting your EPO. In addition to creating eye-catching posts and utilizing paid advertising, you can also leverage the power of social media influencers to promote your offering. Consider partnering with influencers who have a large following in your industry or niche, and who can help to spread the word about your EPO to their audience.

Implementing Email Marketing Campaigns

Email marketing campaigns can be a highly effective way to promote your EPO to potential customers. In addition to highlighting the benefits and value of your offering, you can also use email marketing to build relationships with your subscribers and nurture them towards making a purchase. Consider sending out a series of emails that provide valuable information and insights related to your industry or niche, and that help to establish your business as a trusted authority in your field.

Exploring Offline Promotion Strategies

While digital marketing channels are highly effective, it's important not to overlook the power of offline promotion strategies. Print ads, flyers, and direct mail campaigns can all be effective ways to promote your EPO to potential customers. Consider partnering with local businesses or community organizations to increase your reach and visibility. You can also attend trade shows or other industry events to showcase your EPO and connect with potential customers face-to-face.

By utilizing a combination of digital marketing channels and offline promotion strategies, you can effectively promote your EPO and attract new customers to your business. Remember to focus on highlighting the benefits and value of your offering, and to provide clear calls to action that encourage potential customers to take action and try your product or service.

Measuring the Success of Your Entry Point Offer

Tracking Key Performance Indicators (KPIs)

It's important to track the success of your EPO to determine if it's achieving the desired results. Some key performance indicators to track include the number of sign-ups or purchases, website traffic, and social media engagement. This will help you understand how your EPO is performing and make adjustments as needed.

Analyzing Conversion Rates

Analyze the conversion rates for your EPO to determine how many potential customers are taking advantage of your offer. This will help you refine your strategy and make adjustments to improve the effectiveness of your EPO.

Assessing Customer Retention and Lifetime Value

Assess the customer retention and lifetime value of those who take advantage of your EPO. Are they becoming loyal, repeat customers? Understanding the long-term impact of your EPO will help you determine if it's worth the investment.

Adjusting Your Strategy Based on Results

Based on your results, make adjustments to your strategy to improve the effectiveness of your EPO. Consider tweaking your offer, changing your messaging, or exploring new promotion channels to continue attracting new customers and improving your bottom line.

Conclusion

Entry point offers are a powerful and effective marketing strategy for businesses of all sizes. Crafting and promoting an effective EPO requires a deep understanding of your target audience, aligning your EPO with your product or service, determining the right price point, creating a compelling offer, and utilizing digital and offline promotion strategies. By measuring your results and adjusting your strategy, you can continue to attract new customers and build a loyal and profitable customer base.