Dear Friend,
The new marketing system has a name.
It’s the SEGMENTEX system.
Over the last couple months it’s had several names — sales scripter, helper box, sales guppy (don’t ask), site guppy (again . . . ), site scripter, market saturator, and there might be another I’m forgetting.
I liked some things about each name, but as the focus of the product developed, it became clear that none of those names would capture the essence of the system.
The biggest benefit the system provides is that it allows you to ”segment” your traffic. So I played with many pseudo-words that had the word “segment” in it. “segmento”, “segmentum”, etc.
Finally, Ray Edwards, a local friend, who also happens to be a world-class copywriter, suggested “SEGMENTEX”.
I liked it instantly. It said all the right things.
So that’s the name.
You will soon be able to join
SEGMENTEX as a beta tester, . . .
and start applying the SEGMENTEX system to your niche.
Before discussing the schedule, I want to preview the system a bit.
That way you can think about how you can use the product to segment your own niche. Here’s a tip: Make a list of every quality product in your niche that you could offer to your visitors — either products you own, or products you could sell as an affiliate — and think a little more broadly than you might ordinarily think.
What follows is one way to use SEGMENTEX. The Segmentex software is extremely flexible, so I won’t be surprised if people eventually come up with even better ways to use it, but this method is very powerful.
If you read each step slowly, and imagine the process from a visitor’s point of view, I’m sure you’ll see all kinds of possibilities:
- You send traffic to your landing page
- You offer your visitors a chance to take an assessment that will give them some idea about what they know about the topic at hand, or how they’re doing with the topic at hand.
- At the beginning of the quiz, you will ask them some segmenting questions. The visitor thinks these questions are part of the quiz.
- How the visitor answers the segmenting questions determines which quiz they get, which offer they will be presented with, and which autoresponder list they will opt in to.
- Then they take the quiz for their segment. (different segments get different quizes) The segmenting questions lead seamlessly into the quiz questions, so the visitor doesn’t notice a thing. All they know is that they’re taking a quiz.
- Then they are taken to the opt-in form for their segment (different segments opt-in to different lists). You offer to give them a question-by-question discussion of their answers to the assessment in exchange for their email address.
- After opting in, the thankyou page tells them to confirm to receive their assessment results, and then presents them with the offer for their segment (different segments get different initial offers).
- After confirming their subscription, they are shown the results for the quiz they took, and will again be shown the primary offer for their segment.
- The autoresponder series is tailored for the specific segment, but, if the segments are closely related, you can eventually present all of the offers to each list, and this can increase the number of dollars per customer.
Now ask yourself this question:
What could you do
with this system?
I’m not a niche marketer by trade. I’m a software developer. I just started building out one niche using the Segmentex system. I didn’t use any fancy keyword research, but just kind of took the first traffic stream I could find that gave me a few hundred visitors per day.
Initially I spent about $1.00 to make $0.15. Terrible. (I guess there was a reason not very many people were bidding on those terms!)
But after using the new system, I now spend $1.00 and make $1.30 back. Also, I’ve only broken out 5 segments. There’s lots of room to improve it further.
And it’s not the final result that should get your attention, but the improvement. By adding the quiz/assessment, and by segmenting the traffic, (and, a little bit by tweaking my Adwords ads), I improved the visitor value by a factor of 8. An 8-fold improvement from someone who didn’t do any keyword research, and doesn’t really know how to play the niche marketing game.
Again:
What could you do with this system?
. . .
The doors should open for Beta Testing sometime during the first week of November (the week after next) – though the exact date is yet to be determined.
I’m looking for about 50 Beta Testers. It looks like there might be a lot more interest than that, so I’ll work on creating a fair process for determining eligibility.
The service will probably cost $97/month (though it’s not final yet), and Beta testers will lock in for $10/month for life (that has been determined. I’ll discuss how that figure was arrived at in the next message).
I’m completing more of the product than I had originally planned before opening the beta testing phase.
At some point it dawned on me that it would be much easier for beta testers to get started if I already had the instructional videos ready.
That will also give you a chance to provide me with feedback about the videos, in addition to the system and the software.
So that’s what I’m working on this week.
And . . .
I’ll be working hard to get the
instructional videos done quickly.
My daugter will make sure of it.
Part of the time I’ll be making the videos, I’ll also be “watching” my kids.
The neat thing about owning an online business is that I will probably not be one of those dads who gets to the end of his life and regrets having not spent more time with his kids. I work from home (and Starbucks), and my schedule is very flexible.
My wife also has an active professional life, and needs to be away from the house from time to time. So that gives me many opportunities to spend time with my children.
Now I’ll confess that sometimes I try to sneak in some work while I’m “watching” them. (Yes, I also play with them, nag them about their homework, and have deep philosophical conversations with them. I feed them once in a while, too 
)
My kids are 6 and 9 now — old enough that they can find things to do around the house to entertain themselves.
And that gives me a chance to get a little work done in between taking time out to play foosball, or make grilled cheese sandwiches.
But while I’m making the videos, the rule is:
“Find something QUIET to do
while daddy records his videos.”
My daughter (she’s the 6 year old) was not born to do things quietly.
So I’m working as fast as I can 
Stay tuned. In about a week, I will post another message. In that message, I will give you the exact date to sign up for beta testing, and discuss the terms and conditions.
I’m excited. This is a new way to work the niche marketing game. I know I’ve only scratched the surface of what it can do. And I’m eager to discover all the great ways you and all the other beta testers find to put it to use.
Sincerely,
Jim
October 26th, 2008 at 1:21 pm
Jim
I’ve been marketing on the internet for 3+ years. Have one product that has consistently done 7-8k a month for 3+ years.
Would love to beta test your new software in three niche markets I’m also in that would be perfect for segmentation.
Let me know if you want more info about what I’ve done/doing.
Thanks for the consideration
Ernie
October 26th, 2008 at 2:07 pm
Jim,
I have several sites, my main site has been running for about 10 years, I also have a few others that could really benefit from and put your program to the test. I would love to beta test.
Thanks,
Geoff
October 26th, 2008 at 2:23 pm
count me in to test if possible.
October 26th, 2008 at 2:28 pm
Dear Jim:
I am a fan of your previous work (STA) as it has improved my sales tremendously.
I’ll like to beta test, but… can it be used in spanish?
Can I translate the interface?
Thanks,
Luiggi
October 26th, 2008 at 2:34 pm
Hi Luiggi.
It can certainly be used on Spanish-language sites.
But the interface will be exclusively in English for some time.
Jim
October 26th, 2008 at 2:54 pm
I’m working with google analytics and have tried the ask program. Your twist seems interesting.
There are a variety of sub segments in my horse community. I can see how your tool could be helpful.
I’ll have a look at your videos…
John
Good luck with the product.
October 26th, 2008 at 3:04 pm
By the way, I aim to make it possible for everyone who is interested to take part in Beta testing.
I’ll probably allow as many as want to sign up the first day. If it’s more than 50, I’ll cut it off that first day. So even if there are 100 or more, I’ll allow it the first day.
I don’t want a mad scramble where you’re waiting at your keyboard to beat out all the others. Anytime during the day will do.
Jim
October 26th, 2008 at 3:05 pm
Jim,
I’ve had the same idea of using questions to funnel people like this, so they qualify themselves. No way could I make a software program to do it though.
Sounds great! I’d like to be in.
Tom Fisher
October 26th, 2008 at 3:06 pm
Hi, Jim,
It’s an intriguing idea, and part of the intrigue is thinking about the ‘segmenting’ questions at the beginning of the quiz. I’ll be interested to see how this plays out, and I have an appropriate niche that I’ve been working up where this might work well.
Count me in.
October 26th, 2008 at 3:44 pm
Ok, I’m in, unless I am disqualified for some reason. This is EXACTLY what I have been wanting, and would be huge help to my advisors, to segment the visitors to their sites. (So we have a whole bunch of subscribers built in for you!)
I also need this for some sites for physicians related to asset protection and wealth management, and also the mortgage market with a new product to pay off your house quickly.
So I’ll be ready to use as soon as you get it out there, and I’ll get you feedback.
Sarah
October 26th, 2008 at 3:48 pm
Jim, I’d love to help be one of your testers on this. One of my challenges has been getting guys into the right lists, and then making sure they’re seeing the offers and newsletters that match their interests. In fact, I’m right now in the process of revamping and revising some of my autoresponders to “nurse” them along the path on this.
I have a wide product range, and a substantial presence, earning five figures per month consistently.
I think I would be a good candidate to look at this program.
October 26th, 2008 at 4:16 pm
I’m a long time STA user and would love the opportunity to beta test your new system. The support I’ve had with Split Test Accelerator has been better than excellent and I’m looking forward to your new product!
Robert
October 26th, 2008 at 4:32 pm
I consult with lawyers and service professionals on local search advertising with Google Yahoo and local business directories. I am interested in beta testing your new service to segment visitors to websites
October 26th, 2008 at 4:54 pm
Jim,
Count me in! I’ll email you separately, but I’m very excited about this.
October 26th, 2008 at 5:24 pm
Hi Jim,
I was thinking along similar lines. Just thinking. I wanted the visitor to go straight to the offer and the Quiz results go directly to his email address.
Just what I need.
Cheers
JohnGG
October 26th, 2008 at 5:44 pm
Hey Jim,
Count me in too.
I would love to give this a good spin for the different niches that I’m in.
October 26th, 2008 at 5:49 pm
Hi Jim,
Great idea to create separate software. This technique is called “skip logic” when used with sophisticated surveys. Basically it means conditional logic is used to send visitors to specific “branches” on the survey.
I’ve been doing it for some time with my own survey application that has built-in mailing lists, dynamic landing pages, redirect functionality, and full tracking and analytics.
The technical end seems not to be the issue, rather the hard part is the mental work designing the questions and the flow. That can be a hair-pulling experience.
Stating up-front that each branch of the tree is tailored to the specific niche to drill-down into a specific List and offer… getting the questions and answers on-target to segment yet still make sense to the “test taker” can drive you crazy at times, let me tell you:)
My logic allows setting up questions with
* Yes/No to two branches
* Single Choice with multiple radio buttons
* Blind Multiple choice where only one choice is the segment branch
Here’s some advice for everyone:
1) Do all your planning on paper or with Flow charting program first so you can see everything visually
Start by brainstorming how many Branches you have. Try to stick with 3 or less. Any more and the flow will get very complicated down the trail.
Keep the questions dirt simple. Trust me, you’ll see why if you start getting carried away with segmentation.
2) Begin with 1,2,3 choices… radio buttons, only one choice at this step
Then work in demographics and sub-topic segmentation into a simple Yes/No in next step. Example:
Which IM topic interests you most
* adsense
* blogging for dollars
* ebay auctions
Each of these branches has its own trail with this next questions
What specific information-software-books would you like for a free download today?
* Beginners Guide to get started in Ebay
* Intermediate Ebay sellers Guide
* Power Sellers Tips and Tricks
This puts them on a List, takes them to a same free-form question
What is your Single Most Burning Question about Adsense/Blogging/Ebay?
And a large text area box.
========= END Survey ===========
When they hit the NEXT button they go to a Free Download page, then an OTO upselld page.
The autoresponder series begins.
I do the rest of the drill-down segmentation over time by inserting mini-polls with 3 choices inside every email.
This is all saved and analyzed for each person on the List. I can filter the mailings by the choices made, so I send laser-focused messages.
The dynamic landing pages use the data fields from the persons record in the List. So whatever they’ve entered can show up on a future landing page from the [[merge field]]
Example: The List all gets the same landing page URL that contains this field and others of course: [[merge field]]
Hi Jim,
2 Weeks ago when we began this journey, you had this to say:
My Single Most Burning Question is: “[[burning question]]”
And then we went on to training for [[main niche choice]] blah-blah-blah
Let me know today how you feel about this
( 3 choices or questions for more segmentation)
And yes, this is a lot of work, but as Jim points out… you wind up getting maximum dollars from the same traffic and heres the bonus…
Your customers will LOVE You! This becomes so personal with segmentation and reinforcing what you know about then, each person becomes a friend
And this is true even though it is all automated… as long as you take the time to think it through when planning.
My best advice:
** Keep the first survey, quiz, asseessment very short. Get them on a List quickly and give them a download or make an offer.
** Spoon-feed the questions over time in series emails to continue more segmentation.
Cheers,
Jan
October 26th, 2008 at 5:55 pm
Wow Jan.
Your comment is about as long as my last post
When I first designed Segmentex, and started using it, it did get complicated.
However, I hit on a trick for organizing the questions that makes it very easy.
I think you might be surprised how easy it is.
Jim
October 26th, 2008 at 8:16 pm
Sounds great, I remember Eben Pagan had a similar software which I have tried. Do make it easy to insert to our own web templates..
October 26th, 2008 at 8:33 pm
Actually. I’m thinking about segementing and split testing.
So, let’s say you start by building up 3-5 questions up front for segmenting purposes. An average of 3 answers each.
9 to 15 possible segments from that.
And you assign the segments as you think best.
BUT.
You could actually correlate a persons original answers with what they purchased over time.
Which means you could actually build in a feedback loop so that the system optimises the list assignment over time. In fact, then you might not even need “segmenting” questions, just the actual survey ones.
Once you had that stable, you could add in an additional question, or an additional answer, and have the system optimise itself again.
October 27th, 2008 at 1:54 am
Count me in. This could be very useful.
October 27th, 2008 at 3:00 am
Jim,
I am glad she is 6 years old. My 3 year still likes to scream during recordings!
October 27th, 2008 at 4:39 am
Jim, Count me in. Although I don’t have multiple products at this point, I could find some affiliate products to offer in the mean time.
The only things I’m concerned about is how to ask the right questions so I don’t divert interested traffic away from my main offer, and to another one…
Basically knowing which offer will be the most profitable for each segment.
I’m lookin forward to this.
RB
October 27th, 2008 at 5:23 am
Jim:
What an idea. In reality you are in a sense mind reading the visitor to your site. Not only that but you can target a offer based on decisions they are making without them even knowing it. I am sure that will boost sales!
Rick
http://www.giftingcashguide.com
October 27th, 2008 at 7:17 am
I’m waving my hand wildly—my niche was born to be segmented, and I already have a number of products at different levels that are right for some people but less right for others.
If I qualify, I’m SO there.
And I’m working full-time at home as a novelist and marketer and homeschooling my ten-year-old (also not born to be quiet, though at the age of ten he’s finally getting better at it). You have my sympathy. “Mom, can you help me with my logic?” does not sound great on videos either.
October 27th, 2008 at 8:22 am
Jim, yes, I’d like to help betatest your new system. It sounds great. Thanks.
October 27th, 2008 at 8:58 am
Jim,
I’m seriously interested in being a beta tester for your software.
I’ve tried Eben Pagan’s software.
Your software looks to be much more useful.
Have you done any testing to see how many visitors you lose by using the questionnaire approach instead of immediately capturing their information?
How many domains will you allow us to put the software on per license?
I’m looking forward to testing the software.
Thanks,
Mike
October 27th, 2008 at 9:13 am
Hi Mike.
When I offered the assessment in my test niche, I almost tripled the opt-in rate.
So, not only did it NOT cost me leads, the survey made many more visitors opt in.
The restrictions won’t be by domain. You’ll be allowed 100 projects, and 100,000 unique ips tracked per month. Above that a per-visitor fee of maybe one half cent will kick in.
Jim
October 27th, 2008 at 9:15 am
I had plans to do this very thing a couple years ago and basically decided it was too complicated to execute.
My idea wasn’t to differentiate so much to sell different products, but to NAIL down the hot buttons to push to get them more interested in the emails and excited about the product.
October 27th, 2008 at 9:33 am
I get over 1000 visitors per day, most of them organic, and I would love to have something like this. Many of the visitors are repeats who visit my blog, but there is a steady stream of new traffic and I think I could boost my opt-in rates with this tool. Not to mention sell more of my products.
October 27th, 2008 at 12:54 pm
Jim,
I definitely would like to be one of your beta testers.
We are working with C&L on various offers and can drive decent traffic to different markets.
We feel fortunate to be witnessing the development of SeGmEnTeX, and knowing that with everyone’s feedback you are going to create a superb piece of software.
All the best,
Felix
October 27th, 2008 at 3:54 pm
Hi Jim,
Beta testing is nearly my middle name.
Between having been a software developer myself for over 20 years in Silicon Valley as well as having been a contract software Quality Assurance professional at Apple (which, because of my great performance earned me an offer of employment) I’m good at finding and isolating problems.
This is also something that, now as a marketer and copywriter — I’m fanatically interested in and VERY excited about.
In fact, somewhere around here I have a link to a Warrior Forum thread from some time back where the person claimed a 20% conversion rate due to his segmenting his email lists.
Yes! I humbly request a place on your beta test team. (I’ve been on plenty before — both formally and professionally in Silicon Valley but also for a variety of products being sold online.
Thanks so very much for your time & attention.
October 27th, 2008 at 6:31 pm
Hey Jim,
Great to see it out of the box. Segmentex, I like it! We’ll give it a good run and keep youposted.
Thanks,
R
October 28th, 2008 at 9:07 am
Hi Jim,
I was looking for something like this four years ago. In fact, I actually have something like that sort of working on a site that has been getting leads now for that long. But, it never quite got done right.
I’d love to help you, since I’m still wanting to complete this project.
Please count me in.
- Mike
P.S. I hope you don’t mind that I used some needed keywords in my “Name.”
October 29th, 2008 at 12:26 pm
Wow. Not sure where to start. So much power.
We know that buyers go from browsers to shoppers before becoming buyers. And that is with in a given segment. For AdWords I am always trying to figure out what the primary classification a given phase falls into, and present the right message. That is hard enough to do, but then you add segmentation demographics, it can get near impossible. What do you do? Optimize for the larget segment. But that means a lot of money is left on the table. In some of the BtoB niches, and geotargeted niches that I have worked in, there is not enough traffic to get significance beyond the first cut.
Testing a market right now. Started with an info bait piece, and am sorting out the keyword response as I go. Typical long tail means shoppers or buyers. But the low traffic makes this so hard.
This could really change the rules. You are testing and refining in way I do not know is otherwise possible.
John
October 30th, 2008 at 9:44 am
I keep coming back…wanting to know when we’ll learn more about the beta test.
I’m so excited about this….really, really, excited.
October 31st, 2008 at 1:28 am
Hi Jim,
As I said before, we’re big fans or STA, and this sounds like a great idea. We may well use it on our future launches – we have an executive development course (Executive Rockstar) that works just as well for entrepreneurs as it does for employees, but the language gets difficult to manage in the sales copy. I expect an early segmentation would add a big pick-up to our sales.
Sadly, I don’t think we have the time to support your beta test – although it would be a nice price for the software!
Philip
November 12th, 2008 at 12:31 pm
Hi Jim -
Just learned about this project on a mastermind call. I have a product launch in January that teaches how to do these (actually a small part of my material).
Anyway – I’d love to beta test your software (with the idea I’d promote it as the solution to use).
Thanks