Common Mistakes Made When Creating an Information Product

When people purchase information products, it is not because they couldn’t get the information somewhere else for free; in fact, they most likely can. With Google as our guide, the internet is full of billions of websites that offer information at no cost. The problem with this, however, is the number of websites that must be searched through and advertisements dodged in order to find good, solid information.


I have been helping clients,’ (lets refer to them as “experts” in their field) design and market information products for over 10 years. For the most part, they are confused and unsure of how to build a successful, marketable product. Along the way, I guide them through the process and help them avoid making mistakes however, depending on where they are in the process here are the most common mistakes I see:

1) “Experts” worry too much about incomplete content.

If you refuse to start building the product look and components before every “i” is dotted and “t” is crossed, you’ll never get your product to the marketplace. As an expert, you may be constantly tweaking and updating your system or information. Remember “Good is good enough”, Bill Glazer of GKIC will tell you.

The content is indeed the most important thing because that is what is being purchased, but there are also other parts of the project that need to be addressed. As you develop more and more product content, you can continue to add-on to your product and provide it to your clients in the form of updates or continuity. In the beginning, put together as many of your most valuable points so that you are providing the best information to the customer. As time goes on, you can add to it. Remember customer is getting value.

2) Experts don’t put enough energy into marketing because they are too wrapped up in the product.

If a potential customer doesn’t know your information product exists, how can they possibly buy it? Your product may have great information enclosed, but no one will know that if you don’t diligently market it. Your marketing plan need to include a compelling sales letter, a webpage and blog. In addition, you can try marketing techniques from article marketing to internet marketing – just make sure you’re marketing the product!

Tony Robbins, who sells information products related to personal growth development, is a great example of how to build a strong marketing campaign. His website is clean, respectable, and well made. The overall impression presented is of trustworthiness in he way he displays himself and his products.

3) Experts worry too much about the inside and try to perfect the appearance.

Buyers of information are more interested in the content contained inside the product than the appearance – they aren’t paying for pretty graphics or syntax. You could be spending this time increasing awareness about the existence of your product or adding even more useful information. Certainly, make sure the product is readable and organized nicely, but it is not necessary to struggle over the font or other visual elements.

An important note about the appearance of the product is that you must match the cover image or logo with the title name. If the image you use to represent your product and the title of the product don’t match, there will be a huge disconnect and your product will immediately lose validity (and sales).

If you take a look at Paul Meyers’ products including 24 Keys That Bring Complete Success and A Fortune to Share, you’ll notice that both attached images are simple but also reflect what is inside. 24 Keys That Bring Complete Success’s cover has a person holding a key with a label attached that says “Complete Success”. The cover is clever yet easy too look at.

4) No additional marketing and sales information is included within the information product.

If the customer gained a lot of useful knowledge, likes the style of your information product, or wants to know more, make it easy for them. Include a pamphlet or some sort of marketing/sales information for your other information products inside all of the packages. You might miss out on a quality sale if you don’t let the customer know that you have other guidance to offer them.

Say you have as many products as Bill Glazer and Dan Kennedy – if you didn’t include additional marketing information, you could be missing out on a few thousand dollars in sales just through that one buyer!

5) No free sample/free report (with real & true information!) is offered for potential buyers.

Most people don’t like to buy products blind; they like to know what they are purchasing. On your sales letter or other marketing materials, be sure you offer a free sample of your information product. For example, you could always give chapter one away free or offer a free report. If the customer likes chapter one, they will be much more willing to come back and purchase the rest of your information. Think about it – if you hadn’t given away the free sample, they probably wouldn’t have purchased it anyway so you’re not losing a sale.

No matter what kind of freebie you decide to offer interested customers, make sure it is reflective of what they will get when they purchase the product. For example, on Zig Ziglar’s website, he offers free MP3’s and other downloads of books he has written as a free preview of his work. He also writes a newsletter with free information that he then sends out to people who sign up.

I’ve mentioned many famous and highly successful information marketers. They’ve made their money this way for a reason; most likely because they’re good at what they do and have information marketing down to a science. To make your knowledge profitable, all you have to do is follow their recipes for success and you’ll certainly, with time, reach their level of notoriety as well.