When readers sign up for your book and go quiet afterward, all hope isn’t lost. In fact, it’s a perfect moment to surprise and delight them with bonus content — a low-pressure, high-reward way to reignite their interest and bring them back into your orbit.
💡 What Is Bonus Content?
Bonus content is any exclusive material offered outside your main book or email series. Think of it as a reader’s backstage pass:
- A deleted scene or alternate ending
- Bonus chapters or sneak peeks of upcoming books
- Audiobook snippets or author commentary
- Printable resources, templates, or character art
✉️ Why Use It for Re-Engagement?
When leads go cold, generic follow-ups often fall flat. Bonus content:
- Adds real value without asking for anything in return
- Sparks curiosity and emotional connection
- Feels exclusive and personal (especially with the right tone)
🎯 When & How to Send It
-
Segment Your Cold Leads
Identify subscribers who haven't opened recent emails or clicked on content in the last 30–60 days. -
Choose the Right Bonus
Pick content that aligns with the reader’s initial interest. If they downloaded a cozy mystery, send a free short story from the same series. -
Craft a Friendly Email
Subject line: “Hey, thought you might enjoy this…”
Keep it short, conversational, and focused on giving — not selling. -
Use an Engaging CTA
- “Click here to unlock your free scene”
- “Sneak behind the scenes with this bonus chapter”
📊 Pro Tip: Track the Re-Engagement
Use link tracking or tags to monitor who clicks and reactivates. Consider re-tagging them as “warm” so they flow into your active newsletter segment again.
🧠 Final Thought
Cold leads aren’t lost leads — they’re just waiting for something that reignites their spark. With the right bonus content, you can gently nudge them back into your storyworld… no sales pitch required.