Here is something that's worked really well on Twistys this year...
 

Like most paysites Twistys has had an interesting year. It isn't a record year but Twistys is still doing very well. Our traffic sources are varied and like others some have really dropped off and replacing those has been very important.

There is one thing that has worked EXTREMELY well for us. Our loyal customers! They've become even more loyal over the past year. We've tried to open as many means of communication with them (forum, comments, etc) and myself (and other Twistys members) have become very engaged with our members. Many of them know when they join Twistys they are not only joining a great paysite but joining a site that cares about what they want. We listen to requests. We build, update and change the site according to the feedback and discussions we have with them. I've noticed particularly over the last few months more and more of them thanking us for caring and in many cases when they leave it's financial reasons and as soon as they can afford it they are back.

I'm not sure if this advice can be applied to your business. Those close to me know I'm a huge Gary Vaynerchuk fan (http://garyvaynerchuk.com) and I've always been engaged with our members but the more I listen to him the more I want to do more. And in 2010 I've really kicked it up a notch. I've also added as much transparency as I possibly can. Our members are real people and I'm a real person like them. They really appreciate being listened to but also like it when they know the site owner can identify with them (whether it be their likes, dislikes, whatever).

Give it a try. In tough times I truly believe when people are spending their money they need to get back more than just what they paid for. If you can create some sort of connection and relationship it goes a long way.

One of the most important things when doing this is BE HONEST and BE HUMBLE! When you suck admit. Don't be so high on yourself that you can't admit when you haven't been your best. People paying you have high expectations but they understand you are only human as long as you admit it.

:2 cents:

:thumbsup:thumbsup

I'm not reading all that...

Customer loyalty is so huge for us as well. I've had customers remain loyal to me and any programs I own for several years. Like you said, they really appreciate the honesty (good and bad) and the transparency.

GaryVEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEE rules! Love him!

Well said and great advice!

Fans are better than members.

Excellent post!

I'll give you some quick feedback.

Melons to the face at a high rate of speed are humorous but please bring back the old sig. It was the best (or second best after the Jordan Capri Lightspeed one) on GFY.

good post shapper
nice new sig too

The internet's most passionate show on tits, the thunder show, Twisty's.com?

Im hooked on gary vaynerchuk after checking out your blog Shap. Thank you.

Gary has great ideas. His book "Crush it!" is a good read... And even better when you act on it.

Thanks! I agree

i am listening even more b/c fear how bad my face could hurt from a watermelon :D

But you took the time to post? :helpme

The most important thing is to be credible and responsive. If someone goes to all the effort of sending real feedback, then give them a real response -- and encourage discussion, negative or positive.

I am working on social media strategies where the billing is in the $500k range for the client -- and the key message we are trying to get across to our clients is the importance of engagement and credibility. There is no point in building a community where you expect people to go an interact, if the conversation is one sided. People want to engage and be engaged -- whether they are talking about porn, volkswagens, or recipes.

This is where traditional media and the net have parted company. A journalist writes an article, and when the add the final period the engagement is over. Many news sites will have comments -- but it is just for external comment. The journalist will never go back and answer questions or engage those that took the time to either call them out or congratulate them.

The moment a website is considered a brochure, or simply a publishing platform then its effect in this day and age is very limited.

Your signature amused me.

Lol nice

Welcome back to GFY :winkwink: