[robbiemitchell]

> If you can show the relevance or benefit, user will sign up on their own.

This is naive and ignores the wide gap between what motivated people will do and what people definitely don't want to do.

> it is either because they are not the right target OR you suck at explaining how your product can give them what they want/need

Inertia is a powerful force. One of the core drivers for marketing activity is to lead people to action, not simply explain things.

Politicians explicitly ask for votes because the prodding helps. Electronics sales reps ask if you'd like to buy insurance for your device. Restaurant receipts ask for tips. Sites ask for email signups.