To start an email marketing list, you need some way to capture your visitor’s contact information. The easiest way to do this is with a form that you put on your site or blog. The form needs to be hooked up either to your email or to your email management service.
The other option is to create what is commonly referred to as a “squeeze page,” which is designed to do the same thing without all the other distractions that are typically on a web page. With a squeeze page, all that you would have on the page is the opt-in form plus a little text. You are giving them only one choice, which is to sign up for your email list.
Whichever way you decide to go – with a squeeze page or a web form, it is not enough to simply ask your visitor to sign up for list. Many years ago it may have been, but not today. There are so many email lists vying for your visitor’s attention, that they want to get something out of it before giving over their name and email.
Most times, you will need to offer your perspective subscriber something for free in exchange for their contact information. Even though they will be receiving a lot of helpful information from you via email, they may want something right now – something that will tip the scales and get them to give you their information.
What can you offer them as a bonus for signing up?
Here are some ideas:
- A report
- An ebook
- A discount off a product they would love to get
- A coaching session
- Some ad space on your website/blog
- An audio or video explaining something of interest to your market
- A physical item mailed to them – this will cost you some money, so you may want to go with one of the above digital ideas
Your free offer needs to be compelling enough that it takes away the question of whether they should sign up or not. Make it something of value to them so much so that they are surprised you gave it away. Leave the thought in their mind that if they paid for some of your products, they would really be outstanding!
Your email marketing list is of utmost importance to your business success so take good care of them right from the beginning.
