An opt-in list is the absolute most effective marketing tool available on the Internet. Not only do they provide you with a direct line of communication with your target market, but they also enable you to develop a trusting relationship with your subscribers.
The key to using an opt-in list effectively is to develop a large subscriber base. Not just a large subscriber base, but a list of targeted potential customers.
Although a large opt-in list is an important part of your success, the quality of your publication is even more important — both will play a very important role.
If you really want to build a massive opt-in list, you MUST provide your potential subscribers with an incentive. The competition on the Internet is fierce. No longer can you simply tell your visitors what your publication will provide and expect a large percentage to subscribe. It simply won’t work. You MUST give your visitors a reason to subscribe.
Incentives
Using incentives is a highly effective method of obtaining new subscribers. However, your incentive must be of value and be of interest to your target audience.
Some popular incentives include:
=> Exclusive ebooks that provide valuable information
=> Special exclusive reports
=> Special software programs
=> Provide access to a “members only” area of your website
=> Provide a service
=> List their website within your Directory or Search Engine.
In order for your visitors to receive your incentive, they must agree to receive your publication.
Pop Windows
Although pop windows can be irritating if not used correctly, they provide a highly effective means of obtaining new subscribers. The key to using pop windows effectively is to combine them with your incentives.
If you would be interested in adding a pop window to your site, I highly recommend the “Pop-Window Generator” at Willmaster.com. This powerful online utility will enable you to fill out a simple form and instantly generate the pop-window code for your pages. This generator will enable you to select the type of pop-window, set the length of cookies, and completely customize the look and feel of your window. The only requirement to use this free utility is that you must be a subscriber of WillMaster Possibilities. This is a great publication and I highly recommend subscribing.
http://willmaster.com/possibilities/members/
This is a prime example of using incentives…
Alert Boxes
Although using pop windows with incentives is a highly effective method of obtaining new subscribers, there is one other method that is even better. When combined with an incentive, this method will literally double or even triple your subscriptions instantly. That’s not hype — it’s fact, as I use this method to obtain hundreds of new subscribers each week. It’s similar to a popup window, but it doesn’t require your visitor to fill out a form.
When a visitor enters your site, an alert box will appear. This alert box should display text requesting their subscription and information about your incentive. Your visitor can choose to click on “OK” to subscribe or “Cancel” to close the alert.
The alert box is displayed via a script that extracts your visitor’s name and email address. If they choose to subscribe, it then sends their subscription request, via email, to your subscription address and adds it to your database. In addition, you can send personalized messages, use autoresponder follow-ups and provide your subscribers with “one click” unsubscribe links within your messages.
For further information, visit:
http://www.web-source.net/cgi-bin/t.cgi?l=oil2
Keeping Your Subscribers
Now that you know how to develop a large subscriber base, we’ll focus on how to keep them.
Developing a large subscriber base is the easy part, keeping them will be a little more difficult.
The key to keeping your subscribers is to provide quality content that teaches or informs in regard to the subject matter. You must provide your readers with unique content that can’t be found in any other publication.
Although providing original content can be a lot of work, it is well worth the effort. Not only will it provide your readers with unique content, but it will also enable you to build your credibility and gain your readers’ trust by sharing your expertise.
Although providing some original content is an important part of a great publication, it is perfectly acceptable to run articles written by other authors.
You can find a wealth of quality, free articles on a variety of subjects at the following web address:
http://www.web-source.net/articlesub.htm
Editor’s Note
Another very important part of a successful publication is an Editor’s Note section. This section will enable you to talk to your readers and develop a trusting relationship. You can also use this section to provide recommendations. There’s absolutely no better way to develop a relationship with your readers than by including an Editor’s Note section.
Advertising
A great way to increase sales with your publication is to run sponsor ads. Not a list of classified ads like you see in many publications, but instead, run five or six sponsor ads depending on the size of your publication.
These sponsor ads can be ads promoting your products, your affiliate or even ad space you sell. Place one ad at the top of your publication, a couple within the article you run and work your way down the publication.
Sponsor ads should be clearly marked and only promote legitimate products and services.
Conclusion
No matter how many new subscribers you may acquire, the key to a successful opt-in list is keeping them. The relationship you build with your subscribers will determine your success. Above all, you must provide your readers with quality content. They subscribed to your publication for a reason. If it doesn’t meet their expectations, they’ll simply unsubscribe.
Once you’ve developed a trusting relationship with your subscribers, your personal recommendations will be a highly effective means of closing sales. However, it is very important that you only recommend a product or service that you truly believe in. Your professional reputation depends on it.
Shelley Lowery is the author of the acclaimed web design
course, Web Design Mastery. http://www.webdesignmastery.com
An in-depth guide to professional web site design. Visit
Web-Source.net to sign up for a complimentary subscription
to Etips and receive a copy of the acclaimed ebook, “Killer
Internet Marketing Strategies.” http://www.web-source.net
