Building an Opt-In Email List

By Pat Smith

When it comes to building an opt-in email list, business owners ought to spend time developing a plan to ensure they maximize their efforts. As with all marketing endeavors there are some do's and don'ts that should be followed.

One of the first steps of building an opt-in email list is to determine which service provider will be used. There are countless options and much will depend on what owners want to accomplish with their subscriber list.

For instance, those who want to provide a newsletter might choose services such as Constant Contact, iContact, Aweber, Get Response, or Mail Chimp. These email marketing providers offer a variety of templates which can be used for newsletters, special announcements, discount coupons, and other types of digital mailings.

Additionally, service providers supply snippets of code which can be placed on websites and blogs to attract new subscribers. Website visitors can enter their name and email address to subscribe to offered mailings. Most make use of double opt-in process to ensure subscribers really want to signup. This method also helps protect business owners from being accused of spamming.

It's important to make the sign-up process as easy as possible. It is recommended to only request basic info such as name and email address to lessen time associated with subscribing. Making the opt-in process simple and requesting minimal info helps obtain more subscribers because most people don't want to provide more than their email address.

Along with adding an opt-in subscriber box on websites and blogs, owners can include a link to the sign-up page in their email signature and on social media pages. They can also build their list when attending trade shows and promotional events or through in-store promotions.

It can be advantageous to offer some type of incentive to subscribers. This might include a special report, exclusive how to video, discount coupon, or an ebook. It's advisable to keep the giveaway simple and something that can be delivered digitally rather than having to send through the mail.

For the most part, people need to be convinced of how subscribing to the offer will help them. Will the information help them make money, save time, or become more productive? Will they receive exclusive information that isn't available anywhere else?

Be certain to highlight the benefits subscribers will receive. Also, let them know how they can opt-out if they aren't satisfied with the offerings. People like to know they can easily unsubscribe if they change their mind.

Also include a way for people to share newsletters and subscription offerings. Word of mouth advertising is a great way to build an email list, so be certain to give people a reason to share with their networking circles.

It can be easy to focus on obtaining a high number of subscribers, but the reality is quality is better than quantity. The goal should be to attract people who really want to receive offerings so that email lists stay clean.

Email marketing service providers frown upon companies that have a high percentage of opt-out subscribers or bounced emails. Another factor is the level of people who report mailings as spam.

Customer mailing lists can substantially increase profit margins, so build them with care. Nurture subscribers and provide them with the information and deals they want. Doing so will deliver a loyal following of people who can help expand brand recognition.

At Online Marketing DNA we help business owners embrace a variety of Internet marketing strategies to boost branding efforts. Using cross channel marketing and SEO methods, our programs improve search positioning and help companies build a reputation as an industry expert.

OMDNA also offers private coaching sessions to help owners learn how to integrate the different strategies and create an expansive online presence. Learn more about our services and how they can help you take your company to new heights.

Tags: , , , ,

Published on August 13, 2013

| Printer friendly Printer friendly