How to List Build With Optimal Opt-Ins

Recruiting website visitors onto your ezine list is top priority. Internet marketing strategists have flagged a powerful subscriber list as key to Web profits. This list is your own carte blanche to contact people repeatedly with valuable information and offers. Carefully create an opt-in box that works like an open door, intriguing and inviting surfers to just walk through into new levels of experience. Here are six savvy tips for designing your box to attract optimal opt-ins, based on the Internet expertise of entrepreneur Alexandria K. Brown, author of Straight Shooter Marketing, a weekly ezine of 22,000 subscribers.

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Things You’ll Need:

• Computer
• Internet access

1. Create a heartfelt headline.
   
   Hand your visitors a heartfelt headline. Online readers scan copy. The headline in your opt-in box may be the ONLY words they actually read. Quickly present the most valuable benefit your ezine will offer. Wrap this advantage in enthusiastic, invitational words. See my website address under Resources for headline samples.
2. Introduce your ezine as invaluable.
   
   Draft a brief description of your ezine that stimulates visitors to subscribe NOW. Review the cutting edge content they will receive next. Share with them the power of your informational articles, topical tips, wide ranging resources and venture partnership opportunities.
3. Add a first name field.
   
   Many people value their privacy and are reluctant to reveal their full names. Net marketing has proven that you’ll attract more names from site visitors, if you ask only for the first name. Capturing people’s names along with their email addresses equips you to personalize your ezine uniquely for each one. Web research reports that placing the recipient’s name in the subject line of email communications will increase your open rates by 60%.
4. Include a primary email address field.
   
   Ask for the primary email address to avoid having your emails end up in
   bounce mode by free services like Yahoo or Hotmail. This approach will
   build you a list of quality addresses and reduce your bounce-back rate
   from undeliverable emails.
5. Design a “Subscribe” button.
   
   Give a clear call to action. Make sure your potential subscribers know
   exactly the next step to take to activate their subscription. Button text that reads “Subscribe” or “Sign Me Up Now” is very effective.
6. Present your privacy policy.
   
   State your privacy policy right next to or below your opt-in form. Avoid making people click on a link to review your policy. Currently, in some American states, it is required to post your privacy policy at the opt-in point. So up front presentation of your privacy policy is convenient for your customers and a protection for you.

Tips & Warnings

• Testing shows that the best location for your opt-in box is the upper right hand corner.