Without beating around the bush – the best way to build an email marketing list is to create an opt-in list. Before we go any further, it is best that I describe what an opt-in list really is: This is a mailing list that compels a user to actively agree to receive an email such as a newsletter.
This means that people who subscribe (opt-in) to your mailing list really do want to hear from you. What better target audience do you want?
Here are 3 crucial factors to consider when creating your opt-in email marketing list.
Step 1: Get a subscribe form on your website
One of the most obvious, but often overlooked ways of building an email marketing list (email database) is to have a subscribe function available on your website. This needs to be unmistakably clear on the page accompanied by a strong call to action (CTA) to persuade visitors to subscribe.
Ask the minimal information necessary. People don’t like to give away too much of their personal details and they don’t like long forms. The minimal info your form should request is an email address (thank you captain obvious!), but if you want to personalize your email campaign you’re going to need a field for the name too. Then again, each situation is different. You need to decide what’s right for your situation.
Step 2: Provide an Incentive For Subscribing
If you can convince your potential client to hand over their details, then the battle is half won. Along with a clear cal to action your website should clearly state the benefits for signing up. Consider offering free stuff – people love getting stuff for free. For example offer a free 30 day trial or a free test drive or free valuable information, etc.
One needs to track, analyze and optimize subscription forms to increase sign up conversion rates. The more convincing your call to action and the more attractive your offer is and the easier your form is to fill in – the more subscribers you’ll win.
Step 3: Turn On The SEO Heat
Once you have a subscribe form going and a solid offer to boot, then it is high time to start turning on the heat with regards to your SEO and SEM; this is to get targeted traffic to your website – The logical conclusion is that the more visitors you get, the more sign ups you’ll get and the better your online business will do. It’s a numbers game, pure and simple. But, take note, SEO is in itself not an overnight process and it will take many months of tweaking, feedback from the search engines, quality content and much more in order to create a true success story for your website.
The success of your email marketing depends on many factors. The quality of your opt-in list is surely one of them. And when you’ve finally obtained permission from people to talk to them, you’d better be sure your words are worth more than gold.
