As any savvy online business owner knows … your database of prospects and customers is probably the most essential asset to your business.
Today you will learn some specific tips for improving your opt-in conversions (getting more people to actually sign up for your mailing list).
But keep this in mind as you read through these tips: the size of your list is not nearly as important as the quality! You’ll be better off having fewer qualified and interested prospects (your target market!) than tons of “warm bodies.”
It’s not about getting everyone on the bus… it’s about getting the right people on the bus. For example, if you’re selling e-books on boats, having a list filled with people who live in the desert and are searching for cars will do you no good.
Here are some specific visual tactics you can use for improving your conversion rates:
1. Location, Location, Location… Make sure your opt-in box is positioned “above the fold” – the section of your web site that can be read without scrolling up or down. Many online experts agree that most online visitors look at the top right hand corner of a web page first, so you should consider using this area for your opt-in box.
2. Attention-Grabbing Graphics… Don’t confuse your visitors with too many pictures and graphics. While your web page itself should be softly colored, feel free to go bold on graphics (e.g. stronger colors, more daring designs, arrows, etc.) that direct their eyes to the most important information.
3. An Irresistible Offer… often referred to as an “ethical bribe,” this is your opportunity to offer valuable “freebies” which include things such as: e-courses; members-only area access; surveys; software downloads; white papers; e-books, etc. Over-deliver here and make sure it is relevant, specific and enticing. (See example of the Toolkit on the right column of this blog).
Applying these tactics to your e-mailing list and website will definitely increase the likeliness of your readers spotting the opt-in, and consequently the amount of people on your email list.
This excerpt was adapted from Mastering Online Marketing by Mitch Meyerson and Mary Eule Scarborough