2011 was a great contact list year for me. I increased my subscribers, open rates improved and subscriber loyalty went up without having to redo my website. Here are some of the things I did to increase my contact list by 1,000%.
Client Trending – I keep track of the most common challenges clients present to me. I email, post and speak on those topics. Some people see what is trending on Twitter to select their topics which sounds smart as well. I am very invested in my clients success so I’ll stick to my client trending for now.
Opt In Form – I added an opt in form at the end of each blog post. You’ll see one iteration of the opt in form below this post. I change it up regularly.
Above the Fold - I make sure my opt in form is always above the fold. My stats show that most people do not scroll down my home page so I moved my opt in form to the top.
Keep Testing – The language on my opt in form is constantly evolving. The following language did NOT work: Subscribe to my newsletter and Subscribe via Email. The words FREE, Updates, and Tips worked. Another favorite is when I detail what they will get such as “Get free tips on how to increase sales through your website.”
I Don’t Make Everything a Pitch – I respect my contacts; therefore, I don’t send out an endless stream of pitches. I follow the do unto others rule. If I subscribe to a list and get three pitches in a row without any content of value, I unsubscribe for good.
Signature Line - Add a link to your latest blog post to your email signature. I use Wise Stamp for my email signature which is great.
Tele-summits/Web shows – I got the biggest lift when I did a 1 hour web show on UStream. The topic was How to get on Google’s first page for $20 in 5 minutes. It sounds too good to be true right? Well it is for real and by the time the web show was over my contact list increased by 100%. That is a one hour web show.
Reply to People – I respond to every reply I get from my contact list. This improves my subscriber loyalty and helps me gauge what is working.
Pop Up Opt In Form – I am testing new styles on the pop up form this week and will report back my findings. If you use WordPress there are several awesome options.
Social Media Press Releases – send out social media press releases about your blog and topics. I use www.prunderground.com.
What has worked for you? Let me know.
About Gina Nieves
I love your blog posts! Keep ‘em coming.
I love all of these tips – and the one I’m going to steal right now is the “add the opt-in box at the end of each blog post.” Thanks a ton!
Great tips, Gina! Thanks for sharing.