Whether you’re just getting started building an email marketing list or already have tens of thousands of subscribers, you should constantly be working to increase signups. Here are 5 proven techniques to help you increase new email subscribers.
Run a Contest
When I started my first e-commerce website we built our email newsletter list to over 5,000 people using a monthly contest. We gave away $100 worth of merchandise (at a cost to us of approximately $50).
Contests and promotions are powerful incentives for potential customers to sign up for your newsletter… if they are even remotely interested in your products or services it’s really a win-win.
To make a contest even more successful, be sure to include the details and fine print about the contest right on the signup page or form, and include a simple privacy statement with a link to your privacy policy.
Offer Coupons or Discounts
Another enticing offer to potential subscribers is a discount or coupon that can be accessed after signing up for the newsletter. Similar to running a contest above, coupons, discounts, or free downloads can actually perform better because there is an immediate reward – and everyone wins.
Ask at Checkout
If you run an e-commerce website, you should ask customers to sign up for your email newsletter during the checkout process. Don’t assume that just because someone is ordering from you they want to receive email newsletters from you. Always ask permission first.
On the last stage of our checkout process, we include a checkbox with the following description:
Sign up for email newsletter and notify me of new arrivals and specials (Privacy Policy)
We check the checkbox by default, but customers can always uncheck it if they don’t want to receive emails from us.
Use a Popup Window
ProBlogger.net recently published a case study on how Digital Photography School forums increased email newsletter subscribers using a popup window.
The findings were eye-opening. The popup window didn’t decrease page views (they actually increased slightly) but it increased newsletter signups by an amazing 875% – from 40 per day to over 350 per day!
For a popup window to be successful, it still needs to be well written and outline the benefits of your newsletter. Test different layouts and calls to action for best results.
Promote it on All Your Communications
Include a link to signup for your email newsletter in all your regular communications. You can place a link to your email newsletter subscription page in your:
- Email signature
- Forum signature
- Company profile on social media websites
- Facebook fan page
- Twitter profile
Suggestions?
Have an idea about how to increase email newsletter subscribers? Tell us in the comments below.
