Guide to Increasing Your Opt-In Mailing List Subscription Base
1) Put an opt-in box on your website or blog. This makes it easy for your readers to sign up and become part of your mailing list. If they find your website or blog interesting, they will probably want to receive information from you on a regular basis. Notifylist.com offers this service for free. Their service is easy to sign up for. Plus, it is easy to use. You can manage your mailing list (opt-in subscription base) through this site. Visit them at www.notifylist.com for more information.
2) Submit your online newsletter, or ezine, to ezine directories. There are a variety of them available online. In fact, simply type ‘ezine directory’ into your search box. You will receive a variety to keep you busy for a while.
3) Conduct seminars. During your speech, let others know about your online newsletter. Tell them what it is about to spark their interest. Have a way for them to sign up.
4) Join real-life networking groups. Again, let others know about your online newsletter (ezine) and what it is about. Let them know what they will receive by subscribing to your opt-in mailing list. Also, let others know how often it is published.
5) Develop an opt-in mailing list ‘sign up’ sheet for your ezine or online newsletter. Use this at all in-person venues you go to. We already mentioned conducting seminars. You can also use this sign up sheet at your classes, speeches, meetings, etc.
6) Write articles and include your online newsletter or ezine in either your byline or the body of the article. Tell readers how to sign up.
7) Post to online forums. Find forums that are related to your topic since it will be easier to find like-minded people. Also find forums that deal with business. Business people like to read about what other businesses are doing. Do not be forceful or rude, though. Simply let others know about your ezine and what it offers. Give them the opportunity to opt-in for your mailing list.
8) Join online networking groups. There are a variety of online communities ranging from general information to specialized information. Find one that suits you. Some that come to mind include MySpace, ICQ, and Monster.com. For more suggestions, simply type in ‘online communities’ into the search engine. Preview each to find the one you are most comfortable with. Gradually begin to let others know about your opt-in mailing list and what it offers.
9) Write a press release notifying others of your new online newsletter or ezine. Mention the name of your newsletter, the subject area, and its mission statement. Also, mention how often it is published. Again, let readers know how they can opt-in to your mailing list.
a. For instance:
Announcing ‘The Clue’
My Unique Cookery is proud to announce its new online newsletter (ezine) titled ‘The Clue.’ Here, readers will gain insight into how to live a healthier life through tidbits of knowledge, healthy substitutions, and scrumptious recipes. Sign up for our biweekly ‘The Clue’ at www.myuniquecookery.blogspot.com.
10) Attend trade shows. Get a booth and display information about your business. Have your sign-up sheet available in clear view. When someone expresses interest, inform them of what they will receive by signing up. Have the most current copy of your online newsletter printed for others to review.
11) Find other like-minded online newsletters. Read them, and if interested, contact the author. Express your interest and ask if a reciprocal link would be possible. This way, you will begin to share readers and increase your readership base.
Increasing your opt-in mailing list readership base is time consuming, but worth it. Work on it consistently, and you will reap results.
