5 Email List Building Tips

For many, their email list is the foundation of their online marketing campaign. The key to generating prospects from your email list is to build it up with quality leads of those who’ve visited your site. Even if the visitor isn’t ready to purchase, you want to be able to market to them again so they have the opportunity to purchase from you when the need arises.

Here are five tips to help build a quality email list.

1. Make getting them on your list your #1 priority. Keep the sign-up form simple and only ask for as much information as you need. The only piece of information that you truly need is their email address. Asking for their first name doesn’t complicate the system too much. However, asking for last name, address, phone number, or demographic information can make the visitor feel vulnerable and discourage them from completing the sign-up form. Put the sign-up form in a visible spot on every page. Above the fold, or in the upper half of your page, is most effective. Definitely keep the sign-up form above the scroll point on your page. If a visitor has to scroll down the page to get to the form, many will never see it. Consider using pop-ups on your webpage to solicit email addresses. You can do this with a pop-over while they are on your page or with an exit pop-up if they leave your site without signing up.

2. Offer them an incentive to sign up for your list. This could be in the form of a special report, white paper, checklist, or a recording of a previous seminar. Test different offers to see what brings you the best results. Once an offer stops working for you, change it again.

3. Tell them why they should sign up for your list. A generic “Sign up for our newsletter” doesn’t motivate the visitor to give up their email address. Give them a list of the benefits of joining your list. Be specific – state what they’ll get in a bulleting list.

4. Include a strong spam disclaimer right under the sign-up form. Let visitors know that you will never share their information with others. Make sure a link to your privacy policy is prominent on your site.

5. Follow the CAN-SPAM Act. Collecting email addresses in compliance with the Act and handling opt-outs appropriately will only improve the quality of your list. There is no point in handling email addresses of those who are not interested in your product or service. 

Cathy Yerges Partnering in Your Marketing Success