You know what makes me crazy? Almost every time I go to a maker’s website, there’s a lot of products listed, there’s a nice home page image but there is NO way for me to opt-in to their list.
I’m not ready to buy anything, because I don’t really know the brand. But I want to get to know them, I want to see what they know, I want to see if I like what they have to say, I want to see if I want to be part of their tribe.
I want to Know, Like & Trust You.
But, I guess they don’t really want me there!
Most website have a way to subscribe…but wow. Oh, I mean the tiny little “subscribe to my newsletter” at the very bottom of the website that you need a magnifying glass to find.
Here’s an example of what I mean… This is a BIG Brand that sells world-wide. Can you find out how to opt-in?
Now, I don’t want to call out any brands (whether they’re big or small), but what I do want to stress is that EVERYONE needs a way to build a list of their loyal followers and customers. These are you ideal people that WANT to know what you’re doing!!
Your List is KEY!
If you don’t give people a way to be part of you, your community and all the good stuff you’re doing, you’ll just have to be satisfied with meager sales, low google ranks and inadequate brand visibility.
Email marketing is still the most effective way to reach your customers or potential customers – 40% more effective than social media. Here’s a great stat:
66% of consumers have made a purchase online as a result of an email marketing message (Direct Marketing Association)
Tell me you don’t want a piece of that?
Pop-Up Schmop-Up
I know that a pop-up opt-in can make you crazy, but they work! People get the idea that you REALLY DO want them to sign-up and be part to your community!
According to EConsultancy How to Raise Your Email Opt-in Rate with pop-ups and overlays,
Generally, a site with an overlay garners up to 400% more email opt-ins than a site that relies on an in-line form will.
A few opt-in pop-up examples – you can certainly customize design your own.
Now, if you don’t go the pop-up route, that’s okay. At least create a nicely designed opt-in form that resides above the fold on your website (you want it to be clearly displayed so people can sign-up.)
Creating your opt-in will be a little work on your part in the beginning. You’ll want to sign-up for an email marketing account (like Mailchimp, Aweber, Infusionsoft, and more), create an opt-in form, pop-up or overlay that gets seen (it MUST be above the fold), and create email campaigns that go out to your list on a regular basis.
It’s worth it in the long run!!
Here’s another stat that you may be interested in:
Email marketing has an ROI of 4,300% (Direct Marketing Association)
So yes, You Do Need an Opt-In if you want to earn loyal customers, grow your business, and increase you sales.
If you need a little help with understanding opt-ins and building your list so you earn loyal customers, go ahead and contact her HERE. When I receive your inquiry, I’ll get in touch with you so we can chat.
Here’s to it!
Christine
Other great email marketing stats from HubSpot.