The “Subscribe” Box
[private].[/private]The subscribe box is just a simple table where your visitors will enter the information that you prompt them to enter.
The two most basic fields you should prompt visitors to fill out are “First Name” and “Primary Email”.
The subscribe box seems very self-explanatory and for the most part it is. I just wanted to give you a few ideas to help out along the way.
Idea #1 – Don’t be afraid to ask for more information.
There is a lot of value in a list of names and email addresses and there is even more value in a list with names, email addresses, shippping addresses, and phone numbers. Don’t hesitate to ask your visitors for more info.
Just remember, if you make all fields *required you may affect your opt-in rate. Therefore, consider only making the name and email fields required, but prompt for more info where possible and applicable.
Idea #2 – Use a graphical subscribe box to catch the visitor’s attention.
By placing an attractive graphical background behind your subscribe box you can attract the visitor’s attention much more easily. Take a browse around several internet marketing related sites and you’ll quickly see most of the pros use a graphical image background for their subscribe boxes.
Idea #3 – Investigate co-registration opportunities.
Ask around and see if any of your competitors or allies in your niche are willing to do a little co-reg with you. Here’s co-registration in a nutshell:
After a visitor signs up for your newsletter and goes to your “thank you” page, ask them if they are interested in joining any similar newsletters from other authors. In exchange, these other authors should also place an advert for your list on their own newsletter “thank you” pages.
