If you happen to be new to list building or just haven’t had very much success then you could be a little frustrated or even overwhelmed. Fortunately, there are some very simple tips that you can use to boost your email list.  A lot of people get so focused on creating their email messages that they completely overlook the most essential step – getting people to sign up in the first place.  It doesn’t matter how great your email campaign will be if no one ever sees it. Here are 5 quick changes that you can make that could dramatically improve your opt in rate and expand the size of your list.

1. Make Your List a Visual Priority

One of the most important things that you can do is to make your opt in form a visual priority. If you have a small sign up form that says “sign up here for my newsletter”, then there is a better than even  chance that you are having problems. If building your list is a priority then it should look like a priority to your website visitors.  It needs to attract their eye and hold their attention otherwise you don’t stand a chance.  At minimum, it should always be placed above the fold.

2. Give a Reason

It seems like everyone online is trying to build their list which means that your visitors have already passed over 10 or 20 different opt in sign up forms before they see yours.  You need to give them a reason to sign up. People want to know whats in it for them.  You need to give them a list of benefits that they will gain from joining your list. This could be an overview of the information that you will provide or a free report that they will get.  No matter what you do, make sure that your visitors know whats in it for them.

3. Make Sharing Easy

Be sure that your newsletter is easy to share.  There is no better recruiting tool than the people on your list. Anytime that you send them an email or newsletter, it needs to be easy to share.  One of the easiest ways to do this is to have a spot on your website that is dedicated to your newsletter, including current and past issues. That way your readers can bookmark and share the link to your newsletter with their friends.

4. More Than One Form

Another important thing to keep in mind is that some people have already gotten sign up blindness and they may not even notice your opt in form that is above the fold.  This means that you should give them a chance to sign up elsewhere as well.  For example, you can add an opt in form at the bottom of each page as well or even in your footer.  In general, you should have between 2 and 3 sign up forms on each page.  In fact, you can even have an entire page dedicated to your opt in box.  This will minimize distractions and improve your conversion rate.

5. Leverage Networks

Some people are actively involved with social media while others are active in forums or discussion boards. No matter where else you are active, it is important to still be directing people to your opt in form.  For example, if you are offering a new deal on Facebook, then make people opt in.  Instead of having a link directly to your content, use a link to opt in page and tell them that the “great deal” is only available to your list so if they want to take advantage of it, they must sign up.

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