Email subscribers are valuable potential leads, who with the right encouragement, could become customers. But convincing people to join your email list requires more than just a simple sign up form.
Many brands struggle with low sign up rates or end up with unqualified subscribers who aren’t genuinely interested in their products or services.
Today, we’re sharing our top strategies to increase your email subscriber count, and optimize your conversion rate.
How to increase email subscribers:
- Optimize your website
- Optimize your sign up forms
- Offer attractive incentives
- Show social proof
- Exit-intent pop-ups
- Content & more great content
- Social media
- Referral programs
- A/B test your strategies
- [Bonus] Tips to nurture your email subscribers into customers
9 methods to get more email sign ups
1. Optimize your website
To grow your email subscriber list effectively, it all starts with optimizing your website. Your website is often the first point of contact potential subscribers have with your brand. You can build a great first impression by making your website user-friendly, engaging, and informative.
A well-optimized website not only attracts more visitors but also encourages them to stay longer and explore more, increasing the chances they'll sign up for your emails.
2. Optimize your sign up forms
Your sign up form should be easy to find, and easy to fill out. Here are a few ways to make your form more user friendly:
- Placement: Position your sign up form where it’s easy to see, like at the top of your homepage, in the sidebar, or as a pop-up.
- Minimal fields: Keep the form fields to a minimum. Only ask for the necessary information, usually just the email address and maybe the first name.
- Clear Call to Action (CTA): Use a clear CTA that tells users exactly what they’ll get, like “Get Your Free Ebook” instead of “Submit.”
3. Offer attractive incentives
Incentives are powerful motivators and people will exchange their email addresses for something valuable in return. Here are some popular incentives commonly used:
- Exclusive content: Offer access to premium content like ebooks, whitepapers, or exclusive articles.
- Discounts and promotions: Provide a special discount or promotional offer for first-time subscribers.
- Freebies: Offer free samples, trials, or downloadable resources like templates or checklists.
Tip: Make sure the value of the incentive is clear and easy to access after subscribing!
4. Show social proof
People are more likely to subscribe if they see that others are doing it too. You can use social proof by:
- Displaying subscriber counts: Show how many people have already subscribed to your email list.
- Testimonials: Share positive comments from happy subscribers.
- Trust badges: Include badges or certifications that show you’re trustworthy.
5. Exit-intent pop-ups
Exit-intent pop-ups appear when a visitor is about to leave your site. This is a prime opportunity to capture their attention one last time with an attractive offer. Make sure your exit pop-up is:
- Non-intrusive: It shouldn't interfere with the user’s experience.
- Highly relevant: Tailor the message to the user’s behavior on your site.
6. Content & more great content
High-quality content is key to building a loyal subscriber base. Implement these content strategies to get people subscribing and coming back for more:
- Regular updates: Keep your blog and social media updated with fresh and useful content.
- Content upgrades: Offer extra content related to your blog posts, like downloadable PDFs or bonus content.
- Lead magnets: Use lead magnets like detailed guides, checklists, or video tutorials to encourage visitors to subscribe.
- Frequent newsletter: Create a compelling newsletter that delivers curated content, exclusive offers, and personalized updates directly to subscribers' inboxes.
7. Social media
Social media platforms are great for promoting your email list. Here’s how:
- Promote sign ups: Regularly post about your email list and the benefits of subscribing.
- Social media contests: Run contests or giveaways that require email sign up to enter.
- Lead generation ads: Use paid social media ads to drive traffic to your sign up form.
8. Referral programs
Encourage your existing subscribers to refer friends and family by offering rewards for both the referrer and the referred. Referral programs can include:
- Discounts: Offer a discount on the next purchase for both parties.
- Exclusive access: Provide exclusive content or early access to new products.
9. A/B test your strategies
Continuous improvement is key to optimizing your sign up rates. Run A/B testing on various elements of your sign up forms and strategies, like:
- Form placement: Test different placements on your website.
- CTA text: Experiment with different CTA phrases to see what resonates best.
- Design elements: Test colors, images, and form designs to find the most effective combination.
Qualified vs. unqualified email subscribers
It's important to emphasize that a successful email marketing strategy isn’t just about the quantity of email addresses; it's about attracting the right subscribers, not just anyone.
Qualified subscribers are the ones who are genuinely interested in your brand, products, or services. They are more likely to engage with your content, respond to your offers, and ultimately, convert into loyal customers.
While it is unavoidable that unqualified subscribers might sneak in, prioritizing the acquisition of qualified subscribers will make your email marketing efforts much more effective.
Tips to nurture your email subscribers into customers
What’s next after growing your email list? It's time to turn those subscribers into loyal customers who engage with and contribute to your brand.
Here are some tips to convert your email subscribers into customers:
1. Engaging email sequences:
Design automated email sequences that deliver value, encourage engagement, and gently nudge subscribers towards conversion. From welcome emails to educational content and exclusive offers, keep the conversation useful and relevant.
2. Personalization and segmentation:
Divide your email list into segments based on subscriber preferences, buying patterns, or engagement levels. Tailor your messages and promotions to each segment, ensuring they resonate with the recipients and feel personalized.
3. Clear Call-to-Actions (CTAs):
Guide subscribers along the conversion path with clear and compelling CTAs in your emails. Whether you're inviting them to explore your latest product or redeem an exclusive discount, make the next step irresistible and easy to take.
4. Interactive content:
Incorporate interactive elements like quizzes, polls, or surveys into your emails to engage subscribers and gather valuable insights. Encourage participation and make the experience enjoyable and memorable.
Conclusion
While growing your email list is an important first step, the real success lies in converting those subscribers into loyal customers.
By implementing these strategies, you can transform your email marketing strategy into a powerful tool for attracting, nurturing, and converting qualified leads into loyal customers. Remember, building relationships takes time and effort, but the payoff in terms of increased conversions and customer loyalty is worth it.
If you’re looking for guidance on how to optimize your email marketing strategy, book a free consultation with our CRO experts. Let's work together to refine your email marketing efforts and build stronger customer relationships.
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