Are you tired of hearing me talk about newsletters yet?
I’ve nattered on about how to build ‘em, how to get people to open ‘em, how I’d love it if you signed up for mine.
But I’ve still got a one more newsletter-related topic I’d love to chat about and I promise you’ll love it. Let’s talk about newsletter opt-ins and how you can create one so intriguing and irresistible people will fall all over themselves to sign up.
What’s an opt-in? It’s the carrot that leads people to your inbox. It’s the helpful, useful, free thing you give them in exchange for entry to their inbox.
Lots of people give subscribers a free ebook as a subscription thank-you. And that’s wonderful! But if you’re feeling creative or you’re interested in standing out among the piles of other free ebooks, these ideas will point you in the right direction.
1. A Mini Video Series
If you regularly make videos or work in a field that benefits from real time instruction (think chefs, yoga teachers, photo editors) your subscribers would probably love a little collection of two-three minute videos showcasing some of your best work.
If you’re a chef, you could share a video about how to make amazing scrambled eggs, a video about how to fast chop vegetables, and a video on separating egg whites. You get the idea! Alexa Fischer does a great job with this in her Public Speaking 101 video series.
2. A Checklist
Ebooks are lovely but many people are too busy to actually, you know, read them! I offer a WordPress Safety Checklist because I know people need to keep their sites safe and feel they don’t have the time or know what to do. A checklist is a great way to provide some real value for those who will sign up for your list. Think about how you can break down some of your industry’s best practices into a 10-15 point checklist. People love actionable items and the pleasure of checking something off!
3. A Podcast or Audio File
If you work in a field that lends itself to audio, your subscribers will love this! This opt-in particularly lends itself to meditation teachers, life coaches, and therapists.
Your subscribers could view this as a personal pep talk they can access in times of stress or challenge. Danielle LaPorte lures subscribers in with five audio meditations that tie into her book The Desire Map. Clever, no?
4. A Teeny-Tiny Consultation
Is there a way you can spend one or two minutes interacting with each of your new subscribers? Sarah Von Bargen captures subscribers by offering website once-overs and sending each subscriber three specific suggestions. How could you do something like this? If you’re a graphic designer you could offer insights on page layout; if you’re a dietician you could glance over someone’s daily eating plan and offer suggestions.
5. Pretty Visuals or Image Files
We all love a good screensaver or artistic print, don’t we? Entice subscribers with a gorgeously designed screensaver or phone lock screen, or consider creating an inspiring, high-res print they can download and hang on their office wall.
If you’re a photographer, you could offer subscribers 10-15 lush, Creative Commons images they can use all over the internet. This is exactly what Death To Stock Photo does and they currently have nearly 10,000 Facebook fans!
What are you doing for your opt-in at the moment? How is it going for you? If you’ve seen any amazing opt-in offers floating around the internet, tell us all about them in the comments!
Hey there! Thanks for stopping by! I’d love to connect, so drop me a line here or shoot me an email at norma [at] connectinteractivellc [dot] com. If you like what you’re reading, be sure and subscribe or sign-up just below for email updates so you don’t miss a thing!
By the Way… If you like what you read today, you’ll love this post: Improve Your Search Results through Blog Commenting.
photo by Axel Schliemann // cc
The post Not Just An Ebook! 5 Ideas For Newsletter Opt-ins You Haven’t Seen A Million Times appeared first on Connect Interactive.