Before we look at some of the methods for developing an opt-in list, let’s first take a look at some of the myths and misconceptions about the process first.
Myth #1: Not a lot of people use email
Actually, one of the most effective marketing methods today is Email marketing. Almost everyone uses email either at work or at home. Some people do both. A person without an email address is becoming a lot like someone who does not have a phone. It’s quite rare to find somebody who doesn’t have email in one capacity or another.
Myth #2: Email marketing campaigns annoy a lot of people
Spam does annoy people but what we’re talking about here is permission based advertising. The person gives their permission for you to send the marketing emails and other information. Since they requested it or ‘opted in’ it isn’t spam.
Myth #3: It’s a waste of time to send email to a lot of people
The key here is to maintain a clean opt-in email list so that you know which group of people will provide you with the highest return on investment.
How to Build an Opt-in List
Now that we’ve looked at some email marketing myths, here’s how we can use the power of an opt-in list email marketing campaign.
Tip #1: Collect Data Strategically
First, you will need to know which information from your audience will help you achieve the best return on investment. Which provides the biggest opportunities to lower expenses and/or make sales grow. To gather this data, devise a way to encourage people to voluntarily provide you with this necessary information. Once you gather it you will be poised to create a higher conversion for your opt-in email marketing list.
You do want to avoid data overload. Start off by asking only for basic opt-in information, their full name and email address. Once you’re successful with this you may then choose single points of data to add to the mix as you continue to pinpoint your opt-in marketing campaign.
Tip #2: Track Your Results
Track your opt-in email marketing results to insure that your campaigns are being effective. If you do not track them you will often waste time and make your marketing effort unmanageable. There is no reason to impose this great hardship upon yourself. There is software available that will help you maintain this aspect of your marketing and to make it a lot more manageable.
Tip #3: Use Websites.
Use forms on web sites that solicit your visitor’s email address and consent. Polls about popular topics in the news are one of the best ways to do this. You can also use print ads, business cards and even sales receipts to send visitors to this site where they can sign up for your opt-in list.
Tip #4: Use Tact
You should use adequate caution and be tactful when applying these opt-in marketing campaign techniques. You must focus on earning the trust of your opt-in list. If it is seen by subscribers as a way to simply collate data for your own benefit they will reject it. You should always insure that the forms you use will be easy to use. Otherwise visitors won’t bother to subscribe.
