If you would prefer to listen to the audio version of this article, simply click on the play button below:
In part one of this article, I discussed five list building mistakes new marketers make and how to avoid them. In part two, we’ll look at five more list building mistakes and their easy to implement fixes that will put you on the fast track to list building success.
Mistake #6 – Using an Opt-in Page That is Not Fine Tuned. Without a subscription page that is set up correctly, your visitors will be very unlikely to opt-in to your e-mail list.
The Fix: A great opt-in page will always have a valuable free “ethical bribe” such as a special report, whitepaper, ebook or audio, to make it almost irresistible to your visitors.
Mistake #7 – Little to No Follow-through. Your list building efforts will be completely wasted unless you follow up with you list regularly and consistently.
The Fix: Always deliver great content to your subscribers, plus train them to purchase by sending them valuable offers that solve their problems.
Mistake #8 – Relying on One Method. Always employ multiple list building methods, but beware of trying to implement too many too soon, which will only result in overwhelm and failure.
The Fix: Choose two to four proven, low-risk list building methods that you can consistently implement.
Mistake #9 – Failure to Test. Most marketers, even some very experienced ones, do not test, never giving themselves a chance to improve their opt-in rate and their sales.
The Fix: Start by using a very simple split test on your opt-in page and testing only one variable at a time, such as your headline or price. With a little testing, you can greatly increase your opt in rate, and your profits, without very much effort at all.
Mistake #10 – Jumping Ship on the Basics. Many marketers, once they have a little experience, believe they must move on to more advanced marketing methods and leave the basics behind.
The Fix: Even experienced marketers rely on basic list building methods to fuel their businesses. Keep the basics and ad advanced list building methods as you gain more knowledge.
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Got here via your great news letter Zen minutes. I have read both parts and reviewed your notes from RSE. You were so generous with advice gleaned from the wisdom of experience. These two articles on list building are true to your brand, simple and complete.
Thanks Bruce! It was a pleasure to meet you at RSE and I’m so glad you got value, both from the event and from this article. More to come!
Ellen:
This is a great article not just for newbies but also applicable to verterans as well. I will implement these tactics on my blog/website. Need to refine my opt-in box and provide consistant follow up to continually grow my list. Thank you Ellen.
The old adage, “The fortune’s in the follow-up” couldn’t be more true in this case Jane!
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