You’ve probably experienced this: you sit down at your computer and turn it on, only to have your inbox flooded with offers that you didn’t sign up for.
Inbound marketers know that the days when we would buy a list of leads, load them into our CRM, and then blast out emails have passed. The idea of creating a database that is 100% opt-in can seem daunting.
It is important to use an email marketing campaign to grow your opt-in list to ensure that you are only sending emails to the people who want to receive them and not to those who may harm your reputation. Our agency can help you learn the ins and outs of opt-in email marketing and provide the tools that will make it easier.
What is opt-in marketing?
When you add a prospect or lead to your mailing list, they are aware that you do so. Opt-in marketing is a process whereby you send marketing materials to a list of subscribers who have specifically requested your content. You can send promotional materials, email newsletters, or nurturing campaigns.
Single Opt-in vs. Single Opt In
In one easy step, users can subscribe to emails using a single opt-in. The only thing that users need to do is enter their email address in the required field. The single opt-in method is useful for marketing teams who want to make the process of signing up automated emails as fast as possible.
Double opt-in, on the other hand, requires an additional confirmation step for each email address that is added to your database. Double opt-in occurs when an email marketer signs up and then confirms their subscription via another email or landing page. This reduces the chance of spam complaints and increases interest in the mailing list.
How To Build An Opt-In Mailing List
Lead Magnets to Attract Prospects
Lead magnets, also known as opt-in bribes, are key to growing your list and attracting new prospects. You need to offer a promotional or incentive that is too good to refuse to get website visitors to subscribe to your list. Here are some of our most effective lead magnets.
- Freebies are hard to resist, whether they’re free trials or gifts. In exchange for your prospects’ contact information, you want to offer them something they will appreciate.
- Discounts can be a great way to attract new leads. Even a $5 or 5% discount will do the trick. Upgrades, special offers, and other incentives can also work.
- Gated content: When a user is required to enter their email through a form in order to access content, this is called gated content. Customers are always on the lookout for new information, whether it’s in the form of e-books, quizzes, or case studies. You’ll get their contact information if you provide them with the answers they are looking for.
- Exclusivity: People like to feel special and that they have access to things others don’t. Access to VIP programs or special communities can be used to create a sense of exclusivity.
Add opt-in forms to your website.
Every time someone visits your site, you have the opportunity to invite them to your mailing list. Place sign-up forms in strategic locations on your website to give visitors as many chances as possible to opt in.
Be Careful When Using Popups!
Popups can be used to make valuable and relevant offers for those who are visiting your website. Popups are best used sparingly as they can interfere with the user’s experience. Try different popups such as first-purchase discounts or exit-intent to find out what motivates your audience.
Utilize Double Opt-In
Double opt-in allows you to confirm each email address that is added to your list. This setting will send a confirmation email to contacts that are added. Double opt-in confirmations allow you to confirm that the person you are contacting wants to hear from your company. This reduces the risk of spam complaints.
Set Expectations
Establish expectations for two things: frequency and content. Once a person has permitted you to contact them, time starts ticking. Send a thank you message to the person as soon as you get their email address. Also, let them know how often you’ll be emailing and what you’ll be sending.
Maintain Permission
Permission is not permanent. You need to keep your subscribers interested and up-to-date with your emails if you want them to stay in their inbox. Timely offers should be highlighted, along with content relevant to previous interactions.
Allow Subscribers to Opt Out
Inboxes are crowded today. Offer your subscribers a way to opt out of unwanted emails. Tell your subscribers that they can easily unsubscribe by clicking on the link in the email. Don’t worry about the subscribers who unsubscribe! You have gained their trust by establishing an honest and open relationship through email. Confidence builds long-term customers.
Asking for permission before sending an email is always preferable to asking for forgiveness later for spamming. Spam is any email sent to a person without their consent. Unsolicited email can have serious consequences for your reputation as a sender.