The Opt-In Magic System!
John Vincent says: "The Real Power is in Your Opt In List. BUILD IT!!!
Shelley Lowery!
Developing a Highly Profitable Opt-In List
By Shelley Lowery
An opt-in list is the absolute most effective marketing tool available on the Internet. Not only do they provide you with a direct line of communication with your target market, but they also enable you to develop a trusting relationship with your subscribers.
The key to using an opt-in list effectively is to develop a large subscriber base. Not just a large subscriber base, but a list of targeted potential customers.
Although a large opt-in list is an important part of your success, the quality of your publication is even more important -- both will play a very important role.
If you really want to build a massive opt-in list, you MUST provide your potential subscribers with an incentive. The competition on the Internet is fierce. No longer can you simply tell your visitors what your publication will provide and expect a large percentage to subscribe. It simply won't work. You MUST give your visitors a reason to subscribe.
Incentives
Using incentives is a highly effective method of obtaining new subscribers. However, your incentive must be of value and be of interest to your target audience.
Some popular incentives include:
=> Exclusive ebooks that provide valuable information
=> Special exclusive reports
=> Special software programs
=> Provide access to a "members only" area of your website
=> Provide a service
=> List their website within your Directory or Search Engine.
In order for your visitors to receive your incentive, they must agree to receive your publication.
Pop Windows
Although pop windows can be irritating if not used correctly, they provide a highly effective means of obtaining new subscribers. The key to using pop windows effectively is to combine them with your incentives.
If you would be interested in adding a pop window to your site, I highly recommend the "Pop-Window Generator" at Willmaster.com. This powerful online utility will enable you to fill out a simple form and instantly generate the pop-window code for your pages. This generator will enable you to select the type of pop-window, set the length of cookies, and completely customize the look and feel of your window. The only requirement to use this free utility is that you must be a subscriber of WillMaster Possibilities. This is a great publication and I highly recommend subscribing.
http://willmaster.com/possibilities/members/
This is a prime example of using incentives...
Keeping Your Subscribers
Now that you know how to develop a large subscriber base, we'll focus on how to keep them.
Developing a large subscriber base is the easy part, keeping them will be a little more difficult.
The key to keeping your subscribers is to provide quality content that teaches or informs in regard to the subject matter. You must provide your readers with unique content that can't be found in any other publication.
Although providing original content can be a lot of work, it is well worth the effort. Not only will it provide your readers with unique content, but it will also enable you to build your credibility and gain your readers' trust by sharing your expertise.
Although providing some original content is an important part of a great publication, it is perfectly acceptable to run articles written by other authors.
You can find a wealth of quality, free articles on a variety of subjects at the following web address: http://www.web-source.net/free_articles.htm
Editor's Note
Another very important part of a successful publication is an Editor's Note section. This section will enable you to talk to your readers and develop a trusting relationship.
You can also use this section to provide recommendations. There's absolutely no better way to develop a relationship with your readers than by including an Editor's Note section.
Advertising
A great way to increase sales with your publication is to run sponsor ads. Not a list of classified ads like you see in many publications, but instead, run five or six sponsor ads depending on the size of your publication.
These sponsor ads can be ads promoting your products, your affiliate or even ad space you sell. Place one ad at the top of your publication, a couple within the article you run and work your way down the publication.
Sponsor ads should be clearly marked and only promote legitimate products and services.
Conclusion
No matter how many new subscribers you may acquire, the key to a successful opt-in list is keeping them. The relationship you build with your subscribers will determine your success. Above all, you must provide your readers with quality content. They subscribed to your publication for a reason. If it doesn't meet their expectations, they'll simply unsubscribe.
Once you've developed a trusting relationship with your subscribers, your personal recommendations will be a highly effective means of closing sales. However, it is very
important that you only recommend a product or service that you truly believe in. Your professional reputation depends on it.
Copyright © Shelley Lowery
About the Author:
Shelley Lowery is the author of the acclaimed web design course, Web Design Mastery. http://www.webdesignmastery.com And, Ebook Starter - Give Your Ebooks the look and feel of a REAL book. http://www.ebookstarter.com Visit Web-Source.net to sign up for a complimentary subscription to Etips and receive a copy of the acclaimed ebook, "Killer Internet Marketing Strategies." http://www.web-source.net
Secrets to Building Massive Opt-In Lists
By Shelley Lowery
An opt-in list is the absolute most effective marketing tool available on the Internet. Not only do they provide you with a direct line of communication with your target market, but they also enable you to develop a trusting relationship with your subscribers. By Shelley Lowery
The key to using an opt-in list effectively is to develop a large subscriber base. If you've struggled with increasing your subscriber base, this article will reveal some of the most effective methods used to build an opt-in list. If you're not using these methods, you're losing hundreds of new subscribers each week.
If you really want to build a massive opt-in list, you MUST provide your potential subscribers with an incentive. The competition on the Internet is fierce. You can no longer simply tell your visitors what your publication will provide and expect a large percentage to subscribe. It simply won't work.
There are thousands of publications online and most of your visitors are probably all ready subscribed to many. Why would they want to subscribe to another one? Sure...you'll get some new subscribers, but how many? Enough to build a massive opt-in list? The truth is, if you continue to build your list simply by displaying a sign-up box on your site and listing your publication at the listing sites, it will take years to develop a massive list. You MUST give your visitors a reason to subscribe.
Incentives
Using incentives is a highly effective method of obtaining new subscribers. However, your incentive must be of value and be of interest to your target audience.
Some popular incentives include:
- Exclusive ebooks that provide valuable information that will be of interest to your target market
- Special reports that provide exclusive, detailed information in regard to a specific subject
- Special software programs that will assist your visitors
If you're not comfortable developing your own incentive, there are hundreds of great ebooks available online that you may freely distribute. You can find some here:
http://www.web-source.net/free_ebooks.htm
Subscription Exchange Incentives
In addition to using incentives to gain new subscribers, you can also use a subscription exchange. In exchange for your visitor's subscription, you could provide any of the following:
- Provide access to a "members only" area of your website
- Provide a service
- List their website within your Directory or Search Engine.
In order for your visitors to use your services, they agree to receive your publication.
Popup Windows
Although popup windows can be irritating if not used correctly, they provide a highly effective means of obtaining new subscribers. The key to using popup windows
effectively is to combine them with your incentives.
Design a small popup window that utilizes "cookies" and only displays the first time your visitor enters your site. This window should contain information about your publication and incentive. It might read something like this:
Subscribe to A1 Marketing Tips and receive a copy of the highly acclaimed ebook, "Secrets of the Internet Marketing Gurus" completely free.
Your subscription box should follow this sentence.
You can find a nice popup script that utilizes cookies here:
http://www.web-source.net/javascript_popup_window3.htm
You can find a complete list of sites offering free scripts here:
http://www.web-source.net/web/JavaScripts/
You can find a collection of popup window FAQ's that will answer just about any question you may have here:
http://developer.irt.org/script/window.htm
Alert Boxes
Although using popup windows with incentives is a highly effective method of obtaining new subscribers, there is one other method that is even better. When combined with an
incentive, this method will literally double your subscriptions instantly. It's similar to a popup window, but it doesn't require your visitor to fill out a form.
When a visitor enters your site, an alert box will appear. This alert box should display text requesting their subscription and information about your incentive. Your visitor can choose to click on "OK" to subscribe or "Cancel" to close the alert.
The alert box is displayed via a script that extracts your visitor's name and email address. If they choose to subscribe, it then sends their subscription request, via email, to your subscription address and adds it to your database. In addition, you can send personalized messages to your subscribers, use autoresponder follow-ups and provide your subscribers with "one click" unsubscribe links within your messages.
To increase your subscriptions even further, you can also place a subscription box on each page of your website.
For further information, visit:
http://www.web-source.net/cgi-bin/web/jump.cgi?ID=513
Conclusion
No matter how many new subscribers you may acquire, the key to a successful opt-in list is keeping them. The relationship you build with your subscribers will determine your success. Above all, you must provide your readers with quality content. They subscribed to your publication for a reason. If it doesn't meet their expectations, they'll simply unsubscribe.
Once you've developed a trusting relationship with your subscribers, your personal recommendations will be a very effective method of closing sales. However, it is very
important that you only recommend a product or service that you truly believe in. Your professional reputation depends on it.
Copyright © Shelley Lowery
About the Author:
Shelley Lowery is the author of the acclaimed web design course, Web Design Mastery. http://www.webdesignmastery.com And, Ebook Starter - Give Your Ebooks the look and feel of a REAL book. http://www.ebookstarter.com Visit Web-Source.net to sign up for a complimentary subscription to Etips and receive a copy of the acclaimed ebook, "Killer Internet Marketing Strategies." http://www.web-source.net
Creating, Managing and Building Your Opt-In Lists
An opt-in list is a list or database containing email addresses of individuals who have chosen to receive your email messages. Your messages may be web site updates, product updates or an ezine. They provide you with a direct line of communication with potential customers and enable you to promote your products or services.
In order for you to start collecting email addresses, you'll first need to set up a system that will enable your visitors to submit their information, automatically subscribe them to your list and enable you to send out messages.
Before we go any further, I want to make sure that you understand that this article pertains to "Opt-In" lists. Not Spam. Under no circumstance should you ever add anyone to your list without their knowledge.
Collecting Email Addresses
There are many free list services on the Internet that will enable you to set up a mailing list however, they won't allow you to personalize your messages, they require that your subscriber reply to a confirmation message and they can choose to shut your list down at any time.
Your first step in setting up your system will be to get a good form processing script. This script will be used to enable your subscriber to submit their information via a form and send the information to a specified address.
The best form I have found is called, Master Form. This form will enable you to have the results emailed to you or to a specified address, can write your information to a database file and even have a personalized thank you page. In addition, you can even have multi-page forms with no limit on the number of pages. This script costs $35 and can be found here:
http://www.web-source.net/cgi-bin/t.cgi?l=wm
Whatever form you select, make sure that it will allow you to use email templates, as you will need each subscription request to contain certain words in the subject for processing. Email form templates will enable the email messages sent to your subscription address to contain any information you'd like.
After you've gotten your form set up, you'll need to set up a pop email account on your server just for your list(s). You can name it "lists" or whatever you'd like. In addition, you will need to create two email aliases for subscription requests. Example, yourlist-subscribe@yourdomain.com and yourlist-unsubscribe@yourdomain.com.
Setting up a database
Your next step will be to set up a database to enable you to store your subscriber's information, process subscription requests and email your subscribers. I use a great program
called Group Mail by Aureate. This program will process the information from your form, process your subscription requests, store your subscribers information in a database and enable you to send personalized email messages. You can find it here: http://www.group-mail.com/
Once you've gotten Group Mail, your next step will be to create your mailing list. Simply follow the instructions provided. After you've set up your new list, click on "Plug Ins" then on "Subscribers." You'll now have to set up your subscription filters to enable the program to process your subscription requests.
Now that you have your system set up and ready to collect email addresses, you'll need to place a form on your web site. Create two input fields for your form; one for your subscribers name and another one for their email address.
Your new system will take some time to set up, but it will work for you continuously. It will take care of all of your subscription requests and undeliverables and will store your subscriber's information in a database for easy access. In addition, you'll be able to send personalized messages with any of the following:
first name
last name
user name
email address
address
company
contact
four additional customizable fields
Now, you're ready to begin collecting your visitors email addresses and start building your targeted list of potential customers.
Building Your Subscriber Base
There are many powerful ways to build your subscriber base however, we'll only focus on a few of the best ways.
• Place your subscription information in your signature
• Place a sign-up box on every page of your web site
• Offer a free gift just for subscribing
• Write articles and include your subscription information within your bylines
• Create and distribute free ebooks with your subscription form on each page
• Provide a free service and require those using your service to agree to receive your publication
• Create a member's only site with special resources, content or downloads for subscribers only
• Create a contest and submit your contest to all of the free giveaway sites. Place your subscription information on your contest page
If you're not collecting your visitor's email addresses, don't wait another day to start. Opt-in lists are one of the most powerful marketing tools on the Internet.
Copyright © Shelley Lowery
About the Author:
Shelley Lowery is the author of the acclaimed web design course, Web Design Mastery. http://www.webdesignmastery.com And, Ebook Starter - Give Your Ebooks the look and feel of a REAL book. http://www.ebookstarter.com Visit Web-Source.net to sign up for a complimentary subscription to Etips and receive a copy of the acclaimed ebook, "Killer Internet Marketing Strategies." http://www.web-source.net
Frequently Asked Internet Marketing Questions
By Shelley Lowery
If you're just starting out on the Internet, learning how to market your web site and products is an essential part of your success. However, this is an area in which many new Internet entrepreneurs struggle.
After receiving the same questions numerous times, I have devised a list of the most frequently asked Internet marketing questions.
Question: "Is it true that people are making millions on internet?"
Answer: Although there are a few individuals that may be making millions on the Internet, they are the exception -- not the rule.
Making money on the Internet requires a total commitment and takes a great deal of time and effort. It's not going to happen overnight, and it's not easy. However, if you take the time to educate yourself and plan each step very carefully, you can definitely make a nice income online.
For further information, read the article series entitled, "The Birth of a Successful Internet Business."
http://www.web-source.net/internet_business_1.htm
Question: "I recently launched a new web site and submitted it to the Search engines, but haven't received the first visitor. Is there something I'm missing here?"
Answer: Although launching your web site and submitting it to the Search Engines is a great start, it is only the first step.
Many new Internet entrepreneurs believe that all they need to do is launch their web site and visitors will automatically start scrambling to their site. Unfortunately, it just doesn't work that way.
Driving a steady stream of traffic to your web site takes a great deal of time and effort. You must develop a strategic marketing plan and continuously work it.
The best advice I can offer is this...get your link on as many web sites as you possibly can. The more links you have pointing to your web site, the more traffic you'll receive.
There are many ways you can obtain links to your site:
· Submit your site to the Search Engines and Directories.
· Exchange links with similar sites.
· Provide a service (For example, I provide a free syndication service. Every web site displaying my content is also displaying my link.).
· Write articles and allow them to be freely published with your bylines.
I highly recommend that you use a combination of the above traffic generating techniques.
If you would like to exchange links with other sites, your first step will be to locate sites that are similiar to yours, but not in competition. I recommend using a program called Zeus that enables you to locate potential sites.
Although Zeus will enable you to set up a directory and send out a template style invitation, I don't recommend using these features. Not only is the directory very unattractive, but the template invitation will most likely be deleted. You will be much better off using the program to locate potential sites and personally contacting your prospects.
You can download a free demo here:
http://www.web-source.net/cgi-bin/t.cgi?l=zeus
For further information in regard to developing a marketing strategy, read the article series entitled, "Internet Marketing Strategies."
http://www.web-source.net/3steps.htm
Question: "I have my own product that I would like to market on the Internet, but I have no idea where to start. Can you give me some advice?"
Answer: Although the best way to market your products is through your own opt-in list, many new marketers either haven't started collecting their potential customers' email addresses or their list is very small. So how can a new Internet marketer begin advertising without an opt-in list? Start by placing paid ads in targeted ezines.
Ezine advertising is one of the most effective forms of advertising on the Internet. Many ezines sell ad space that may include sponsor ads and/or solo ads. Although both types of ads can be effective, solo ads will produce the best results.
Ezine advertising is not only highly effective, but the rates are also very reasonable. Your results will vary depending on the product, your ad, and the publication.
To learn the art of writing effective ezine ads, read the article entitled, "Secret Formulas for Writing Headlines that Sell."
http://www.web-source.net/secret_formulas.htm
Visit the following web address for a list of some of the most effective online publications:
http://www.ebookstarter.com/wdm/ezines.htm
If you're considering purchasing any type of advertising, please make sure you start out small and test your ad's response rate prior to spending any major money. There's a great ad tracking script called LnkInLite that you can pick up completely free. I highly recommend that you use this script to track all your advertising ventures.
http://www.dtp-aus.com/cgiscript/lnkinlte.shtml
Once you have tested your ads and have an ad that's pulling a good response rate, you can begin placing the ad in some of the larger publications.
Question: "I don't have a product, but I'd really like to learn how to market and make money on the Internet. I'm a complete newbie and have no idea where to start. Can you help?"
Answer: Even if you don't have your own product, you can still make money on the Internet. There are many products online that have an affiliate program. Affiliate programs will pay you a set commission for each sale.
Many good affiliate programs will provide you with ads, articles and banners to assist you.
A good place to find affiliate programs is:
http://www.clickbank.com/marketplace/
Question: "What, in your opinion, is the best way to market on the Internet, free?"
Answer: Writing articles and allowing them to be freely published is the best way to market on the Internet.
By writing articles and allowing them to be freely published, your articles will have the potential to be viewed by millions of Internet users. They may be published by several ezines with subscriber bases of a few hundred to several thousand. In addition, they may be displayed in ezine archives or on high traffic web sites.
Best of all, writing an article enables you to advertise in ezines completely free. It just doesn't get any better than that.
For further information, read the article entitled, "Write for Publicity."
http://www.web-source.net/write.htm
Your marketing efforts will play a major role in your success. Whether you're marketing your web site, products or services, you need a strategy. Plan your work then work your plan and everything will fall into place.
Copyright © Shelley Lowery
About the Author:
Shelley Lowery is the author of the acclaimed web design course, Web Design Mastery. http://www.webdesignmastery.com And, Ebook Starter - Give Your Ebooks the look and feel of a REAL book. http://www.ebookstarter.com Visit Web-Source.net to sign up for a complimentary subscription to Etips and receive a copy of the acclaimed ebook, "Killer Internet Marketing Strategies." http://www.web-source.net
Frequently Asked Autoresponder Questions
By Shelley Lowery
Autoresponders are one of the most popular tools used on the Internet, as they will enable you to put a portion of your business on auto-pilot.
Over the years, I have received many questions about autoresponders and have devised a list of the most frequently asked autoresponder questions.
Question: I'm new to Internet marketing and am continually hearing about the benefits of using an autoresponder. Can you please explain exactly what an autoresponder is?
Answer: Autoresponders are one of the top promotional tools available online today. They are also known as automatic responders, mailbots, automatic email and email on demand. They were derived from the very popular fax on demand and designed to automatically respond to any email message sent to it with an automatic response.
Autoresponder programs vary from software set up to run with your desktop email program and automatically answer your incoming email to a script that runs on your server. The script may run a Web-based autoresponder system that utilizes a web page form, or it may run with your pop email account on your server. It is programmed to automatically send out a predetermined message when a message is received to a specified script address or email address.
Question: My hosting company provides access to autoresponders, but I have no idea what they're used for. Can you please explain?
Answer: There are many advantages associated with the use of autoresponders. Not only do they automate the daily task of manually replying to requests for information, but they also provide instant gratification for the recipient.
Autoresponders can be used in an unlimited number of ways including:
• Sample ezine copy for potential subscribers
• Articles for publication - A great way for writers to distribute their articles
• Offer free powerful reports on various subjects and use your signature file at the end to promote your site or business
• Offer free resources with information about your site, product or business
• Information about your business opportunity
• Product listings
• Price list
• Welcome letters
• Thank you letters
• Order confirmations
• Advertising rates
Question: Can you tell me what I should look for when selecting an autoresponder service?
Answer:When selecting an autoresponder service, there are many factors that need to be taken into consideration to ensure maximum performance.
The service you select should provide all of the following:
• Personalized responses - This makes the recipient feel that the message was sent specifically to them.
• Automatic follow ups - Studies have shown it may take up to seven contacts before closing a sale.
• Unlimited text length - If you are inhibited by the amount of text your autoresponder may contain, you may be forced to revise a successful sales letter, ultimately costing you business.
• Free unlimited updating - It is imperative to provide your customers with accurate, up to date information on your products and services.
• Automatic notification - You must have the ability to track your ad's performance. You should be instantly informed each time someone requests your information.
Question: I would like to set up an autoresponder course, but I can't figure out how to do it. Can you please explain?
Answer: In order to set up an autoresponder course, you must use a system that provides follow-up autoresponders. These follow up messages can be set up to automatically be sent out at predetermined intervals. In other words, you can set up your autoresponder to automatically send out a new message each day for as many days as you would like.
Not all autoresponders will enable you to create follow-up messages. However, the following service will:
http://www.getresponse.com/
If you'd rather have your own autoresponder system that resides on your server, I recommend using AutoResponse Plus: http://www.web-source.net/cgi-bin/t.cgi?l=autoplus
The first step in creating an autoresponder course is to decide upon a subject. Your course should focus on a subject in which you have a great deal of knowledge and target your potential customers.
Once you have selected your subject, you'll need to make a list of topics. Each topic will represent one lesson. If you have five topics, then you can offer your visitors a free 5-day course. If you have ten topics, then you can offer your visitors a free 10-day course and so on.
Separate each of your topics into course lessons. Your first lesson should welcome your subscriber to your course and explain a little bit about what they are going to learn, followed by the first lesson.
The key to creating a successful autoresponder course is to provide quality information that will be of interest to your target audience. Each daily topic must contain valuable information or your reader may decide to unsubscribe. In addition, make sure you include information in regard to your course such as the lesson number, lesson title, information about your products or services and highlights of the next lesson.
Your course should identify a problem, provide advice in regard to solving the problem and provide the solution with your products or services. Keep in mind, your course should not be written like a sales letter. It must provide quality information written to teach and inform.
Autoresponders are an absolute essential part of developing a successful Internet business. The more you can automate your tasks, the more time you'll have for more important things, such as making more sales.
Copyright © Shelley Lowery
About the Author:
Shelley Lowery is the author of the acclaimed web design course, Web Design Mastery. http://www.webdesignmastery.com And, Ebook Starter - Give Your Ebooks the look and feel of a REAL book. http://www.ebookstarter.com Visit Web-Source.net to sign up for a complimentary subscription to Etips and receive a copy of the acclaimed ebook, "Killer Internet Marketing Strategies." http://www.web-source.net