List building online, a subject I know, but have talked little about. For beginners, there are a plethora of strategies to be found online, but few actually work out.
Yeah, the gurus suck, but when it comes to list building, this seems to be the only thing they create that actually works. Unfortunately while the products are usually worthless, we can learn and implement some of their strategies.
So let’s take a look at list building for you, the beginner, and see what we can do together to help build a list that not only grows, but converts. In the end, that is what you want, people who subscribe and convert into sales right?
They Say “It’s All In The List,” They Are Right…
While I do not subscribe to purchasing so-called guru crap online, it is a good thing to see how they actually build their lists. Of course they do “steal” some of their subscribers from affiliates, but they do a good job on their own as well.
It is also true that your success will be in your list. Looking at some of the facts about how people purchase online, and search, most people do not even subscribe to something let alone buy anything until the 7th – 10th visit.
Another fact that remains is that of the 82% of people’s purchases and subscriptions online, 72% were referred by a video, blog post or, both. Boy, talk about slow to react, but then again, I am the same way and I pretty much guess that you are too. We do not want to get ripped off after all.
So before we look at the right ways to build a large subscriber base through value, let’s take a look at some simple no-no’s we should avoid.
Quit Scrapping, You Are Stealing My Info!
Now the gurus do love this one, and I am really not a fan. It is not only cheating, but in the end, it will hurt you. I am talking about scrapping leads. This is a simple software that allows you to go through sites and other places online and literally scrape email addresses, not good.
First off, who are they? Just because they are on a site that fits your niche does not mean they want to know about you and what you have to offer. Eventually, you will become a spammer, the last thing you want to be when trying to build, brand and manage a successful business online.
Stealing subscribers. Unfortunately this is a common practice among the top affiliate marketing masters. How do they do it? Simple, they get you to be an affiliate with affiliate links, these links take people to the landing pages where your friends, and other connections online, sign up.
This sucks for two reasons. First, and foremost, you lose the lead. Second, you totally begin to annoy people who might otherwise have trusted you, but you sold their e-mail down the river. Stop.
The Only Way, Is The Hard Way…Trust Me!
Trust me, over 40 thousand subscribers later, it was quiet the journey. Unlike most of the masters online with their stories of reaching 100,000′s of thousands over a decade, I am closing fast in less than 4 years, but how.
Effort. Quality content. Free offerings that help. Videos. Posts. Simple landing page. No hidden agendas or up sells. Social media that does not annoy people. Actually caring about people, let alone my brand. Oh yeah, did I mention QUALITY CONTENT?
The only way a beginner will build a list today is through giving people a “real” reason to subscribe. No hidden agendas, crappy products and services, you will need to spell out the real deal today.
Here Are Some simple practices for you:
- Well placed CTA’s or, Calls To Action
- Quality Content
- Well Placed Links in posts, videos and social sites
- Simple Landing Pages that actually deliver something good on the other side
- Vocal calls to action in video
These are easy, simple and work well. Let’s go through them one at a time to make sure we understand how a real list that has a good chance of conversion works for you.
1. Well Placed CTA’s ( Call To Action )
Opt In Forms
First start with a simple opt in form from a platform like Aweber, Constant Contact or MailChimp, I prefer Aweber, great delivery rate.
This can require a name, email and any other information you may want to extract from your potential customer, prospect or, client. These are usually best placed on sidebars and, landing or sales pages.
Images, They Work!
Images at the top of a post or page are great for aesthetics, but one placed further down with a blatant call to action can work wonders. These can also replace or, be a part of the sidebar on your blog or website.
Quality Content
Quality content let’s people know that you know. This one strategy can literally help you build your list and, most importantly, the trust you need.
Video CTA
Video, seriously, this one platform not only builds trust and brand fast, but a simple call to action you give can work very well. Every video should have a simple call to action for the visitor, at the beginning or, end.
Well Placed Links
We use links to bring people to more information, but you can also bring them to where you want them, like a landing page. A good anchor text link can be a great strategy to start building your list.
While there are many more strategies, techniques and platforms that work, these are the basics for beginners that work most of the time. Of course this will depend on how you “personalize” your call to action.
List building online is a whole learning curve to itself. The learning curve does require a little techie know-how, but mostly, it takes some good imagination and thinking outside the box.
About eMarketer Pros
Excellent post Dave. Always very informative and valuable information you give to everyone on how to build, brand, and manage your presence online and grow trust with individuals. This is an extremely helpful post to build your list the right way.
Great post David. As you and I have commented back and forth I am new and am looking for the things that are true and real..
Thanks Jeff! It is great to hear responses like yours…reaffirms I am doing something good for people….=)
Great post David. Very informative for new people