Optimize Your Website for Opt-ins
1. Place a opt-in widget on every page of content connected to your newsletter
2. Have a newsletter opt-in page in your website navigation bar
3. Include a link to your opt-in page in your website footer
4. Create an overlay that pops-up based on exit intent
5. Include a simple email-to-a-friend form on your website
Leverage the Power of Promotions
6. Run a simple weekly sweepstakes for a general interest prize (merchandise, tickets, gift cards, etc).
7. Run photo and video contests with an opt-in
8. Add an opt-in to your sports pick’ems and brackets
9. Create quizzes with opt-ins for your newsletters
10. Develop voting ballots with an opt-in
11. Create a Birthday or Anniversary program to attract new opt-ins
12. Leverage extra chances on contests from opting-in to your newsletter
13. Attach a poll with an opt-in to related content
14. Leverage surveys to collect opt-ins and deeper data
15. Partner with other organizations or publications on giveaways that can be cross-promoted to both your email list and theirs. (If you’re locally-focused, think about the Chamber of Commerce or local sports team. If you’re subject-focused, think about brands or trade groups).
16. Create a follow-up email program to build out your qualified lists
Employ Your Current Subscribers
17. Include a subscribe link within your newsletter to add additional users
18. Plant an opt-in on all your account registration forms
19. Ask for opt-ins on customer service calls
20. Incorporate opt-ins links or URLs on your billing statements and email receipts
Make Friends In-Person
21. Create a QR code or link and display it on your counter
22. Display the QR code or link at events so users can opt-in from their device
Turn Social Followers Into Subscribers
23. Embed your opt-in form in the Facebook application
24. Invest in Twitter lead-gen cards to drive opt-in
25. Post about your newsletter on social media
26. Create a pinned post on Facebook and Twitter
27. Employ the Facebook call-to-action buttons
28. Plant a link within your Twitter and Instagram bios
29. Use Facebook ads to target local people (while excluding existing database members)
Utilize Your Core Products
30. Produce a video highlighting your newsletters
31. Run on-air promotions and house ads for your newsletter
32. Write an article about your new newsletter (including a quick link to opt-in!)
33. Leverage opt-in links within articles
34. Add an opt-in on your classified placement forms
35. Attach an opt-in to all content downloads
36. Include an opt-in link within your email signature
Remember – while list growth is important, the type of list growth is equally important. Engagement is what drives results with email. Supposed ‘shortcuts’ like purchasing lists can have disastrous consequences for your deliverability and reputation. By leveraging the dozens of email acquisition tactics listed here, you’ll be able to grow an engaged email list organically, expanding your database with users eager to get your content.
Related Articles
Tim is the Director of Email Success at Second Street and has extensive background in media. Tim is dedicated to helping local media companies find success through their email programs while leveraging promotions to grow their database and achieve their company's goals.