The biggest mistake I see bloggers make is to put an email opt-in form on their blog inviting their readers to join their newsletter to get the latest updates and happenings.
You may get some subscribers, but joining your newsletter or getting updates isn’t tangible or compelling and you’re leaving so many email subscribers on the table by not having a compelling opt-in offer.
You must give something of value away in exchange for an email address, and I personally think it not only should be super actionable and solve a problem, I also think it needs to be shareworthy.
Yes, this is a tall order… But your blog leaves clues. Go look at your analytics for your most popular content. What can you create to supplement this content that’s going to solve a problem (or be a life-enhancer) for your reader?
And then how can you make it so awesome that they will want to share it with all of their friends? Because people share what makes THEM look good, so how can you create something that makes your reader look like the hero, or the smartest or funniest person in the room when they share it.
That’s what to give away in exchange for an email address.
Now, you don’t have to create a 5-video training series that teaches someone how to build a self-hosted WordPress site from start to finish like I did… but I have ulterior motives. Like lots of opportunities for affiliate marketing. But if you can monetize your emailopt-inn freebie, why not?
Once you have your freebie, all roads still lead to your email list. This means that you mention it in every blog post and guest post. You put opt-in forms on your homepage, your blog sidebar, and your footer. You share it on Pinterest and blow it up on social media. You ask the people who have signed up for it to share it. And it will start to gain momentum and your email list will grow.
And then, you’ll make a commitment to email your list weekly – whether you send them your latest blog post or tell them about your most recent sponsorship or collaboration, or simply deliver more value.
Consistent communication builds trust. And when you have trust you have loyalty, and the value of your brand increases. You have awesome page views AND an email list? Brands are going to love you.
Today’s pep talk is brought to you by Bluehost. Go to www.shannonmattern.com/bluehost and get 36 months of web hosting for just $2.95 a month. That’s less than one trip to Starbucks a month – and if you’re anything like me, you’re at Starbucks more than that!
Then you can sign up for my Free 5 Day Website Challenge at www.shannonmattern.com/5day and I’ll show you step by step how to get started building your new website for your side hustle.
