Joomag’s Guide to Email Marketing (Part 2)

 

You’re back! Welcome to part 2 of “Joomag’s Guide to Email Marketing.” Today, we’ll wrap up the last 2 strategies for building an email list. So let’s get straight to it, shall we?

Continuing Our Journey: How to Build an Email List (in 4 Easy Ways -  Continued)

3. Opt for opt-in forms

An opt-in is essentially a user’s agreement that he or she wants to receive content from you. It’s their way of giving you permission to contact them with any future info or updates. The neat thing about opt-in forms is that they can be customized and presented to prospective subscribers in a number of ways, depending on the service you use.

For example, they can appear…

• As pop-up forms on websites and/or product pages

• On landing pages

• As widgets on eCommerce sites

An opt-in pop-up form on a website

There’s the double opt-in, too, which requires subscribers to confirm their email addresses twice. An email is sent to the recently subscribed person who must then click on the verification link inside. S/he is then officially added to the email list after doing so. A word of caution, though; some subscribers may not complete the final confirmation step because they either forgot they subscribed or accidentally deleted the email (common reasons). On the other hand, the double opt-in increases the overall quality of your list and can reduce bounce rates. It’s a tradeoff you will have to consider in the long run.

Quick note: Joomag’s platform enables publishers to utilize the double opt-in for their email lists.

Keep in mind that most anti-spam proponents consider email verification the bare minimum for any opt-in email. Accordingly, it would be a smart move to have your subscribers verify their emails for good measure.

MailChimp is a great service for easily creating opt-in forms. It’s free and lets users generate custom forms in addition to many others. OptinMonster is an opt-in plugin that integrates with nearly all marketing platforms, streamlining the setup process. And Thrive Themes is a WordPress plugin that lets users design their own opt-in forms and run A/B tests with them. As always, your needs and research will determine your decision.

4. Avoid spamming at all costs.

Nearly all marketers agree that permission is the name of the game when it comes to email. Building a healthy email list entails a certain degree of respect, professionalism, and consent. If you don’t get the latter specifically, your entire marketing efforts can be for naught; what’s more, you can be reported for spamming. Follow these tips if you’re looking to avoid the latter:

• Don’t let your email list fall asleep. You have to keep in contact with your subscribers. How many you have won’t mean anything if you don’t keep them updated with regular content. Neglecting to do so could result in high bounce rates and unsubscribes. If you’re experiencing a content drought, we recommend sending out periodic emails to your list instead; for example, a nice welcome email to new subscribers immediately after they’ve signed up (which you can with Joomag).

• Remember the double opt-in. It’s beneficial in many ways. You’ll have proof that your email subscribers actually want to be your subscribers, and your emails won’t be marked as spam in their inboxes. Single opt-in has its strengths too, but it’s up to you to decide which method is best.

• Have a goal and stick to it. Did you promise your subscribers weekly content after they sign up? Or maybe you’re planning to send out different types of emails (like newsletters, catalogs, or brochures) to them? Either way, you need to make sure you stick to your word. The key to building an email list effectively is to have a clear goal that incentivizes people to join. If it’s a bit far-fetched or too ambitious, you’ll lose those hard-earned subscribers.

And that’s a wrap. We’ve gone over 4 quick and easy ways to build your email list. We’ll continue the fun in part 3 where we’ll delve into creating an awesome email that turns heads and boosts conversion rates. In the meantime, you can always check out part 1 if you haven’t already.

FAQ

1. Why use opt-in forms for building email lists?

Answer: Opt-in forms confirm subscriber interest, ensuring your email list is filled with engaged users. Customizable formats cater to different platforms, enhancing subscriber quality and engagement, especially when using double opt-in processes for verification.

2. How do I avoid being labeled as spam in email marketing?

Answer: Secure explicit consent via opt-in forms, regularly engage with relevant content, and consider double opt-in to verify subscriber interest. Consistency in email frequency and content type based on initial subscriber consent helps maintain credibility and engagement.

3. What are key tools for opt-in email marketing success?

Answer: Tools like MailChimp for creating custom forms, OptinMonster for seamless integration, and Thrive Themes for designing and testing opt-in forms are crucial. Success hinges on regular, quality engagement and adherence to the content and frequency expectations set at subscription.