Usually, the goal is to build your list so that you have access to their emails. Email lists are great because it means unfettered access to your audience. You’re able to promote new products, give updates, and send out freebies instantly all without having to wait for any algorithms to show them to the right people.

All of the things listed below are called “opt-in’s” and are what you use to get a person to give you their email address. There are so many different ways to connect with your audience over email and this list demonstrates some of the most common ones.

A newsletter is one of the most basic forms of giving people updates. Whether you’re letting your audience know about new posts or new products, it can all go in your newsletter. 

This is also one of the ultimate signs of trust. Since a newsletter is such a vague term, it means that you’re allowed to put anything you want in it and make it tailored to you and your business.

As one of the easiest ways to get someone on your list - this is one of the most commons ways that businesses will use to get an email. 

Y’all, people LOVE free stuff. When people see the word “free” they will usually jump at any opportunity to get whatever it is even if they don’t actually want it. 

That being said - create something downloadable that they can get in exchange for their email address. It could be anything from a how-to guide, a checklist, a sample of your ebook to even a preset for photo editing or an exclusive video. It doesn’t matter. Offer a good quality freebie and your list will start to grow.

Think about running a weekly challenge or a book club or something where you need to be a member to join. Generally, people want to feel included. They want access to the exclusive things you are creating. 

Even if they might not participate all the time, it’s nice to have the option. 

As one of the fastest ways to grow your list, a lot of businesses will opt for this route. This can either be done with other brands or just by yourself. Have your audience enter by submitting their email. That email can then be used to promote some of your other things as well!

Often, people will even forget they have even give you their email, but you’ll be able to remind them with other emails of newsletters and opt-ins.

Another popular option for 2020 is to have a webinar with registration to join! With more and more meetings and conferences being moved online, this is almost becoming a norm. People are registering for information that might normally be delivered at a conference, for the online version. 

In-person conferences also tend to do this so people can watch the replays at a later date. 

Something else that businesses will do is to run a workshop. Now this will usually go one of two ways:

a. People can get access to a workshop that runs all the time but is to made to feel exclusive because of the language you are using. For example, you sign up for a workshop that lists different workshop times no matter when they sign up to make the experience feel more special.

b. You actually run the exclusive workshop live at a certain time. You market that there are limited spots to your live call and if you sign up now, you’ll get to be apart of it.  

Let’s say that you are selling something at a higher price point but want a way to entice your audience to buy your project. Give out a sample! Tell them that when you sign up for your newsletter, that they will be will able to get a sample of your product.

Take it even a step further and offer an exclusive deal. If they act within 48 hours, they can get your product at a discounted price. Not only do you now have their email, but there is a new sense of urgency for them to act on. 

It’s important to add a disclaimer to your opt-in telling potential clients that when they sign up, they may get more emails from your business. Most of the people, people will click “yes” anyway. Remember that having access to someone’s email is a sign of trust and should be treated with respect. That being said, we are excited to see how you grow and build your own lists!

Want help creating an opt-in? We would love to help! Get in touch and let's make some magic happen.