The other day I was talking to a friend about her newsletter, she mentioned she’s working on an “ethical bribe.” I had to laugh, because let’s be honest, that’s EXACTLY what an opt in IS!
Having an opt in on your website is a great way to provide value to your network and invite them to receive something of value from you FOR FREE. In exchange you get that 2nd most valuable piece from them: their email address. Now they’re signed up for your monthly newsletter and you KNOW they want to hear from you because they already downloaded your handy checklist or white paper.
Don’t Know Where to Start?
Neither did I. My business coach and I had been talking for a while about adding an opt in to my website. And then when I started doing more and more newsletters for clients, I created a checklist for clients so I had everything up front instead of asking for 5 different things in 7 different emails. After a while I realized that I could expand that checklist a bit and create it as a free download.
Is it perfect? No. Is it a good start? Yes. Are people downloading it? YUP. People I know? Sometimes! Strangers? YES!
What Else is There to This?
I setup some automation emails. A few days after they download the thing you reach out to them and introduce yourself, or ask them a question or two. Share some blog posts that relate to your download. Offer a 1:1 call with them if they get stuck. In my checklist I suggest they add me to their newsletter list. And at the end of the 4th email if they still haven’t sent one out I suggest they reach out and we setup a time to chat about it.
It’s time for an “ethical bribe” on your website if you don’t have one. And it needs to be really good content that you’re giving away for free. It’s not the farm, but something they can actually use.
Once they see the value in your knowledge when they have the resources, guess who they’re going to call?
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