5 Places You Aren’t Asking for Newsletter Subscribers (But You Should Be)

One of the most effective ways for a brand to reach out to their customers is with a strategic and hard-working newsletter. But far too often we see websites and brands that aren’t actually asking potential customers to subscribe to their newsletters. Or if they are it’s in areas of the site that aren’t as visible or noticeable to people. Often we see brands that have a sidebar sign up form, and nothing else. While that’s certainly a good start, there are several other places you can, and should be, asking for newsletter sign-ups.

1. Pop-Ups or Slide Overs. I know! Pop-ups seem intrusive but if they are done correctly, they can be very powerful. Here are some of the factors that make for an effective pop-up invitation to subscribe to your newsletter.
   • An easy-way-out. Make sure that any pop up has an easy way to decline whether it’s the X in the top right corner or a “no thank you” button.
   • A Strong Call to Action. Make sure people know why they want to subscribe to your newsletter.
   • Limited Showing. If someone declines your pop up invitation don’t pester them with it again and again. On one of our client websites, for example, the pop up uses cookies to limit the showing after a declined subscription invite for another year.
2. At the End of Brilliant Content. Seriously if a reader takes the time to get all the way through a post, article, video, or page it means that they ARE interested in what your brand is all about. So take advantage of that with an invitation to join at a deeper level through your newsletter subscription. We find the best success with this when we personalize the invitation based on content type, for example, if it’s a recipe post you can ask, “Want to see more old-fashioned recipes? Subscribe to our newsletter to see more!”
3. On a Stand-Alone Subscription Page. Does your newsletter have a lovely freebie or opt-in bonus? If not it should and we can help you with that. But if so, use an About page to describe the benefits of subscribing to your newsletter and what readers can expect. By giving them a head’s up about what they can expect when they subscribe and clear understanding of the benefits, they are more likely to convert.
4. Your Facebook Page and Other Social Channels. Link your Facebook Page button to your newsletter so people can sign up for your newsletter quickly and easily. You can even segment the subscribers who join via social media separate from subscribers who join via your website so they enter a series of messages that introduce them to the best of your brand or business. Don’t forget about Instagram and Twitter bios!
5. In Your Emails. When you interact with your customers, potential customers, or answer email queries, make sure you invite the reader to subscribe to the newsletter in the footer or signature line of your newsletter. Your responsiveness will encourage more newsletter subscribers because you’ve already proven your approachability.

Having a strategic, on-going newsletter effort dedicated to putting your best foot forward and into your customers’ inboxes can transform your sales and customer engagement. Make sure you are maximizing your reach by taking advantage of these unique ways of garnering new email subscribers.