What Should an Opt-In Form Look Like?

And how much data do you request?

Ah, this is an age old question and one that comes up a lot in internet marketing circles. If you ask for too much you just get garbage. I hate that…. But if you don’t get enough it can limit the type of marketing you do for each prospect.

Can’t send paper to an email address!

So what is the right amount of information to request from your prospect? Do you know the answer?

That Depends! Sorry for the lame answer but it does and here’s why.

You want Quality…..

Our internet business depends on people and we want to provide the best for them right off the bat, so don’t irritate them by asking for too much information first thing. Go slow and you’ll get quality.

Now if your business requires that you get their name, address, city, zip, phone and email address in order to provide them with the product they are requesting then there is no conflict here and they are willing to provide. (By-the-way this is the gravy train, all the info you need to create great marketing campaigns).

However, if you’re simply providing an e-book not likely you’re going to get this info and if you make it a requirement you’re not going to get the real thing.

So if you need this information you should not hesitate to request it, if it’s not necessary at the time for what you are providing don’t ask.

Where should your Opt-In form reside?

Your opt-in form is used as a marketing tool. You are building a list with this tool so you should have it anywhere you are placing marketing material.

Your website home page – make it prominent and above he fold. (this is what is seen on the screen by the viewer)

Sub pages – give your prospect every opportunity to provide you there information. Location is not as important here but is should be obvious.

Your blog –not everyone uses or understands rss feeds, so providing your customers with many options for them to get your information is important. So provide them with a link to sign up for your newsletter on the front page of your blog. Again make sure it is above the fold.

Purchase confirmation –if you are selling a product and the customer has had a pleasant experience with the purchase they will be delighted to sign up for your business opportunity newsletter.

Landing pages –on of the most common ways to build a list. This is a page you create and place in front of an affiliate offer. Once information is entered you now have permission to continue email correspondence on the related topic.

Pop-up window –this is being heavily used with sales pages today. Before you exit or in a set interval while on the page. Most have only the offer and requested personal data. Since these windows are generally small it’s only requesting name and email address.

Email marketing –you can create a link in your email campaigns sending them to a squeeze page to sign up for your newsletter. Or the link, since you already have most of their information can simply verify and subscribe them to your newsletter.

Bottom line-get as much information as is appropriate and the prospect will provide. The more information you have the better you can market to them.

Good Luck!

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