Do you want to grow your subscriber list to your ezine or newsletter? Then it makes sense to invest some time to make sure your website effectively promotes it. There are a number of ways you can make it easier for your site visitors to sign up.

First, take a look at your website right now. When visitors arrive at your site, would they be able to sign up for your newsletter immediately? Or do they have to go through several layers of pages and content in order to subscribe? Your goal is to make it as simple and straightforward as possible to become a subscriber.

Here are six strategies to implement on your website that will help you build up your list by making it easy for people to subscribe:

1. A Prominent Subscriber Box: Ideally, you should have your sign-up box on your home page in the top third of your website. Make sure it will catch peoples attention immediately. Consider using a bright color and bold text. If you are really committed to building your list, then you might want to have a sign-up box on every page. At the very least, include a link on every page that takes visitors to a sign-up page. Only ask for a persons first name and e-mail address so it take them almost no time to sign up.

2. Entice With Compelling Copy: There are many so many options on the Internet for information, why should someone choose to receive your ezine? Sign up for our newsletter is not enough. Here is what I include on my site under my ezine sign-up box Sign up now to get instant access to proven, effective small business marketing ideas and tips. Learn the best small business marketing tactics to boost sales and skyrocket your profits! This has been a very effective paragraph to convert my site visitors to subscribers.

3. Include More Information: Some people want to learn more about you and what you are offering BEFORE they sign up. Write a website page that visitors can read. On this page, list the benefits of signing up for your ezine. I include items such as Fill your pipeline with dream clients, become known as the expert in your field, and generate new streams of income.

4. Create a Compelling Name: Does your publication have a name? If not, then create a catchy name that mentions your key business focus. Use the name in your sign-up box, on your promotion page, and at top of your masthead.

5. Offer a Freebie: Your prospects are giving you something valuable their information. Offer them something of value in return. Once they sign up, create an autoresponder to send them a welcome e-mail and free report, white paper, or e-course featuring information that will help your target audience solve a challenge. Feature this in your sign up box and on your promotion page.

6. Try Pop-Up or Pop-Under Ads: Studies have found that these are very effective at increasing your conversion rates from visitors to subscribers. There are new versions of pop-up and pop-under ads that are fun to look at and non-annoying to site visitors. For an example of this type of program, visit: http://tinyurl.com/gru78

By incorporating these steps into your website marketing strategy, you will find your weekly numbers of subscribers will increase. Work on driving more traffic to your site, and it will continue to grow. Over time, these strategies will lead to a sizable list.

ACTION ITEM: Analyze your website. Is it easy for subscribers to sign up? Is your sign-up box obvious? Does it have compelling copy? Do you offer a freebie? Begin by making a list of things to improve; then make an appointment with your webmaster to start implementing these items.

Copyright 2006 Marketing Maven