Is your opt-in box up to snuff?
© 2006 - 2009 Kendall SummerHawk
Oops! There it was...
Or rather, there it wasn't.
A decent looking website with a great big hole in it.
No, it wasn't missing a results-rich headline, a thoughtfully crafted message or a pretty photo of the hopeful (but unfortunately, in this case, hapless) entrepreneur whose site I was shaking my head and "tch-tching" about.
It was missing an in-your-face client name and email address capturing opt-in box.
Bummer. Because the high hopes and expectations of that website's owner are surely going to be all washed up before she even gets started.
Your opt-in box is NOT optional! It is the only thing that creates a link, a bond, a connection between you and your busy, barely-paying-attention website visitor. Think of your opt-in box as the glue that gets your new-found relationship to start sticking.
Because once you have your visitors' names and email addresses, you have the means to begin creating close-knit relationships. Relationships where you deliver boatloads of inspiration and information in exchange for your visitors' buying your products and services.
Okay, now that you know your opt-in box is a must-have, let me share five powerful tips with you to make sure your opt-in box is doing the heavy lifting it's supposed to. That's the whole POINT of the Internet: get the computer to do the hard work so you get to focus on creating soul and success in your business!
WARNING: If you have a faint marketing heart, a couple of these tips may cause you to make a quick excuse as to why you can't do them. Please, recognize that's just fear of being bold and brilliant happening and yes, you CAN overcome it.
Think of it this way: you can't make a big difference in the world if your audience isn't completely hooked on to you as their new Goddess (guys, think Hero here) of Wisdom on your topic. So stop hiding out behind excuses and start showing up with your brilliant self!
Get your opt-in box where it can be seen
That means the top right corner of every page. Better yet, have your web designer integrate it into the "banner" (that's the colorful part of your website design that goes across the top of the page) so it automatically appears on each page and does not take up any of the main text area real estate.
Use the right bait
Offering a newsletter as bait is sure to catch...nothing. Nowadays you have to offer a special report, audio mini-seminar, email mini-course or even discount coupons for stuff your visitors want. Include an "oh, by the way, you'll also get f'ree valuable articles every other week" message as a bonus (that's your newsletter).
Use a graphic to catch attention
The goal is to make your f'ree give-away feel like it's something your visitor could hold in their hand. Ask your web designer to create a mock-up of a magazine cover (you can check out mine on my home page here), CD cover or spiral bound special report then paste it into your opt-in box.
Give it a price
Even though you don't sell your f'ree give-away or newsletter you need to create a sense of value. Give it a price (mine is valued at $197.00) and include the price in your web copy.
Say something provocative
Please, no more hiding out behind the ubiquitous" download my f'ree special report today." Yawn. Make your download invitation challenge what your visitor already thinks they know, tell them what awful soul-twisting catastrophe is waiting for them if they—gasp!—fail to give you their name and email address or dangle a carrot in front of them that is so organic, juicy and scrumptious their fingers tumble over themselves typing in their contact information.
Okay, now it's time to take a peek at YOUR website and evaluate the power of your opt-in box. Get it up to snuff this week and you'll start seeing more visitors opting in to the brilliant results only you can deliver for them!
About the author:
Kendall SummerHawk, the "Horse Whisperer for Business" delivers smart, savvy ways entrepreneurs can turn their hectic business into a smooth-running, fun, 6-figure money-making dream. To learn more about her book, Brilliance Unbridled, and sign up for more FREE tips like these, visit her site at http://www.kendallsummerhawk.com
NOTE: You are welcome to “reprint” this article online as long as it remains complete and unaltered (including the “about the author” info at the end). I would also appreciate a copy of your reprint sent to kendall@kendallsummerhawk.com