7 Ideas for Email Opt-Ins - Pick One!
If you're running a business, any kind of business including a creative business, having an email list is crucial. Why? Because it allows you to have a direct conversation with your ideal customers. Email marketing is still one of the most effective ways to reach and engage with your audience.
According to the Direct Marketing Association, for every $1 spent on email marketing, the average return on investment is $42. That's why building your email list should be a top priority. But how do you get started?
The first step is to create an opt-in that is valuable and attractive to your target audience. An “opt-in” is a freebie that you offer in exchange for someone’s email. Each person’s email is valuable! Keep that in mind as you review this list of ideas.
Here are seven ideas for great opt-ins to help you get started. Some are easier to implement than others. Over time, you’ll evolve what you offer as an opt-in. Start simple. We can always get fancy later. I want you to pick just ONE to start.
#1: A Short PDF Guide
A short, one-page PDF guide is an excellent opt-in for people who are short on time but still want to learn something new. The key is to provide valuable information that solves a specific problem or addresses a particular pain point. For example, if you're a nutritionist, you could create a one-page guide on healthy snack options. If you're a photographer, you could offer a guide on how to take better photos with your smartphone.
#2: A Longer Form eBook
If you have more in-depth knowledge or expertise to share, consider creating a longer-form eBook. This type of opt-in provides more comprehensive information that people can refer to over time. For example, if you're a coach, you could write an eBook where you share your process for helping people accomplish their goals. This could include starting with the end in mind, if that’s a cornerstone of how you help people visualize and achieve success. Just make sure to keep it focused and actionable.
#3: A Short or Longer Challenge
People love a good challenge, especially when it comes to self-improvement. Creating a challenge as an opt-in is an excellent way to engage your audience and help them achieve a specific goal. For example, you could create a five-day challenge on how to declutter your home or a 100-day challenge on how to develop a daily creative practice. I bet you’re in a challenge right now. I’m in three. LOL! How about you?
#4: A Mini-Course or Workshop
If you have expertise in a specific area, creating a mini-course can be a valuable opt-in for your audience. A mini-course typically consists of 3-4 video lessons that teach a particular skill or concept. For example, if you love using Procreate to develop your artwork, you could create a mini-course on how to use Procreate on the iPad. This doesn’t have to be as complex as a series of recorded videos. You could offer a free workshop and go live on a social media platform, Facebook or Instagram for example, and teach something for several days.
#5: A Digital Download
A digital download, such as a wallpaper design for your phone or computer background, can be a fun and attractive opt-in for your audience. This type of opt-in is especially useful if you're in a creative industry like design or art. For example, if you're a surface pattern designer, you could offer a free downloadable repeating pattern, an art print or a lovely illustration that includes a motivating quote.
#6: A Discount on Products
Offering a discount on your products can be an effective way to entice people to join your email list. However, it's essential to use discounts strategically and not devalue your products. Instead, consider offering a discount on a first purchase or a limited-time offer to create a sense of urgency.
#7: A Quiz
People love learning more about themselves, so creating a quiz can be an engaging opt-in for your audience. Make sure the quiz is relevant to your business or industry and provides valuable insights. For example, if you're an online course creator, you could create a quiz that helps people identify the best topic for their first online course. This is one of many approaches what Amy Porterfield uses to build her email list.
Building your email list is a critical part of any business. The key is to offer a valuable opt-in that attracts and engages your target audience. By providing helpful information, solving specific problems, or offering engaging content, you can build a loyal and engaged community which in turn helps drive significant results for your business. Use these seven ideas as a starting point, and be creative in finding the right opt-in for your business. Take action by picking just one!
Join me on Wednesday at noon pacific / 3pm eastern for my weekly Wednesday chat about art, creativity and surface design. Come prepared to share the ONE opt-in idea that resonated with you and how you plan to implement it to start growing your email list.
During the LIVE broadcast, I’ll also do another Adobe Illustrator demonstration to help you hone your design skills!
xo,
Anne
It’s Never Too Late to Create®
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MEET ANNE
Hi…I’m Anne!
My creative inspiration comes from a lifetime of observation. I grew up in Paris on the Place St. Sulpice and walked to school through the Luxembourg gardens. And that was only the beginning… Learn more by watching the video on my About page.
