A guest post by Louise Henry @ Solopreneur Sidekick
Opt-ins are all the rage lately! And rightly so – they have the capability to grow your email list in a big way and set you up for future income streams. I would consider an opt-in (or lead magnet) an essential for your online business that you should implement asap.
OPT-INS TO GROW YOUR EMAIL LIST
Firstly, what do I mean why I say “opt-in?” Basically, all an opt-in is, is something (usually a digital product) that you give someone in exchange for their email address or “opting in” to your newsletter. In this article I’m going to share with you my best advice for creating a high converting opt-in and show you 5 different examples for inspiration.
Most importantly, focus on an issue your ideal client is facing. I’m sure you could create a fantastic opt-in on a number of topics, but what is your client currently struggling with? It can be tempting to skip a few steps, or want to show how knowledgeable you are. Which is awesome! BUT – what stage is your ideal client at? Are you overwhelming them with the thought of automation when they haven’t even sent a newsletter yet?
Next, think of your opt-in as step 1 of your sales funnel. Think about what needs to happen before they hire you or purchase your product. For example, if you are selling a course on ConvertKit, your ideal client should already have an understanding of email marketing. So there’s your topic for your freebie! Educate them on how important email marketing is for their business, why ConvertKit is a great product and finish the freebie with a call to action leading to your paid service.
Another way to think about it is to answer FAQs with your opt-in. For example, I love to help solopreneurs launch their own brands. But my ideal client, someone who is just about to embark on their entrepreneurial adventure, might not know the fundamentals of branding. So something like, a free email course that walks them through the fundamentals of branding would be a perfect fit. What are the questions that all clients ask before working with you? Or what things do you need to explain to each client prior to work beginning? You should be able to get ideas for your opt-ins from this!
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Here are a few, real-life examples for your inspiration:
- A free email course like Maya Elious of mayaelious.com and her Free 5-Day Personal Branding Course
Why it works: You can lead potential clients through a series, demonstrate your knowledge and help them work through a subject in depth. At the end of the course, you will have built up trust, your audience will feel as though they have got to know you (and your work) and many will want to know more from you.
- Access to your Facebook group like Heather Crabtree of heathercrabtree.com and her group Savvy Business Owners
Why it works: Not only do you capture their email, but you get another member in your Facebook group too! Why is this so great? That means you have double the chance of building a meaningful connection with your audience.
- Free templates, stock photos or other helpful + practical things like Jessica of lovepluscolor.com and her free creative library of templates + worksheets
Why it works: You’re helping your ideal client with something right away. By providing them with a template or worksheet they need, you can make an immediate impact on their business (and they’ll surely thank you for it!)
- Access to a free webinar replay or video masterclass like Nesha Woolery of neshawoolery.com
Why it works: You’ve already put in the hours crafting the perfect webinar! Now make it work for you! Offering up the replay is a smart way to do this. Plus, it’s a very personal way for your clients to get to know you. Many marketing pros I admire have started to go with this option (Halley Gray, Sarah Morgen) – and that’s because it converts.
- A free PDF of whatever you’d like! Here’s a fantastic example by Shaina of yourampersandstudio.com
Why it works: You can get laser specific on what your target audience needs, like Shaina has done here with her download “28 Lessons, Resources and “Aha” Moments for the Rising Photographer.” Niche down and offer something totally unique + relevant to your audience!
And remember:
Go above and beyond and make your opt-in really strong. You want to exceed their expectations. You want it to provide a glimpse into what it would be like to work with you! And we know that’s gonna be good.
Grab their attention. Ever noticed that the best marketers use words like “irresistible” – don’t be afraid to spruce it up!
And lastly, remember to tell them what to do next! The last page of your opt-in should include a call to action that tells them exactly how to hire you or buy your product.
I hope this has helped get you thinking about your next opt-in. Good luck and leave your link in the comments once you’re done!
ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
Hi, I’m Louise! Your Solopreneur Sidekick. I’m passionate about helping busy solopreneurs make the most of their time so they can focus on building their dream online business. From offering on-demand design & digital marketing services, to writing my best actionable tips & tricks on my blog, I help you focus on what's important and see the growth you deserve!
Thanks so much for including me in this post! Really great examples! :)
Love this! I’m going to do the free email course.
These are such great ideas! I really love the one about webinars. I just hosted a solo webinar Sunday and have added it to my welcome map as a opt-in. I and all about growing my list more right now. Also loved the email that brought me here (From email to post about marketing mistakes to this… down the rabbit hole , I go).
I have been unable to think of an opt-in for weeks and my blog launches in less than a week. I really like how straight forward and practical this was. I could feel the gears of my brain start moving and coming up with ideas. I really like the idea of niche-ing down. As a new blogger I struggle with sticking to one audience and sometimes feel my ideas get a bit convoluted. Really appreciated this post. =)
Love this post! Thanks for sharing!