Category: Blogging

Today, the discussion will be on truth. Truth on what is behind the “email” scheme of a website or blog. It actually shouldn’t be a scheme or trick at all. Just a simple sign up for something in return.

I really want to uncover some myths that don’t need to happen to anyone and especially the beginners.

If you don’t want to take it this way, just read on and take account all of the “important” points they’re written here.

Two things I want to talk in this article concerning the role of the sign-up form. The design aspect, and what is being offered by the form.

Design has been mentioned over and over again by many, and how it is so crucial to have a “professional-look” to your site.

The look of being professional, especially since it gives the impression of a “brand” or “established” feel, is what makes users take action, and the action you want them to take.

The action I will be writing is the signing up to any service you are providing from your blog.

Why I am talking about the design first  is, because that is exactly what the visitors will being first when they click that link.

Will they see a good-looking site, or a poor, not well-designed one? This is why we are talking about this right now.

Myth #1

You have to have a e-book written already right at the beginning.

This is got to be the most over-rated statement. There is nothing more than having a million e-books by “unknown” authors that think they are strongly based on what they wrote.

Number one, why work on your e-book where design is probably or writing content is the most important step needed to take at the beginning.

Studies have proven over and over again that users online will sign-up with a “trusted” brand or one they think has knowledge in the field.

Number two, this even doesn’t work with me. I never sign-up for an e-book from a beginner or one that has just started out int the field.

Please people, always write your e-book when you have built a large enough audience for them to sign up. Always.

Myth #2

You only offer an e-book through your sign-up form.

This is why so many fail on collecting that list of emails from their users. Trust me, they probably have that book from Darren Rowse and they don’t need an extra one.

Do I see over and over again bloggers and webmasters offering only an e-book. That shouldn’t be the only main thing offered.

I believe the best way to get more emails is to offer free updates into their email with the posts of that week. I am not only saying this. Look at copyblogger and incomediary, and see they are offering email updates.

Surround your offering with mystery. People just love that way of offering. Sometimes emphasize the word, upcoming or soon words. Those are not used enough.

Myth #3

The Form has to be the biggest feature of your blog in order to get many sign ups.

I don’t think so. Don’t think one second a visitor will right away and without thinking add his email to your email list. Just like that.

Not going to happen. You’re going to have to win something in return for his email. Trust, authority, or plain connection to him is key. A medium or small sidebar box is all you need.

If the visitor has a good impression about your work, he will find where to sign up in order to get more of your work. Just provide very god articles and content to him.

Myth #4

The Design has to be very expensive looking and complex.

The online world is a very visual place, excluding the text of course. Design is very important, but don’t make you sign up box look like a million dollars and your blog, one dollar.

Always first make sure to make your site design the number one design on your list. Impression will not be able to be met with only the sign-up form. The “overall” look and visual pleasure is far more engaging for the user to sign up.

Don’t have to spend countless amounts of money on the design of your form. Just have a simple design, with getting the point across, such as suggesting them to sign up.

Just have them fill out two input boxes and then leave them alone. Just two places, and don’t make the user sign up for more. It just gets irritating.

Myth #5

You have to give them anything.

You are giving them your hard work through your content. Why would you have give them something right away.

If you are signing them up for updates or posts, then you are giving them a taste. Keep it a mystery. People love it. They will do anything to know it.

Many of them have signed up for many things, and I know I would love to sign up for something that I would get later.

Emphasize words that they will cling to such as “soon“, “coming“, “future“, or “get“. Plain psychology works very well with the visitor’s brain.

Conclusion

I hope you haven’t fallen into some of these traps.  It wouldn’t be the end of the world you already did, but would make it more strain on you or your hard work.

If you haven’t, try to avoid them. Don’t make it a very big deal to pump out an e-book just because the “other” blogger has done it. Most of the time, he has already established himself and was not a problem for him to write one.

Be patient, and your list will rise with the right, necessary steps. It isn’t rocket science, and don’t make it more complicated than it seems.

Thanks for reading, please share!

Peace and Succeed!

 



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