In 2017, there were 3.7 billion people in the world using email, and this number is expected to increase to 4.3 billion in 2022.
With half of the world’s population using email, and the ability to reach these people at any time of day, email marketing is a very important technique for building a database.
So, how do you attract visitors to subscribe to your email mailing list? There are a few important steps, but it all starts with a signup form on your website.
What is a signup form?
A signup form is used to collect the email addresses of visitors and potential customers (leads). This type of form is integrated directly into a page on your website where the visitor enters their email address in a field so they can receive your newsletter, for example.
A lead may give you their email address for several reasons such as: business information, notifications, promotions, promo codes, or information about your company. It then becomes a key element of your website. Although it is simple to create, you still need to think about how you are going to highlight it: how should you build it? what format? how should you integrate it?
Let’s look together at how to create forms that will help you generate leads for your email subscription list.
5 tips for engaging forms
Whether you want to reach 10 people or 10 million, the important thing is to create a form that makes people want to fill it in and that will attract the right people… Here are 5 tips to help you convert your visitors.
1. Show the value of the exchange
Your leads want to be able to answer this question when they fill out the form: “What do I get in return?”. To do this, add a short description above the form explaining what your visitor will receive in return. For example, instead of saying “Subscribe to our weekly newsletter”, say “subscribe to our newsletter and receive our best offers”. A strong reward means that your visitor will be easier to convert.
2. Use double opt-in
You do not necessarily need more signups, but quality signups. You need people who really want to receive your emails, as more is often the enemy of good. By making sure you have quality signups, you will reduce your chances of ending up in SPAM or worse, being blacklisted.
To ensure the quality of email addresses, use double opt-in. This type of email allows you to confirm with the lead that they really want to subscribe to your list, a second time. The first time is when the lead enters and adds their information in the form, and the second time is when you ask them to click the confirmation CTA in an email. Double confirmation is proof of a relationship of trust between you and your leads.
3. Keep it simple
A lead should simply be able to look at the form, enter their information, click “submit” and move on. The forms that convert best are those that remain simple and clear. If your form is too complex, you risk losing your visitors’ interest.
Do not be too greedy and do not ask for too much information right away, otherwise you may scare them away and cause them to leave your website more quickly. Keep your signup emails as a way for your visitors to receive emails from you.
4. Think about the right place and the right timing
The location of your signup forms on your website matters. You should think about your visitors’ journey on your website and where you want them to have access to the form. For example, do you want your form to appear as a pop-up the second the visitor arrives on your website? Do you want them to scroll all the way to the bottom of your page to find it? Or do you want them to go to a dedicated page?
There is no single answer to this question. Instead, think about which page most of your visitors arrive on, how your personas want to interact with your brand, and the overall user experience. Ask yourself questions such as “would my target audience be frustrated by a pop-up a few seconds after arriving on my site, or would they find it useful?”.
5. Send an autoresponder email after submission
When someone completes your form, thank them and welcome them properly.
An autoresponder email is an email that validates the exchange of information between you and your lead. In the case of an autoresponder email following a subscription to your newsletter, you will thank your lead and maybe even send them one of your links with useful content. Thank them for their interest and prove to them that they did the right thing by giving you their personal information. It is also the right time to send them promo codes, information about your upcoming sales, why they are important to your business and how you will support them afterward.
Conclusion
Email signup forms are a good way for you to gather leads in a simple and effective way, generate conversions, and increase your overall sales. With these forms, you will reach your audience by integrating them into a strategic location on your website.
Take a few minutes to create your form and start increasing your prospect base, developing relationships with your potential customers, and improving your database.
