The money is in the list. We all know that. A big email list is like money in the bank. The key to building a big list is getting people to subscribe to it. Unfortunately, most bloggers don’t do a very good at this. They put up a simple email sign up box, expecting all their readers to subscribe, and get upset when nobody does.
You need to use multiple methods to get your subscription box in front of the readers. I have been using a new service call OptinMonster for the past week, and the results have been amazing. I’ve seen an over 400% increase in my opt in rate!
OptinMonster is the brainchild of Syed Balkhi from WP Beginner and List25. The service offers multiple ways for readers to subscribe to your email list. Some of these methods are pretty in your face, but you can’t argue with the results.
WordPress Lightbox Popup
OptinMonster WordPress popup optin type is by far one of the highest converting optin type available. It completely blew away the old Aweber lightbox that I was using.
With advanced controls and professionally designed templates, OptinMonster allow you to display to your readers pleasing popups that positively increase signups.
For a little more subtlety, the OptinMonster floating footer bar allows you to display a soft call-to-action. The footer bar sticks itself to the bottom of the window and scrolls with the user. This uses B. F. Skinner’s positive reinforcement theory to increase your optins.
There is also a slick slide-in optin that slides up from the bottom right corner. This popular effect is known to convert visitors into subscribers and customers. Slide-in effect is utilized by some of the most well-reputed websites on the internet. Future enhancements include full page overlay and side-slide effects.
Create Targeted Campaigns
OptinMonster page-level targeting module allows you to create targeted campaigns for specific posts, pages, categories, or other areas on your site.
Once you enable the optin, you have the option to enable it globally on every page of the site. However if you want to segment your audience and build a hyper-targeted email list, then OptinMonster allows you to create optin forms for specific areas on your site.
With the OptinMonster page-level targeting module, you can easily target specific pages by entering a page ID. This is great if you have landing pages on WordPress for specific products or services.
If you want to broaden the segment, then OptinMonster allows you to target specific post categories. Simply select the categories, and OptinMonster will show the specific optin on all posts under that category. This is great for bloggers because it helps them segment their audience.
OptinMonster also has the option to broaden the display even further by targeting specific WordPress post type such as posts, pages, or any other custom post type. For example, if you have a coupons custom post type on your site, then you can show them a lightbox to signup for your coupons email list. If you’re running an eCommerce site using WooCommerce or any other WordPress eCommerce plugins, then OptinMonster allows you to build an even more targeted list to increase your sales.
Smart A/B Split Testing
With OptinMonster, there’s No more guessing on what works. Try different content, headlines, layouts, and styles to see what converts best with the A/B testing module.
A/B Split testing is one of the most desired features, but normally it is extremely hard to set up. OptinMonster A/B testing module is extremely easy to use. All you have to do is click on the Split test button, and it creates a replica optin. then, you simply use the design builder to make any necessary tweaks and that’s it.
The plugin does the rest for you. It randomly serves each option to see what works best for you. The stats module track impressions and conversion for each specific optin. Using these insights, you can make educated decisions and significantly grow your email list.
Works with All Email Service Providers
Aside from the WordPress controls, OptinMonster seamlessly integrate with the core grouping and segmenting functionality of your email provider. Currently, they support Aweber, MailChimp, Constant Contact, Campaign Monitor, and MadMimi. The API integration allows you to leverage the grouping feature rather than having to create separate lists. Most WordPress optin plugins do not have this feature.
Pay Once, Use It Forever
The best thing about OptinMonster is its pricing – it’s not a monthly service. You pay for it once, and you get to use it forever.
The most popular plan is the Pro plan. This gives you all the premium optin types, plus Exit-Intent. Did you know that over 70% of visitors who abandon your website will never return? The exit-intent technology detects visitor behavior and prompts them with a targeted campaign at the precise moment they are about to leave. This gives you one last shot to get them to subscribe before they leave.
If your email sign up rate is in the dumps, adding OptinMonster will bring right back up. My opt in rate has increased by over 400% since installing it. The service has more than paid for itself. I highly recommend OptinMonster to any blogger looking to increase email sign ups.