I don't think I'm doing this right

EDIT: Is Traffic Horse Power the website in question?

I have a question,

Is your primary goal to build a list?

Because if it is then I think you are doing it wrong.

And the reason I think you are doing it wrong is because you
are not offering any bonus for opting in.

People won't just enter their name and email address for nothing.

Let me know what you think about it.

Here's what I don't like. The font is so huge on that top Adwords block and the newsletter block. It hits you right in the face and makes the site look like there's not much real info on it. I know you're trying to build a list, but normally, the sign up block does not take up the entire screen. I could live with that setup if you reduced the font to a more normal size font, created a table or div so that the signup is on the left and that adsense block is on the right on the same level. That would look better and not hit you right in the face quite as much and it would allow the content to rise up above the bottom of the screen. You do have a lot of Adsense blocks, but I once heard ProBlogger's Darren Rowse say that when he experimented with Adsense, he found that if he wanted more Adsense income, he included more Adsense blocks. If it works for him, it should work for you.

I personally am not a huge fan of a theme that is quite that minimalist. You can see the site I have for sale in my sig or geeksplanet.com, that I just launched to see the kind of look I prefer, but then a lot of people swear by these very plain themes.

Edit: PS - and Mohammed is right about a bonus or some reason for signing up to that list. They won't do it just cause you say so.

Hi Chris,

I'd like to see one adsense block on the top, starting on left side -- leaving top right area for your opt-in form or bonus offer, then opt-in.

If your main purpose is to build list, think your opt-in needs to be above the fold (visable without any scrolling).
Maybe a 7-part (or such) IM basic training series as the bonus for sign up.

Don't mind the minimalist look or the female pixs, except some are quite large. I might think of thumbnails and partial posts on front page with each linked to full article with the larger picture on separate pages. Interesting how pictures have improved your traffic. (Maybe thumbnails would not lose traffic, create curiosity and improve clickthrus.)

Then could scatter more adsense blocks further down page.

Going back to read more of your posts.
Lee

ok so taking a few suggestions in to account I have completely changed themes changed ad placement and currently im putting together a free offer to "lure" them in. thanks for the input
take a look at the current changes and see if im on the right track here

Hi Chris,

What a difference! Like your new theme and opt-in box placement. Makes your page look much stronger -- even seems to help frame the pictures better.

Know you're still working. As of now, the "Sign up for Traffic Horse Power Newsletter and special Offers," cuts off a little on the bottom line as does the "Subscribe" button. Will be interesting to see if your adsense draw as well down the side.

Spent a lot of time reading your posts (and signed up for your newsletter). Lots of great info and much I'd never seen anywhere else. Nice going!

Lee

Well, I missed your previous layout, but I just wanted to comment on the actual content, and it is great. With so much focus these days on article marketing and spinners, etc, it seems strong, quality writing is a bit more scarce.

It's good stuff. The Craigslist info was stellar, and backed up with stats.
Thank you!
- Oh, and I did sign up.

Thumbs up for implementing the advices given previously and it seems that you'll build your list better this time although it takes time to really build relationships with them and nourish them to keep them staying.

So, good luck and more power to your success!

That looks so much better .... Nice job.

ok folks its been a few days since i first posted this and i have made some huge changes with the site. I have implemented a pop up and a free offer.
I would like your thoughts on the changes and some input as well.

are there any other changes that i need to make in your opinion?
once again im am not looking to shamelessly self promote my site or any offer here i am simply looking for some honest feedback

the site in question of course is Traffichorsepower

thank you all so much for your help so far. I really like the changes so far

Here's my suggestions:

1- The popover, where it says " Get your free Report ~ How to Rank in Google Top listings in just 5 minutes~ Sign Up today!", it's showing on a HUGE long line and it actually goes beyond the opt in box. I suggest you make it into 2 lines so the sentences doesn't break the box pattern.

I would also make the popover smaller, to show completely without having to scroll down.
2- Instead of just saying 'Sign up for my newsletter', I would say 'Fill in your name and email to get a FREE report on....'

3- Add a picture of the free report on the optin box if possible. (Highly recommended, you can get it done for less than $20)

4- Make the adsense links default blue. It's funny because the whole theme of your site is blue but then your adsense is red; doesn't match. Please understand that a blue underlined statement is a link, and I always like to keep it clear for everyone that they can click on it.

5- I would also add a single adsense link line ad the very top, right below the menu bar.

6- I would make your pictures smaller. You see, when I enter the site, I have to scroll down to see any good content. The first thing that shows is the huge image of the girl. I would shrink the image and make it align to the left. That way you have some image and some content viewable without having to scroll down.

7- At the very bottom I see it says "Footer Middle Content" and "Footer Right Content". Remove that. It probably came with the theme and you forgot to remove.

8- I would actually dare to put that footer adsense block at the very top, right below the menu bar. If adsense is your revenue source, you should make it easier for people to click on it. Don't be afraid, people are used to seeing ads on websites, they won't leave because you have ads on the top as long as your content is good.

9- At the very top, right next to your title on the right side I would add a horizontal banner selling something.

Hope this helps, keep us posted on your progress!