What Is A Solo Ad?

This is a question I get asked time and time again.

A solo ad is a form of advertisement or list “rental” that is sent out to an entire or portion of an email subscriber list.

I use solo ads to build my list so I am basically buying targeted traffic and sending them to my optin webpage.

So to put it simply I create an email with my optin link and get somebody with a similar list as mine to mail my email to their list.

Because I’m buying a solo ad with a list that is similar to mine it is therefore more targeted so I’m increasing conversion (or to put simply increasing my chances of people subscribing to my list).

To create a successful solo ad you need to:-

1. Come up with a catchy subject line. Try to keep the subject line short, sweet and appealing. But keep it relevant, nobody hates anything more than clicking something and getting directed to something completely different, you might get a high click rate, but your optin rate will be terrible. As well as your unsubscribe rate will go through the roof!

2. Use creative language throughout the email. A fun interesting article that is not wordy is easier to read than a lengthy business article that is dry. Keep your email conversational and simple. Use simple words and provide valuable information for your reader.

3. Be specific with what you are advertising. Be clear in your intentions of the email. Make sure everything written in your email is written with a purpose. Do not confuse the reader with what they are reading, or with what you are offering.

4. Be sure to include links to what is you are promoting. Give the reader multiple options to choose from. Everyone is different. One person may want to read a post on the latest cooking techniques and the other may want to watch a video.

5. Make sure you know your target audience, and what they opted into your list for. If your optin page told them that they were getting on a list to receive more information to help newbies get started online quicker, then don’t send them information or offers on traffic generation. A newbie would need to know the basics i.e. an optin page, an autoresponder, affiliate advertising etc. before learning about how to generate traffic. If you don’t give them what they are looking for all that will happen is that will unsubscribe from your list, and mark you as a spammer.

Some people use solo ads to sell but for me solo ads should be used purely for getting optins.

If people are going to buy from you, they need to trust you.

To build trust you need to give value so use your solo ads to do just that.

The email solo ad marketing game is not for weak or cynical people.

This is marketing at its most basic element where you must have thick skin and patience and test, test and test!

Test small buys first and if they go well, then scale up!

There are many vendors you can buy solo ads from directly however if your new to this game I would start with Udimi which is the new Safe Swaps solo site which allows you to buy solo mailings easily and more importantly securely. Safe Swaps is now for ad swaps only so once you have built a responsive list you can do swaps with like minded individuals to build your list for free.

If you have any questions please do not hesitate to get in touch.

Best regards Zoe