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When to put a subscribe box in a blog?

by schabotte
8 replies
Hi,

I'm curious what others do.

The assumption is that you create a real blog - i.e. one that you write original content for and post to on a regular basis. (So I'm not referring to an auto generated blog or any of that sort, just a blog that you create that you actually run and maintain over the long haul.)

In my case, I wait until I have about 15 posts to the blog and several categories defined (where categories are appropriate.) I do this to make the blog real in the eyes of the visitor - the whole trust thing and all that - before I set up a subscribe box.

I also always offer a free bonus for folks subscribing to my list on the blog for further incentive.


(I figure it probably doesn't really matter if there is much content because some folks who visit during the incubation period probably would sign up for the bonus but I like to get a few more pieces in place before doing this.)

What are your guidelines before you feel collecting emails starts to become effective?
#blog #box #put #subscribe
  • Profile picture of the author mattja
    You gotta plan your email sequences / email marketing campaign first before collecting list from your blog.

    Don't let your list stay "Cold" without sending any follow up emails to them. I think they will mark you as spammer if you send them a newsletter suddenly after few months they have been signed up for your list. Probably they might forgot you already.

    The main point is to build a responsive list from your blog.
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  • Profile picture of the author Matthew Duggan
    Originally Posted by schabotte View Post

    What are your guidelines before you feel collecting emails starts to become effective?
    Hey,

    I tend to agree. I actually wait even longer before adding a subscribe box. In fact, on my main blog (in my sig) I've only just added a subscription box and it's been running for 6 months.

    I'm currently still creating the free gift element, but I agree that it's necessary to make the opt-in more valuable.

    Basically, I make sure that I'm 100% confident in the quality of the blog and the posts before asking for anything in return (like an e-mail address opt-in).
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    • Profile picture of the author mattja
      Matthew, Thanks your great point.

      I'm strongly believe that the readers will kept coming back to your blog if you kept posting the valuable contents. Anyway, Optin Box is a "PLUS" if you're ready for that.

      Furthermore, RSS Feed subscription box is sufficient in the initial stage.
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  • Profile picture of the author timer
    Hi

    It depends on how often I'm going to be adding content. If it's several posts a day I'd add the box quite early. Like you I always have a little something as a bonus. I would probably want to have at least 1 post in several categories before adding it.

    I think there isn't any hard and fast rule to answer this. It may come down to that ols cliche of 'testing' until an answer appears. Personally I think it is too minor an issue td spend that amount of time on and I simply crack on with getting content on my blog as quickly as possible.
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  • Profile picture of the author mikeevee
    Actually I usually put it up right from the start.Why not?

    To start with I just add Feedburner email subscriptions (quick and easy). Then I add proper marketing later and import the feedburner addresses.
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  • Profile picture of the author John Rogers
    I wouldn't add an opt-in box until you have a plan for what you're going to send your subscribers on an ongoing basis. Make it valuable, make it enticing, and tell them up front what you're going to send them. And start sending it to them right away.

    Collecting email addresses without a plan isn't, well, a very good plan. And when you do get around to sending them something they're very likely to wonder why the hell you're emailing them.

    John
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  • Profile picture of the author SKWeaver
    I agree with mikeevee. I put a subscription box up on Day #1. I introduce myself in the welcome email and have a couple follow ups, but in the beginning I mainly use it to let people know when I post something new... including a little teaser so they want to read the post. Works great for me!
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  • Profile picture of the author schabotte
    Thanks for the replies... It is always interesting to see how different people tackle the same issue!
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