Opt In Form: Require the "Name" field or no?

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As the title implies, im wondering the pros and cons of each and if anyone has tested it... Here are the pros and cons I'm assuming of each:


-If the name field is not there, I assume this could boost opt in conversions...


-If the name field is there, I assume when you email the list, and address them by their name, this could boost conversions...



I'm sure this could vary by niche, but I'm just wondering what you guys think... Would I see a better opt in rate by just requiring the email? If I address people by name in the emails, will that benefit outweigh the lost opt in conversions?


Looking for input on someone who's tested.


Thanks
#main internet marketing discussion forum #field #form #opt #require
  • Some people say don't bother with the first name and only get the email, but I personally disagree because it's harder for me to formally address people when they ask me a question.

    I wouldn't feel right addressing "superduperpunkrocker1928991@aol.com" as "superduperpunkrocker1928991" if I were to answer his/her question.

    As much as people want to know a REAL person is answering their questions, I want to know that REAL people are subscribing to my list as well.
  • People are not idiots. They know they are on a mailing list no matter how "personally" you address them.

    And addressing someone by the wrong name or a non-sensical term simply because that's what was entered in the form does nothing to build credibility.

    "Hey Bieber Sucks, Thanks for joining my list"

    • [ 4 ] Thanks
    • [2] replies


    • Lol..... This was my thoughts also, but just always like to get outside input.


      So looks like email only it is.
    • That's debatable.

      You might know you're on a mailing list, but I get emails frequently from subscribers who believe I'm emailing them directly. I also know of other marketers operating in non internet savvy markets, where the customer wouldn't even know what an autoresponder service was.

      If they're putting that crap in as their name, then chances are I don't want them on my list anyway.

      I like to address my subscribers personally (I don't send auto messages - everything is broadcast only)
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  • Banned
    I think so.

    Comments on my own experiences here: http://www.warriorforum.com/main-int...ml#post7934937
  • I stopped using the name field.

    But it is somewhat niche-dependent.

    For example, in the IM niche everyone knows what an autoresponder is. So they're not subconsciously fooled by seeing their name in the email.

    However, if you're in a highly emotionally charged niche (like getting your ex back) you probably want to include their name. First, they're not well-versed with autoresponders.

    The name can also help you establish rapport with them...something that's important for vulnerable folks.

    So I'd say there's no hard and fast rule...but I don't usually collect names.
  • I don't use the name field anymore since I don't see it as crucial for my business.
    If anything it's been much more beneficial for me to only ask for an e-mail.

    /Izerman
  • I personally stopped asking for names as well. I have seen higher lead conversion and it doesn't seem like anyone care my e-mails don't have their names in them anymore.
    • [1] reply
    • As far as conversions go, it's much easier to screw things up by misusing names than by not having them.

      Think of the last telemarketer that called. How many times did they work your name into their spiel in an attempt to be 'personal'?

      As Mahlon says below, people are not idiots.

      If I'm in one of those moods, instead of 'Bieber Sucks', it's more likely to be 'My Lord and Master'... :p
  • I've seen that requesting/requiring name have increased my sales. I use personalization at all levels of email marketing. I've tried email only before... NEVER got any sales. As soon as i required email AND name, i've seen my sales increase.
    • [1] reply
    • Like I'm gonna listen to a guy who is locked in a room full of women and wine... :p

      A good example of test, test, test.

      Are you in a niche that would be less savvy about opt-in forms and ARs? Or is this in the IM niche?
  • In terms of raw conversions, email only works best. However, this can be dependent upon your niche and what specific type of leads you are trying to generate.
  • Well said.

    I can only speak for myself but I am MUCH more likely to opt-in with email only.

    I once had a guy message me, "Hi ffff, I understand there are a lot of offers out there. LOL!"
  • I only ask for email address to boost those conversions. You build that know, like, and trust over time by providing what your subscribers signed up for (and beyond) in the first place, not by using their name in the emails
  • I think it all depends on what "list" type you are building.
    If you're building a buyer list of customers that you want to get to know better, increase trust and authority etc then I think getting their name is a MUST.

    If you're "churning and burning" then no, I don't think it's that important.
    • [1] reply
    • This brings up an interesting point.

      By the time someone lays down their credit card for you, you've built a level of trust. At that point, I do like to get the name. I like to ask "what do you prefer to be called" so that John can fill in 'Jack' or Susan can fill in 'Susie'.

      In the early stages, you have to test that particular niche's resistance to filling in a name.
  • Yes build with names.

    No names mean you can not ever make it a personal feeling for your prospect.

    Generic messages make you come off as a spam artist.

    Manny
  • The least amount of information a person gives you the better just their email is good
  • Going through all the replies, I think you can safely leave the name field. Everyone know about auto-responder and personalizing using name field can sometimes do harm.
  • It's only worth having if you want to personalize your follow up emails.
    Bear in mind that people may enter in a swear word for their name and if you use the personalize feature you will be addressing them with this name.
  • I have tested both the version before and there is not much difference in term of the responsiveness of the list. This is the reason why I have chosen to only collect email on the form because I get much higher conversion from my squeeze page.
  • I suppose it weighs on how important is it for you to have this data, first/last name. If you visit a lot of ecommerce sites for example, they only prompt you for your email address making it easier to collect new subscribers since they aren't filling in multiple fields.
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