Struggling to build a list on my review site

Ben,

Try different offers. They might now want that one.

First, I'd remove the name field in the form. Second, I'd make it more clear what you are getting (a download? access to a video?) and if you are going to be subscribed to a list and what to expect from it.

Then if you think the problem is that users leave your site to go to the merchant, decide which it's your priority. If it is sales maybe your are doing it right, if it is subscribers, then invite users to join before they leave (with an intermediate page between you and the merchant for example?).

Hello Ben,

I watched a Webinar last week that discussed how to increase your email subscribers. You can find below my notes from it. If you want to view the whole webinar just search Google for "Pat Flynn Rapid List Building" and it should come up on the first place.

Hope it helps

Make a good 404 Page (That is a page visitors get when the page they requested was not found). Include your email subscription form and include the incentive you use to promote more subscribers.

Consider making Webinars yourself. Apparently Webinars have a high conversion rate. (makes sense) You dont even need content for the Webinar. You can have a Q&A Webinar where the participants will ask you questions and you will provide the answers.

Improve the page visitors get after they subscribe to your mailing list - The Thank You Page. At that moment visitors are most interested in what you have to offer so grab that moment and make use of it by asking them to like your Facebook Page or Tweet about you.

Create something to giveaway as incentive with each blog post you make and ask your readers to subscribe to your email list in order to get it. This doesnt have to be a long report or eBook. Just think of what would add further value to the article. This can be a simple Checklist, Top 5 Tips and Tricks or anything else.

try different offers and remove the name option just use email,

you could also try offering on you light box optin form. Subscribe to receive video reviews on new product releases...might work your a review site so may peak there interest

I did not see any popups at all. I would at least use an exit pop on the site.
Is there extra you can give them like "Sign up for my list and get special bonuses for trying the products on my website."

I really can not tell you why. I am a trial and error guy myself. I'm not good at knowing if a page looks good and will convert I can only wait and redo after I see the results, but those are the things I would do and maybe a footer pop as well. Or just a footer ad.

you could try this plugin it allows you to split test your optin forms if you prepared to pay or someone here may know of free one
WordPress Popup Plugin Supercharged - Optin Revolution Pro

They have lite version but don't think it allows split testing but you could try it see if its worth upgrading i suppose
WordPress › Optin Revolution: WordPress Popup « WordPress Plugins

I know they might hate it, but do a popup optin a few seconds after they hit your site.

You could remove the "name" part to see if your opt-in rate is going to improve at least a little, then you should keep promoting your website to relevant sources to gain more traffic. 1,500 UV's/month isn't enough yet, you need to dig up for more.