Even if you already have an established newsletter with a decent-sized subscriber database, you should still continue looking for ways to bring in new readers/followers. New subscribers mean new connections and new potential customers. Here are five things you can do to entice people to subscribe to your newsletter.
1. Run a contest. This one is a "no brainer," but we sometimes get so involved in the minutia, we miss the obvious. Everyone wants to win something. While it's a violation of certain laws to make someone purchase something in order to enter a contest, it's not a violation to have other requirements--such as being a newsletter subscriber. Put together a simple, fun contest, and when you're creating your list of rules for participation, include something like, "Contest open to Amy Author's Newsletter subscribers, only. To subscribe, go here." Include any necessary links and/or instructions for subscribing to your newsletter. It's that simple.
But here's an important side note. Many people will subscribe, but only for the duration of your contest. In order to keep them around, continue running smaller contest each month. Subscribers who know they have a chance to win something on an ongoing basis are more likely to stick around. Gaining them is only half the battle; the other half involves making things exciting enough to keep them!
2. Write a helpful article or "how-to" list (like this one!). If you're looking to bring in new subscribers, a great way to attract attention is to provide a free, helpful article or list. People are always looking to learn how to do something, or how to do something better. Post your list or article on your blog--or use one of the many free article services, like EzineArticles.com --a nd, at the end of the article or list, add your newsletter subscribe information. The more effort you put into your article/list, the more likely you'll see an increase in subscribers as a result. After all, if the article/list is high quality and informative, it stands to reason the newsletter by the same author will be, as well.
3. Hand out samples. Yes, everyone hates SPAM. And yes, there are rules against sending unsolicited emails. However, if you have a quality newsletter you believe has something to offer a potential subscriber, you should definitely offer a free sample. Instead of going for broke and requesting people sign up to receive something forever, when there's a chance they won't gain anything of value from it, try offering a one-time subscription. They sign up to receive one copy--your next issue--and if they don't want to continue receiving your newsletter, they simply click the "opt out" button. (This assumes you have an opt-out button). If you don't, this will be a little more difficult, because they'll need to unsubscribe using whatever method you use normally.
If you decide to give this a try, I recommend you market/advertise it as a "free sample." People like receiving free samples, and it's a phrase they're used to seeing everywhere, at the grocery store, at online stores, etc. To see the best results, offer a "free sample" issue of your newsletter (you could even create a special one, which they'll receive automatically when they subscribe, if your email system has these features), and make it as simple as possible for them to unsubscribe if they choose to do so.
4. Network. If you want to bring in new-to-you subscribers, consider networking with someone else in your field or industry. Or even with several someones. This allows you to target the other person's audience (and it allows them to target yours), and the more people you network with, the farther you will stretch your reach. I'm not suggesting you have to do this every issue, but consider creating a special feature, each month, if you send weekly, for instance. Ask the featured person to spread the word to their followers/customers/etc., and invite them to subscribe to your newsletter to read their interview, article, or whatever format/platform you've decided to go with for this "special segment." Advertise the upcoming feature to your subscribers and customers, as well. You never can tell when one of your customers or followers will decide to subscribe to your newsletter; this may be the one thing that draws them in.
5. Create a rewards system. Your best promotions "tool" are your existing customers. Come up with an easy way to reward them for spreading the word about you and your products/business/book, etc. Each time one of your current customers is instrumental in bringing you a new newsletter subscriber, reward them in some small way. This doesn't have to be complicated (and I recommend you keep it simple), and you don't have to invest a ton of money into whatever you give customers who take part. A small gift certificate, a free copy of your book or other item you normally charge a price for, etc. Use your imagination. Perhaps, if your budget is very tight, you can an ongoing competition and only give out rewards when customers have referred a certain number of subscribers. Make it fun. Everyone loves a little fame and friendly competition, so try listing the "Top Five Referrers" in your newsletter, with their current totals beside their names. Announce the "winner" and congratulate them and award their prize.
I hope you find some of these ideas useful. Cultivating and growing a quality list of engaged subscribers is an ongoing process, and you should always be seeking new, creative ways to find new potential customers
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newsletters, marketing, subscribers, potential customers, newsletter subscriber, email
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