Remember how we talked about creating those enticing free offers to grow your email list? Now let’s take your list-building efforts to the next level with some simple testing that can dramatically increase your subscription rates!
The Smart Way to Grow Your List Faster
When it comes to building your email list quickly, you have two main options:
- Get more website traffic (which takes lots of time and effort)
- Improve your opt-in form’s conversion rate (much easier!)
The beauty of improving your opt-in forms is that it works with your existing traffic. And here’s the bonus—when you do increase your traffic later, your improved forms will convert even more of those visitors into subscribers!
Getting Started with A/B Testing
Most email service providers make testing different opt-in forms quite simple. Take a few minutes to explore your autoresponder dashboard or contact their support team for specific instructions.
Here’s how A/B testing typically works:
- Start with your current opt-in form
- Create a copy and change just ONE element
- Let your email service rotate between these two versions
- Track which version gets more sign-ups
- Keep the winner and test something new!
For example, you might test changing your headline from “Sign Up For My Newsletter” to “Get My Best Tips and Ideas In Your Inbox” and see which performs better.
What Elements Should You Test?
Here are some opt-in form elements worth experimenting with:
- Headline and call-to-action wording
- Form colors and fonts
- Button text and design
- Form size and placement on your website
- Amount of information requested (name + email vs. email only)
- Different free offers or lead magnets
- Adding reassurance text (like “we don’t spam” or “easy to unsubscribe”)
- Graphics and visual elements
This list is just the beginning! The key is to test one element at a time so you know exactly what’s making the difference.
Why Testing Is Worth Your Time
Testing might seem like a small detail, but the results can be remarkable. If you improve your conversion rate from 10% to 20%, you’re essentially doubling your list growth without getting any additional traffic!
Make testing a fun challenge—can you beat your previous best performer? Don’t be afraid to try something completely different occasionally. Your audience might respond to something unexpected!
Why not start testing today? Your growing email list will be the reward for your efforts!
