How to Collect Emails – with some hidden tricks
Did you know that email marketing has an average return on investment (ROI) of $42 for every $1 spent? That’s an impressive 4200% ROI, making it one of the most effective digital marketing strategies out there. If you want to harness this power, you need to start by building a strong email list. In this blog, you’ll learn the most effective strategies for collecting emails and how to set up a successful email collection campaign.
Table of Contents
- Why Email Collection is Crucial for Your Business
- Effective Methods to Collect Emails
- Tools for Email Collection and Automation
- Best Practices for Email Collection
- Examples of Successful Email Collection Campaigns
- Conclusion
Why Email Collection is Crucial for Your Business
Building an email list is not just about collecting email addresses; it’s about creating a channel for direct communication with your audience. With an email list, you can:
- Increase Customer Engagement: Regular emails keep your audience engaged with your brand.
- Boost Sales: Personalized email campaigns can drive sales and conversions.
- Build Loyalty: Providing valuable content through email builds trust and loyalty.
Effective Methods to Collect Emails
Opt-in Forms and Pop-ups
Opt-in forms and pop-ups are essential tools for capturing email addresses directly from your website visitors. These can be integrated into various parts of your website, such as:
| Type |
Location |
Description |
| Inline Forms |
Blog posts, sidebars, footers |
Embedded within content or site layout. |
| Pop-ups |
Entry, exit-intent, scroll-based |
Appear based on user behavior or time spent on site. |
| Slide-ins |
Bottom corner of the page |
Slide in as the user scrolls down the page. |
| Floating Bars |
Top or bottom of the page |
Static bars that remain visible as the user scrolls. |
Opt-in Forms: These forms are integrated directly into your website content, such as in blog posts, sidebars, or footers. They’re unobtrusive and can be seamlessly blended with your site’s design.
Pop-ups: These forms appear as pop-up windows based on user behavior, such as when a user spends a certain amount of time on a page or intends to exit the site. Pop-ups are highly effective in capturing attention.
Landing Pages
Dedicated landing pages focused solely on collecting emails can be extremely effective. These pages should have a clear call-to-action (CTA), compelling headline, and persuasive copy that convinces visitors to provide their email addresses.
Example:
- HubSpot uses landing pages to offer free resources like eBooks and templates in exchange for email addresses.
Content Upgrades
A content upgrade is a bonus content piece related to the article a visitor is reading. For instance, offering a PDF version of the blog post or a checklist related to the blog topic can entice visitors to subscribe.
Example:
- A blog post on “SEO Tips” can offer a downloadable “SEO Checklist” as a content upgrade.
Webinars and Online Events
Hosting webinars and online events is another powerful way to collect emails. Attendees are required to register with their email addresses, providing you with a list of engaged users interested in your topic.
Example:
- WebinarNinja and Zoom allow easy setup of webinars and can integrate with email marketing tools to capture email addresses.
Social Media
Leveraging social media platforms to drive email sign-ups can expand your reach. Use social media posts, ads, and lead generation forms to collect emails.
Example:
- Facebook Lead Ads allow users to sign up directly within the ad without leaving the platform.
Tools for Email Collection and Automation
All-in-One Marketing Platforms
These platforms offer comprehensive solutions for email collection, automation, and remarketing.
| Tool |
Capabilities |
| HubSpot |
Email collection, automated email sequences, CRM integration, lead tracking, remarketing on Google and Facebook Ads |
| ActiveCampaign |
Email collection, automated email sequences, CRM integration, lead scoring, email and site tracking, remarketing |
| Klaviyo |
Email collection, automated email sequences, advanced segmentation, SMS marketing, Facebook and Instagram Ads |
Email Marketing Services
These tools specialize in email marketing and provide robust features for automation and segmentation.
| Tool |
Capabilities |
| Mailchimp |
Email collection forms, automated email sequences, PDF attachments, email marketing, Facebook and Google Ads remarketing |
| ConvertKit |
Easy-to-use forms, automated email sequences, landing pages, and integrations with various platforms |
| AWeber |
Automated email sequences, email templates, and list segmentation |
Best Practices for Email Collection
Create Compelling Offers
The key to a successful email collection campaign is offering something valuable in return for the email address. This could be an eBook, a discount code, a free trial, or exclusive content.
Example:
- Offering a 10% discount on the first purchase in exchange for an email sign-up.
Optimize Your Opt-in Forms
Your opt-in forms should be visually appealing and easy to fill out. Here are some tips to optimize your forms:
- Keep it Simple: Ask for only the essential information, typically just the email address and maybe a first name.
- Compelling CTA: Use a strong call-to-action that encourages users to subscribe, such as “Get Your Free eBook Now!”
- A/B Testing: Regularly test different form designs and copy to see what works best.
Ensure Mobile-Friendliness
With the increasing use of mobile devices, it’s crucial to ensure your opt-in forms and landing pages are mobile-friendly. Test them on various devices to make sure they look good and are easy to use.
Example:
- Google’s Mobile-Friendly Test can help you check how easily a visitor can use your page on a mobile device.
Examples of Successful Email Collection Campaigns
Example 1: HubSpot’s Resource Library
Strategy:
- HubSpot offers a vast library of free resources, including eBooks, templates, and guides, available for download in exchange for email addresses.
Result:
- This strategy not only collects emails but also positions HubSpot as a valuable resource for marketers.
Example 2: Neil Patel’s Content Upgrades
Strategy:
- Neil Patel uses content upgrades within his blog posts to offer additional value, such as downloadable checklists or templates.
Result:
- This method significantly boosts his email sign-up rate by providing immediate, tangible benefits to readers.
Example 3: WebinarNinja’s Webinars
Strategy:
- WebinarNinja hosts regular webinars on topics relevant to their audience. Registration for these webinars requires an email address.
Result:
- This approach not only collects emails but also engages users with valuable, live content.
Hidden tricks – for email collections
To take your email collection strategy to the next level, here are some hidden tricks that can significantly boost your sign-up rates and ensure your list grows with engaged and interested subscribers.
1. Exit-Intent Pop-ups
Trick: Use exit-intent technology to trigger pop-ups when a user is about to leave your site. This is your last chance to capture their attention and collect their email.
How to Implement:
- OptinMonster: Integrates exit-intent technology that detects when a user is about to leave your site and triggers a targeted pop-up.
2. Gamified Opt-in Forms
Trick: Gamify your email sign-up process to make it fun and engaging. This could be in the form of a wheel of fortune, scratch-off cards, or interactive quizzes.
How to Implement:
- Wheel of Popups: Tools like OptinMonster or Gleam offer gamified pop-ups that incentivize users to enter their email in exchange for a chance to win a prize.
3. Content Locking
Trick: Lock a portion of your premium content and require an email sign-up to unlock it. This is particularly effective for in-depth articles, reports, or exclusive videos.
How to Implement:
- Thrive Leads: This plugin for WordPress allows you to lock content and reveal it only after the visitor has signed up.
4. Use Social Proof
Trick: Display social proof near your email sign-up forms to build trust and credibility. Show the number of current subscribers or testimonials from happy subscribers.
How to Implement:
- TrustPulse: A real-time social proof notification tool that can display sign-ups, purchases, and other activities to encourage new users to subscribe.
5. Timed Pop-ups
Trick: Trigger pop-ups based on user behavior and time spent on the page. For example, show a pop-up after a visitor has spent 30 seconds reading an article.
How to Implement:
- Sumo: Allows you to set specific triggers for your pop-ups, including time on page, scroll percentage, and more.
6. Use Lead Magnets Strategically
Trick: Offer different lead magnets on different pages based on the content of that page. Tailor your offers to be highly relevant to the visitor’s interests.
How to Implement:
- Leadpages: Helps you create multiple lead magnets and strategically place them across your site to maximize relevance and conversions.
7. Segment Your Lists from the Start
Trick: Use custom fields in your opt-in forms to gather additional information about your subscribers (e.g., interests, preferences) and segment your lists from the beginning.
How to Implement:
- ActiveCampaign: Provides advanced segmentation options right from the sign-up form, allowing you to tailor your follow-up content based on the collected data.
8. Utilize Double Opt-In
Trick: Implement a double opt-in process to ensure higher quality and more engaged subscribers. This process requires users to confirm their email addresses by clicking a link sent to their inbox.
How to Implement:
- Mailchimp: Easily sets up double opt-in for all your email sign-ups to ensure you get engaged and verified subscribers.
9. Incorporate A/B Testing
Trick: Continuously test different elements of your opt-in forms, such as headlines, copy, colors, and CTA buttons, to find the most effective combinations.
How to Implement:
- Unbounce: Provides robust A/B testing features for landing pages and forms to help you optimize your email collection strategy.
10. Leverage Scarcity and Urgency
Trick: Create a sense of urgency by offering limited-time discounts or bonuses for new subscribers. Countdown timers can effectively convey this urgency.
How to Implement:
- Deadline Funnel: This tool integrates with your forms and pop-ups to add countdown timers that create a sense of urgency and drive conversions.
Summary Table of Hidden Tricks and Tools
| Hidden Trick |
Tool |
Description |
| Exit-Intent Pop-ups |
OptinMonster |
Triggers pop-ups when users intend to leave the site |
| Gamified Opt-in Forms |
OptinMonster, Gleam |
Adds gamification elements to encourage sign-ups |
| Content Locking |
Thrive Leads |
Locks premium content until email sign-up |
| Use Social Proof |
TrustPulse |
Displays real-time social proof notifications |
| Timed Pop-ups |
Sumo |
Sets specific triggers for pop-ups based on behavior |
| Strategic Lead Magnets |
Leadpages |
Offers different lead magnets on different pages |
| Segment Lists from Start |
ActiveCampaign |
Gathers additional info during sign-up for segmentation |
| Double Opt-In |
Mailchimp |
Ensures higher quality subscribers with email verification |
| A/B Testing |
Unbounce |
Tests different form elements for optimization |
| Leverage Scarcity and Urgency |
Deadline Funnel |
Adds countdown timers to create urgency |
By incorporating these hidden tricks into your email collection strategy, you can significantly enhance your efforts and grow a high-quality, engaged email list that will drive your digital marketing success. For further insights and advanced strategies, be sure to explore our other articles on email marketing and optimization.
Conclusion
Collecting emails is a critical component of any successful digital marketing strategy. By utilizing a mix of opt-in forms, landing pages, content upgrades, webinars, and social media, you can build a robust email list. Using tools like HubSpot, ActiveCampaign, and Mailchimp will streamline the process, ensuring you capture and engage your audience effectively.
Here’s a summary table of the best practices and tools discussed:
| Best Practices |
Tools |
| Create Compelling Offers |
HubSpot, Mailchimp |
| Optimize Your Opt-in Forms |
ActiveCampaign, ConvertKit |
| Ensure Mobile-Friendliness |
Google’s Mobile-Friendly Test |
| Automated Email Sequences |
Mailchimp, AWeber |
| CRM Integration |
HubSpot, ActiveCampaign |
| Remarketing |
Google Ads, Facebook Ads, HubSpot |
By following these guidelines and leveraging the right tools, you’ll be well on your way to building a valuable email list that drives engagement, sales, and customer loyalty. For more insights and advanced strategies, check out our other articles on email marketing and digital growth.
Happy email collecting!
