Opt-in. Ahh … another fancy marketing term that flies straight over your head like a 747. AmIright?
Never fear, your terminology simplifying word nerd is here!
Okay, so there you are, building your new website or making over your existing site, and your graphic designer/web developer/copywriter/marketing whiz asks you:
“So, do you want an opt-in?”
“Er …”
You look at your feet. The silence stretches. You swallow. They blink. You wonder if you can get away with murmuring something random, but they really do seem to be waiting for your direction.
… Which you can’t give, because the only response you can offer is, “What is an opt-in?
So you excuse yourself, head to the bathroom, open up Google and, well, here you are.
Good choice, friend.
But if time is ticking and your departure is starting to become noticeable, I’m going to put your answer in bold:
AN OPT-IN IS A BRIBE YOU OFFER YOUR VISITORS TO PERSUADE THEM TO SIGN-UP TO YOUR EMAIL NEWSLETTER LIST.
Your opt-in can be:
- A regular newsletter with free tips and tricks
- A free e-book
- A free e-guide
- A discount
- A special offer
- Free shipping
- Exclusive content
Your opt-in usually appears on your home page and on other strategic areas of your site, gently reminding your visitors to take action and sign up to your offer.
But, wait, why bother bribing them onto your mailing list?
Easy: Your mailing list is a little pot of gold just waiting to be cultivated!
Having an audience that you can regularly communicate with is invaluable. Done correctly, e-mail marketing allows you to:
- Build a strong and meaningful relationship with your audience.
- Educate your audience on your awesomeness.
- Position yourself as a pro.
- Prepare your audience to buy from you.
- Convert visitors into loyal, raving fans … and buyers!
Convinced your site needs an opt-in?
Quick: Tell your web developer/designer/marketing whiz, “Yes, I need an opt-in!”
(And if you need a word nerd to help you write it, head on over this way.)
Official creator and word nerd at Wild Spirit Co. I’m a former journalist and communications manager turned word-wrangler for hire. These days, I fist bump with clever entrepreneurs, start-ups and small businesses searching for words that woo and copy that converts. I have nine years of experience tucked into the waistband of my yoga tights (which I do everything but yoga in) and am the go-to girl for personality-packed communications that blend strategy with storytelling.
