What is the best way to invite people to sign up for a newsletter without directly adding them to the list?
Summary
What email marketers say12Marketer opinions
Email marketer from Reddit suggests encouraging word-of-mouth marketing by rewarding subscribers who refer new sign-ups. This incentivizes organic growth without directly adding people.
Email marketer from OptinMonster Blog shares using exit-intent popups to capture email addresses just before a visitor leaves your website, presenting a final opportunity to subscribe.
Email marketer from ActiveCampaign Blog highlights creating high-quality, valuable content that people naturally want to share with their networks, driving organic sign-ups through shared articles and resources.
Marketer from Email Geeks suggests using a signup form link to share, rather than directly adding people to the newsletter list.
Email marketer from Email Geeks emphatically states NOT to send the newsletter to a list of names provided, or even receive the list, as there is no consent to use those emails. Consent cannot be transferred or inferred. Encouraging recipients to share and providing a signup method is the correct approach.
Email marketer from Email Geeks discusses the potential impact of correspondence mailboxes being limited in volume. She notes that if it is under 100 and a small percentage of the volume it won't have much impact. She also notes there is always the possibility of getting extremely unlucky and catching a listing or escalated spam complaint.
Email marketer from Sendinblue Blog promotes your newsletter on social media platforms with compelling reasons to subscribe, using targeted ads to reach potential subscribers.
Email marketer from Reddit advises partnering with other businesses or influencers to cross-promote each other’s newsletters, reaching new audiences without direct additions.
Email marketer from Marketing Forum suggests running contests and giveaways that require email sign-up as an entry condition. This helps grow your list while engaging potential subscribers.
Email marketer from Neil Patel Blog explains that you should offer valuable content upgrades or lead magnets in exchange for email sign-ups. This incentivizes users to subscribe willingly.
Email marketer from HubSpot Blog shares using multiple opt-in methods across your website, such as pop-up forms, embedded forms, and landing pages, to capture subscribers from various entry points.
Email marketer from Mailchimp Resource explains creating signup forms with a shareable link, making it easy for existing subscribers to invite their friends and colleagues to join your newsletter.
What the experts say3Expert opinions
Expert from Email Geeks advises against actively encouraging people to send emails from their work addresses to promote newsletter sign-ups, citing potential risks to their careers. He suggests using a "view on web" link for social media sharing to encourage signups more safely. He also stated that it's important not to incentivize others to do this, particularly if the person is on your team.
Expert from Word to the Wise, Laura Atkins, explains that adding confirmation steps can act as a deterrent to bots and malicious signups. They also state that it's a requirement of GDPR in the EU to confirm they want to be on your list.
Expert from Word to the Wise, Laura Atkins, explains that providing value above and beyond the newsletter ensures the people signing up are actually interested. Use a welcome email series to show the subscriber you understand their needs.
What the documentation says5Technical articles
Documentation from Constant Contact Support shares using a double opt-in process, where subscribers confirm their email address after signing up. This ensures higher quality leads and reduces spam complaints.
Documentation from CAN-SPAM Act outlines that compliance with legal guidelines is essential. Always include an unsubscribe link and physical mailing address in your emails.
Documentation from Litmus suggests ensuring your signup forms are accessible to everyone, including those with disabilities, to maximize your potential subscriber base.
Documentation from GDPR Official Website explains that obtaining explicit consent is crucial. Ensure individuals actively opt-in to your newsletter with a clear, affirmative action, like ticking a box.
Documentation from IAPP stresses adhering to privacy laws and regulations when collecting email addresses, ensuring compliance and building trust with potential subscribers.