If you use email marketing as a part of your overall marketing strategy, your opt-in page can be your most important asset. In fact, if properly set up and marketed, your opt-in page can be your sole means to generate viable leads.  Here are five quick ways you should consider to ensure your opt-in page is effective and successful in generating as many good leads as possible. 

#1: Compelling Headlines 

Internet users have short attention spans and you have only a few seconds to strike their fancy. For this reason, your headline must be strong enough to catch your visitors’ attention and compel them to read more. 

#2: Publish a Video 

The popularity of videos and the appeal of learning by watching rather than just reading content is all the rage. You can create a video demonstration of your products and services to highlight the benefits to your customers. Place this video near the top of your webpage so that your visitors are encouraged to view it right away. 

#3: Use Bullets to Present Your Content 

It’s still a good idea to layout all the features and benefits mentioned in your video in text.  Using bullets or lists, and shorter text, helps visitors to quickly scan the content and grab their attention. This area will also serve as a summary of features and benefits that will reinforce this information in your visitors’ minds. 

#4: Testimonials 

Choose testimonials that reaffirm what you are presenting in your bulleted information.  Be certain to include quotes and the reviewer’s name.  In this context you may also include a short profile or their company name so that prospects can identify with them and realize your offerings can benefit them, too.  If you don’t have testimonials, it may be a good idea for you to either request some from current clients or send out free packages to influential people in your niche and request a review. 

#5: Keep It Simple (Subscription Form) 

If your focus is to use this information for email marketing only, require only the subscriber’s name and email address.  By keeping it simple, more people will opt-in.  However, if the focus is to use the contact information to market to them offline, make sure your offer is something that requires their address, perhaps a CD, or a printed report.  You will also want all those who register through your opt-in page to automatically receive a welcome or thank you email of some sort.  Linking your subscription form to a simple autoresponder will do the trick. 

These simple options are proven strategies in putting together an effective opt-in page. Try them on for size and experience how quickly and easily you can generate leads for your business. 

Jeannine Clontz, IVAA CVA, MVA, EthicsChecked™, owner of Accurate Business Services is a Virtual Assistant (VA).  ABS provides ‘as needed’ marketing and social media support, training and consulting to busy entrepreneurs.  Clontz is a writer, author, VA Coach, and speaker on business topics including business ethics.  For her FREE 10-Step Guide to Finding the Right VA, or her FREE Report, Social Media Marketing Benefits, send a request to:  service@accbizsvcs.com or visit:  http://www.accbizsvcs.com, www.VAbizcoach.com  or her book website http://www.entrepreneurialfreedom.com