5. Virals - A viral is basically anything that gets passed around, be it a funny video, a quiz or a small game. The same before/after approaches can be used as in the “incentives” point. The advantage of a viral is people want to pass it on, so can be used as a opt-in delivery system.
6. Bloggers - Other bloggers are a great source of subscribers:
- Reviews - They review your video, download, or other incentive, their readers click to get it and opt-in.
- Links - Make your newsletter or incentive about a focused topic and bloggers will link it when talking about your topic.
- Guest posts - Mention your newsletter in your attribution line “Sign up to get more tips like these …”.
7. List owners - Referrals from other lists work very well because these people already demonstrate a willingness to subscribe! Again, your incentive or bonus might be the way in, but also through networking and getting to know list owners you can do each other the favor.
8. Partners - Team up with other publishers to build a new list, as Darren and I did with the ProBloggerBook.
9. Affiliates - People will want to promote you if there is something in it for them. Offer a commission on any sales, connect your affiliate cookie to newsletter signups. Affiliates send visitors to get your free subscriber bonus, when any sales happen the affiliate gets rewarded for delivering the lead.
10. Paid - Advertising can be very effective but always test your ROI to make sure you are getting the best price per lead.
- Email newsletter advertising - For a price you can get space in popular email newsletters, usually in the cost per so many thousand emails. This is a better alternative than buying lists but should still be tested before spending a great deal.
- Web advertising - Use pay per click or banner advertising (such as Performancing Ads) to drive people to your list using your incentive as your call to action.
- Offline - Classifieds and print advertising can work, just do the same as above and use your incentive to drive sign ups
