How To Place Opt In Forms Strategically On Your Site Without Knowing Code
If you’re reading this post, chances are you’ve signed up to David’s email list and are gaining a wealth of knowledge from his 30 Day Blog Transformation Challenge. If you’re not, you’re missing out! However, whether or not you’re signed up, this is going to benefit everyone. One of David’s modules of The Challenge talks about how to get readers to subscribe to your email list. He talks about key placements of your opt in forms…
If you’re reading this post, chances are you’ve signed up to David’s email list and are gaining a wealth of knowledge from his 30 Day Blog Transformation Challenge. If you’re not, you’re missing out!
However, whether or not you’re signed up, this is going to benefit everyone.
One of David’s modules of The Challenge talks about how to get readers to subscribe to your email list. He talks about key placements of your opt in forms.
They are…
- Above the fold
- Top of the sidebar
- Below each post
- In the footer
These are all key places where the readers eye will go when they explore your site. Although, David mentioned that if you don’t know how to do this, you can have a web designer do it for.
I Want To Know How To Do This For Free
Alright, alright, I know some of you may want the free version on how to implement these techniques.
Well, you’re in luck!
While I am a web designer, I’m going to show you how to incorporate opt-in forms on your site without having to know code.
The Mini Squeeze Page – Above The Fold
David mentions that you have to view your blogs homepage as a mini squeeze page, so your opt-in form above the fold is going to be extremely important when you’re trying to get readers onto your list.
Many sites are using this tactic and the use of design really plays a factor when you’re trying to get the attention of the reader. For example, if you’re trying to get a quote for a mortgage on your home, you’ll see that this site uses an opt-in form above the fold to entice the reader upon arrival. They utilize a good use of color to attract the readers eye and while they’re not asking for an email, they’re still collecting information to then provide value to their visitors.
Obviously, you want to be able to do the same! How can I do that, you say?
Well, I’ve created mine myself, but for many, this can be tricky. Luckily, David has given you the code himself to do this yourself.
All you need to do is copy and paste!
To incorporate an opt-in form above the fold on your blog, check out one of David’s best posts: How To Place A Video Opt-In On Your Wordpress Homepage.
Capturing Emails After EVERY Post
Personally, I believe this tactic is one that everyone wants to incorporate the most. Although, in most cases you would need a web designer to do this for you.
Alas…I have a simple solution for you.
Download the plugin, Whydowork Adsense.
I know you’re thinking that this suggestion may seem rather odd. Even though you can use it for your Google AdSense code, we’re not going to do that here.
Once you’ve downloaded the plugin, you’re going to go into the settings. From there, you’ll want to make sure you’ve copied the code for your opt-in form.
At this point you’ll paste the code as shown below…
In this case, I’ve set my code in the “Code #2” box. That’s simple enough, right? Just wait, it gets even easier because all you need to do now is tell the plugin to place your opt-in box below each post via “Single Page”. Here’s how…
At that point, you should be all set. Here’s how it looks on one of my posts after configuring the plugin as demonstrated.
That takes care of two key places for opt-in forms on your site. We’re half way there!
The Sidebar Is The Easiest Step
What’s great about the sidebar is that WordPress already takes care of this “issue” for you. Placing an opt-in box in your sidebar has never been easier.
All you need to do is copy your opt-in form code and while you’re in your WordPress dashboard, go to Appearance > Widgets and select the “text” widget to drag over into your sidebar.
As you can see, I gave mine a title “Get My Blueprint Free” and placed it at the top of my sidebar. The little drop down arrow will allow you to past the code. Then click “save” and that’s it.
We Make Our Way To The Footer
If you’re “lucky” enough to have readers scroll all the way down to your footer, this is a great opportunity to ask for their email.
However, not everyone incorporates this strategy, so I view it as optional.
Although, if this is something you want to do, don’t worry, I got you covered 🙂
First, you’re going to need a file on your server for the footer. If you downloaded a WordPress theme, you’ll already have it.
At this point, it’s even easier than anything else I’ve taught you. Just copy and paste your opt-in code into your theme’s “footer file.”
There are plugins available like “Catfish” which allow you to have an ad come up from the bottom of the screen. Let’s face it, opt-in forms are kind of like ads because you ultimately want your readers to take action. I’ve never used the Catfish plugin before, but from my exploration of the internet, this seems to be the plugin people were talking about on WordPress forums when it comes to the footer. Just figured I’d mention this for those who don’t want to paste the code!
Need Some Help?
If you have any trouble or issues trying to incorporate any of these methods for improving your opt-in rate to your email list, please leave your comments below and I’d be happy to help you out!
Obviously, some of these methods are easier than others, and like David said, you will need a web designer if you’re looking for customization, but hopefully these steps will serve you well so that you can do it yourself 🙂
Frank Angelone teaches people how to implement effective social media strategies and tech tips to improve their businesses. He’s also coupled these teachings by interviewing well known entrepreneurs in the field on the STZ Podcast.
Got A Question?
Have a question about this article? Need some help with this topic (or anything else)? Send it in and I’ll get back to you personally. I think that’s better than a blog comment. 😇
