Learning How To Build A Business Online
Within this giant, helpful, interactive community called WA, we are all struggling with learning how to build a business online. What can we do to increase traffic? What can we do to keep visitors returning over and over? How can we build our own community of enthusiasts?
I recently got an idea from a friend, who is not even a WA member. She came to my website to read a recent post, and asked me, "Why don't you have a subscribe form on your website? I'd like to know when you publish new posts, so I can take a look."
Now, why didn't I think of that? I've seen a "subscribe" form on other websites, and I guess just assumed that you only use one if you publish a newsletter. It didn't occur to me that if folks subscribed to my site and I let them know when I published, they might return more often.
After all, YouTube uses that technique. Therefore, it must be an idea that works.
The idea resonated, and I resolved to carry through. First, I tried a plugin that put a small subscription form on the site. It was also supposed to alert my subscribers after each new post publication. Well, it collected subscription request email addresses just fine, but I couldn't get it to send out new posts.
Back to the drawing board.
Now, the following is a bit of free advertising for AWeber, but since it is for their new free program, I'm assuming it's okay.
I asked them if they could help me. They were wonderful! They walked me through the whole process, from start to finish. A very patient group of people work there.
First, they helped me pick out which subscription form I wanted to use, and stayed close by while I got it put in place. By the way, they have a live chat feature, so the young lady who helped me was right there when I had a question.
Once that part was done, she helped me to set up the "blog broadcast" feature. That was a bit more confusing, but I did it! I know it works, because I published a post yesterday and received word from one of my subscribers that he'd gotten the link.
Adding a subscription form is such a small step, but it means that once someone finds your website and likes it, they can subscribe to receive new posts, thus giving you an opportunity to get them back onsite again.
Getting visitors to return is a big step. Not only that, but you increase awareness of your brand, and that can help a great deal in days to come.
So, why not? Go for it! As for me, I'm happy to know that I move forward with the help of my friends.
If you would like to look at the form on my website, my web address is written at the bottom of my profile page (it's the cat niche.) You can find the subscription form in the right sidebar. If you don't have AWeber, you can join for free. What's not to like?
I hope you find this suggestion helpful. It's another little trick of the trade that is so simple, but helpful, and easy to put in place.
Recent Comments
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Hi Fran, thanks so much for this post. It is extremely helpful.
I've been subscribing to Aweber for 11 months and have not yet created an email programme.
Aweber was not offering a free subscription when I joined, but they were offering a 'special rate' for 12 months, which is almost expired.
The silly thing is when I started a website 10 years ago, with little or no knowledge, I subscribed to Aweber and set up the email programme. I did have some subscribers and could have had more had I continued with it.
Somewhere there is a quote 'A little knowledge a great thing (I can't recall the remainder).
So with thanks to you Fran, and Lisa for recommending your post, maybe I'll get at least a very little benefit from my 12 months Aweber subscription.
You are so welcome, Valerie Joy...I have used AWeber a couple times, now, out of necessity, and have found them to be extremely patient, helpful people. Good luck getting to know the program.
Oh, wow..
Thanks for sharing this valuable article here.. I joined AWeber but did not do anything yet. It's good to know there is a team there who could walk me through when I do as you did.
God bless you
Yes, they are very helpful, and the chat feature is really good, because it allows you to check with them every step of the way.
A subscription form is one the best way to get e-mail addresses and build your business. This approach can lead to greater benefits down the road. People will know who you are and you'll be trusted. Thanks for sharing friend. All the best!
Sound great Fran thanks for the advice, I have Aweber and haven’t used it yet. I got to look into it now.
To your continue success.
Elizabeth
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That is great advice Fran! Adding a subscription form is something I have been meaning to do forever. I know many services have strict guidelines restricting commercial use and it gets a bit grey so I got scared away from the whole thing. Many that are commonly used specifically forbit use in affiliate marketing.
Honestly, I just didn't bother to figure it all out though so this really helps.
I really think it's helpful, because my folks on the list get a link to every post I publish. It at least reminds folks that I'm out here.