In this final installment of our three-part series on ezine publishing we get down to the nitty gritty: finding subscribers and selling your valuable ad space.
So now you have a terrific looking ezine and interesting content, but where do you find subscribers? I was hoping you'd ask. In order to grow your subscriber base you'll need to promote your ezine every chance you get.
The first thing you need to do is include a sign up box on each and every page of your website and if you can, offer a free sample copy by autoresponder. To set up a free autoresponder check out http://www.GetResponse.com
Some publishers swear by pop-up boxes to increase their subscriber sign ups. If you go this route, I encourage you to trigger a box that pops up upon a user's exit; it is less annoying than the ones that show up when entering your site. You'll find some software to help you with this here....http://www.codelifter.com/pop5index.html or look at http://www.DynamicDrive.com for some free scripts.
The next step is to get your ezine listed in as many online newsletter directories as possible. You'll have to do your homework by searching the engines for directories where you can add your listing for free. This is an important step, as many people visit these directories when looking for newsletters to subscribe to. Some of them are:
http://www.Lifestylespub.com/mcp/
http://www.E-zinedirectory.com/
http://www.Webscoutlists.com/signup.epl
http://www.Ezineadsource.com/
http://www.Zineconnection.com/
http://www.Ezine-Universe.com
http://www.EzineLocater.com/
http://www.EzinesPlus.com/
Remember that many of these online directories will allow you to post your ad rates as well. This is a double bonus which allows you to pick up new subscribers as well as advertisers.
Announcement lists are also good for promoting your ezine. Search at http://groups.yahoo.com for lists that exist for the sole purpose of announcing new lists. You'll also want to participate in online discussion boards with a good signature line that mentions your ezine. You'll find some great boards to post to at http://www.DiscussMarketing.com
Other great ways to grow your subscriber base include swapping ads with other publishers and writing articles for possible publication in their ezines. Include a strong signature line with a subscribe link and you'll see your list grow. Try some of these sites for swaps:
http://www.BizPromo.com/EzineTrades.htm
http://www.Ezine-Swap.com
Free Software to keep track of your swaps
http://www.nowsell.com/pages/ad-tracker.html
Other Ezine Publishers you can swap ads with
http://www.alacarim.com/adex/
Free Directory of Ezines and other helpful resources for
today's ezine publisher
http://www.FreeZineWeb.com/
The Handbook of Ezine Publishing
http://www.e-zinez.com/
EP Digest offers many helpful resources
http://www.EpDigest.com
After writing your own articles, syndicate them
http://www.linkcounter.com
If you don't mind paying for opt-in subscribers you can pay a small fee for them at:
World Wide Lists
http://www.linkcounter.com
or try Marty Foley's List Builder Service at
http://www.linkcounter.com
I've used both of the above services extensively and they're truly remarkable for growing your list quickly. These are opt-in list builders, not spam techniques. Make sure you know the difference.
If you're interested in a great free e-book that will teach you how to grow your list download "Ezine List Builder" http://www.netwoozy.com/freeebooks/ It's in PDF format.
or try this one...not free but worth the money:
"WebSite and Ezine Promotion Made Easy"
http://www.linkcounter.com
Once you reach a minimum of 1,000 subscribers you'll be able to start selling text ads. Do not include too many ads in your newsletter or you'll lose a lot of subscribers before you even get started. You need to make sure you're including useful content and not just a billboard of ads, or your subscribers will be reaching for that unsubscribe button in a hurry. Finding the right mix of content and advertising is a real balancing act, but through trial and error you'll find the formula that works for you and your readers.
It's a smart move to start collecting demographics from the very beginning, if you can. This will give you an idea as to the types of people that subscribe to your ezine and will be helpful to ad buyers who will want to know what "target market" your ezine hits. Set up your subscriber form to ask the basics like "gender," "age," and "occupation" and you'll be amazed at how easy it is to actually collect this type of information.
A few sites that will help you to sell your available space:
http://www.Ezines-Ads.com
http://www.Opt-Influence.com (must have 5,000 subscribers)
http://www.EzineAdAuction.com
Publishing an ezine is the most important tool you can have when it comes to promoting your website. An opt-in list of people who want to hear from you on a regular basis is priceless and the actual process of writing your own ezine and connecting with people is an inspiring experience in itself. It's a genuine way of building a sense of community around your site and opening the lines of communication between yourself and potential clients.
Don't let this marketing tool pass you by....by following the steps in this three part series you'll be well on your way to publishing an ezine that will pay you back in more ways than you can imagine- and that's an online marketing tool fact.
So what are you waiting for? Get busy!
Merle has been "working" the Net for over 8 years and has a Special Gift just for you. Download my FREE E-book "50 Easy Ways to Promote Your Website". Get your copy now at http://www.WebSiteTrafficPlan.com
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