Getting Subscribers to Your Photo Blog in 5 Easy Steps
How do you start getting subscribers to your photo blog without going mad in the process?
This is how I did it in 5 steps (or so).
In this case — we are using WordPress for our photo blog, and we are using Aweber for our email marketing newsletter.
You could use others, but these two will do the job purrrfectly!
Why are we using WordPress?
WordPress is free, easy to use, has heaps of themes available and you can make your site look beautiful:
One of the principal advantages of WordPress is that you are in control. Unlike remote-hosted scripts such as Blogger and LiveJournal, you host WordPress on your own server. Installation is very simple, as is the configuration. Unlike other software programs, there’s no need to edit dozens of templates just to get your site set up and looking the way you want.
And why are we using Aweber?
Because it’s easy and simple to create a newsletter with. :o)
And lastly, why get folks to join your email list?
- To keep in touch with your customers!
- Showing your customers that you’re a real person with their concerns and interests in mind
- You can connect with your prospects without getting pulled away from your work
- So you can send subscribers directly to your website or business
- Links to order pages, coupons and special limited time offers (etc)
- The small little steps you take lead people to big(ger) commitments
To be successful, you have to have your heart in your business, and your business in your heart.
— Thomas Watson, Sr.
So anyways, here’s the process:
1. Yep, The Right Plugin Sure Helps
Get the Aweber Web Form Plugin here (free)
Read the installation process on that plugin page. It’s pretty simple to install.
2. Install Mysterious Plugin on Your Site
Once you’ve installed it on your site you need to go to Appearance > Widgets and put the Aweber widget where you want it to show on your site.
For example, I put mine (below) in the primary sidebar…
3. Magically Edit To Fit in Aweber
You may need to play around with the sizing, fonts, look and feel a bit in Aweber so the form fits in the sidebar of your site.
Took me about 20+ minutes to get it right.
No doubt it’ll experience many revisions, as these things tend to do…
4. Try It Out
5. Roll It On Out (Promote Your Site!)
Here’s a few great examples of excellent opt-in forms…
Have You Signed Up To My Newsletter Yet..?
If not, what?!
:o)
I have learned to use the word impossible with the greatest caution.
— Wernher von Braun
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