While working on the next snail mail edition of the Let’s Grow newsletter, I did some trolling for good examples of email signup boxes. They were surprisingly difficult to find. Here were three that stood out:
Amy Africa, Eight by Eight. Since Amy Africa specializes in market tests of what produces results on a web site, it’s no surprise that she has an outstanding signup form. At the top of the left navigation column on every page is the following:
Below that is a signup box followed by a link for more details, which leads to a full page touting the benefits of what you’ll learn by reading Amy’s newsletter. To see for yourself, visit the Eight by Eight web site.
Gas Pedal. For another good example, take a look at Gas Pedal’s web site. Gas Pedal is a consulting firm run that specializes in word of mouth marketing.
A large section in the middle of their home page is devoted to their signup form. It starts with a bold headline reading “Free Email Newsletters.” Three checkboxes follow: one pre-checked for You Can Be a Word of Mouth Marketing Supergenius, a second pre-checked one for Damn, I Wish I’d Thought of That!, and a third one (not pre-checked) reading Invite me to events.
The form that follows asks for email address, first name and last name – nothing more – and summarizes their privacy policy in two short sentences. The same signup box appears in the left navigation of every other page of the site.
Spring Hill Nursery. On your first visit to the Spring Hill Nursery web site, a pop-up window with a 12-word ad for their newsletter appears:
Spring Hill News
– Exclusive Deals
– Red-Hot Sales
– Gardening Tips
– And More!
The email signup box follows, with the call to action: Join Now to Save Big!
The approach may be a bit intrusive, but I’ll bet it’s effective!
