[#EmailChat Recap] Incentives 101

List growth hit a plateau? Consider adding incentives into the mix.

Incentives are a surefire way to get new subscribers in the door. Not only are they enticing, but they offer subscribers a sneak peek into the kinds of content they can expect from your emails. The best part? They don’t need to be costly or time-consuming.

Here’s 7 reasons how and why you should add incentives to your email marketing strategy:

1. People love ’em.

Q1. Why do people love incentives? #emailchat http://pic.twitter.com/0x9XcugIOv

— AWeber (@aweber) March 17, 2016

A1. They give people a sneak peek of what you have to offer! #emailchat

— Kristen Dunleavy (@KristenWritesIt) March 17, 2016

@aweber A1: Give and take. Take and give. Feels like you're getting a fair deal! #emailchat

— Lana (@MsTopham) March 17, 2016

A1. everyone 's free stuff! #emailchat

— Monica Montesa (@missmontesa) March 17, 2016

Key Takeaways:

• Incentives are a great way to show potential subscribers what you have to offer.
• Relationships are a two-way street. Give subscribers something of value in exchange for their email address.
• Incentives are enticing – people love free stuff!

2. They’re a great list-building tactic.

Q2. How can you use incentives to grow your email list? #emailchat http://pic.twitter.com/oZvzwdSU8J

— AWeber (@aweber) March 17, 2016

A2. Be sure to mention the incentive on your sign up form! #emailchat

— Monica Montesa (@missmontesa) March 17, 2016

A2. A special promo code or free shipping always wins me over. #emailchat

— Olivia Dello Buono (@oliviadello) March 17, 2016

@aweber A2: Provide something of value in exchange. Whether that be an e-book, a coupon or a tool to make one's job easier. #emailchat

— Lana (@MsTopham) March 17, 2016

Key Takeaways:

• Let subscribers know about your incentive offer before they sign up.
• A great way to offer value right away? Discounts and free shipping.
• Don’t have a physical product? An ebook or course are other great options.

3. They’re measurable.

Q4. How can you measure the success of an incentive offer? #emailchat http://pic.twitter.com/lDgT63gqks

— AWeber (@aweber) March 17, 2016

A4. You can split test your sign up forms, have one with the incentive & one without. #emailchat

— Monica Montesa (@missmontesa) March 17, 2016

A4. Testing! Data tells all. #emailchat

— Olivia Dello Buono (@oliviadello) March 17, 2016

@aweber Q4: By the # of email addresses collected, I suppose. And ultimately whether it drives traffic to your site, thus revenue.#emailchat

— Lana (@MsTopham) March 17, 2016

Key Takeaways:

• Split test your sign up forms to see which converts more subscribers.
• You can even test different types of incentives against each other to see which performs better.
• Offered a special promo code to new subscribers? Use this as a baseline measurement.

5. Keep in mind these best practices.

Q5. What are some best practices for using incentives? #emailchat http://pic.twitter.com/R8QU2gYnui

— AWeber (@aweber) March 17, 2016

A5. Be clear and descriptive about your offer. And always deliver what you promised. #emailchat

— Olivia Dello Buono (@oliviadello) March 17, 2016

A5. Make it valuable. Just because it's free doesn't mean it should lack quality. #emailchat

— Kristen Dunleavy (@KristenWritesIt) March 17, 2016

A5. Make sure your incentive is something your audience wants. #emailchat

— Elisabeth Willits (@emwillits) March 17, 2016

Key Takeaways:

• Be clear about the incentive you’re offering. (And make sure you include it in your welcome email!)
• This is one of the first touch points you’ll have with new subscribers. Your incentive should make a good impression!
• Keep it relevant. Your incentive should make sense.

6. Be wary of one-time subscribers.

Q6. What are some downsides to offering incentives? #emailchat http://pic.twitter.com/OMWHRX3to7

— AWeber (@aweber) March 17, 2016

A6. People could sign up for your list just to get the incentive, and never interact with your other emails. #emailchat

— Kristen Dunleavy (@KristenWritesIt) March 17, 2016

A6. You don't want your incentive to get outdated. Be sure to update it every so often! #emailchat

— Monica Montesa (@missmontesa) March 17, 2016

A6. An incentive could distract your audience from what you are actually trying to get them to do. #emailchat

— Elisabeth Willits (@emwillits) March 17, 2016

Key Takeaways:

• There’s a difference between subscribers and one-time customers. A customer may sign up only to receive your welcome offer, but have no intention of returning.
• Your incentive can get outdated. Make sure you do a refresh every few months.
• You don’t want to take away from the quality of your content. Your incentive should add value to your emails, not detract from them.

7. Need ideas for incentives? Check these out.

Q7. What's the best email incentive you've come across? #emailchat http://pic.twitter.com/gLujfD0jXj

— AWeber (@aweber) March 17, 2016

A7. Free gift? I'm in. Thanks, @westelm! #emailchat http://pic.twitter.com/fxsKs9IR5m

— Olivia Dello Buono (@oliviadello) March 17, 2016

Key Takeaways:

• Try including your incentive offer in the subject line of your welcome email.
• Want more ideas for incentives? Check out this post.

Next Week:

We’re talking landing pages next Thursday, March 24 at noon ET. Be sure to join us and learn how you can optimize yours for more conversions.

Join us next week for an all-new #emailchat! http://pic.twitter.com/ia6RqlPHhX

— AWeber (@aweber) March 18, 2016

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