Be sure to get your commenters on your list just like I do!
Welcome to the Ask Mavis series!
I invite you to check out the link above as I provide answers to the frequently asked questions.
This week’s question is from my new friend and fellow blogger, John Komatsoulis from Learn About - we “met” in the recent Top 50 MLM Blogs Contest.
So, he visited my blog and kindly left me a comment.
He then noticed the different strategies that I was using to get him to opt into my mailing list 
… Naturally, he wanted to know how I do it.
I figured you’ll also benefit from these tips, so I’m going to show you exactly how I do it.
In fact, these are some of the 20 list building strategies that I use on my blog to generate up to 50 leads a day, without using PPC ads or pop-ups!
When it comes to list building, it’s not only about putting your offer in front of your visitors or readers. Don’t forget your commenters!
So, how do you put your offer in front of your commenters?
I’m going to share with you 5 cool ways you can use starting today to add your blog commenters to your list.
Here we go:
1. Checkbox in the Comment Section
This is my most popular and highly converting list building strategy. Why?
a. My commenters don’t miss it! If they overlooked the other options, they notice a checkbox which gives them another chance to get on my list.
b. They don’t need to fill out a form, it’s just a matter of checking a box – easy and quick.
c. They’re very targeted as they already like what I have to say or offer.
This is what you see in the comment section below:
How do I do that? Easy!
I use a paid plugin called, MaxBlogPress Subcribers Magnet. This plugin is responsible for doubling my subscribers’ rate as it comes with several mind-blowing list building strategies.
The good news for you is that there is a new and free plugin that you can use to create a check box in the comment section.
Introducing AWeber Web Form Plugin
This free plugin allows you to install an AWeber web form on your WordPress blog and lets visitors subscribe to your list when commenting or registering on your blog.
All you need is your own Aweber account and a web form, of course.
Furthermore, you can allow visitors to your blog to sign up as they leave a comment or register, without having to fill out a separate web form. On your WordPress dashboard, you will be able to see how many people have signed up to your list when commenting.
You will need to choose the list you want your new subscribers to be added to and use a call to action to match your offer. Your checkbox will look like this:
Take advantage of this cool and free AWeber Web Form Plugin.
2. Opt-in Form (Embedded Inside the Comment Section)
I also have the option to display the opt-in form inside the comment section. It can show up above or below the comment.
I use MaxBlogPress Subcribers Magnet for this as well.
3. Thank You Email For First Time Commenters
I also send automated and personalised “thank you” emails to people leaving comments on my blog for the first time.
I then invite them to grab my offer. It’s another “friendly” reason to build trust with your readers and get them on your list, in a non-intrusive way.
Thanks for the email Mavis
What plugin are you using to create this reply campaign?John Komatsoulis
Easy to set up using MaxBlogPress Subcribers Magnet. By the way, this plugin works very well with the major auto responder services such as Aweber.
What else do I do?
4. Thank You Page For First Time Commenters
I have created a “Thank You For Commenting” page for my first time commenters. After leaving me their first comment, they get redirected to this page which has a short “thank you” message and an opt-in form.
I used the Comment Redirect by Yoast plugin, in case you’re wondering.
5. Responding to Commenters
Another powerful way to encourage more comments is to respond to comments on your blog. This adds a personal touch and it keeps the discussion going.
People love it when they get personal attention and get their comments, especially questions responded to.
My replies get delivered to my commenters’ email inbox. So, I also invite them to grab my free offer as well. The plugins that you can use to achieve this are Comment Reply Notification or ReplyMe.
Key Takeaway
List building is extremely important if you want to build a long-term and profitable business.
I have just shown you 5 powerful strategies that you can start implementing on your blog to add your commenters on your list. They already appreciate what you write about, so get ‘em!
If you want to learn about the other 15 *hot* tricks that I use on my blog to build my list at no cost to me, grab my amazing List Building With Blogging Guide!
If you’re new here, or have never left a comment, this is you where you get to see how the above strategies work
**** If you enjoyed reading this post, be sure to fill out this form to receive my blog post updates via e-mail, leave a comment below and share this with your friends and followers. Remember sharing is caring! ****
Happy List Building!
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Mavis Nong is the creator and author of this blog.
She is passionate about helping others create success online.
{ 64 comments… read them below or add one }
Hi Mavis,
I like your tutorial to answer the question about list building and how to build it.
fortunately, I have a member of your list building
and your inbox in my email haven’t read all. I have to read one by one.
thanks
Kurtz invites you to check..WP Error: Tampilan Muka Blog Acak-Acakan
You have to read and implement, Kurtz. I look forward to your testimonial!
Best,
Mavis
This is pretty interesting and it makes me realize about how fast we’re coming across important tools which can help us improve our sites making it more user friendly. Its certainly an enriching experience to know about how blogs really work and how it makes the visitors feel more valued. This post certainly gave me some additional insights.
Jarrod Frenzel invites you to check..Holiday Tips for Burglary Prevention
Great to hear that, Jarrod. It’s all about finding the right tools which can help us to make our blogs user friendly and profitable
Best,
Mavis
This is great Mavis! I use a different plug in for this but it is so effective in gathering newsletter subscribers it isn’t even funny!! Absolutely love your blog Mavis and thanks so much for sharing!!
April Marie Tucker invites you to check..How to UNLEASH your Inner Alpha ~ Tonight!
You’re most welcome, April. Thanks very much for your visit and kind words
See you soon!
Mavis
Use whatever but there is nothing like responding to comments. A personal touch is always the best things and make the readers feel privileged
Tushar invites you to check..How To Build Credibility in Blogosphere?
I couldn’t agree with you more, Tushar.
Best,
Mavis
Hey Mavis,
Great Post! MBP Subscribers Magnet is a powerful tool. I am actually working on a plugin, (my first), that will do many of the things that Subscribers Magnet does, but will cost a whole lot less. It will be part of something I call “The Super List Building Blog.” Something I am very excited about.
I don’t use Aweber, I instead use GetResponse as my autoresponder. They both work great from what I have seen. Does anyone have any idea if GR has something like Aweber’s plugin?
Thanks for sharing Mavis and have a great day!
Ian Belanger invites you to check..Introducing IM Graphic Designs
Wow! Congratulations on your plugin, Ian! I’m so excited for you!
I haven’t seen other auto responders with the similar plugin.
Have a great day too, Ian!
Mavis
It’s important to give readers multiple ways to take action. It’s about making it easy for them to do so. As long as it’s not in an annoying or intrusive way, they may appreciate the little reminder.
Agreed, Nick.
Thanks for all the information Mavis, this will help many people other then just myself.
I look forward to more of your great tips
John Komatsoulis invites you to check..Why Keeping All Your Contacts is Important for Successful Business Marketing
You’re most welcome, John
Best,
Mavis
brilliantly wonderful post Mavis, thanks for sharing some of your secrets, and genuinely helping out your readers
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You’re welcome, Jacs
Best,
Mavis
Hi Mavis,
Those are all tactics that I use and they work very well! I get a consistent flow of new subscribers without any effort since everything else is automated.
Also for people using other autoresponders a great free plugin is Newsletter Sign-Up. It has a lot of options and I’ve been very happy with it.
Have a great day!
Stacy
Stacy invites you to check..Build a New Habit, Change Your Life!
Thanks for sharing that plugin, Stacy
Have a great day too!
Mavis
Great post as usual Mavis and was particularly interested in the subscriber box plugin, so will be checking this out!
Great information,
Thanks
Nicky
Nicky invites you to check..What Is Network Marketing and Is It For Me?
My pleasure, Nicky. Let me know how it goes
Best,
Mavis
Hi Mavis,
Simple tips and super easy to implement.
I feel more people don’t grow their lists substantially by not leaving enough options. 1 simple opt-in form is not enough. Pop ups and other pre and end of post strategies are the way to grow if you want to grow your list well.
Do not fear leaving multiple options. Readers have different preferences. Some like pop-ups…seriously they do my metrics say so lol….some like reading the post, and the side form. Others like opting-in before the post and yet others after the post, or in your thank you email. Keep all options open, build your list and prosper.
Thanks for sharing your insight Mavis.
RB
Ryan Biddulph invites you to check..2 Tips To Turn Your Cash Gifting Team Into A Money Making Machine
Agreed, Ryan – very easy to implement.
People need to be aware that you can just use your sidebar opt-in as your only list-building strategy. Use several proven to work tricks if you’re serious about growing your list. As long as you do that in a non-intrusive way.
You’re welcome, Ryan. Thanks for stopping by and for your input.
All the best,
Mavis
Hi Mavis,
You have great knowledge about this all and no doubt in that these all ideas help lots for all.
Thanks, Sam.
Hi Mavis, great tutorial. I have a question – which one of these plugins do you use for this sign up on your sidebar? Thanks!
Ileane invites you to check..1 Golden Strategy for Better Web Content
Thanks, Ileane. That’s a custom-made form added in Aweber.
All the best,
Mavis
Hi Mavis,
After very long time i am back to you. Hope you are doing well. Anyways, this post of yours contain some stunning points, which would be very helpful for the bloggers. Thanks.
Wow! Welcome back, Shanelee! How have you been?
I’m doing great, thank you. Glad to hear that
See you soon.
Mavis
Fantastic information Mavis! So much value in this blog post. Your blog is amazing. Congratulations.
Thanks very much, Jenni. Great to see you here
All the best,
Mavis
Thanks for these great tips to capture blog commenters. Keep up the good work.
Sandipan Mukherjee invites you to check..Bloggers should take advantage of Social Media for Marketing their Products
My pleasure, Sandipan.
Great Tutorial Mavis. thank you. Will read it once again when I will be at home.
Thanks, Mark.
Excellent tips Mavis.
List building to a lot of people might seem as if it’s too tough, but basic strategies like the ones you’ve shared here can get them going in no time. Thanks for sharing, keep up the good work.
Otoabasi Umonting invites you to check..10 Steps To Boost Your Sales And Influence On Social Media
My pleasure, Otoabasi. Thanks for the visit and comment.
Best,
Mavis
Excellent share Mavis, adding a check-box in the comment section for opt-in is a brilliant strategy.
Thanks for sharing with us.
I think i just checked the check-box
Regards
Nazbir
Yes, you just did, Nazbir
Thanks for the visit and comment.
Best,
Mavis
be friendly and just be yourself, you write very well Mavis
Tanisha invites you to check..Reading to Win!
Thanks very much, Tanisha.
Best,
Mavis
I think that you are doing everything right! Because following all the steps you offer can help every blogger to get trust of his or her readers and can help to get a well-known blog! Thanks a lot for sharing!
Amanda invites you to check..Wordpress Themes
Thanks very much, Amanda.
Best,
Mavis
I’d really appreciate an answer to my question:
I help develop for a law firm and we would love to build a list, but it has to be ultra-qualified and easy to opt out. I love the opt-in check box in the comments, as it seems really easy, but is it just as easy to opt out? Do I need to link it to aWeber or something to have a proper unsubscribe option?
Thanks,
Pete
This option has to be linked to an auto responder, like AWeber. And yes, they can easily unsubscribe from your list by using the unsubscribe link at the bottom of your emails.
Hope this helps.
Mavis
Hey Mavis,
Thank you for sharing this information. I plan to implement these strategies on my blog also. The one thing I like about your strategies is that they don’t come across as intrusive. Just the share nature of advertising people tend to dislike pop ups.
Yaisa Hagood invites you to check..Ray Higdon Reveals His MLM Sponsoring Secrets
You’re most welcome, Yaissa. They’re not intrusive at all.
Thanks for the visit and comment.
Best,
Mavis
Thanks for the tips Mavis. I will try to put some of them into my blog and see what results i get
You’re welcome, Jason.
I think that all your strategies are quite simple and easy for following, but still they are extremely effective and can help each blogger or site owner greatly
Amanda invites you to check..Wordpress Themes
Thanks, Amanda.
Mavis,
I have been working on maxblogpress for a few hours and it is so un-userfriendly. I can’t figure in out myself.
Jodi
I haven’t had issues with MBP. I’d advise you to contact their support.
Best,
Mavis
Hey Mavis, I love the post again full of top notch info for people to go away and do now
Mike
Mike Sherratt invites you to check..Social Networking and Different Social Networks
Glad to hear that, Mike
Best,
Mavis
Thanks Mavis. I’m about to check out those plugins now, especially the ones you mentioned to help reply to those who comment on my blog.
You’re welcome, Brian.
This is brilliant Mavis!. thanks. will get to work on this.
kx
kiki invites you to check..Your Success In Life Is Determined By These 2 Little Thought About Factors…
My pleasure, Kiki
Best,
Mavis
Very explained Mavis, very good information. I like your options. thanks
Michael Belk invites you to check..Presidents Day | A day of reflection
My pleasure, Michael. Welcome to my blog!
Best,
Mavis
Thanks Mavis! This is a great article and I’ve just started using some of your strategies. I appreciate all that you do.
Thanks,
David Haines
David Haines invites you to check..Are You Building a Business, Church Group or Political Party?
My pleasure, David
Best,
Mavis
Another fantastic value packed blog post – this is seriously great content that will work for you. We have implemented many of Mavis’ s strategies and can tell you they work! Thanks again Mavis Susan
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Ah, thank you very much for your kind words, Susan.
Nice to see you here… Have a great week
Best,
Mavis