6 Email List Building Mistakes Beginners Make

The power of a large email list can’t be overstated. It’s your direct line to thousands of engaged, interested people who are eager to hear from you.

Imagine launching a new product. With just one email, you can drive a flood of targeted visitors to your landing page – people who are primed and ready to buy what you’re offering.

Or picture this: you’ve just published a new blog post. One click, and suddenly thousands of readers are devouring your content. With a robust email list, your words will never go unnoticed.

The benefits of a large, engaged email list are truly incredible. But let’s be real – growing that list to thousands of subscribers isn’t easy.

In fact, it can be downright challenging…

…especially if you’re making any of the six mistakes I’m about to share.

Don’t worry, though. If you recognize these errors in your own strategy, you can fix them all in less than a day.

(Quick note: If you’re just starting to build your email list, check out our article “7 Highly Actionable List Building Strategies” for some great tips.)

Ready to dive in? Let’s go:

Just One Call To Action

Here’s a hard truth: Slapping a single opt-in form in your blog’s sidebar isn’t going to cut it.

This is a classic beginner’s mistake…

… offering just one lonely opt-in form on your entire page.

If you want people to smash that subscribe button, you need to give them multiple opportunities.

So, how do you do that?

Get creative! Place opt-in forms strategically throughout your site, in spots where they’ll naturally catch your reader’s eye.

Need some inspiration? Here are a few prime locations for your opt-in forms:

1. The Featured Box

Want to grab your reader’s attention right off the bat?

Do it before they even start reading your content. Enter the featured box – an opt-in form you place right below your header.

Check out this example from SmartBlogger:

See how impossible it is to ignore? That’s the power of a well-placed featured box.

2. In-Content Forms

If someone’s reading your content…

… you’ve already got their attention.

This is your golden opportunity to ask for that sign-up.

Take a look at this example from MuscleForLife:

They’ve strategically placed opt-in forms within their content. Sure, it might briefly interrupt the reading flow, but it ensures the call-to-action doesn’t go unnoticed.

3. After-Content Forms

When a reader finishes your article, one of two things usually happens:

They loved your content and want to know more about you…

… or they’re itching to leave a glowing comment.

Either way, it’s the perfect time to go for the ask.

Here’s how Social Triggers does it:

4. Footer Forms

I know what you’re thinking.

“The footer? Nobody looks down there!”

But you’d be surprised. A footer opt-in can be a sneaky way to catch those last-minute subscribers.

Here’s how Muscle For Life does it:

Will a footer opt-in double your email list overnight? Probably not. But it gives your readers one more chance to join your tribe, and every subscriber counts.

Remember, the key is to offer multiple, strategically placed opportunities to subscribe. Don’t be shy – your future subscribers will thank you for making it easy for them to join your list!

Ditch the Generic Offer

Let’s face it:

A bland “Subscribe to my newsletter” isn’t exactly setting hearts racing. It’s like offering someone a plain rice cake when they’re craving a gourmet meal.

Want people to actually hit that subscribe button?

Give them an irresistible reason.

While any offer is better than no offer at all, you can seriously boost your conversion rate by spicing things up a bit.

How?

Create an offer so enticing your readers can’t help but say yes. Let’s say you’re in the fitness industry. Instead of a yawn-inducing “Join my mailing list,” try something like “Sign up for my exclusive fat-burning secrets.”

See the difference? You’re still asking for a subscription, but now you’re offering real, tangible value.

Here are a few more examples to get your creative juices flowing:

• “Get my best [industry] hacks delivered straight to your inbox”
• “Join the [industry] inner circle for game-changing tips”
• “Unlock [specific benefit] with my exclusive [industry] newsletter”

Remember, your offer should speak directly to your audience’s desires and pain points. What do they desperately want to know or achieve? That’s your golden ticket to more subscribers.

So, take a hard look at your current offer. Is it truly irresistible? If not, it’s time for an upgrade. Your future subscribers (and your conversion rates) will thank you!

Supercharge Your List with a Juicy Lead Magnet

Want to see your email list explode with growth?

It’s time to unleash the power of a lead magnet. Simply put, a lead magnet is an irresistible freebie you offer in exchange for an email address.

Not sure what a lead magnet looks like in action?

Check out this example from Unbounce:

See how they’re offering exactly what their target audience of marketers craves – a guide to boost conversion rates? That’s a lead magnet done right.

For a lead magnet to work its magic…

…it needs to be something your audience genuinely wants.

Ready to craft your first lead magnet?

The secret sauce is understanding your audience’s desires and pain points. If your blog is about weight loss, a lead magnet like “5 Easy Ways to Lose 5 Pounds in Just 5 Weeks” could be a game-changer.

Remember, your lead magnet doesn’t need to reinvent the wheel. It just needs to solve a problem or fulfill a desire for your audience.

Here are some quick-win lead magnet ideas you can create today:

1. Transform a popular blog post into a downloadable PDF
2. Create a bonus that expands on your blog post with extra tips or insights
3. Offer a free template or cheat sheet related to your niche

Not a tech whiz? No worries!

Try using PrintFriendly, a free tool that easily converts web pages into downloadable PDFs.

If creating a lead magnet feels overwhelming right now, at least avoid the generic “Subscribe to my email list” trap. Revisit the previous section for ideas on how to make your offer more compelling.

Remember, a great lead magnet can be the difference between a stagnant list and an ever-growing community of engaged subscribers. So get creative, understand your audience, and watch your list grow!

Embrace the Power of Popups

Let’s address the elephant in the room: Many bloggers hate popups. They worry they’re too pushy or annoying.

But here’s the truth bomb:

They. Just. Work.

Popups are conversion powerhouses, turning casual visitors into loyal subscribers. Why? Because they demand attention in a way that passive sidebar opt-ins simply can’t match.

Instead of crossing your fingers and hoping readers stumble upon your sidebar form, popups allow you to make your pitch front and center.

But wait, there’s more:

Enter the exit-intent popup. This clever tool only appears when a visitor is about to leave your site. It’s like a digital “Wait, don’t go!” that can supercharge your conversion rates.

Sounds like magic, right?

Here’s how to make exit-intent popups work for you: Pair them with an irresistible lead magnet. Check out this example from Ramit Sethi’s blog:

See how he offers a polished PDF version of his guide just as readers are about to leave? That’s exit-intent magic in action.

Need some inspiration for your own exit-intent popups? Try these:

1. Offer a downloadable PDF of your post. No need to reinvent the wheel – just package your existing content in a take-home format.
2. Create bonus content exclusive to subscribers. If your post has 15 tips, hold back 3 for a special PDF offer.
3. Provide a practical tool related to your niche. For fitness bloggers, this could be a workout tracker spreadsheet.

Remember, popups aren’t about being pushy – they’re about presenting value at the right moment. When used thoughtfully, they can transform your list-building efforts from a trickle to a flood.

So don’t fear the popup. Embrace it, experiment with it, and watch your subscriber list grow!

If you are interested in creating exit-intent popups on your own site, check out our exit-intent extension.

Keep It Simple: Don’t Ask for Too Much Information

Picture this: You’re about to sign up for something online, but you’re faced with a form that looks like a job application. What do you do?

If you’re like most people, you’ll probably hit that ‘back’ button faster than you can say “too much work.”

Here’s an example of an opt-in form gone wild:

Yikes! That’s enough fields to make anyone’s head spin.

The key to boosting your conversion rate? Keep it simple, silly!

Only ask for the information you absolutely need. Remember, every extra field is another hurdle for potential subscribers to jump over.

Want to see simplicity in action? Check out this minimal opt-in form from SmartBlogger:

Notice something? They’re only asking for an email address. That’s it.

Why? Because that’s all they really need.

No name, no phone number, no blood type. And guess what? You probably don’t need that extra info either.

Here’s a pro tip: If your current opt-in form has more than three fields, it’s time for some spring cleaning. Take a hard look at each field and ask yourself, “Do I really need this information right now?”

Chances are, most of those fields are just cluttering up your form and scaring away potential subscribers.

Remember, you can always gather more details about your subscribers later. Most email marketing tools allow you to update subscriber information over time.

The bottom line? When it comes to opt-in forms, less is more. Keep it simple, and watch your subscriber list grow!

Start Building Your Email List Today, Not Tomorrow

Let’s talk about a common mistake that even seasoned internet marketers make:

Waiting too long to start building an email list.

I’ll be honest – I made this mistake with my first blog. The result? I missed out on thousands of potential subscribers. Ouch.

Many bloggers fall into the trap of thinking they need a flood of traffic before they can start list-building.

But here’s the truth: You don’t need thousands of visitors to start collecting emails.

Even if you’re only getting a hundred visitors to your blog, start building that list now. Sure, you might only get 2-3 subscribers a day at first. But guess what? Those numbers add up faster than you think.

If you wait until you’re “ready” to start building your list, you’re leaving potential subscribers (and future customers) on the table.

The bottom line?

Start building your email list the moment you launch your blog. No excuses.

Wrapping It Up

These list-building mistakes are easy to make, but they’re also easy to fix. If you’ve recognized any of these errors on your own site, don’t panic. It’s never too late to turn things around.

Remember:

1. Offer multiple chances to subscribe
2. Create an enticing offer
3. Use a juicy lead magnet
4. Embrace popups (yes, really!)
5. Keep your opt-in forms simple
6. Start building your list immediately

Now, I’m curious: Which of these list-building mistakes have you been making?

Don’t be shy – share in the comments below. Let’s learn from each other and grow our lists together!

Remember, every subscriber counts. So go out there and start building that email empire. Your future self (and your bank account) will thank you!