a single source, nothing corroborates it

Hang a signup off the end of every post

A standalone landing page only converts people who go looking for it, while a form under each article catches readers at the moment the writing has just proved useful. Spreading the ask across bylines, in-post forms and a capture page multiplies the routes onto one list without new content.

The method

1. 01

   Put a small book graphic and a launch-notification email form at the foot of every blog post, not just on the landing page

2. 02

   Close every single post with an email signup that reads as an offer of more help rather than a subscription request, and state the day of the week they'll hear from you.

3. 03

   Assemble the pre-launch list from three sources at once: author bylines at the foot of your recent posts, a live email capture page, and direct replies to prospective readers on social.

What it returned

• 200

  The standalone landing page produced 200-250 addresses from tweets and friends sharing it; the in-post form helped take the list to 800 by launch, against a goal of 1,000

• 1,600

  Took him from zero to just over 1,600 subscribers in about two months

• Justin sends his newsletter on Saturdays.

Sources

• Get traffic for your contentJustin Jackson · justinjackson.ca · Get traffic for your content · undated
• $39k in eBook Sales Part 2: Design, Testimonials, and TrafficNathan Barry · nathanbarry.com · Building a following for your launch · 2012-10-08
• How Adii Piennar used Authority to publish his own bookNathan Barry · nathanbarry.com · 2. Build an audience by shaping your brand · 2013-07-31