Building an email list is essential for any online business or Website. IT allows you to engage with your audience, promote your products or services, and drive traffic to your website. When you’re in the process of building a new website using WordPress, it’s crucial to start collecting emails even before your site is live. This can help you generate interest, build anticipation, and gather valuable leads. In this article, we’ll explore the best practices for collecting emails on your WordPress ‘Under Construction’ page.
1. Use a Coming Soon or Maintenance Mode Plugin
One of the easiest ways to create an ‘Under Construction’ page on your WordPress site is by using a coming soon or maintenance mode plugin. These plugins allow you to display a custom landing page to your visitors while you work on your website behind the scenes. Look for a plugin that provides a built-in email opt-in form or integrates with popular email marketing services like Mailchimp or Constant Contact.
2. Offer an Incentive for Sign-Ups
Entice visitors to sign up for your email list by offering them a valuable incentive. This could be a discount on your products or services, a free e-book or guide, access to exclusive content, or a chance to win a giveaway. Make sure the incentive is relevant to your target audience and provides real value to encourage sign-ups.
3. Keep the Form Simple and Accessible
When creating your email opt-in form, keep it simple and easy to access. Only ask for essential information such as the visitor’s name and email address to minimize barriers to sign-up. Place the form prominently on your ‘Under Construction’ page, making it easy for visitors to find and submit their information.
4. Craft Compelling Copy
The copy on your ‘Under Construction’ page and email opt-in form plays a crucial role in persuading visitors to join your email list. Use compelling language that communicates the value of joining your list and builds excitement about your upcoming website. Clearly articulate what visitors can expect to receive by signing up and how it will benefit them.
5. Leverage Social Proof
Social proof, such as testimonials, reviews, or the number of subscribers, can boost the credibility of your email opt-in offer. If you have an existing following or customer base, consider displaying social proof on your ‘Under Construction’ page to reassure visitors that others have found value in your content or offerings.
6. Enable Sharing and Referrals
Encourage visitors to share your ‘Under Construction’ page and referral links with their networks. By implementing social sharing buttons and a referral program, you can expand your reach and attract more sign-ups. Incentivize current subscribers to refer their friends and colleagues by offering them additional benefits or rewards for successful referrals.
7. Implement A/B Testing
It’s essential to continuously optimize your email opt-in strategy for maximum effectiveness. A/B testing different elements of your ‘Under Construction’ page, such as the form layout, copy, design, and incentive, can help you identify which variations perform best and drive the highest conversion rates. Use a testing tool or plugin to experiment with different combinations and make data-driven decisions.
8. Follow Legal Requirements
When collecting email addresses, it’s important to adhere to privacy and anti-spam laws such as the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) and the Controlling the Assault of Non-Solicited Pornography And Marketing (CAN-SPAM) Act. Ensure that your email opt-in form includes the necessary consent checkboxes and provides clear information about how you will use and protect the subscriber’s data.
Conclusion
Building an email list on your WordPress ‘Under Construction’ page is a strategic way to engage with your audience, generate interest, and gather leads before your website goes live. By using the best practices outlined in this article, you can create an effective email opt-in strategy that encourages visitors to join your list and stay connected with your brand. Remember to offer valuable incentives, keep the sign-up process simple, and leverage social proof to maximize your email collection efforts.
FAQs
Q: Can I use a third-party email marketing service with my ‘Under Construction’ page?
A: Yes, most coming soon and maintenance mode plugins for WordPress integrate with popular email marketing services such as Mailchimp, Constant Contact, AWeber, and more. You can connect your email opt-in form to your preferred service to start building your list.
Q: How often should I update visitors who have signed up for my email list?
A: It’s important to keep your subscribers engaged and informed about the progress of your website. Consider sending regular updates, sneak peeks, and exclusive content to keep them excited and interested in what’s to come. However, be mindful of not overwhelming them with too many emails.
Q: What are some effective incentives for encouraging email sign-ups?
A: Effective incentives include discounts on products or services, free resources such as e-books or guides, access to exclusive content or behind-the-scenes updates, and the opportunity to participate in a giveaway or contest. The key is to offer something valuable in exchange for the visitor’s email address.
Q: How can I ensure that my email collection practices comply with privacy laws?
A: To ensure compliance with privacy laws such as GDPR and CAN-SPAM, make sure your email opt-in form includes clear consent checkboxes, provides information about how you will use the subscriber’s data, and gives them the option to unsubscribe at any time. Additionally, if you are storing or processing personal data, you may need to consult with legal and privacy professionals to ensure full compliance.
