Hey gang.. today I’m kicking it back, relaxing a bit.. and I figure – let me give you something to think about and stir up some conversation..
So I wanted to address one quick topic that I think is very important when capturing leads and creating your attraction marketing funnel.
Should you get Confirmed or Non Confirmed Subscribers?
…and I’m not gonna drag this too long so I’m just gonna come out and tell you that non-confirmed opt-ins is the way to go.. and here’s why:
I strongly believe in what is called “A Successful First Transaction.” When a person visits your site, and enters their name and email – they did it for a reason. That reason is that they wanted what you promised them when they opted in. So here’s my question:
Why Make Them Jump Thru Hoops To Get What They Just Asked For?
Interrupting the first transaction (..which is the most important for more reasons than I could mention) will cause your visitor to either not want what you offered, leave and never come back. – Simply because the process wasn’t smooth.
Asking your subscribers to go to their email inbox, click the confirmed link and then come back to “get” what they wanted in the first place IS interfering with the first transaction.
It’s like asking them “Are You Sure You Want To Be On My List??” – and that’s not smart marketing.
Here’s Probably What I’ll Hear In The Comments Below
- But Hector, what if I start getting a bunch of phony emails… ?? – So what, be happy people actually want your stuff
- But Hector, what about email delivery rates, won’t they drop down… ?? - My delivery rates are 100% since I started building my list.
- But Hector, uumm.. I just don’t know how to do it.. – OK, I’ll show you for free…
In day 5 of the Blogging Blueprint course I go over exactly how to set up this “Smooth Transaction Process”. So if want to learn this very important strategy, sign up right now.
As always, leave your thoughts below – tell me what you think, even if you don’t agree with me..
If you got something out of it, do me a favor and Share it, Retweet it, Digg it, Stumble it – I’d really appreciate it..
Have a great day,
Talk Soon,
Hector “The Alexa Director” – Thanks Steve :0)
Further Reading:
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Hey Hector,
I’m glad you are talking about this topic. This is a question that I see thrown around in Forums. Here is my take…I believe you should have your opt-ins confirm their request.
You don’t know how many times I had someone tell me that they never opt-in through my form. That is why I implemented the confirmed option.
Now, no one can say that they never opt-in because I have a date stamp with their confirmation. You see if someone opts-in without the confirmation and they say that you are spamming them whether you are using Aweber or iContact they have the right to shut your account down.
Now, by having the confirmation active there is no argument if the subscriber requested to be on you list. Plus, if the subscribers really wants what you have to offer the more obstacles you make them go through the more quality lead you have.
Chat with you later…
Josh
.-= Josh Garcia´s last blog ..4 Little Blogging Tips To Help Create a Social Community Within Your Blog… =-.
Hector,
Let me add this…If you are selling a product and you are using a capture page as the front end. Then having the confirm option turned on will hurt the transaction.
I’m talking more in lines of generating leads from my blog’s opt-in forms where you I turn on the confirmation option.
.-= Josh Garcia´s last blog ..4 Little Blogging Tips To Help Create a Social Community Within Your Blog… =-.
OK.. I understand what you’re saying..
I just think that getting leads from your blog is even more reason to have ‘non-confirmed’ because they were on your blog when they did it.. they enjoyed your content and want more of it.
Hey Josh, I might be wrong and one day aweber is gonna shut down my account – but for now (zero complaints)
thanks for getting this discussion started..
Josh..
I knew someone was going to bring in the ‘Spam Complaints’ issue to the conversation – but it’s good, I like where this is going..
Spam complaints are definitely something to keep in mind, but I think that it has a lot to do with what happens after someone opts-in that really matters.. and doing it right from the get-go will save you from complaints in the future..
I highly doubt my subscribers forget they opted in because I make sure the first transaction is smooth and uninterrupted – but everyone has a different perspective and different experiences..
Now, about the quality – I honestly don’t see the difference between someone who wants it and someone who ‘really’ wants it.. but that’s just me, I guess..
thanks for sharing your thoughts,
talk soon
Hector
Hector & Josh you both have valid points, just remember one thing if the guy has a problem he can always opt-out / unsubscribe so long as that is there I think it should be ok! What do you guys have to say about that?
.-= Ejaz Latib´s last blog ..List of MLM Multi Level Marketing Network Marketing Companies in South Africa =-.
Hey Ejaz,
You’re 100% right, that’s my point. Just because they’re non-confirmed subscribers does not mean they can’t leave your list. – unsubscribes will happen, and that’s OK, we need to accept that and move on.
Have a great weekend
Hector
Hi Hector, interesting to read both Josh’s arguments. I am in direct sales and to be honest do not use the confirmed opt-in. But I can see the point in using it in blogs.
.-= Rachel Hall´s last blog ..Why only 3% of Online Home Business Marketers Succeed =-.
Hey Rachel,
Thanks for sharing your thoughts.. Josh does make a great point, and there are pros & cons to both approaches – we just have to choose which fits us best.
Talk Soon,
Hector
Hey Hector you are a wealth of info..and I’m so glad I found you on the UT. Quick question: what about spam? I guess that would be my only concern. When I have a single optin…those pesky spam-bots fill in the forms all the time and I get so many junk emails subscribed.
Suggestions?
Tracy
.-= Network Marketing Sweetie´s last blog ..Why Leaders Should Say “No” To NoFollow =-.
Hey Tracy,
It depends how bad it is, I mean if you just can’t deal with the spam emails and you’re getting spam complaints then double opt-in would be better in your case..
You don’t want to be left without your autoresponder account because of spam reports.. In the end it’s up to you to decide, I can just give you what works for me.
hope that helps :/
thanks for stopping by
Talk soon,
Hector
Hector,
Hope you don’t mind but I put your link on my Facebook group “The Home Business University’…people are always looking for leads.
To your success
Dan Toops
Hey Dan,
Thanks for the share.. always appreciated
Talk Soon,
Hector
I strongly agree Hector. You make great points. My two main mentors Russell Brunson and Jonathan Budd would say the say thing.
I’m not going to argue with a $10 million a year earner and a $3 million a year earner..
Thanks for the topic. Great way to encourage comments and activity.
Nick.. first off welcome to my blog – it’s great to have you
Great point Nick.. why argue? Isn’t the road to success modeling other successful people? There’s no need to re-invent the wheel.
Talk Soon,
Hector
I couldn’t agree more Hector to me it gives them another time to think about if they want to opt in or not. While we can’t force anyone to do anything still if we can expose them to who and what we are about long enough we may be able to change the tide.
That’s I don’t use the capture pages that makes someone go back to their email to confirm. I never understood it. It’s tips like these that could make all the difference. Good Show and the new moniker looks good ya!
Steve Shoemaker
.-= Steve Shoemaker´s last blog ..Sunday’s Lesson About The Millionaire Mindset =-.
Steve,
Yes sir.. thanks for giving it to me..
Now, about the confirmed optins.. everyone will always have their own perspective on things – and this is no exception.. I use whatever works for me, and that’s what I like to share with you guys & gals
thanks for stopping by
Talk soon,
Hector
I’m guessing this is one of those issues where you’re right on both sides of the issue. It becomes a matter of preference since both sides have their negatives and positives.
What I would suggest as a nube wanting to learn more is you turn this post into a advantages/disadvantages type of post so the reader can decide based on which one works best for them.
.-= Seth Miller´s last blog ..Stop Complaining! You Are The Only One Preventing Your Own Success =-.
Hey Seth,
Thanks for the idea man.. I woke up wanting to start some chaos in here.. to get some people worked up and it worked.. :0)
I think after reading the comments, anyone can decide which way to go..
thanks for stopping by
Talk soon,
Hector
Hey Hector!
Great conversation to get started here! I’m with Nick, as a student of JBudd he suggests that as long as your not spamming them, you should be ok. Sometimes you can even remind them at the bottom of one of your emails, that if they wish to be off your list they can unsubscribe at any time.
Keeping in touch with your list consistently, and giving them valuable content, are key to having a successful, responsive list (aka one that doesn’t report you for spamming). I sometimes suggest that people can turn the confirmed opt-in on if they are just getting started blogging and aren’t really sure how to use autoresponders yet. But then to go ahead and turn the confirmation off when they start keeping in regular contact with their list.
Appreciate your input!
Amanda
.-= Amanda´s last blog ..An Offbeat Strategy For Getting Highly Targeted, Free Traffic WHILE Increasing Your Own Value =-.
Amanda, great to have you here
..one more on my side.. YES!! lol -
On a serious note, that is great advice to those just starting out. Subscribers are less likely to report you for spamming if you’re regularly getting in contact with them (not spamming obviously).. But someone NOT doing this can face the issue of a subscriber forgetting they opted in and end up getting reported..
thanks for stopping by
Talk soon,
Hector
Great topic Hector. It’s important to be a person of your word. If you promise a gift offer it right away! Once a prospect opts-in to my site their gift is instantly sent via email.
I’ve encountered a few of those “Wait, just fill this form out and I’ll send you what I promised to send you by now” sites recently which left a sour taste in my mouth. Not the way to make a first impression.
Thanks for sharing your insight buddy
Ryan
.-= Ryan´s last blog ..How The People’s Program Cash Gifting Club Helps You To Get Started =-.
Ryan,
The first impression is very important. You don’t want to break the first promise you made to your visitor ( ..it just make the relationship start off on the wrong foot)
thanks for stopping by
Talk soon,
Hector
Hector,
Way to stir up a conversation!
From a subscribers perspective I think it is kind of silly to have the confirmed opt in. I am always surprised when I opt in to a page that I have to confirm what I just did. Honestly a time or two that I had to confirm I re-thought about it and never confirmed.
So I use my own experiences as a compass to what I have my subscribers do.
Thanks for the great post Hector!
Mary Thayer
.-= Mary Thayer´s last blog ..My “Why” =-.
Mary.. that was the goal,
Thank you for giving us this point-of-view.. we don’t want our visitors and subscribers to re-think what they wanted to do in the first place.
thanks for stopping by
Talk soon,
Hector
Hi Hector
At the moment I use the confirm option.
However, I would say you have some valid points that could persuade me to trial the non option.
Going to give it a go and see how it works.
Thanks
Marc
.-= Marc Ward´s last blog ..Sharing Your Experiences Of Gratitude To Inspiring Others =-.
Hey Marc,
Let me know how it goes – if you’re anything like me, you’ll love the feeling of delivering what you promised. That to me crushes any fear of spam complaints. Keep this mentality and you’ll do fine.
thanks for stopping by
Talk soon,
Hector
It really depends on what you’re offering. I definitely use the confirm method if you want to work with me directly. Its a way to weed out tire kickers and those who aren’t serious. But I can see both sides perspective. Great conversational post.
Anthony (AB)
.-= Anthony´s last blog ..6 Auto Reply Email Tips That Will Power Up Your Team, Cap Costs And Put 95% Of Your MLM Business On Auto-Pilot =-.
Anthony,
You make a great point – there are other subtle changes that need to be made when it involves getting a hold of you (the blogger, the business owner, or the mentor). You need to be hard to reach for more reasons than I can mention in this reply. This post relates to delivering your lead magnet.
thanks for stopping by
Talk soon,
Hector
I have not updated my website in along time and I think if people had to confirm my page for booking shows wouldn’t have turned into depots for spam bots.
I get your point in not putting obstacles in the way and today there are better ways to prevent the problem I had from happening.
Richard
Richard,
Spam will always be an issue – it’s just the way the world wide web works.. I accept it, and just work around it..
thanks for stopping by
Talk soon,
Hector
Hey Hector,
I think no matter what, to ensure you’re working with the right people and not tire-kickers you should have your subscriber confirm their opt-in to the newsletter.
It doesn’t matter how many people you have on your list. It’s how many “serious” non-tire-kickers you have that really is important.
This is what it’s about when working with your niche market. Sure, there will be times where you don’t have a confirmation opt-in, but that is ultimately their choice.
It comes down to how serious are they.
Just my two cents.
Have an awesome day,
Jerome Ratliff
.-= Jerome Ratliff´s last blog ..How to go From an Alexa Ranking of 5.5 Million to Under 125k =-.
Jerome,
You and Josh seem to be on the same page, and I completely agree with the QUALITY aspect of the issue..
Again, there are Pros & Cons to both appraoches..
But now my question is – what’s the point of a marketing funnel? Doesn’t that “weed out the weak”?
thanks for stopping by
Talk soon,
Hector
Good reason. I was once for “double opt-in” a while back, and had a smoothe process with it. Then, I decided to really get into “single opt-in” which to me is the best choice because you KEEP more subscribers and make more money.
I can see why “double opt-in” is important, but about 50% of your subscribers won’t confirm and that’s leaving money on the table. But, it all depends on HOW you use this, not all websites are the same and not all marketing funnels are the same, but when I’m doing email adswaps or driving traffic, single opt-in makes the process easier and my subscribers get what they want upfront.
.-= Terrance Charles´s last blog ..TerranceCharles: Watching: @ArmandMorin’s new 90-minute video training on how to build and monetize a loyal following… http://bit.ly/joinamp =-.
Terrance
You’re right, you’ll definitely KEEP more subscribers with single-opt ins..
thanks for stopping by
Talk soon,
Hector
Hector,
Great topic to think about, i prefer non-confirmed, i always think to make it as simple as possible, and instant as possible instead of making people have to wait for a confirmation email and go thru extra steps. If they spam me , put phony emails, its ok as they can be removed and again reaching out to those that truly want it , to make it a smooth and easy process.
.-= Chris Bernardo´s last blog ..20 Ways to Engage Your Fans and Get Responses =-.
Hey Chris,
Yup, we need to be OK with SPAM and phony emails.. it’s gonna happen – delete them and move on
thanks for stopping by
Talk soon,
Hector
Hector,
Great topic. I was thinking about turning off the
confirmation. There are many issues that can cause extreme
problems.
A PRO: I had someone putting others email addresses into opt-in forms,
playing games.
A CON: A prospect forgets to confirm, that person may of been someone
that could be your next superstar.
You never know, it is that person’s call. I would probably give
it a shot and try shutting off the confirmation option.
I like Josh’s point about having it at least off on a capture page.
Hector your material has off the hook, thanks for sharing!!
Have a great night,
Tommy D.
The Prospecting Hero
.-= Tommy DiPietro´s last blog ..How To Create Attractive Articles Just Like MTV’s The Jersey Shore =-.
Tommy,
There are PROS and CONS to both approaches, Josh DID have some really great points – but in my opinion ( ..if you take the time and create that smooth process I spoke about) – the PROS of non-confirmed opt-ins outweigh the CONS..
thanks for stopping by
Talk soon,
Hector
Hey Hector
You know you have a great topic when the comment are this outstanding.
My very humble opinion on this subject is make things as easy for your future customer as you possibly can. I total understand the fact that people want good quality leads, but how far do you want to take this?
On a personal note, I hate jumping though hoops, so I am going to go out on a limb and say that my new readers feel the same way.
I truly think you have to find some happy medium with this subject.
Cheers
Carl.
.-= Carl´s last blog ..Write Out Your Game Plan For Selling On The Internet!!! =-.
Carl, ( .. yea, it took me forever to reply to all of them)
There is a happy medium - Get VERY Targeted Traffic and have them Single Opt-In – I wouldn’t take it any further than that – however, keep in mind that this is only for the lead magnet delivering process..
It’s slightly different for visitors that want to get in contact with you directly (as Anthony pointed out)
thanks for stopping by
Talk soon,
Hector
Hey Hector, awesome post and definitely one of the big questions in our industry.
For me , I do agree with you. Adding that extra step in the process does lower your opt ins. Some people just look at it as an inconvenience.
I also agree that if they are on your website/blog and opt-in they are there for a purpose and are willingly providing their information. If they don’t see the value then they can simply hit “unsubscribe”.
Awesome conversation though and very interested in seeing what everyone else has to say on the subject.
.-= Brian Tomlinson´s last blog ..Blogging – Finding Your Passion in Writing =-.
Brian,
Yes, that’s something else that we need to accept – people are going to unsubscribe, it’s a part of doing business online.
I would go as far as to say that if you’re NOT getting ANY unsubscribes, you’re not marketing and contacting them often enough.. (but we’ll leave that for another discussion)
thanks for stopping by
Talk soon,
Hector
Hi Hector,
Glad you got this conversation started. I’m using opt-in for many of the reasons that Josh stated above…having a time stamp etc., however, I’m also thinking that Amanda has made a good suggestion above…that if you keep in close enough touch, it should be an issue after a while. I might just agree to give it some more thought moving forward.
.-= Linnea´s last blog ..Add a Favicon to Your Blog =-.
Linnea,
First off, welcome to my blog – I’m glad you’re here
Definitely try both approaches and see how it goes.. there are pros and cons to each so it depends on what works well for you.
have a great day
talk soon
Hector
Hi Hector,
This one sure got a lot of attention!
I use the double opt in if they are going to be on a regular email list. I don’t see myself changing that, I like it that way. Sure there might be a couple that fall through the cracks, but it’s their loss.
There are a couple of places that I don’t use it though, when I just want to collect additional info in order to send them some bonus material. That would not make sense to use it there, and cause far more problems than it would be worth.
I think there’s a time and place for both options. You just have to know when and where for your own business.
Have a great one!
Susanna
.-= Susanna Hess´s last blog ..Your #1 MLM Marketing Strategy =-.
Hey Susanna,
..it sure did – There are definitely places to use double or single (as Anthony said), and I guess it just depends what the person wants to accomplish.
thanks for stopping by and sharing your thoughts..
talk soon
Hector
Hey Hector,
Great post, I absolutely agree, I am also using non-confirmed-opt in.
I really think that it is a better solution, because people do not like to do any extra steps.
Thanks for sharing.
Talk soon,
- Jiri M.
.-= Jiri Majkus´s last blog ..4 Tips How To Become Successful Internet Marketer =-.
I am all about non-confirmed at the moment. There are positives and negatives to both sides, however I feel like if they volunteered their infomration than thats what they agree to. Also, I personally never confirm any opt-ins I do….just an extra step.
Then again, I am new to the list building game and I am always open to what others think.
Amber Jones
.-= Amber Jones´s last blog ..Top Reasons Why You Aren’t Selling in Your Online Business =-.
Hey Amber,
Yes.. there will be pros and cons to both approaches, but I see you agree with my point about them “volunteering” their information..
thanks for stopping by and welcome to my blog
Have a great weekend
Hector
Hi Hector,
This is a worthy question to ask and, for me, I prefer to have them confirm.
When I started, I was getting a lot of automated opt-ins from Russian email addresses and now I don’t have to worry about this problem.
As far as giving them what they want, I send them directly to the “Thank you” or sales page and let them know at the top of the page to confirm their subscription.
What I like about this approach is I’m weeding out the “freebie seekers” and people who hate to be sold stuff.
If you don’t like to be sold, then get the hell off my list…
I’m giving away TONS of great info for free, so I don’t think it’s too much to ask for a sale periodically.
.-= Derek Alvarez´s last blog ..How Two Internet Novices Became MLM Blogging Rockstars… =-.
Derek,
That’s a great mentality to have – I really respect that.. and like I said, there will always be pros and cons, you just gotta find what works best for you (..and it seems you found it)
Have a great weekend
Hector
This was a hot topic and excellent choice Hector. I have used both options. I don’t get a lot of unsubscribes and no spam complaints but I also don’t push every new product that comes onto the market via email. I have probably missed out on some income this way but I prefer everybody to be as happy as possible and that starts with me.
~Marcus
.-= Marcus Baker´s last blog ..WordPress, The Automated Backup Solution | MLM Blogging Tips =-.
Marcus,
You’re so right about keeping everyone happy – as marketers, we can let the thought of making an extra buck blind us from the long term affect of creating and keeping a healthy relationship
Have a great weekend
Hector
Hi Hector,
Love the lively discussion. I can see both sides of the equation. To be honest I’m just getting my funnel set up so this is perfect timing for me to jump in and see all the different sides.
My husband is big on opt in being confirmed. I will be following the discussion and all your great info. on blogging.
Faith
.-= Faith Barnard´s last blog ..Branded Internet Marketing Systems, Why I said, No =-.
Faith,
Thank you for contributing to the conversation – If you’re jumping in to this now, you can definitely try both ways and see what works best.
Looking forward to sharing more with you
Have a great weekend
Hector
Great article! The conversation in the comments that shows two sides of this issue is really informative!
.-= Cara and Jennifer Oberfoell´s last blog ..Work Less and Produce More =-.
Hey Cara,
Yea.. sometimes the comments outshine the post when you have very talented people contributing to the discussion..
thanks for stopping by
Enjoy your week
Hector
Only problem I can see is if someone puts in an email address that isn’t there’s (eg to generate ‘spam’ to hit an enemy’s mailbox). It does happen. Then it’s not a question of whether the subscriber wants your stuff because he subscribed, but rather that the subsciber isn’t the person who subscribed. If you see what I mean.
I personally don’t force a double optin, but I use my own mailing software (1-2-all by Active Campaign is anyone is interested in getting a server based solution) so I don’t have to worry about GetResponse or Aweber getting shirty over any complaints. However, what I do is put as a footer in ALL the emails that go out to my lists something like this:
This email was sent to who requested information at our website on . If you did not request this information, or no longer wish to hear from us, please click here:
So far, touch wood, I’ve had no problems with people screaming spam (and I’ve been working my lists for twelve years now), so I think this is a good compromise.
.-= Ruby Rynne´s last blog ..Do or Buy? The Key to Smart Working =-.
Ruby,
Thanks for sharing your experience with us. Aweber does add that line at the bottom of every email, so it shouldn’t be a problem
Have a great one
Hector
Wow hector,
You always give the quality things. I never thought about 2x’x optin transaction as a whole like that. I just always used it on my blog, but not capture pages. Hmm… what you said did make a bunch of since though. I will apply that. Thank you.
Justin Hammonds
“The Net Money Master”
Justin Hammonds´s last [type] ..Leveraging Your Blog to Boost Your Bank Account Part 2
Great discussion, however so far I’m using double optin and I think I’ll stay this way.
I have another question for you, that I think it haven’t been addressed anywhere else on this blog.
I see that in you popover form you ask the subscriber for his first name. However, you don’t do this in the sidebar. My question is why do you do this different depending on where the user is subscribing from and if you found the same success with subscribers just entering they email vs using their first name too.
Personally I ask them their first name, since I can use it in my autoresponder series and according to the responses I get from them, it seems like they think that I’m writing to them personally (specially on niches that are not IM). And I also think that it helps to get more emails opened, since they see their name in the subject line and possible that helps too.
However, I guess I’d get more subscribers if I just ask for their email, but I’m wondering if I’d have the same results when selling my prodcuts to them. Plus I see that most of the websites ask for first name, so I guess that’s what’s working for them.
Would love to hear your thoughts on this Hector.
Javier.. Thanks for your comment and you made a GREAT point..
The answer to your question is in your comment. Because most (if not all) of the people visiting my site are in the IM community, they KNOW about autoresponders and how you can put in their name in the subject line.
They KNOW you’re not sending personal (one-to-one) emails, and they’re probably on 5, 10, 20 different lists – all of which use this “strategy”..
Now.. if I were targeting a niche market that has nothing to do with IM – then HELL YEA I would use the name field (without a doubt).. the only reason I ask for the name in the PopUp is because I can’t take it out (LOL) – that’s how the plugin is configured.
Hope that answers your question..
talk soon & hope to see you around here
Hector
Hey Hector,
Great topic. When I got started I was advised to turn off the confirmation option to avoid losing potential leads as they wouldn’t be interested to go through the hoops.
I have recently heard that it’s best to turn the option on and if people really want what you have to offer, then they will do that. Plus you’ll have a better quality of leads.
Thanks for sharing this and for including a link to my post
All the best,
Mavis
Mavis Nong´s last [type] ..Social Monkee – Your Tool for Creating Quality Backlinks Every Single Day!