Opt-In to get into web site? - Virtual Assistant Forums

Ask Viki! · #1 (**permalink**) 09-16-2008

Hello!

What do ya'll think about having people 'opt-in' or have to sign up for a 'free download' of something before getting to your actual web site? I'm being told by some marketing people I know that I should set this type of system up on my web site. That I could offer a pamphlet of 'Ways to use a Va' or 'What to look for before hiring a VA' or something like that.

I just wondered what everyone thought of this marketing tool...

Viki

dawndmd · #2 (**permalink**) 09-16-2008

Not a good idea. People are looking for your service for a reason and not to be guided into an opt in to have to review your site, credentials, and information about your business. I see no benefit to this, only frustration on the people who visit your site. I have had this happen to me before and I click the X to exit immediately. I feel I am being pushed into something I am not looking for. Just add a pamphlet for free download on the main page or other page of your web site. Just my opinion. If anyone can justify why this is good, I would like to know. Thanks.

AwesomeAssistant · #3 (**permalink**) 09-16-2008

I agree with Dawn about this. I have seen websites where a box pops up right away so you can sign up for their newsletter and get a free report. Though somewhat annoying still, you can close the box easily. IF you choose to do something to encourage people to sign up for your free newsletter, you might consider that. But even that I find a bit push.

I think it's best just to have a newsletter sign up on every page and offer a free report when they do sign up.

Vicky · #4 (**permalink**) 09-17-2008

I agree with the replies you have so far. Personally I never "opt-in" before I view what I am getting. But I get what the marketing people are talking about, contacts. But getting the people to choose to leave there details is a much better idea.

Rebecka Melson · #5 (**permalink**) 09-17-2008

Whoever these marketing people are you are talking to, you should never talk to them again!!!! That is the worst advice I have ever heard for a website. If I went to a website where the first thing I had to do was "opt in" before even going to the site, first, I would assume it was some sort of scam, second, I would blacklist the site immediately.

I cannot believe somebody would tell you to do that! I think it's ok to have a sign up for a newsletter or updates or something, but that's it. Forget the pop up ads and the scrolling banners and all such nonsense. I promise you will LOSE more people than you gain by using them. I can't even count the number of sites I've blacklisted because of those stupid things.

dawndmd · #6 (**permalink**) 09-17-2008

Originally Posted by Vicky

I agree with the replies you have so far. Personally I never "opt-in" before I view what I am getting. But I get what the marketing people are talking about, contacts. But getting the people to choose to leave there details is a much better idea.

Vicki, I love your graphic for your avatar.

katekindred · #7 (**permalink**) 09-18-2008

I would feel like my email was just being harvested for spamming. Having to opt in before proceeding isn't optional at all. This technique may explain why there is so much unwanted email with claims that the receiver "opted" in to it.

KiwiVA · #8 (**permalink**) 09-18-2008

Agree with everybody on this.

The strategy to force people into signing up might be suitable for online games or gaming addicts anonymous, but not for a professional VA who is trying to build an excellent reputation for her business. It's a whole different ball game you are in. You are not selling some unprofessional crap online, you are looking for building proper business relationships. Do your marketing advisors actually know about marketing to the right audience and how to do that? I doubt it.

There is a directory of VA websites on here. Just check out the menu and make some time to go through all the websites and take from them what you feel is most suitable. These VAes are successful in their businesses and their websites have proven successful marketing tools as well.

helpyoumarket · #9 (**permalink**) 09-18-2008

That is a very good way to encourage your potential client to move on to the next option. They visit your site to gather more information about you and what you do. VA may be a growing business but there are still hundreds of options out there and they will just move on to the next!

katekindred · #10 (**permalink**) 09-18-2008

I would also add to what I said above that after all your hard work of conceiving your web site, designing it or having it done, working for weeks, months or even years to finally see your site coming up on google search results, finally getting phone calls responding to your ads and web site visitors you do not want to instantly sabotage your efforts with an annoying pop up. Do prof. marketers not know how much the average surfer dislikes being popped at? Have they forgotten what it feels like to be the poppee?