⚔️ The Battleground

“Email is dead”

You’ve heard that, right? Well, next time someone says that you can share this crazy stat: every $1 spent on email marketing has potential ROI of $42!

Email is one of the most cost-effective ways to reach buyers, but it comes with a catch…

You have to earn someone’s email address.

Unlike paid ads that directly target your buyers, you have to get prospects to opt-in to receive your emails.

Driving email opt-in boils down to one question: What’s in it for your subscribers?

In the 4th issue of Brainy Battles, we’ll analyze: Newsletter Opt-Ins.

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​💪 Meet Your Fighters

Newsletters are a BIG business.

In 2020, Morning Brew was estimated to be worth $75 million.

And even niche newsletters (like this one) can be money-makers.

Your newsletter can either be a fun side hustle, focus on promoting your products, or turn into a full-blown 6 or even 7-figure business.

The crew at Demand Curve and Swipe Files recognize the opportunity. That’s why they’ve invested in optimizing their newsletter opt-in pages.

More subscribers = more product sales and higher advertising rates

Which newsletter opt-in page is better? You decide!
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Fighter #1: Demand Curve Newsletter Opt-In

Every week, Demand Curve sends marketing insights pulled from industry experts.

They turn an article’s worth of strategy into a short blurb on how to take action.

No fluff. No extra noise.

Just what’s working well for other marketers right now.

Check out what brainy tactics Demand Curve uses to show website visitors why they’re going to love the newsletter.

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🧠 Why It’s Brainy

Authority Bias

We’re more trusting of authority figures—even when it’s irrational, as NessLabs explains.

​Demand Curve positions itself as an authority on growth by sharing that they’ve distilled tips from hundreds of growth leaders. You’re not just getting a round-up of what already exists online. As a subscriber, you get access to strategies from the thought leaders you admire.

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​Labour Illusion​

In the “How do we source our tactics?” section, Demand Curve explains their intricate process for choosing tactics to feature in their newsletter. The team works hard to source the most relevant and effective strategies. By showcasing the labour that goes into each issue, Demand Curve builds confidence that their content is vetted and high-value.

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​Regret Aversion​

The main question people are wondering as they contemplate subscribing to your newsletter is, “Is it worth it?”

We don’t want another fluff-filled newsletter clogging up our inbox. Demand Curve emphasizes that you can join for free to eliminate these objections. They also encourage readers to scroll down to see previous issues, so they feel even more confident that they won’t regret signing up.

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Fighter #2: Swipe Files Newsletter Opt-In

If smart and tactical marketing strategies is the name of the game…

Then we have to include Swipe Files.

Swipe Files shares “cutting edge and occasional crazy” marketing ideas through their newsletter. They differ from Demand Curve as they focus exclusively on SaaS.

But, they’re similar to Demand Curve in adding brainy tactics that play on buyer psychology to their opt-in page.

Let’s explore it…

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🧠 Why It’s Brainy

​Social Proof​

​Swipe Files opt-in page goes deep on social proof from happy readers (seriously, there are about 30 testimonials featured). They also highlight well-known readers.

If marketers like Amanda Natividad, Ramli John, and Steph Smith subscribe… it’s gotta be goooooood, right?

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Curiosity

Curiosity is a timeless marketing tactic. We’re naturally wired to want to know more. By describing their marketing ideas as “occasionally crazy”, Swipe Files sparks curiosity and helps overcome possible objections to subscribing.

Uses Precise Numbers

​Research shows that people who share precise numbers—rather than round ones—are considered more reliable. Swipe Files shares the exact number of subscribers to spark FOMO and build authority. Knowing 10,269 other marketers are already using these strategies makes website visitors want IN.

🤔 Who Nailed It?

​Demand Curve and Swipe Files both use brainy techniques to convert more web visitors into subscribers.

Which brand do YOU think has the smartest newsletter opt-in page??

Cast your vote for a chance to win!

The prize (worth $997)?

• A free mini ad in the next issue of Why We Buy
• A free 15-min audit of one of your marketing assets (maybe your own Product Page?) with specific recommendations on how to improve it

Your vote earns you a chance to win an awesome ad spot in the next issue of Brainy Battles…

Like this one 👇👇👇

💥 The Short of It

Increasing conversions on your newsletter opt-in page directly impacts your sales (whether you’re selling products or ad spots).

But here’s the thing: every audience is different.

Even Demand Curve and Swipe Files, with similar marketing-interested audiences, are using different messages and conversion techniques to attract subscribers.

The only way to find out what works best for your audience is to test it.

A/B test your newsletter opt-in page with Convert. The most visitors who convert into subscribers, the faster your email list—and revenue—will grow.

Until next time, happy selling.

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