Boost Your Blog’s Subscribers: 18 Expert Tips

Here’s how you can boost your blog’s subscribers list: I reveal all the insider things pro bloggers use. Read the simple yet detailed expert advice covering everything to help you not only gain subscribers but also teach you how to never lose them. (Pay close attention to the tip #9 as it’s the core of everything we’re discussing)

Let’s get started.

1. Get visitors on your blog

So, the first step is to start getting people to read your blog. You do this by optimizing your blog posts for search engines. Create helpful, entertaining, value-filled content that your audience cares for and is searching for on the Internet. You can also increase your blog’s traffic by sharing your posts on social media, in communities and groups where your target readers hang out.

Once you see people are regularly reading your blog, follow the next step.

2. Engage and inspire them with value-packed content consistently

Consistency is key here. Don’t stop at ten, twenty, or even fifty blog posts. Create value-filled content with the same taste consistently. What does it do? You’ll be their go-to blog. You’ll truly inspire them, so they’ll be willing to build more personal connections with you.

And, no, you don’t necessarily need to wait until you receive a ton of visitors after publishing a myriad of blog posts. When you notice readers are interacting with your content and spending time on your posts – even if they’re a few hundred, you’re ready for the next step.

3. Research deeply, find their core problems and create a value-filled bribe

Discover their deepest trouble. Why are they on the Internet reading your blog? Or searching on the web? Discover their ‘why’.

Let’s take an example. Suppose you run a macro photography blog. What would be the most obvious concern you think that’s making them scroll pages on the web? Of course. They want to learn how to take better macro photographs.

And in this broad problem, there are a lot of insider things that come into play: choosing the right lens, the right camera, setting up the lights, studio, perfect angles, and whatnot.

What would be an instant help that can cater to this problem almost instantly – without having them search for every little thing on the internet? An eBook that helps them create better macro photographs! Or a full-length video course.

And that simply goes with almost all other blog niches. Sure, ‘bribe’ can change. In some cases, it might be a gift, a discount, a template, a free resource, a case study, or even a physical product.

Do the research by reading their comments, questions, and posts on platforms like Reddit, Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, and Answer The Public.

Keyword research tools like Ahref can generate exact phrases they’re searching on the Internet – but that’s not going to cut it. Truly dive deep and listen to them; on what they want as a solution and how they want it to be.

Once you evaluate and create a ‘bribe’, let’s go to the next step.

4. Include opt-in forms

Now create subscriber email opt-in forms to collect their email addresses. Make sure you clearly display them with the appropriate text size, an attention-grabbing color, or a photo. But where should you include these opt-ins, so they collect the most?

Here:

• Side bar: Don’t let other widgets and stuff get the most attention. Make your subscriber opt-in the most prominent there.
• Header: If it’s suitable, do it.
• Footer: A simple yet enticing call to action that invites visitors to subscribe to your blog.
• Pop-ups: Create dedicated pop-ups that appear after the user spends some time on your posts or just when leaving the website.
• Within the content where it’s appropriate: Invite them to subscribe to your blog if it’s appropriate and lies within the context.

5. Create a dedicated subscription landing page

Besides creating pop-ups and bars, create a dedicated subscription landing page. There, you’ll have more space and freedom to convince, justify subscribing to your blog.

Interlink that page from where your most traffic comes from, i.e., your blog posts most probably. Or bring traffic to that page from social media and paid ads. Remember the bribe you created in the point #3? Use it in the ads as a freebie for your potential readers. (More on this later in the tip #15)

6. Customized Pop-Ups for Posts

Every blog post covers a unique topic of discussion. Present your blog subscription pop-up as a solution according to the post’s topic. Let me explain.

Let’s say you run a photography blog. In one blog post where the readers want to learn about the right angles – you’ll offer your bribe as something that tells all about angles and more about photography.

In another blog post, suppose you’re covering which lens to use for portrait photography. But this time, you’ll position your bribe as a solution to understand all about lenses and more about photography.

Position your bribe according to the topic of the discussion – which is more likely to convert. Of course, you’ll find some exceptions here, as this technique may not work in every industry.

This can work where your bribe is a full-length course, book, or valuable stuff given regularly to your subscribers.

7. Make it enticing with compelling copywriting

The text you see on ‘pop-ups’, and email opt-in forms is not random. There’s some strategic pattern going on that glues readers into subscribing. Let’s talk about the most popular framework marketers use.

AIDA: Attention, Interest, Desire, and Action.

First, grab their attention with a unique and powerful headline. Then create interest by resonating with their pain points so they can feel you know them. After that, instill desire by outlining the benefits of subscribing to your newsletter or downloading that free eBook you’re offering. Then, ask them to download or subscribe using a call to action like Get a free eBook now.

You might not have the space for all of this on headers, widgets, or pop-ups, but you can use the detailed AIDA framework on the landing page.

Where the space is short, use punchy one liner like “Join the 50K+ Community”, or “FREE eBook for Your X Problem”, or “Hear Advice from Personal Experiences on X”.

8. Clearly demonstrate the value they will be getting the moment they subscribe to your newsletter

Clearly state what you’ll be offering the moment they click subscribe. Display that on your CTA button.

For instance:

• If you’re offering a free eBook, say exactly that: Get Free eBook Now.
• If you’re offering photography tips, say exactly that: Get Photography Tips.
• If you’re offering tech insights, say exactly that: Get the Latest Tech Insights.

Or, even if you simply want to deliver your daily blog posts or upcoming updates, make it a bit enticing with the wordplay and punchy hooks like: “Be in the Know” or “Value Delivered Right into Your Smartphone.”

But, of course, merely saying won’t cut it: deliver the promise as well. Otherwise, they can unsubscribe. But, there’s a way to retain them, here’s what you should do:

9. Create a creative welcome email sequence, and start building a deep relationship

After offering what you promised, don’t leave them stranded. Or, worst, don’t immediately start sending emails asking them to buy these products or services so you can earn a commission.

Sabri Suby, one of the top marketers today, in his book, Sell Like Crazy, explains that selling is really like dating. I mean, the guy is right. Think about it: First, you nurture the relationship with your date, and then slowly, you reach a point where you get married.

It’s funny, but it’s true at the same time. Nurture your relationship with your subscribers before ‘actually’ sending them your affiliate links, courses, or products to purchase.

Send them a separate dedicated email welcoming them. Make them feel valued after they subscribe to your blog.

Daniel Throssell, one of the famous copywriters today, offers a whole 7-day welcome email sequence based on all storytelling. It keeps the readers hooked and entertained throughout – and that’s good in building a deep relationship. Take inspiration from there.

What does it do? Word of mouth. You’ll be the talk of the town in your readers’ social communities. And that’s free marketing for you – of course, in return for the value you provide.

10. Increase subscription ratio by including proof of credibility

Proof of any kind builds trust. Your readers will immediately know that subscribing to your blog is worth it. And if they don’t, they might miss out on something extremely valuable.

Include any sort of proof on landing pages, headers, bars, and pop-ups.

In a case study you did, a previous subscriber might have said nice things about you, or maybe you’re mentioned by a big publication.

In most cases, social proof works like a charm because readers can relate better with others like them.

11. Promote on social media

Demonstrate the value you’re sending to your subscribers on your social channels. Talk about their pain points, and present your blog as a solution afterward.

And not only on your social handles but in the communities and groups where people need help. Start publishing posts there by offering a freebie you created. And then direct them to your subscription landing page – or, better, create another subscription landing page just for them.

You see, your goal always remains the same: getting more subscribers. But how you approach your goal varies. So, don’t hesitate to go the extra mile if that’s best for your readers, and ultimately, you.

12. Make the content easily shareable

Create social media buttons so that readers can easily share your content just by clicking a button. Plugins like Sassy Social Share make it possible. Read more about plugins here.

Social sharing might not directly boost your subscribers, but it increases your blog visitors – more visitors equal more subscribers. And you can also use the number of shares as social proof later. But readers will only share your posts when you follow the step #2.

13. Promote on author bio while guest posting

During your early days or even later, you’ll be publishing guest posts on other blogs. Inspire readers there with your amazing content, and they will most likely scroll up to check out the guy or gal who posted. It’s you.

In your author bio, invite them to subscribe to your blog and hear more from you.

14. Promote on your static pages, thank you pages, live webinars, or other downloadables

Basically, the goal is to include the invitation wherever it’s appropriate. It could be your:

• About page,
• Service page,
• Testimonials,
• Thank you page where they might have completed a purchase,
• Live webinars

Or anywhere in general. We never know when someone gets triggered or simply inspired and is ready to take things at a further level. You don’t want to make the process complex or want them to spend more time scouring through pages, constantly looking for that magic button. Make it obvious. Right there. Everywhere. For everyone. Anytime.

15. Run paid ads

Paid ads should be at the advanced level, where you’re already earning good consistent revenue from your blog. Or better, when your email list is also providing you with a steady sales commission. That’s when it will be profitable to increase your subscribers to grow your revenue even more.

But ads can be tricky. Always target the right audience. Make the deal irresistible by offering the same free bribe in your social media ads like Facebook and Instagram. Direct visitors to your subscription landing page, and the rest is obvious.

16. Launch a contest

Launch a subscriber-only contest. The winner gets an enticing prize. Promote it almost everywhere, especially on social media. People will be more likely to join your newsletter excitedly in the hopes of winning a prize.

Or: Ask your subscribers to share your subscription landing page in the relevant communities – in return for an exciting prize for a random winner.

Don’t do this in the early stages. That’s most beneficial when you’ve built quite a bit of a list with the loyal fan-base.

17. Be consistent with the same taste

Consistency with quality is key here, as already discussed. You don’t necessarily need to deliver an email every single day. Send twice a week. Once a week. Or even bi-weekly. But whatever and whenever you decide – be consistent, and keep the same taste in your emails.

You’ll be surprised to learn that 61% of subscribers would love to receive emails every week, and 38% would love to read even more frequently.

Some marketers say there’s no right time or day to send emails – but a study shows Tuesdays and Thursdays are ideal for sending emails.

This knowledge can help you find the right schedule. Whatever you decide, be consistent with it – they might be expecting to hear from you.

18. Full Blog Post: To send or not to send?

There are mixed opinions of pros on this one because both sides have negatives and benefits. If you send full-length blog posts in the emails, you lose potential visits to your blog. But, at the same time, it saves your readers’ time.

While there are definitely opposing views – I suggest doing what works for you.

To give you an example:

Wall Street Journal sends links to all their news stories – it makes sense because there’s a lot to cover, and it’s most appropriate to send links only.

Meanwhile, Seth Godin’s blog, a marketing guru, sends one full-length blog post in each email, which is usually 200+ words long.

So, if your blog posts are shorter and less frequent, the best would be to go with sending full-length feeds. Otherwise, a snippet or only link can work.

Conclusion: Ready to boost your subscribers?

Email marketing is powerful. Follow these guidelines above and build a loyal fan-base. Not sure how email marketing works? Read: An ultimate beginner blogger’s guide to email marketing.

Share your thoughts in the comments – also, where are you right now in terms of gaining subscribers?