Category Archives: E-mail Marketing

Coaching is all about helping people achieve their goals — whether in business, relationships, health, or anything else.

But if you’re going to build a successful online coaching business, you need a constant stream of new leads. People who are interested in your advice and support, and who could be tempted to pay for your services with a little gentle persuasion. That’s why the best coaches also have the best marketing strategies.

Want to find out how they do it?

You’re in the right place. In this article, we’ve rounded up our top strategies on lead generation for coaches, backed up by a bunch of real-world examples.

Let’s get into it…

Key elements of lead generation for coaches

As you’ll see from this article, there’s no shortage of lead generation strategies for coaches. But most of them share two critical components:

Landing pages

Lead magnets

So before we start exploring individual strategies, let’s break down what those two elements are, how they work, and why they’re so valuable.

What is a landing page?

A landing page is a standalone web page built to achieve a specific goal. For someone running a coaching business, those goals might include:

Signing up for an online course

Downloading a piece of content

Booking a coaching session

Potential coaching clients arrive on a landing page after clicking through from an external source, such as a search engine results page or paid search listing on Google, or a social media advert.

Landing pages are so effective at turning traffic into leads because they strip out all the distractions that might dissuade a visitor from converting.

To demonstrate why they work so well, let’s compare a dedicated coaching landing page to a standard coaching web page (in this case, the homepage of mid-life business coach Shaheen Plunier).

First up, here’s her homepage:

Click to explore full page

It contains no fewer than eight different calls to action (CTAs), plus a top navigation menu pointing visitors toward Shaheen’s “About” page, podcast, and more. The page does a fantastic job at persuading people to click deeper into the site and learn more about her background and expertise. But there’s simply too much noise for it to be a consistent lead gen tool.

By contrast, here’s the standalone landing page for her current (at time of writing) Facebook and Instagram ad campaign:

Click to explore full landing page

There’s no clutter at all: no navigation menu; no internal links; no conflicting CTAs.

Just one simple, clear prompt to sign up for her online course, repeated multiple times throughout the page:

Plus it’s loaded with persuasive messaging, including a limited-time discount and tons of glowing customer testimonials.

No one who visits this landing page will have any doubt about what Shaheen wants them to do next.

So they’ll either convert straight away or bounce.

All of which helps to explain why the average landing page has a conversion rate of 9.7%, versus 2.9% for a “regular” web page.

👉 Learn more: 7 tips to build a high-converting Facebook landing page

What is a lead magnet?

Many coaches are already using landing pages to capture leads.

But there’s a problem: only about one-third of consumers are willing to share their email address with a brand for no incentive.

In contrast, nine in 10 would be happy to share that data if they were offered something of value in return.

That brings us neatly to the second key element of lead generation for coaches: lead magnets.

A lead magnet is some kind of asset you can offer in exchange for a potential coaching client’s contact information. The asset in question is typically accessible via a dedicated landing page — often containing an embedded lead form — that exists with the sole purpose of capturing visitors’ email addresses.

Once you’ve got hold of their contact details, you can nudge them along the path to purchase through email marketing and retargeting campaigns.

5 lead magnet ideas for coaches

For your landing page and lead magnet combo to function as an effective lead generation engine, you need to build an asset that’s attractive enough to persuade potential coaching customers to hand over their contact information. It needs to offer something useful, like the solution to a common audience pain point.

Potential lead magnets for coaches include:

eBooks

Probably the most common lead magnet format, eBooks are pdfs that can be downloaded in exchange for an email address (and possibly some other details).

They tend to focus on broad, top-of-the-funnel topics rather than subjects likely to generate instant sales. For instance, Guitar Coach Mag offers a “tab book” containing dozens of classic guitar riffs: 

Click to explore full landing page

Most people aren’t going to immediately pay for guitar coaching after a couple attempts at shredding along to Stairway to Heaven. But they might be inclined to check out more of Guitar Coach Mag’s content, read their newsletters, and engage with their social posts.

Live webinars

Live webinars are just what they sound like: live video presentations in which the host tackles a topic while showcasing their expertise. They’re sometimes branded as “masterclasses”, like this example from Wanted Woman:

Click to explore full landing page

Live webinars take a lot more effort to produce than most other lead magnet formats. Plus you need to feel comfortable on camera to pull them off. And because they take place at a specific time on a specific date, not everyone will be able to attend.

But there’s a massive upside: because live webinars are interactive, they’re highly engaging. Audiences are far more likely to pay attention than if they were reading an ebook or watching an evergreen video.

Checklists

Like the sound of producing an eBook, but want to create something more actionable? Checklists could be the perfect option, giving you the opportunity to provide practical, step-by-step guidance around a specific problem or goal.

For instance, Peter Scott IV has put together a checklist to help wannabe coaches launch their own coaching businesses:

Click to explore full landing page

Checklists are easy to produce, user-friendly, and valuable to your prospective clients — provided you have genuine expertise to share.

Evergreen videos

Evergreen videos are often similar to live webinars, featuring a host instructing viewers on how to overcome some kind of challenge or achieve a specific goal. For instance, this 30-minute free training video from Ready Set Coach could just as easily have been a live webinar:

Click to explore full landing page

The big difference, of course, is that users can access this content at any time.

Evergreen videos are an easier “sell” than webinars because they require less commitment on the prospect’s behalf; you can simply dip in and out at your leisure.

However, they lack the interactivity of a live webinar, and they don’t give you the opportunity to pitch your coaching expertise, in person, to a captive audience. 

Online courses

Plenty of people build a full job replacement income selling online courses. But you can also use them as lead magnets for your coaching business, just like this example from Yamuna Bihari, founder of Conscious Business Mastery:

Click to explore full landing page

If your content sounds valuable enough, you can even sell your online course at a low price to get leads through the door, then encourage them to sign up for your premium coaching services down the line.

👉 Learn more: How to create a lead magnet in less than a day (that actually works) 

5 lead generation strategies for coaches

For coaches, leads are worth their weight in gold. So it’s vital you leverage the most impactful lead generation strategies to keep driving landing page traffic and lead magnet downloads.

In our view, these are the most effective lead gen channels for coaches:

SEO

No bones about it: you’ll have to put in a ton of work to rank at the top of Google for high-value keywords. If you want instant gratification, look elsewhere.

But search engine optimization (SEO) can be well worth the investment because it’s one of the few free ways to bring visitors to your landing page.

Best of all, you know those visitors are interested in the services you provide — because they’re actively searching for them. So when someone clicks through from a search engine results page, there’s a good chance they’ll be happy to give you their contact information.

Let’s see how online fitness and nutrition coaching business Nerd Fitness uses an SEO landing page for lead generation.

It ranks at #3 in the US for the term “online fitness coaching” (1,500 estimated global searches per month):

That ranking is held by a dedicated SEO landing page designed to sell visitors on the Nerd Fitness approach to health and fitness:

Click to explore full landing page

It’s an extremely long page. We’re talking dozens of screen scrolls and thousands of words to reach the bottom. But Nerd Fitness uses that space wisely by mentioning specific fitness goals…

…outlining the problems of “traditional” approaches to health and fitness…

…providing a breakdown of the Nerd Fitness coaching program…

…and, finally, closing the deal by prompting visitors to book a phone consultation:

Clearly, it’s way more in-depth than your average landing page, likely because it was built with SEO in mind.

One of the most important ranking factors is the number of quality backlinks pointing at a given web page: those with more links from authoritative external sites tend to rank better. And long-form content gets an average of 77.2% more links than shorter pages.

(For reference, the Nerd Fitness landing page had 5,500+ backlinks at time of writing. That’s a lot.) 

👉 Learn more: Landing page SEO best practices: A step-by-step guide 

Social media ads

Social media ads attract less-qualified traffic than SEO because they’re targeting people browsing platforms like Facebook, Instagram, and TikTok, rather than audiences who are actively searching for a given topic.

However, they’re a quick and highly scalable way to reach potential coaching customers who match your ideal client profile.

You can build an ad, set your targeting preferences and budget, hand over your card details, then start generating traffic to your landing page — all in just a few minutes. And if you want to bring in more traffic, you can just increase your ad spend.

Let’s see how the confusingly named One One Coach uses Facebook and Instagram ads to send people to its landing page:

The caption for this ad tells a (supposedly) relatable story designed to resonate with prospective clients. Because who hasn’t spent $700 per month on a nutritionist and personal trainer?

The whole purpose is to demonstrate the value and benefits of a One One Coach course compared to the high costs of in-person coaching. If you like what you hear, you’re prompted to click through to this landing page…

Click to explore full landing page

…where you can hand over your details in return for a personalized workout plan and diet regime.

Guest blogging

Writing guest blogs allows you to demonstrate your expertise to readers of websites that are relevant to your audience.

If someone reads one of your guest articles and likes what they see, they might be tempted to find you on Google or (ideally) click through to your site via a link in the “About the author” section.

Getting featured by authoritative, high-traffic publications is no easy task. It’s a classic example of a seller’s market: big publishers know how beneficial it’d be for them to feature your name, website, and content, so they make you jump through hoops for it.

You’ll need to have interesting, relevant, unique content ideas — plus the expertise to turn those ideas into high-quality content. Some high-profile sites even charge people to publish their guest posts. But, like SEO, the rewards can be well worth the effort.

Melissa Dawn, founder of coaching business CEO of Your Life, clearly agrees. She’s written a whole series of guest blogs for Brainz Magazine, which describes itself as “a global digital magazine focusing on exclusive interviews, articles and information on entrepreneurship, personal development, leadership and lifestyle”.

Not hard to see why a business coach would want to reach that audience, right?

Here’s one of Melissa’s articles for Brainz…

…and here’s the “About the author” profile at the bottom of the article, incorporating links to her website and social media profiles:

Melissa can feel pretty confident that anyone who clicks through to her website will be an ideal candidate for her coaching services.

Google ads

In many ways, Google ads are the ideal intersection between search engine optimization and social media ads.

You’re targeting qualified prospects searching for keywords that align with your coaching services, without having to wait weeks or months for your SEO landing pages to start ranking.

The downside is that Google ads aren’t cheap, with an average cost per click of $4.22. And you have to pay regardless of what happens when someone clicks through to your landing page, so there’s no guarantee all that expenditure will translate to leads and sales.

Sounds pretty risky when we put it like that, hey?

Life coaching business Well Coached Life evidently thinks advertising on Google is worth the money.

It runs various advert types, from simple text ads…

…to more eye-catching image ads…

…and even video ads:

You’ll need to do some math when deciding whether Google ads make sense for your coaching business.

For instance, let’s say you pay $422 for 100 clicks, and your landing page has a 5% conversion rate, resulting in five leads.

That means you’re paying $80+ per lead. Which is fine if you typically earn hundreds of dollars from every coaching lead you generate. But it’s a big problem if you sell lower-value services and/or don’t expect many repeat purchases.

Affiliate marketing

Affiliate marketing involves using bloggers, website owners, social media influencers, and other content creators to promote your coaching services for you.

Why would they do that? Because you pay them a commission for each lead or sale they generate.

For instance, grief coaching business From Grief To Gratitude gives its affiliates a 20% cut of every coaching customer they refer:

With the company’s coaching program priced at $777, this translates to a commission of $155.40 per sale.

Sure, that sounds like a lot of money, but From Grief To Gratitude still retains 80% of the sale value. And if their affiliates don’t generate any sales, they don’t have to hand over a single cent in commission payments.

Generate more coaching leads with AWeber

Before you start splashing the cash on Facebook ads or building an affiliate program from scratch, there are three key boxes to tick. 

You need:

A landing page 

A lead magnet

An email marketing tool to convert your leads into paying customers

In short, you need AWeber.

We give you the tools to build attractive, high-converting landing pages — even if you don’t know how to code.

And we save you hours of work by making it easy to design and launch automated email sequences for welcoming new leads, demonstrating the benefits of your coaching services, and closing the deal.

Sounds good, right?
Sign up for your free AWeber account today!

The post Lead generation for coaches: Strategies to supercharge your coaching business appeared first on AWeber.

You use AWeber to get the right message to the right person at the right time, and we’re obsessed with making that happen.

We recently released several improvements to help you get in compliance with recent Gmail and Yahoo sender requirements to make sure your mail keeps getting where it’s supposed to go – plus some other helpful updates to help you build your list, and ultimately earn more.

🖱️ Set up your DKIM and DMARC records with just a few clicks

✅ Have confidence in your email authentication with the DKIM/DMARC checkers

💰 Easily accept donations with a donation landing page

👋 Onboard new subscribers more effectively with a 3-message welcome campaign

🧲 Grow your list using these new lead magnet templates

Set up DKIM / DMARC records with just a few clicks.

We’ve been working hard to make the process of getting DKIM and DMARC records set up for authentication faster and easier.

Now, if your domain name is managed through any of these providers you’ll be able to set up your DNS records automatically, without needing to manually create records.

Just click the “Fix Issue” link next to any domain you’d like to authenticate and if it’s supported, a wizard will kick off right inside of AWeber.

Have confidence in your email authentication.

If you do need to manually update your DNS records for DKIM and DMARC, we’ve been listening to feedback from people like you to make that process easier.

Validate your DMARC record – We’ll show you whether your DMARC is set up correctly, and show you what to fix if there are issues.

Get specific instructions for your domain host – If you need or choose to manually set up DNS records for your domain, we now give you a link to the specific instructions for your domain host.

Improvements to validation – Validation of DKIM and DMARC records have been dramatically improved based on feedback and testing to catch and give you feedback on fixing all sorts of issues that may arise with your records.

Easily accept donations with a donation landing page.

One of my teammates at AWeber also runs a non-profit that provides bicycles to people in need. He created a landing page to accept donations that was so successful that we just had to turn it into a template for you.

All you have to do is:

Create a new landing page.

Choose the “Donations via QR Code” template.

Replace the placeholder content with information about your organization.

Replace the placeholder QR codes with QR codes for your PayPal, Venmo, and/or Cash app accounts.

Publish your landing page!

Onboard subscribers more effectively with a 3-message welcome campaign.

In a recent newsletter I shared an interesting approach to a simple welcome series that was working for a friend of mine who owns her own business.

The response to that email was so positive that we created a campaign template for you to easily create a version of this campaign strategy for yourself.

To use this campaign, just:

Import the campaign into your account using the campaign code: d70b5a76-1844-49e9-9613-bfc364c5cc10

Customize the content in each message to speak about your specific offering and area of expertise.

Grow your list using these new lead magnet templates.

Lead magnets are incentives for people to sign up for your list. Something that offers enough value that they feel like it’s a good deal to give their email address for access.

It can be really easy to feel overwhelmed by the process of creating a lead magnet. But never fear! I created a few templates that you can just copy and modify to share with your own audience.

Just make a copy of one of the templates below by clicking the link, then go to File > Make a Copy in Google Docs.

Template: Project Costs Spreadsheet

Template: Checklist

The post [New Features] It’s way easier to set up DKIM and DMARC appeared first on AWeber.

Getting your first 1,000 subscribers on YouTube comes with some sweet (and very profitable) perks. From unlocking revenue sharing and selling opportunities to exponentially accelerating channel growth, the milestone is significant for any YouTuber.

Less than 10% of YouTube channels reach the 1,000-subscriber mark, and those that do often upload videos for years before reaching the milestone.

However, many channels reach 1,000 authentic subscribers in months instead of years. And it’s no coincidence that they all use similar methods to get there.

In this guide, we share stories, examples, and unique expert tips from people who have built successful YouTube channels. We’ve also included a “How to get 1,000 YouTube Subscribers” checklist to kickstart your growth on the platform.

Whether you’re promoting a business you already own or looking to earn income as a YouTube creator, this guide will steer you toward YouTube success more quickly.

Why Getting 1,000 YouTube Subscribers Matters

Reaching the 1,000-subscriber goal is a major milestone for anyone with a new YouTube channel. It may not sound like a lot compared to other YouTubers you watch. But reaching that first 1,000 can be pretty tough. 

Less than 10% of YouTube channels have 1,000 followers or more.

Fortunately, YouTube relaxed some of its Partner Program eligibility requirements in 2023. Now, even new channels can access tools and features that can help them grow faster.

For example, Community posts were once limited to channels with 1,000 subscribers, but are now open to any size channel, regardless of subscriber count. Community posts allow you to engage with viewers outside of video uploads (in the Community tab) using polls, GIFs, quizzes, images, and more. 

When you reach 500 YouTube subscribers, you unlock features such as:

YouTube Partner Program (monetization options)

YouTube Merch Shelf (sell your products)

Reaching 1,000 YouTube subscribers unlocks:

Revenue sharing for ads

Revenue sharing for YouTube Premium

Unofficially, reaching 1,000 subscribers also gives you credibility, paving the way for brand partnerships and accelerated channel growth.

For example, it took Reddit user bassedmike 3 ½ years to reach 1,000 subscribers but only an additional six months to add 5,500 more subscribers.

How long does it take to get 1,000 subscribers on YouTube?

It’s 100% normal to take years for a channel to reach the 1,000-subscriber milestone on YouTube. 

It doesn’t have to take that long, though. Some people reach 1,000 subscribers much quicker. 

By learning how YouTube works, you can develop, optimize, and market your channel for faster growth.

If you aim to reach 1,000 subscribers within your first year, the tips below will help you get there. 

If your goal is a bit slower-paced, that’s okay, too. You can still use the advice to guide your growth. Many, if not most, successful YouTubers spend years developing their channels.

For example, it took Mr. Beast, the world’s #2 most popular YouTuber (with 237 million subscribers), many years to get his first 1,000 subscribers.

In the guide below, we share expert advice from people who have been there. Some gained their first 1,000 subscribers in weeks, while others reached the milestone in one year or more. If you’re looking for a strategic way to build a community on YouTube, these tips will help you get there.

9 Pro tips to help you get your first 1,000 YouTube subscribers

I chatted with several YouTubers who’ve had success on the platform and also dug into the back stories of some of YouTube’s most successful creators. Here are some of their most valuable tips for reaching 1,000 subscribers on YouTube.

#1 – Choose a niche audience and topic you’re passionate about

Narrowing your target audience can help you add YouTube subscribers more quickly. 

The ideal audience isn’t already overloaded with competitors yet is large enough to justify posting content.

For example, Taxi driver Tom Hutley, who has more than 91,000 subscribers, reached his first 1,000 within six months of starting his YouTube channel, Tom the Taxi Driver. 

Hutley’s unique commentary on taxi driving and the city of London is a hit with his subscribers, who eagerly engage in the comments section of nearly every video he posts.

Tuomas Kivioja’s YouTube channel, Internet Made Coder went from zero to 2,000 subscribers in two weeks.

In his video titled How I Got Monetized in 2 Weeks on YouTube, he explains that he struggled to get subscribers for a previous channel but learned from his mistakes. 

“I was making the exact same mistake that literally everyone who starts YouTube makes in the beginning — I was not focusing on a specific target audience.”

Kivioja adds, “I wasn’t making videos I was absolutely passionate about,” as he stresses the importance of making videos on topics you really care about.

Creating videos for years to come — and avoiding burnout —  can only happen if you love what you’re sharing. Narrowing your focus to a specific niche will help you to stand out and gain more YouTube views and subscribers from day one.

#2 – Don’t skip on sound quality

To create great videos, begin with the audio. This lesson resonates across nearly every YouTube channel discussion.

Poor sound quality annoys viewers and often causes them to quickly “bounce” away from your videos. 

The YouTube algorithm notices your high bounce rates, which eventually reduces the visibility of your videos in its feeds. Those quick bounces also dramatically reduce your chances of getting people to tap the “subscribe” button.

Whether you need to buy new equipment or cushion the room, delivering high-quality sound is worth the effort. 

Wondering how to get it right? Head to YouTube and look for videos on how other YouTubers get professional sound for their videos. 

Good sound quality doesn’t mean you have to break the bank. But it does take a bit of understanding about what kind of mic to use and how to set up your studio.

In the clip below, content creator Ben Johnson provides some simple tips on getting a professional sound for your videos. 

#3 – Optimize your channel and videos for YouTube SEO

Software engineer Alex Hyatt uses his YouTube channel to help developers learn new skills. He currently has 19,500 YouTube subscribers but reached his first 1,000 in only five months. 

In his blog post “1000 Subscribers in 5 Months: My Strategy,” Hyatt recommends that new YouTubers focus on getting traffic from YouTube Search.

How does YouTube SEO work?

YouTube search engine optimization (SEO) refers to optimizing your channel and videos for its native search engines. It involves adding keywords to your channel and videos in strategic ways.

Marketing expert and YouTuber Gillian Perkins explains how to optimize a YouTube channel in her video “YouTube SEO Basics- Rank Your Videos #1 on YouTube (Fast!)”

#4 – Write effective video titles

Your video titles are among the first things YouTube viewers see on your channel and in the search engine results. Titles play a large part in gaining subscribers because they can drive new viewers from results and recommendation feeds to your channel.

A good YouTube video title includes a clear and accurate description of the video, plus its keywords. Google recommends limiting ALL CAPS and emojis in titles, using them only when they deliver genuine value.

Resist the urge to focus on catchy titles that won’t drive traffic to your channel. Instead, focus on searchable titles that help your videos reach more viewers.

Digital marketing expert and former Google employee Kevin Miller explains that titles are a trigger for YouTube algorithms and a key factor in driving new viewers.

#5 – Partner with influencers on YouTube and other platforms

Want to immediately gain exposure to people who are likely to subscribe to your channel? Partnering with influencers who share a similar audience can be one of the quickest ways to grow a social media following. 

You don’t need a big brand budget to partner with influencers.

If you’re working with a small budget, consider hiring micro-influencers or partnering with other small YouTube channel owners for co-sponsored events, contests, takeovers, and promotions. 

For the best results, collaborate with influencers who have highly engaged audiences similar to yours. 

Grooveshark and Harmonic Reach Marketing founder Sam Tarantino encourages growing your YouTube channel with cross-platform influencer collaborations. 

#6 – Use other social media channels to test your content

Book author Lauren Kay reached the 1,000-subscriber milestone on YouTube at lightning speed in just one month. Her experience building audiences on other platforms, such as TikTok and Instagram, gave her insights that helped speed her growth on YouTube.

For example, one of her TikTok videos received 700,000 views, so she thought the topic might be a success on YouTube as well. She created another version of it for YouTube, and that video made it to the top 3 results on the platform, earning her 500-1,000 views each week.

#7 – Engage with commenters

When you create a feeling of community, people are more likely to return to your channel and share it with their friends. Engaging with viewers in the comments section of your videos is one of the best ways to build a genuine community.

Cleartail Marketing founder Magee Clegg explains that engaging with viewers goes a long way toward reaching new people and increasing your subscriber count.

“We actively interact with every comment, which helps to build a community feeling and establish a direct dialogue with viewers.

Based on one campaign we managed, this approach didn’t just encourage existing viewers to subscribe but also drew their networks into the conversation, thereby boosting our subscriber count organically.”

– Magee Clegg, founder and CEO of Cleartail Marketing

#8 – Engage with your subscribers in creative ways

Take engagement to the next level by looking for creative ways to interact with your YouTube subscribers.

Rongzhong Li, whose YouTube channel PetoiCamp has more than 20,000 followers, recommends using interactive elements to engage YouTube viewers.

Email marketing is another great way to keep your subscribers engaged. 

Sending a weekly email newsletter allows you to promote your YouTube channel on a wider scale. You can use your email newsletter to do things such as:

Offer exclusive tips.

Run contests and giveaways.

Encourage readers to share your videos with friends.

Ask what type of YouTube content they’d like to see next.

Let subscribers know about upcoming special events.

To encourage newsletter subscriptions, consider creating lead generation content and linking to its landing page in your video descriptions.

And (hint hint), if you’re looking for a trusted, easy-to-use email marketing platform that lets you manage email marketing, landing pages, and lead gen content from one place, consider giving AWeber a try!

#9 – Run cross-channel promotions

If you’ve already built a following on other social media channels such as Instagram, Facebook, TikTok, or Pinterest, give your followers a reason to head to your YouTube channel.

For example, you might include more in-depth content on YouTube or run a special giveaway contest from your YouTube channel.

Marques Brownlee, who makes videos about technology, has more than 18 million followers on YouTube. He began uploading videos to his channel at age of 15 in 2009, and it took him five years to reach the 1,000-subscriber milestone.

Brownlee’s focus has always been his YouTube channel, but he’s taken advantage of other social platforms to promote it.

For example, when his channel was still young, Brownlee ran a live Q & A session on Reddit that attracted nearly 6,000 comments and more than 18,000 views.

Cross-channel promotions can go a long way toward reaching your first 1,000 YouTube subscribers more quickly. Creative ideas for special events, contests, and live broadcasts can be very effective in driving social media followers to your YouTube channel.

The “How to get 1,000 YouTube followers” checklist

The most successful YouTube creators recommend the following strategies to increase subscribers for your channel:

Choose a niche you’re passionate about.

Create valuable content that’s worth watching.

Pay attention to the quality of your videos, especially the audio.

Optimize your channel, videos, and titles for YouTube search engines.

Cross-promote your channel on other social media platforms.

Engage with people who comment on your YouTube videos.

Look for creative ways to engage your community, such as email newsletters and cross-channel promotions.

Collaborate with influencers to expand your audience quickly.

Monitor your YouTube analytics to discover what type of content is most successful for your audience (and create more of it!).

Use email marketing to promote your YouTube channel.

Bonus tip: Launch your channel with at least five videos. 

Former YouTube employee MatPat, who has started several channels with millions of subscribers, says that launching a channel with only one video (or none) is a mistake. 

Without several videos, you can’t keep people on your channel very long — which makes the YouTube algorithm think that your channel can’t retain viewers.

Reaching 1,000 subscribers on YouTube is a significant milestone. Whether you’re looking to promote a business or earn income as a YouTube creator, the approach is the same: 

Choose a niche topic. 

Produce valuable content that matters to you. 

Engage with your audience. 

Promote your channel. 

Improve based on feedback.

By following the expert tips in this guide, you can begin to build a community of subscribers who support your channel and brand.

Building a social media community for the future

Building an engaged community on any social media channel takes time, effort, and well-thought strategy.

Before you invest in building subscribers on a platform like YouTube, consider how you’ll ensure access to your audience over the long term.

Social media algorithms can change without warning. Accounts can be hacked. Policies can be changed. And while it’s not likely to affect access to your audience, it’s always a possibility.

Before you begin growing your subscriber list, consider integrating email marketing into your social media strategy. By driving viewers to a link that encourages them to sign up for your email list, you ensure that you will always have direct access to your audience beyond the confines of social media.

AWeber simplifies email marketing with a drag-and-drop interface, easy email automation features, and professional templates. Why not give it a try? Sign up for a free AWeber account today.

The post How To Get Your First 1,000 Subscribers On YouTube appeared first on AWeber.

Your Instagram profile is prime real estate, but have you ever wondered whether you’re making the most of the links in your bio?

The link in bio on your Instagram profile has the power to skyrocket conversions, sales, and web traffic for your business. 

However, if you don’t use it to its full potential, your profits may fall short. And with all the hard work it takes to publish successful content on Instagram, your ROI is a big darn deal. 

To help you drive better profits from your Instagram content, I connected with more than 50 industry experts on the topic of Instagram’s link in bio. We’re sharing the best of that advice in the guide below. Keep reading for creative tips, practical advice, and unique ideas on how to use your Instagram link in bio to drive results for your brand.

What is an Instagram link in bio?

Instagram’s link in bio is the external link on your profile (or “bio”) page. It’s located at the bottom of your profile, after your brand name and description.

You can use your link in bio however you like. 

Whether you use it to send viewers to your blog, product page, email subscription form, landing page, or other destination is entirely up to you.

Brands looking to drive results such as website traffic, email subscribers, or sales often link to a landing page that offers a selection of link options.

For example, life coach Valerie Burton, pictured above, uses her bio link to send viewers to a landing page with strategic link choices.

Why should you have an Instagram link in bio?

Instagram doesn’t allow links in posts. So when you’re promoting a sale, blog content, products, or events with Instagram posts — you can’t ask viewers to click on the link and go to your website. The best you can do is refer them to the link on your profile page, or your “link in bio.”

This means much of your Instagram content relies on your bio link to convert social media audiences to web traffic, email subscribers, and customers.

The link in bio is critical because, in many cases, it’s the only way to drive traffic, conversions, and sales from your Instagram audience.

How to put a link in your Instagram Bio

Here’s how to add a link to your Instagram bio:

Using a mobile device, navigate to your brand profile.

Tap the “Edit profile” button beneath your bio.

Tap “Links” and add your link.

Before you add a single link, consider using a link in bio tool that sends users to a landing page.

What is a link in bio tool?

Link in bio tools are landing pages, usually optimized for mobile, that offer viewers a selection of links or actions to choose from. 

Instead of adding a website address to your Instagram profile, you add the landing page link.

A landing page link lets users choose the content they’d like to see and interact with. It also provides brands with a way to cater to people at different stages of the marketing funnel.

Digital Web Solutions CEO Vaibhav Kakkar recommends using a link in bio landing page, explaining that doing so increased page views and decreased bounce rates for his brand.

For example, Aspen Mountain Goods encourages product sales and conversions with options such as “Shop our Store,” “Custom Order,” and an email subscribe form.

Dorktales Storytime Podcast prioritizes conversions and engagement by placing an email subscribe form at the top of its landing page, followed by engaging link options such as“Take Our Listener Survey!” and “Printables Shop.”

How to drive results with your Instagram link in bio

To drive traffic, conversion, and sales to your business from your Instagram community, take advantage of one of the many link in bio tools that send users to a content hub landing page.

There’s nothing wrong with using a single link in your bio. However, 31 million Instagram users prefer a link in bio tool because landing pages boost conversions and sales.

For example, Katie Devoe, owner of CBD Nationwide, says her company switched to a story-driven link in bio landing page that includes:

Engaging videos

Interactive elements

Invitations to their webinars focused on sustainable living. 

Devoe was thrilled with the results of switching to a link in bio landing page. She explains, “Within six months, our engagement rates jumped by 30%, and we saw a marked increase in webinar signups and longer session times on our website.”

David Miles, CEO of The PPC Machine, also recommends utilizing a link in bio tool on Instagram. 

Miles explains, “Single links limit your audience’s accessibility to your content. Using a link-in-bio tool allows you to consolidate multiple links into one. This amplifies your audience’s access to a broader array of your content, offerings, or resources efficiently.”

Instagram link in bio pro tips from industry experts

I chatted with several industry experts about how they use Instagram’s link in bio. They provided some fantastic insights, including the following helpful and creative tips for making the most of your link in bio.

Update your links frequently

Whether you use a single link or a link in bio landing page, most experts agree that updating your link or landing page regularly delivers better results.

Will Yang, head of growth marketing for Instrumentl fundraising services, recommends taking advantage of your bio link. He explains, “This small clickable area is valuable real estate, so you need to use it strategically to drive traffic and conversions.”

Yang emphasizes the value of frequently updating the link in your bio to showcase a variety of landing pages, campaigns, and offers. For example, he might send traffic to a sales page for a new program launch one week, then switch to a high-converting lead magnet the next week. 

Jason Hunt, CMO of Merged Media, also advises regularly updating your bio link(s) to keep content relevant and engaging.

Ashwin Ramesh, CEO of Synup listing and reputation management, advises using a link in bio landing page with multiple links. He recommends updating links regularly according to what the analytics show is working best.

Align link in bio with your marketing objectives

Featuring a link or links that drive traffic toward your marketing goals can go a long way toward boosting your traffic, conversions, sales, and other marketing goals.

Gabrielle Marie Yap, Senior Editor at Carnivore Style, recommends focusing your brand’s link strategy on its most important goals.

Yap also stresses the importance of providing an enjoyable user experience. “When it comes to your bio link, you want it to look like a storefront window displaying your latest and greatest products.”

Promote your link in bio

Encourage viewers to visit your link or landing page by drawing attention to it on your profile with a CTA and emojis.

Jason Boyd, Director at Evolve SEO Agency, advises drawing attention to the link on your profile page in several ways:

Add a CTA that encourages clicks on your link

Add an emoji

Ensure that your bio stays within the character limits

Jon Morgan, CEO of Venture Smarter, adds that “every piece of content is an opportunity to direct your audience to your link.” 

He recommends promoting your link in bio throughout your content in creative ways such as: 

Tease a new product launch in your caption and encourage followers to click the link in your bio for more details. 

Create a series of Instagram stories that lead viewers on a journey, ultimately culminating in a swipe-up link to your latest offer or promotion.

Instagram’s link in bio is an excellent tool for driving traffic from the social media platform to the links that matter most to your business. When choosing the link or building a link in bio landing page, consider your marketing goals and provide a link or links that support them.

How to create a link in bio landing page

We’ve covered some fantastic tips in this guide, direct from experts with first-hand experience driving traffic, conversions, and sales from the popular social media platform. Overall, most people agree that a link in bio landing page is one of the most effective ways to boost your ROI.

Link in bio tools make it quick and easy to create landing pages that fit your aesthetic on any social media platform.

At AWeber, we make landing pages easy to build with templates and a drag-and-drop interface. You’ll love the endless customization options and the ability to embed email campaign forms and YouTube videos directly onto your landing pages!

Instead of adding one more tool to your overflowing stack of apps, AWeber provides you with everything you need to turn leads into sales, including  email marketing automation, landing pages, and a link in bio landing pages. 

We’ve even got a link in bio template you can use. Just add your logo, brand color, and links and you’re ready to go.

Why not drop by and check out AWeber today — we’ve got a free account waiting for you!

The post Link in bio on Instagram: Marketing experts weigh in on the best ways to use it appeared first on AWeber.

You have a passion for food and want to share it with the world.

Blogging can give you a way to express your love for all things culinary and connect you with a global network of like-minded people.

It also boosts your credibility as a chef or author. 

And it gives you another way to earn income and promote your books and products to a wider audience.

Plus, there’s all the food.

But getting started as a food blogger might sound complicated, especially if you’ve never launched a website before. There are a lot of steps and decisions involved, and you may find yourself wondering “Where do I begin?”

If you want to start your own food blog but need a bit of guidance on how to do it, you’re in the right place.

This recipe for food blogging success walks you through every step you need to know to launch and promote your new site.

Recipe for becoming a food blogger

This recipe is a roadmap for anyone who wants to start a food blog. It includes choosing your niche, setting up a domain, designing a website, promoting your blog, and much more!

Servings: 1 Successful Food Blog

Preparation Time: Varies

Cook Time: A lifetime of passion and dedication

Ingredients for a successful food blog

To create a delicious food blog, begin with a clear niche, catchy name, and user-friendly blogging platform. 

An attractive design and high-quality photos, plus some basic search engine optimization, can help drive traffic from Google and social media to your blog. 

1 clear niche (vegan, desserts, cultural cuisines, etc.)

1 catchy blog name

1 blogging platform

1 domain and hosting service (optional but recommended for a professional touch)

A dash of website design (user-friendly and appealing)

3-5 original and tested recipes to start

A cup of high-quality food photos

A tablespoon of SEO knowledge

A generous portion of social media presence

Regular pinches of patience and perseverance

An endless supply of creativity and passion

Find out how to pull all your blog “ingredients” together in the instructions below!

Instructions for starting your food blog

Below are step-by-step instructions for getting your food blog off to a great start.

Food blogging prep work: define your purpose

Perhaps you want to share your culture through food. Maybe you have a love for vegan foods or a flair for keto, low-calorie, or other health-related categories of cuisine. Or you might be a talented chef hoping to share your recipes and cooking techniques with the world.

Whether you want to do something as simple as sharing grandma’s recipes or as adventurous as experiencing the life of a traveling food blogger, defining your blog’s purpose is the best place to start.

Take a few moments to document your goals, motivation, and backstory. 

Write down your answers to the following questions:

Why do you want to start a food blog?

What kind of food blog would you like to start?

What’s your story — when did your love for food begin, and who are the people who inspired you along the way?

What’s the #1 goal of your food blog? This might be anything from personal enjoyment to profits to connecting with other food bloggers. Pinpoint your driving motivation and write it down.

Putting your desires, motivations, and vision down on paper can help define your purpose and guide your decisions for years to come. 

Ready to get started? In the guide below, we show you how to develop your passion for food into a successful food blog.

Step 1: Find your flavor (niche selection)

Begin your blogging journey by deciding what type of food blog you want to create. 

Are you leaning towards a specific cuisine, dietary preference, or food-related adventures? Your niche will guide the content you create, so make sure it’s something you’re passionate about.

You’ll enjoy a better chance of getting discovered in the search engines when you choose a specific niche. Niching can help your blog gain popularity quicker because it narrows the pool of competition. 

For example, you would face a lot of well-established competition with a niche like “vegan recipes.” But if you narrow this description, you’re likely to get more traffic from Google and on social media.

Instagram’s Vegan_Lunch_Mom specializes in vegan lunches for kids. Her page is one of the top search results for “vegan lunch” on Instagram, thanks to its specific description. Google works similarly, providing more ranking opportunities for your blog in niches with less competition.

Step 2: Mix in a memorable blog name

Brainstorm to come up with a blog name that’s catchy, relevant to your niche, and easy to remember. Your blog name should give potential readers a taste of what your blog is about while reflecting your personality.

Stuck for ideas? Try the Wix blog name generator for new ideas!

Step 3: Prepare your kitchen (setup your blog)

Next, you’ll want to find the best blogging platform to fit your style and experience, such as WordPress, Squarespace, or Weebly.

For a more professional presentation, consider purchasing a domain name and hosting for your blog. 

Customize your blog’s design with a theme, colors, and fonts that are as appetizing as your food photography.

Step 4: Whip Up your first blog posts

Create your initial content, focusing on quality and uniqueness. Start with 3-5 posts that showcase your personal food style and niche. 

Proofread your posts before you publish. You might even ask a friend to review your first posts and offer feedback!

If you’re publishing recipes, make sure each one is well-tested and includes clear, concise instructions.

Step 5: Garnish with gorgeous photos

As a food blogger, good photography is your door to the world. 

The quality of your photography plays a significant role in the popularity of your blog and social media channels. 

For example, Mama Gourmand, a gluten-free family food blogger, showcases beautiful photographs that are well-lit, crystal clear, and compelling.

If you’re new to food photography, you can learn the basics from other successful food bloggers or take a food photography class on a site like Udemy or Food Photography Academy.

 Your photos should make mouths water, so practice taking shots with good lighting, interesting angles, and minimal but effective styling.

Step 6: Season with search engine optimization (SEO)

Sprinkle your posts with SEO blogging strategies to help them get found by people searching for blogs like yours on Google.

Use relevant keywords, optimize your images, and create catchy titles that will draw readers in.

If you’re new to SEO for food blogs or could benefit from a quick refresher, the 10-minute YouTube tutorial SEO-friendly recipe posts by Real Website Hints will get you up to speed.

Step 7: Serve up on social media

Share your photographs, videos, and expert tips on social media platforms. 

Instagram is a top choice for food bloggers. Pinterest is perfect for bloggers who enjoy posting recipes. And if you hope to start a private online community someday, Facebook is an excellent platform for groups.

On any social media channel, engaging with your followers is important to building an active audience. You can engage by responding to comments and asking for feedback. 

Then, turn your readers and social media followers into email subscribers so you can keep them coming back for more.

Step 8: Marinate with email marketing

Email marketing is one of the best ways to engage with your readers since it allows you to communicate directly with them. 

Sending a weekly newsletter can help boost your social media following, drive more traffic to your blog, build loyalty with your audience, and provide you with additional monetization opportunities.

Email marketing is all about nurturing a community of dedicated readers, which can significantly improve the success of your blog. 

Encourage people to subscribe to your mailing list by including a form or popup on your blog!

For example, FedandFit food and fitness blog encourages visitors to subscribe to its blog by including a subscription form at the top of its category pages. 

Step 9: Let it simmer

Understand that success won’t happen overnight. Keep adding fresh content on a consistent schedule, refining your photography, communications, and marketing skills along the way.

Regularly monitor your blog analytics to discover which posts are driving people to your blog and keeping them on your site the longest. Then, create more like those!

Step 10: Taste and adjust

As your blog grows, listen to your audience and adjust your content accordingly. Try new types of posts, experiment with video recipes, and always be open to feedback on how to improve your blog.

Step 11: Don’t forget to E-A-T

E-A-T stands for Experience, Authoritativeness, and Trustworthiness. It’s a concept used by Google to evaluate the quality of content on the web. 

For bloggers, E-A-T matters because it influences how well your content ranks in search results. 

Here are some tips on how to incorporate E-A-T into your blog writing:

Write in first-person narrative and share your stories, experiences, and lessons learned along the way. 

Showcase your expertise by providing in-depth and accurate information.

Build trust through transparent, honest content and by collaborating with other bloggers or businesses for special events and unique content.

High E-A-T scores can lead to better search rankings and increased traffic to your blog, making it an important ingredient to successful blogging.

Serving suggestion: One heaping portion of marketing and promotions

Once your blog is up and running —  and you’ve got the hang of blogging on a consistent basis — you’ll be ready to step up your marketing efforts.

Using the same methods mentioned above (email marketing, social media, and SEO), you can focus on promoting your food blog in more ambitious ways. 

For example, you can create a landing page that offers a free download to people who subscribe to your email newsletter. The free download, called “Lead generation content,” could be a recipe book, food traveling tips, or another type of guide that offers high value to your target audience. 

If it sounds like a lot, here’s some great news: you can automate most of your email and marketing tasks. For example, AWeber has a blog automation feature that automatically sends an email to your audience when you publish a new blog or this email can be scheduled once a day, weekly or monthly. The choice is yours. 

AWeber will scan your blog and pull into the email the information for your new blog. You don’t need to do anything other than watch your blog traffic increase.

Most food bloggers embrace Instagram as a way to drive more traffic to their food blogs. 

For example, food blogger and bestselling author Jessica Merchant frequently posts foodie Reels on her page HowSweetEats.

With its focus on high-quality visuals, Instagram is a great place to promote your food blog and develop a supportive community.

Food blogging FAQs

How can you make money with food blogging?

You can make money with food blogging through advertising, sponsored content, affiliate marketing, selling digital products like books or courses, and hosting cooking classes or workshops.

What kind of photography equipment do I need to get started with food blogging?

To get started with food blogging, you need a good quality camera (DSLR or a smartphone with a high-quality camera), a tripod, and natural lighting or a basic artificial light setup.

Before you invest in photography equipment, consider taking one of the food blogging photography courses mentioned above. Your instructor will probably have tips on the best brands and models. They may also share some advice on how to save money when investing in photography equipment.

What are the Pros and Cons of food blogging?

Food blogging offers the opportunity to share your culinary passions, connect with a global audience, and earn an income doing something you love.

However, it also requires patience, consistency, and an investment of your time to grow and nurture your blog and audience.

Getting your food blog started

To begin, you’ll make decisions about your blog’s name, branding, and web design. And you’ll make decisions on what platforms, tools, and equipment you use to start blogging.

Once you get past the technical aspects of blogging, you’ll enjoy the creative side.

Your food blog should reflect who you are as a person and what you’re passionate about. 

Remember to keep your list of personal goals (created in the “Prep work” section above) nearby to help you make decisions that pave the way toward a blog that’s as unique and creative as you are.

At AWeber, we think of all the things. Like the fact that you’re a food blogger and probably don’t want to spend a lot of time on marketing. 

We provide you with everything you need to create professional emails and landing pages in minutes. And we put it all inside a beautiful drag-and-drop interface that’s super simple and easy to use. 

Why not open a free AWeber account now so you’re prepared to greet your new audience on launch day?

Bon Appétit! 🍴

The post How to start a food blog: Recipe for success appeared first on AWeber.

Less than three seconds.

That’s the average amount of time you have to capture a subscriber’s attention in his or her crowded inbox. Talk about a short window.

So what’s an easy way to make an impact and stand out? Include an email preheader in each message you send. 

What is an email preheader?

When viewing a message in your inbox, an email preheader — also known as the Johnson Box or preview text — is a snippet of text shown next to or underneath the subject line.

How long is the ideal email preheader text length?

The email preheader length will vary by device and which Internet Service Provider (ISP) like Gmail or Yahoo! subscribers use. However they are typically between 50 to 100 characters or about 6 to 11 words. 

Below, you can see an email preheader example on a desktop inbox, and another on a mobile inbox. 

Why is an email preheader important?

When written well, an email preheader is a powerful tool to improve your open rate. 

Unfortunately, many email marketers don’t take advantage of the preheader. They spend lots of time crafting the perfect subject line, but barely think twice about this very important piece of text. So they leave it blank, or fill it out with some generic information.

In fact, here are a handful of common email preheaders examples I found in my inbox.

“Click here if you are having trouble viewing this message”

“You are part of an email list, you can unsubscribe here”

“This message contains images, please enable images”

“View in a web browser”

You may be wondering why these messages are pulled into the preheader field. ISPs will automatically populate this field with the first line of coded text in your email. If you don’t customize your preheader, you’re leaving it up to the ISP to determine your second most important line of text.

And looking at the examples above, do you think any of these messages make your subscribers super eager to open the message? No. So what kind of preheader will make your subscriber click open? And how do you set it up properly?

5 Email preheader best practices

Below are five ways to write an email preheader that will skyrocket your open rates. 

#1: Sum up the content inside

Add more context to your subject line with your preheader text. In it, give a short summary of what the reader can expect to find inside the message. This may further entice your subscriber to click on the message so they can read the full content.

Example: Google Home

Subject line: Lauren, welcome to your Google Home Mini

Email preheader: 3 ways to get the most out of your new Mini

#2: Make your subject line and preheader text compliment each other

Paul McCartney & John Lennon, Laverne & Shirley, Han Solo & Chewbacca, Bert & Ernie — what do these great duos have in common?

They complement each other. Alone they are good, together they are amazing.

Subject lines and preheaders are the same. To get the highest open rate and engagement for your email campaign, these two critical email marketing elements should play off each other. Use your preheader to build on an amazing subject line.

Example: Netflix

Subject line: Coming Monday, December 14th…Tiny Pretty Things

Email preheader: Get a first look today

#3: Request an action

Use the email preheader to make your readers take action. Tell them what you want them to do!

Do you want them to open the message? Do you want them to click on a link? Fill out your survey? Let them know what you want them to do and why you want them to do it.

Example: Ulta Beauty

Subject Line: Take a look at your ultimate rewards statement, Lauren!

Email preheader: Check out these beautiful offers, too. Open to see all the ways beauty loves you back!

#4: Use FOMO

The “fear of missing out” or FOMO is a powerful psychological trigger. If you want a subscriber to take advantage of a special offer or deal — such as free shipping or a discount code — tell them about it in the preheader. They’ll be tempted to open right away if they know the offer is exclusive or a limited-time.

And you want them to open right away! Chances are, if they don’t open when they see the message for the first time, they won’t come back the next day or next week to do it. 

Example: Michaels Craft Store

Subject line: Last Day: Summer Cyber Sale! An Online Bonus Coupon and Free Shipping, no minimum

Email preheader: Drop-What-You’re-Doing Doorbusters and Deals. Don’t miss out!

#5: Get creative

Your subscribers want to do business with people they know, like, and trust — as opposed to a faceless corporation. Humanize your preheader text to increase connection and engagement with your subscriber. Use the small block of text to show your company is likeable and relatable, and your subscribers will be more likely to open the message.

Example: PECO

Subject line: PECO can help you keep cool for less this summer

Email preheader: Rising temperatures make it harder to stay cool and comfortable inside. But don’t sweat it!

How do different email platforms handle preheader text?

Different email services, like Gmail or Outlook, can show preheader text differently. Some might display a preview of the email content, while others might only show the first few words of the preheader. 

It’s a good idea to check how your preheader looks on different email platforms to make sure it’s effective for everyone who reads your emails.

How to use preheader text for different types of emails?

For different types of emails, like newsletters or promotions, you can use preheader text creatively. 

For a newsletter, you might tease the main story to encourage readers to open. 

If it’s a promotion, mentioning a limited-time offer can entice people to click. 

For event emails, a sneak peek of what’s in store could build excitement.

How can A/B testing be used to optimize preheader text?

A/B testing with preheader text means trying out different versions to see which gets more people to open your emails. 

You could test different lengths, tones, or offers. Once you send both versions to a small group, you can see which one gets more opens. This helps you learn what works best for your audience, so you can use it in future emails to get even more people interested.

How to add a preheader to an email campaign

There are three ways text can be inserted into your email’s preheader.

#1: Automatically

This is where the ISP your email is being sent, takes the top text in your email. If you have an image as the first element in your email, then the ISP will take the alt text you give your image.

So if your email service provider doesn’t provide you a dedicated section for a preheader, then you need to make sure that the very first text you put in your email has the text you want to appear.

#2: Hidden preheader text HTML code

You understand the value of a preheader but you don’t want this copy to be the first thing your subscribers see when they open your email. If you’re comfortable with coding your email you can put the below code as the very first element in the HTML portion of your email.

#3: Add text in message preheader in AWeber

Adding an email preheader to your message in AWeber is super easy. All it takes is just the click of a single button.

Simply create a message using the drag & drop email builder.

From within the message editor directly under “message,” you can add the text you wish to display with your subject line when the message is sent. It’s that easy.

If you want to personalize your email preheader for your subscriber to include their name, email address, or any other of their subscriber information, you can do so as well! You can accomplish this using personalization snippets within the ‘message preheader’ text box directly.

Ready to write fantastic email preheaders that grab a subscriber’s attention in less than three seconds? Then create your FREE AWeber account today. 

The post Email preheaders: Tips to increasing your open rates appeared first on AWeber.

You’re spending hundreds — maybe even thousands — of dollars a month on Facebook ads.

That money is buying you a ton of impressions and clicks, but it isn’t delivering in the only area that really matters: conversions. What gives?

Most likely, the issue lies with your Facebook landing page.

Maybe there’s a disconnect between your landing page and what you’re promising in your ads. Perhaps your pitch isn’t persuasive enough. Maybe your landing page just doesn’t look credible or trustworthy.

Whatever the case, you need to fix the problem fast if you want to start generating some serious bang for your ad bucks.

Read on to learn how to create a Facebook landing page that converts (including plenty of real-world examples to inspire you).

What is a Facebook landing page?

A Facebook landing page is the first page someone sees after clicking the call to action (CTA) in a Facebook ad.

Facebook landing pages are different from other pages on your website because they’re designed to complement a specific ad and only exist for a single purpose: driving conversions.

They achieve this by replicating the theme and narrative of the Facebook ad, such as using a similar visual style, tone of voice, offer, and call to action.

Why do you need Facebook landing pages?

Facebook landing pages strip out unnecessary “noise” like navigation menus and internal links. Because their whole purpose is keeping visitors on the page until they convert, not persuading them to explore other parts of your website.

This makes them highly effective at convincing visitors to:

Buy a product or service

Fill out a lead capture form

Sign up for an online course

Register for an online event

Book a product demo

To understand why Facebook landing pages work so well, just imagine what would happen if you sent users to a different page on your site, like your homepage.

Rather than immediately being presented with the specific offer you referenced in the ad, they’d see a bunch of irrelevant information — links to random category pages; banners promoting your latest blog post or ebook; multiple CTAs for different products and services.

They’d be pretty confused, right?

By contrast, a dedicated Facebook landing page is immediately recognizable because it only includes specific information about the ad they clicked through from, thereby creating a totally seamless user journey from click to conversion.

This helps to explain why the average conversion rate for a landing page is 9.7%, compared to just 2.9% for the average website as a whole. In other words: would-be customers are over 3X more likely to convert if they land on a dedicated Facebook landing page rather than some other random page on your website.

So if you want to boost your conversion rate, you can’t afford to live without Facebook landing pages.

How to create a Facebook landing page to maximize conversions

Building a dedicated Facebook landing page is no guarantee of success. You still need to get the basics right if your landing page is going to drive conversions.

Be sure to follow these best practices when creating your landing page…

Ensure a seamless user journey between your ad and landing page

You put a lot of time, effort, and money into building Facebook ads that people want to click.

So the last thing you want is for visitors to arrive on your landing page then bounce immediately.

That’s exactly what will happen if the “vibe” of your landing page doesn’t align with the ad they clicked through from.

In an ideal world, you want users to feel like they’re on a seamless journey, where the landing page clearly echoes the style, tone, and messaging of the ad they clicked.

To illustrate our point, let’s take a look at one advertiser that understood the assignment, and another that gets it all wrong.

👍 Good

Online physical therapy course company Physiotutors goes to great lengths to spell out the benefits of its product in its Facebook ads, from the range of languages they support to the ability to learn at your own pace:

Well done, Physiotutors — you convinced me to click.

When I arrive on the Facebook landing page, it’s immediately obvious that I’m in the right place. Same logo, same color scheme, same USPs:

View Physiotutors full landing page

So there’s nothing here to put me off wanting to find out more.

👎 Not so good

We hate to name and shame, but subscription box company BoxyCharm has created a user journey that feels more jarring than seamless.

The ad ticks a lot of boxes — a limited-edition offer to drive action; a bunch of high-profile brand names; a photo of everyone’s favorite third-wave ska lead singer:

When I clicked the “Sign Up” CTA button, I expected to be taken to a signup page, likely containing some review scores and other trust signals, all designed to persuade me to convert. Sounds obvious, right?

Instead, you end up on the first page of a “beauty quiz”:

View BoxyCharm’s full landing page

Hey, where did Gwen Stefani go?

Like the CTA promised, you’re expecting to sign up for something, not answer a bunch of questions about your makeup preferences. It honestly feels like they’ve accidentally redirected you to the wrong page.

If the quiz is an essential part of the path to purchase, they should have mentioned it in the ad copy to avoid this sort of confusion.

Focus on one key message

If you try to communicate too many different things in one place, you risk confusing your audience — and (most) people don’t buy when they’re confused. So focus on a single key message or selling point and refer to it throughout your ad copy and landing page.

With 10k Course Creator, the key message is right there in the name: giving online course creators tools and strategies to build a $10,000+ per month revenue stream.

It’s a compelling pitch — every course creator wants to make money, right? — so their ads and landing page copy never veer far from it.

Look how often they mention building a $10,000 per month online course business in this ad:

And, of course, it’s one of the first things you see when arriving on their landing page too. Just in case you needed reminding why you clicked the ad.

View 10k Course Creator’s full landing page

It’s also worth pointing out that this campaign doesn’t ask visitors for too much.

You’re not being encouraged to buy a course straight off the bat — instead, they just want you to sign up for a free, 20-minute workshop, with the promise of learning three secrets to reach that attractive-sounding $10k-per-month target.

Promoting this sort of low-friction offer is an effective way to improve the conversion rates of your ads and landing pages.

Once you sign up, you’re in their sales pipeline and they can target you with email sequences selling their paid courses.

Make it easy to convert

One of the most common issues we see with Facebook landing pages (or any landing pages, for that matter) is that they don’t make it easy for visitors to complete the desired action.

Like, they bury the call to action at the very bottom of the page, or don’t make the CTA button stand out.

Those sorts of basic errors cost businesses a ton of leads and sales — but fortunately, they’re easy to rectify.

Vegan meal kit delivery brand Purple Carrot shows us how it’s done.

For starters, their Facebook ad is easy to understand and carries a clear message: if you sign up for this offer today, you’ll save $100 on your first four meal boxes.

The “Order Now” CTA button makes it crystal clear that they expect you to buy something if you click through from the ad.

On the landing page, Purple Carrot repeats the discount message, making it immediately obvious that you’re in the right place. Best of all, the offer is surrounded by CTAs to get started:

View Purple Carrot’s full landing page

Need more convincing?

Below the fold, Purple Carrot showcases its latest meal kits…

…and builds social proof by highlighting some of the publications it’s appeared in:

Importantly, however deep in the page you scroll, the green “Get $100 off” CTA button is always visible at the top-right of the screen…

…so you’re only ever a click away from converting.

Create campaign-specific landing pages

Building landing pages is rarely a one-and-done exercise.

You’ll almost certainly need to build more when you launch a new ad campaign — unless you plan to promote exactly the same offer or target the same audience forever.

Coworking space company THRIVE Coworking demonstrates the importance of personalizing your ads and landing pages to reach and attract different audiences.

Given that they run physical workspaces across six US states, it’d be almost impossible to convert would-be customers with a single Facebook landing page. Instead, they built dedicated ads and landing pages for each coworking space. 

Here’s one of THRIVE’s ads for their location in Snellville, GA…

…which sends users to a dedicated Snellville landing page that explains the perks of being a member and the types of workspaces available:

View Thrive Coworking’s full landing page

Sure, this sort of personalization requires a little more effort than just relying on a single ad-and-landing-page combo, but it’s far more likely to generate leads.

Also, we like the way that the orange “Book a tour” button appears in both the Facebook ad and the landing page.

As one of the few colorful elements above the fold on the landing page, it naturally draws the eye, encouraging visitors to click and convert.

Sell, sell, sell

Facebook landing pages aren’t the place for the soft-touch approach — they’re all about driving immediate action.

If someone’s not going to convert, it makes no difference whether they spend five seconds or five hours on your landing page; the end result is the same. So you might as well use direct, action-oriented messaging to scare off the tire kickers and convince those who are ready to buy.

Online woodworking video training company the WoodWorkers Guild of America (WWGA) definitely knows its ABCs — “always be closing”, that is.

In this Facebook ad, it offers a massive discount to drive signups — presumably confident that customers will stick around and pay full price when it’s time to renew their membership:

Then we get to the landing page, which is a conversion-driving machine. 

It stresses that this is a limited-time offer, so you’d better act fast if you don’t want to miss out:

View WoodWorkers Guild of America’s full landing page

And if you’re still not convinced at that ultra-low price, they hit you with an exit intent popup offering the same package for just $0.65:

It’s hard to imagine many people not being persuaded at that price point — even if WWGA’s content sucks, you’ve only spent the price of a pack of gum.

Anyone who doesn’t convert was most likely never going to.

Optimize your Facebook landing page for mobile

Four in five Facebook users only visit the social network via a mobile phone, while just 1.5% exclusively use a laptop or desktop computer.

So if you don’t have a mobile-optimized landing page, you’re alienating almost the entire audience of your Facebook ad campaigns.

This trend toward mobile browsing makes it harder than ever to capture and retain your audience’s attention. News feeds are busy — and if users don’t find instant gratification, they’ll just switch to a different app.

All of which means it’s vital your Facebook landing pages play nice on mobile screens. For instance, you should:

A/B test CTA button copy, colors, and locations to find the combo that stands out best

Make it easy for users to jump to the top or bottom of the page using sticky headers and footers

Prioritize single-column rather than multi-column page layouts

Okay, let’s take a look at an advertiser that gets it right.

Dropshipping platform Spocket uses Facebook ads to drive signups for its 14-day free trial by discussing key benefits like access to US-based suppliers and fast shipping speeds:

The ad copy and “Sign Up” CTA make it clear that the whole point of clicking through is to join the platform.

When you visit the landing page on mobile, you’re presented with the same key messaging around the range and quality of suppliers, plus a simple, mobile-friendly email capture form:

View Spocket’s full landing page

By using a single-column layout, a single-field lead capture form, and a giant “Get started” CTA button, Spocket makes it super simple for mobile users to convert.

Add the Meta pixel to your landing page

Understanding how your audience reached your Facebook landing page (and what they did when they got there) is crucial to optimizing your campaigns.

To do that, you need to install a piece of code on your landing page known as the Meta pixel, which tracks the actions people perform — like completing a form or buying a product — when they click through to your website from Facebook or Instagram.

👉 Read our step-by-step guide on how to set up the Meta pixel on your Facebook landing page with AWeber.

Build high-converting Facebook landing pages and email sequences with AWeber

For many brands, Facebook landing pages go hand-in-hand with email sequences.

You run ads to target potential customers, persuade them to hand over their email address on your landing page, then nurture them until they’re ready to buy through a steady stream of marketing emails.

Wouldn’t it be great if you could build high-converting landing pages and engaging email campaigns in a single platform?

Turns out you can!

With AWeber, you can design beautiful landing pages using our intuitive drag-and-drop builder.

Then welcome your new subscribers with pre-built autoresponders, use dynamic content to craft highly personalized emails, and run A/B split tests to level up campaign performance.
Sign up for your free AWeber account today!

The post 7 Tips to build a high-converting Facebook landing page appeared first on AWeber.

When you think of a website, you probably imagine a homepage with a menu linking to various categories and sub-pages.

But not every business or creator needs a classic multi-page website. For many, a long-scrolling, single-page website could be the perfect solution.

Which approach is right for you? And if you decide to create a one-page website, what crucial elements do you need to include?

Read on to answer those questions (and more)…

What is a one-page website?

A one-page website is exactly what it sounds like: a site containing a single HTML page, with no links to additional pages (like a blog, contact page, or About Us page).

These clutter-free, easy-to-navigate websites are designed to provide just the right amount of detail to persuade visitors to take some sort of action, such as:

Buying a physical or digital product

Completing a contact form to receive a price quote

Signing up for an online event or course

That makes them a great fit for businesses and creators promoting one type of product or action — like a photographer with a portfolio website showcasing their best work, or an online course creator selling a single course.

Because they only comprise a single page, many one-page websites don’t bother with a navigation menu like you’d find on a classic site.

However, it’s still possible to add navigational elements to a single-page website. It’s just that when the visitor clicks a link or menu button, they’ll instantly be transported to the relevant destination on the page, rather than being sent to a totally different page.

When to consider a one-page website

Let’s consider the main reasons why you might choose a one-page website template over a classic website.

👍 One-page websites could work for you if:

Your content fits naturally onto a single page

You want to showcase your professional skills through an online portfolio

You want website visitors to complete a specific action (like buying a single product or service, or completing a contact form)

You don’t have the time or budget to build a full, multi-page website

Your product or service is simple enough to explain in one page of content

On the flip side, there are some scenarios in which a single-page website almost certainly isn’t the right fit for you.

👎 One-page websites probably won’t work for you if:

You want to publish blog content to bring people to your website

You’re planning to invest heavily in search engine optimization (more on this later)

You sell a wide range of products and services across multiple categories

You want to build dedicated web pages for different customer types

Your product or service is too complex to explain on a single page

You want a scalable website that you can easily expand when you enter new markets, target new customers, or launch new products

Benefits of a single-page website

By this stage, it should be clear whether or not a single-page website is a viable solution for your business. Now, let’s consider some of the key advantages these stripped-back sites offer over classic, multi-page sites:

Easy to navigate

Sick of aimlessly clicking around websites to find what you’re looking for? So is everyone else.

Confusing navigation is a big issue for many websites, making it tough for visitors to track down relevant information. If they can’t find that information, they’ll almost certainly bounce — and they probably won’t come back.

This isn’t such a problem for single-page websites, where everything is laid out on one page. No more grappling with confusing navigation menus; you just need to scroll down to find out more.

It’s the simplest possible user experience.

Clear user journey

One-page websites are typically built around one action — like persuading visitors to buy a single product or sign up for a specific online course.

That makes for a simple, clean user journey where you reveal more information as potential customers scroll further down the page. It often looks something like this:

Top of page: Briefly explain your offer and who it’s for.

Middle of page: Introduce further features and benefits.

Further down page: Demonstrate social proof through testimonials and customer reviews.

Bottom of page: Persuade the user to take action through a “Buy Now” button or a lead capture form.

It all feels very natural.

Mobile-friendly experience

Since late 2019, mobile users have accounted for at least 50% of total global website traffic.

That’s a big tick in the box of one-page websites.

Why? Because mobile browsing is built for scrolling — and that’s exactly what you get with a single-page site. 

With no complex menus to navigate or links to click, they’re often easier to get around on mobile than their multi-page equivalents.

Higher conversions

Classic websites are built around a wide range of different goals and actions. 

For instance, consider a typical e-commerce store. At any given time, it might want visitors to…

Learn about the organization’s commitment to sustainability

Apply for vacant jobs at the company

Sign up for the brand’s newsletter

Follow the brand’s various social media channels

Read their latest blog post

…and that’s without even mentioning the store’s main, overarching purpose of driving sales.

By contrast, single-page websites tend to be laser-focused on driving a specific action, which can help them generate more (and more valuable) conversions.

Perfect for Storytelling

An astonishing 94% of consumers agree that high-quality content “tells a good story”.

Again, single-page websites thrive here. They have a clear start, middle, and end (AKA the top, middle, and bottom of the page), which makes it comparatively easy to weave a compelling narrative.

It’s far harder to achieve the same thing across a classic website with hundreds, or even thousands, of pages and practically infinite possible user journeys.

Drawbacks of single-page websites

Of course, a one-page website isn’t a silver bullet guaranteed to work for every business type. There are some significant drawbacks to the single-page approach, including:

Limited SEO potential

Search engine optimization (SEO) strategies rely heavily on identifying high-value keywords, then targeting them through individual category, service, and product pages and blog posts.

With a single-page website, you’ve only got — guess what? — one page to play with, giving you far fewer opportunities for effective keyword targeting.

Also, you can’t take advantage of one of the most effective SEO tactics: internal linking.

Internal linking is about improving the search performance of your most important pages by linking to them from lots of other pages.

Clearly, if your website only comprises a single page, there’s no scope for internal linking.

Lack of flexibility

Another major drawback of single-page websites: they give you minimal scope for entering new markets or targeting new customers.

Why? Because they’re designed to promote a single action for a certain type of customer. Once you branch out to different actions and customers, they can become unworkable, fast.

Of course, if you’ve got no plans to step outside of your current niche, this isn’t a problem.

But it’s impossible to say what your business will look like in 12 months or five years, and you might not want to feel like your website’s holding you back.

Intimidating layout

Because you’ve got to incorporate all your valuable content in a single place, one-page websites often look pretty… long.

This can be a little intimidating to first-time visitors, who are immediately presented with a seemingly never-ending column of text and visual elements.

If they’re looking for a specific piece of information about your product or service, they might not want to scroll down through several screens of content to find it.

6 essential elements of a one-page website

Convinced that a single-page website is right for you? Here are six key elements to inform your design:

A clear goal

The first step when creating any website or landing page is to define a clear objective.

Are you selling a product or service? Showcasing your experience in a specific field? Promoting an online course or event?

Setting a goal helps to guide the design and content creation processes.

Logical, linear structure

If visitors have to constantly scroll up and down the page to find all the information they need to make a buying decision, you haven’t built an effective one-page website.

Plan your structure to ensure would-be customers are sufficiently clued-up by the time they reach the bottom of the page.

Prominent CTA

Think of a call to action (CTA) as a signpost on your website that tells visitors what to do next, like buying a product or signing up for an online course.

Add CTAs in prominent locations throughout your single-page website, like this example from instant coffee brand st33p:

Failing to include clear CTAs can leave visitors confused, which will likely harm your conversion rate.

Product/service description

Without wishing to state the obvious, it’s hard to sell a product or service without an adequate description. Think of this section as the “pitch” for your product or service: why should people buy it?

Focus on benefits rather than features. For example, check out all the benefits in these copy samples from sleep technology company Somvai:

“Somvai uses radar sensing to gently wake you up at the perfect point in time to make you feel most energized”

“You can tell Somvai when you need to be up by, and it will give you the best possible nap within that time”

“Somvai will rhythmically pulse its lights for you to follow with your breathing, helping you fall asleep faster”

That makes for a far more attractive “sell” than simply explaining that the product has flashing lights and a built-in countdown timer.

Social proof

Visitors to your site don’t want to hear you endlessly discussing the brilliance of your product or service — they want to know what real customers think. 

Indeed, 98% of shoppers say reviews are an “essential resource” when making purchase decisions.

As well as reading customer reviews and testimonials, consumers want to hear from authority figures like:

High-profile publishers

Influencers and thought leaders

Accreditation bodies (like the Better Business Bureau)

All that stuff is known as “social proof”, and it plays a key role in persuading potential customers that your business is legit.

There are lots of ways to display social proof beyond the obligatory Trustpilot or G2 logo.

For instance, Pull Systems incorporates the logos of its high-profile industry partners… 

…and also shares news stories from big-name publishers like Bloomberg and Fast Company:

Contact information

Last but not least, don’t forget to include your contact details.

To be clear, that doesn’t just mean linking to your social media profiles. Sure, you can do that too — but first and foremost, you need to give people a direct line to your support team, like an email address, phone number, or contact form.

If you don’t, there’s a real risk that would-be customers will simply look elsewhere, with three-fifths of consumers saying it’s “critical” for businesses to add contact information to their websites.

5 one-page website examples to inspire you

Keen to build your first one-pager, but not sure where to start? Check out five of our favorite single-page website examples:

KNOB

Niche: Consumer tech

Get over the terrible name, because KNOB gives us a superb example of how to build a single-page website to promote a product launch.

This site builds anticipation by highlighting the product’s eye-catching design through attractive imagery. And it incorporates a simple, striking CTA urging visitors to sign up for the brand’s newsletter to join the “waitlist” ahead of the launch date.

That way, the brand can keep in touch with prospective customers.

Concept Capers

Niche: Physical games

Think one-page websites have to be simple? Think again, because this one-pager for the creative card game Concept Capers is both beautiful and highly sophisticated.

Practically every element of the page is interactive, from the example playing cards at the top of the page to the draggable blocks in the footer. It’s honestly a pleasure clicking around to see what happens next, which means you actually enjoy learning about the product.

Importantly, this site also gets the basics right by incorporating multiple prominent CTAs throughout the page.

KreativePro

Niche: Online courses

Selling online courses is all about building trust with your audience by demonstrating your skills and credentials.

KreativePro clearly understands this. Its one-page website is crammed full of social proof, including awards and accreditations, customer testimonials, and the brand’s Trustpilot review score.

The site also effectively pitches KreativePro’s courses through subheadings discussing:

The “problem” of other creative design courses

The “solution” that KreativePro provides

Who would benefit from KreativePro’s courses

This makes it easy for would-be customers to figure out whether KreativePro is right for them.

Moritz Petersen

Niche: Web development

Moritz Petersen is a web developer who’s built a portfolio-style single-page website to showcase his best work.

Attention to detail is clearly a big deal for Moritz: he mentions it in the above-the-fold introductory copy, but it’s also evident through the design of his one-page site — from the stylish scrolling testimonial banner to the interactive cards in the portfolio section.

Importantly, the aesthetics never interrupt the site’s functionality. Whichever section you’re reading, the “Project request” CTA is always visible at the top-right of the screen.

Arts District Kitchen

Niche: Hospitality

At first glance, Arts District Kitchen’s website looks like a classic, multi-page site thanks to the top-of-the-page navigation menu.

In reality, it’s a skillfully designed single-page website that contains everything a potential restaurant visitor needs to know: location, opening hours, the menu, and even a little back-story about how the business started.

We also love how Arts District Kitchen gives would-be customers multiple ways to get in touch by including its social handles, phone number, and a built-in contact form.

Build your single-page website with AWeber

Looking for a one-page website builder? AWeber’s landing page builder is the perfect solution, allowing you to:

Get started fast by choosing from 100+ mobile-responsive landing page templates

Grow your marketing list through on-site lead capture forms

Monetize your single-page site with checkout functionality for one-off or recurring payments

Measure and optimize your performance by integrating Google Analytics and Meta’s tracking pixel

Connect or buy a custom domain to establish trust and build your brand

Design beautiful images using our built-in Canva integration

Ready to build your first single-page website?
Sign up for your free AWeber account today!

The post How to create a single-page website that leads to a conversion appeared first on AWeber.

If you’ve ever had a blog before, you probably know what a hassle it can be to decide which blogging platform to choose. Each boasts a long list of tools and features that can start to sound alike after you’ve browsed five or six of them.

If you’re looking to start your first blog, choosing the right blogging platform can be even more difficult. Especially when (and we all know this happens) everyone you know has a different, and often passionate, opinion on which one is best.

In this guide to the best blogging platforms, we make it easy for you to choose the best blogging platform for your business or personal blogging needs. You’ll discover which are easy or difficult to use, how much they cost, why people do and don’t like them, and who each platform is best suited to.

This guide will save you hours of research time and help point you in the right direction when looking for a blogging platform that fits your needs. 

Looking for a blogging service you can stick with for years to come? Your journey starts here!

Best blogging platforms

What is a blogging platform?

What to look for when choosing a blogging platform

8 Best blogging platforms

WordPress

Medium

Wix

Squarespace

Joomla!

Weebly

Blogger

Tumblr

How to get your first 5,000 blog readers

What is a blogging platform?

A blogging platform is a type of software or service that allows you to publish online content in the form of a blog. 

Blogging software, such as WordPress or Wix, requires “hosting” to go live on the internet. Hosting is often included with blogging software, for a monthly fee. Most blogging software doubles as website-builder software so you can build your website alongside your blog or integrate it at a later time.

Blogging services, such as Medium and Tumblr, host your blog for you. These are blog-only services that do not allow you to create a website. They are less expensive or free and easier to use. However, blogging services allow you very little control over your design. They also leave you heavily reliant on the success of the platform for continued blogging.

What to look for when choosing a blogging platform

When choosing the best platform for your blog, consider your needs, goals, and level of technical expertise.

Is the platform user-friendly and easy to use?

Does it allow for the types of customizations you have in mind?

Will it let you create the design you have in mind?

Does it have the essential features and plugins you need to meet your goals, such as SEO boosters or ecommerce integrations?

Can it meet your needs as you grow?

Is it within your budget?

Shopping for a blogging platform can make you feel like a kid in a candy store. It’s easy to find yourself wanting to build something bigger and better than what you need, especially when faced with some of the incredible features and plugins today’s blogging platforms offer.

That’s why making a list of your needs, goals, and expectations is important. It will help you focus on what you need in a blogging platform without getting (too) distracted by the endless possibilities.

8 Best Platforms for Blogging

Our picks for the best blogging platforms include a wide range of options to fit many different types of blogs. Whatever kind of blog you’re hoping to build, you’ll likely find a good platform match in the selection below.

WordPress

WordPress.com content management and website builder software

Popular blogging and website software WordPress powers more than 40% of all websites on the internet. WordPress is popular because it allows you to build and design nearly any blog or website you can imagine, yet requires no programming skills.

There are two versions of WordPress; 

WordPress.com is the more user-friendly version because it includes managed hosting. The hosting service handles most of the technical aspects of your site, including optimizing your site for security, performance, and speed.

WordPress.com is the best choice for bloggers with no programming or web-building experience who don’t mind having their site hosted by WordPress.

WordPress.org requires you to use a separate website hosting service, such as GoDaddy or WPX. This puts the technical maintenance in your hands or within the control of your hosting provider. WordPress.org software is free to use. However, you are responsible for separate hosting, maintenance, and domain expenses.

WordPress.org is a good choice for bloggers wanting to manage their hosting, security, and maintenance independently of WordPress.

WordPress is an ideal blogging platform for people in any industry who anticipate growing their blog into a full website. 

WordPress Pros:

User-friendly platform with visual editors.

11,000+ free theme options.

60,000+ free plugins available.

Minimal learning curve for simple blogging.

WordPress Cons:

Ongoing learning curve requires a time investment for WordPress beginners.

Costs can add up for hosting, premium themes, and premium plugins.

Abundant selection of themes and design options can be distracting.

“I like the versatility of WordPress as it can power a wide range of websites from blogs and small businesses sites to e- commerce platforms and large enterprise websites. Its SEO plugins help users improve their website search.”

– Asna F., G2 Reviewer

WordPress.com Pricing:

Free version

Starter plan: $9 per month

Explorer plan: $18/month

Creator: $40/month

Entrepreneur: $70/month

Enterprise: Contact for pricing

Medium

Medium reading and writing community

Launched by two of Twitter’s co-founders, Evan Williams and Biz Stone, Medium is a widely-known and well-respected blogging community with more than 100 million active users. 

Think of Medium as a social networking site known for its emphasis on high-quality writing and simple design.

Medium is best for bloggers seeking exposure on a community-based platform. It’s also a great fit for individual bloggers looking to build a following and monetize their content.

Medium pros:

User-friendly platform.

Built-in audience.

Requires no design or website building.

Requires no technical maintenance or knowledge.

Partner program provides monetization options.

Medium cons:

Limited customization options.

Long-term reliance on the platform’s hosting, policies, and pricing (which can change at any time).

Like social media, your content visibility depends on Medium’s algorithm (which can change without notice).

Readers must pay to access more than 3 articles per month.

“Medium is the perfect blog because you don’t need an external service. You don’t need a server… All in all, we find it an easy to use and clear platform that has helped us replace our old reliance on WordPress.”

– Kevin O’Grady, TrustRadius reviewer

Medium pricing:

Writing and publishing: Free

Partnership program: $5/month

Full access reading: $5/month

Wix

Wix is a visually-driven website builder and business management platform that hosts 43 million websites. Rated the best blogging platform for drag-and-drop by Forbes Advisor, Wix specializes in websites for ecommerce, restaurants, blogging, fitness, and service businesses.

Wix is best for creatives or small businesses who want to develop a visually stunning blog without deep technical skills. 

Wix Pros:

User-friendly drag-and-drop platform.

Excellent template options.

Enterprise-grade security.

Marketing and SEO tools and analytics.

Wix Cons:

Advanced features may require a learning curve.

Limited design flexibility.

Occasional slow loading times.

“I love the ease of creating a new site. All the options are fabulous and I learn new features almost daily.”

– Michelle M., Capterra Reviewer

Wix Pricing:

Free version

Light: $16/month

Core: $27/month

Business: $32/month

Business Elite: $159/month

Enterprise: Contact for pricing

Squarespace

Squarespace lets you create gorgeous website designs that focus on aesthetics and user experience. 

The platform requires no coding knowledge and makes it easy to modify pre-built template designs. Squarespace customers love its ecommerce capabilities and compatibility with services such as PayPal and Stripe.

Squarespace is best for bloggers, artists, and entrepreneurs wanting a super-easy way to quickly build a beautiful website. It may not be a good match for people looking for full control over their website design.

Squarespace pros:

Praised for its user-friendly tools.

Easy to use, allows you to quickly create web pages and blog posts.

Works well with ecommerce.

Provides a premium, hassle-free experience for bloggers.

Squarespace cons:

Doesn’t allow for easy advanced customization.

Some design, technical, and SEO limitations exist.

May feel too limiting for people with WordPress or other technical experience.

“Squarespace has saved me time, money, and has allowed me to expand my photography business over the past 5 years by providing the perfect place for clients to find me online. Plus, I get SO many compliments on my website!”

– Jenna S., Capterra reviewer

Squarespace pricing:

Personal: $16/month

Business: $23/month

Commerce Basic: $23/month

Commerce Advanced: $49/month

Joomla!

Joomla! is a robust, open-source content management system that allows you to create, manage, and publish digital content. Users enjoy its flexible functionality, powerful extension system, extensive user management options, and wide selection of design templates.

Joomla! is a good choice for intermediate to advanced users who need more flexibility and control than they can get with standard blogging platforms like WordPress and Squarespace. It’s also an ideal platform for websites with multiple users and access levels.

Joomla! pros:

More advanced than most blogging platforms but not as complex as Drupal.

Multilingual features.

Excellent user management features for companies with multiple users.

Highly scalable platform for ecommerce.

Joomla! cons:

Requires previous website-building skills.

Limited javascript abilities.

Updates can be buggy and sometimes break the theme.

“I like how it supports complex themes and the ability to add-on modules, plugins, payment gateways, etc. The possibilities are endless with what you can do with it.”

– Joel A., G2 Reviewer

Joomla! pricing:

Free

As an open-source software, Joomla! Is free to use. However, you might incur expenses such as web hosting, paid templates and extensions, and development and maintenance services.

Weebly

Weebly is a super user-friendly platform with drag-and-drop features. It allows you to customize your page designs and sell products online. 

Weebly is best for beginners or small businesses looking for an easy, all-in-one solution to integrated blogging and ecommerce.

Weebly pros:

Rated best blogging platform for ecommerce blogging by Forbes Advisor.

User-friendly platform that requires no technical knowledge.

Built-in features include contact forms, photo galleries, and sliders.

Built-in SEO settings to help you optimize your blog content for search engines.

Weebly cons:

Limited design options and code customization such as HTML, CSS, or JavaScript.

Limited capabilities compared to more comprehensive platforms such as WordPress.

May feel outdated to some users.

“The best thing about Weebly is the simplicity of building a very professional looking website with little or no site-building experience. If WordPress is out of reach for you but you need a solid professional looking site for your small business, Weebly is the way to go.”

– Joshua M., Capterra reviewer

Weebly pricing:

Free plan

Personal: $10/month

Professional: $12/month

Performance: $26/month

Blogger

Blogger, owned by Google, is a 100% free blogging platform that allows you to post unlimited articles. It’s known for its straightforward, user-friendly interface, and is easy to set up and manage.

Blogger makes it easy to monetize your content through Google Adsense. However, some speculate that its future is uncertain because Google has a history of discontinuing services. 

Blogger is best for beginning bloggers looking for a free platform to write and post articles. 

Blogger pros:

100% free, including themes, gadgets, and hosting.

Super easy to use, no experience required.

Monetization options are available through Google Adsense.

Reliable hosting by Google means minimal downtime and no technical hassles.

Blogger cons:

SEO limitations; does not provide the wide range of SEO tools and plugins as most other blogging platforms.

Limited features and extensions compared to more comprehensive platforms such as WordPress.

Limited design and template options.

“It allows you unlimited hosting that provides you with any amount of memory you need to write your articles, regardless of their size and length. I would also like to point out that Blogger is easy to use and simple, and it will not require you to have any experience or specialized education to use it”

– Oussama R., Capterra reviewer

Blogger pricing:

Free

Tumblr

Tumblr is a unique blend of a blogging platform and a social network that is especially well-suited to microblogging. If you prefer short-form content such as brief text posts, images, quotes, or GIFs, rather than long-form articles, you might want to check out Tumblr.

Tumblr may be a good fit for visual artists, photographers, community-seekers, niche hobbyists, and lifestyle bloggers. 70% of Tumblr users are between the ages of 12 – 43 years old.

Tumblr is best for microbloggers who want to be part of a community of people with similar interests, and who are drawn to its vibrant and diverse community.

Tumblr Pros

Fosters connections and community with like-minded people.

Easy to use.

Excellent for micro-blogging.

Tumblr Cons

Many people find the interface overcrowded and unattractive.

Occasional slow loading times.

May not be a good fit for businesses due to the lack of updates and design.

“It is a good place to find different kinds of communities. I have used tumbler for my work when I have needed to talk with people about their experiences with products. It is a nice place to find people willing to talk with you voluntarily.”

– Daniel M., G2 reviewer

Tumblr pricing:

Free

*Note: Tumblr’s Post+ exclusive content subscription plan is no longer available as of January 2024.

Whether you’re looking for beautiful design, easy set-up, or comprehensive features and plugins, the blogging and website platforms above are among today’s most popular. 

How to get your first 5,000 blog readers

Getting those first readers to your blog can be a challenge, especially during the early months when you might feel as if you’re writing to crickets. Here are some tips to help you increase traffic to your blog.

Create Valuable Content: Ensure each blog post is insightful and tailored to a specific audience.

Incorporate Lead Magnets: Offer free valuable resources (e.g., e-books, webinars) in exchange for people subscribing to your email list or newsletter. Create a landing page to promote your lead magnet, then share it on your blog and with your social and professional networks. 

Engage your email subscribers: Send regular, personalized emails or newsletters with content that adds value beyond your blog posts. Encourage readers to share your content with friends.

Use Social media and your personal and professional networks to promote your blog and grow your email list.

Building blog readership takes time, but if you consistently publish great content and support it through email marketing and networking, you can build an active and engaged audience much quicker.
Do lead magnets, landing pages, and email newsletters sound like a lot to take on?

We’ve got you covered! AWeber makes it simple to create professional emails and landing pages in minutes. Give AWeber a try, for free, today!

The post Best blogging platforms for every type of blog appeared first on AWeber.