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Plug-in a Never-Ending Free Subscriber Feed
By Azam Corry
©2004 All Rights Reserved
Ezine publishers are always looking for ways grow their title's subscriber base. One free option is much under-used, yet done properly, creates a continuous flow of new sign-ups.
Registering at numerous ezine directories, or other Web sites that list newsletters, is a simple way to recruit subscribers. Maintained for the benefit of visitors, these listings provide increased exposure to publishers who add their ezine to the database.
Don't expect to receive hundreds, or even tens of new sign-ups a day from most of these sites. It just doesn't work like that.
Niche markets excepted, I suspect relatively few surfers regularly search for ezines; though publishers often investigate other listings when submitting their own. In addition, your publication is one of thousands in the directory competing for attention.
Having said all that, ezine directories should not be ignored. Especially if you're operating on a budget. The thing is, although you might not get many subscribers per day, your listing is permanent.
If your publication appears at enough directories, over the course of a year, it can mean hundreds, possibly thousands of new subscribers. And they're all free.
As an added bonus, many of these sites allow you to include your Web site URL. Those which use static, as opposed to dynamically generated pages (which aren't indexed by search engines) will improve your site's link popularity, and thus its search engine position.
Still, for registering to be really worthwhile, you want to be able to list your ezine quickly and easily in as many directories as possible. As with most things, the key to speed is preparation.
Before you go online, open a new text file. This wants to be a plain text file, not a Word document. In it write:
* Two versions of the title of your ezine or newsletter.
A short one at 50 characters or less (simply the name of the ezine). A longer title of up to 100 characters, incorporating several of your most important keywords.
* Three versions of your ezine description.
A full description of up 250 characters, another of up to 200 characters, and a sort description of just 150 characters. Emphasize the benefits of subscribing, and use your most important keywords, adding more as space permits.
Since some directories allow the use of HTML commands in the description field, you might want to prepare a duplicate of each, using HTML formatting for added impact.
* A list of up to 15 keywords relevant to your publication.
These are words and short phrases you want searchers to find your ezine under. As with your title and description, different directories set different size limits. Some allow only 5 keywords, others, 6, 8, 10, 12, or 15. For this reason, when composing your list, it's essential you order it in relation to keyword importance.
Start with your most important keyword, and work your way down, with the least relevant word or phrase last of all. Separate terms with commas, and avoid line breaks or carriage returns.
* The main URL of your Web site.
* The URL to your Ezine information/sign-up page.
* The URL to a sample issue (if you have one).
* The URL to ezine archives (if you have any).
* The email address used to subscribe.
* The email address used to unsubscribe.
* The approximate number of subscribers.
* Your full name
* Company/Organization name.
* A contact email address that may be published online.
* A private contact email address (not to be published).
Don't worry - no single directory will request all this information. But since you'll need different elements for different directories, it makes sense to keep all the details in one place.
Once you've finished, save the file in a logical location together with other ezine related material. Create a shortcut (alias) to it in an easily accessible place (perhaps your desktop or main menu), so that you can always open it without digging through folders.
Below are 44 places you can list your ezine. All are currently active.
When submitting, having several browser windows open at once will make progress faster. In the time it takes for you to complete one submission, other pages will have loaded in the background.
Open your new file and simply copy and paste the required information into each form. Get a multiple clipboard utility and you'll save even more time.
[I recommend shareware CopyPaste http://www.scriptsoftware.com . Besides many other useful features (the character count of selected text, for example), it provides you with 100 clipboards which can be saved through restarts].
There you have it! Though it may take a while to prepare your information file, once done, you'll breeze through the submissions. I'm sure you'll agree, a few hours work is worth it to plug-in a never-ending, free subscriber feed!
© 2001 Azam Corry "Do it Better. Do it Faster. Do it Right!"
AZAM CORRY
owns Now Sell! Bursting with FREE information, tools and resources to help you profit. http://www.NowSell.com/?EDirct1 Web Consulting, Site Design and Makeovers. iCop Founding Member.
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