How motivating is it for a visitor to give you his or her name and e-mail address when presented with a subscribe box titled, "Subscribe to my free mailing list newsletter"? Why? Why should I subscribe? How will I benefit from subscribing? What am I going to get? Just because your newsletter is "free," doesn't mean I want it. There are plenty of free newsletters out there I could subscribe to. What makes yours different or special?
You really need to "sell" your free newsletter to potential subscribers. In one or two short, exciting sentences clearly state the benefits mailing list of subscribing to your newsletter. For example, if your web site was golf related, you might say something like,"Subscribe to the Free 'Golf Tips' Newsletter and receive monthly tips and advice from Pro Golfers.
Improve your swing, hear about world renowned golf courses, learn which clubs the experts prefer, plus much more!" It sounds a lot more mailing list interesting than "Subscribe to my free newsletter," don't you think? Visitors to your web site will think so, too! The other tip I'd like to share is about where you should place your newsletter subscription box on your web site.