So, you’ve written your articles (hopefully using my article templates) and you’re submitting it online to the top websites, ezines, blogs and article directories. Perhaps, you’ve written a PPC or Facebook ad as well. And, you’re sending traffic to your squeeze pages and landing pages where you can capture prospects’ names and emails in return for something of value.

Now, the question is…Are you using a single or double opt-in process?

The Single Opt-In Process

As soon as prospects opt-in to get your free special report, ebook, video, audio, free training via teleseminar or webinar – their names and emails are automatically added to your list. Prospects are able to get the free information they opt-in for right away without taking any extra steps. Supporters strongly believe that it’s the quickest way to build your list.

Double opt-in

This process requires two requests before the prospect is added to the email list — the initial subscription request, plus a confirmation of the request. Supporters strongly believe that this is the best way to a ‘quality’ list.

So, Which Opt-In Process is Best: Single or Double?

At ArticleMarketingExperts.com we use single opt-in when you grab my free article templates, free article marketing ebook or free article marketing gifts. Here’s why…

1. I like making life easier on my prospects. Why make them take extra steps and work harder to get the information they’re looking for

2. There are no distractions. I’m keeping prospects on my website. I’m not asking them to open up their email to look for a confirmation email. I’m not taking the chance that as they look for the email from me – that something else catches their eye and that they forget all about me.

3. I’m saving impatient prospects from frustration. Your readers want quick access to their information. And, if the email system is slow or if your confirmation email gets caught in the spam folder.

4. I don’t want to miss out on money-making opportunities – Confirmation emails get lost. They get caught in spam folders. You have people who don’t know they have to confirm their email address (even though you clearly spelled it out!) And, then you have people who don’t want to take that extra step. They are just plain lazy. Because you have a double opt-in process, you are missing out on the opportunity to educate these prospects and show them the value you provide. And, of course, you are missing out on the opportunity to promote your products and services.

What About These Arguments That Support a Double Opt-In Process…

  • Double Opt-In reduces the possibility of SPAM complaints with Internet Service Providers. If you have unsubscribe links and if you are compliant with best email practices according to the CAN-SPAM ACT – then you will have no problems with SPAM complaints – whether you have a single or double opt-in process.
  • Cleaner list (removes bad emails and mistypes). People say the process ensures people are entering their information correctly. They think if prospects opted-in with a bad email address – that they won’t receive confirmation and that they will most likely opt-in again to ensure they are correctly added to your list. Wrong! Most people will grow impatient waiting for their email that they’ll never receive – or they’ll simply forget about you before they take any other action.
  • Potentially more responsive. Supporters think as the list is supposedly of higher quality based on the double opt-in process, the readers are more likely to want to click and open your emails – improving your readability and open rates. Single opt-in and double opt-in has little to do with your open rates. Yes, there might be a slight improvement due to the fact that bad and fake email addresses won’t be included. But, if you want to see higher open rates, start providing more valuable content. Giving information that your prospects want and need will have the biggest impact on your open rates
  • You don’t have to deal with fake emails and spam. Yes – with a single opt-in process, you will definitely get fake email addresses and spam. But, I rather take the time to clean out my list at a later time then lose subscribers due to user confusion and requiring extra steps in the process. To me, my list is gold. Why would I want to lose out on new leads to my list?

What About Doing Both?

ClientAttraction.com asks (but not requires) you’re new subscribers to confirm their subscription. It’s the best of both worlds. They’re not being limited by the chance of losing unconfirmed subscribers by having double opt-in AND they are allowing subscribers to confirm their subscription immediately after joining (which they wouldn’t be able to do with just single opt-in.)

Here’s an example of how  they do it at Client Attraction:

Now, Here Are My Thoughts…

1.      That email can still get lost! So it’s a waste having it.

2.      Instead of talking about their ezine and recommending that you confirm your subscription they could have told prospects how they can help. They could have told prospects about their offerings – and send prospects to different areas of the website. This is how you funnel prospects.

3.      There’s still no immediate access to information. Check out the three videos below to see… how easy we make the opt-in process…how we provide quick access to information…and how we add other calls-to-action.

1. Opt-In For a Free Special Report at http://www.GetLinkedInHelp.com

2. Opt-In For Free Article Templates at http://www.TryMyFreeArticleTemplates.com

3. Opt-In For a Free Special Video Report at http://www.helpmywebsitesell.com/5deadlymistakes

Your Next Steps…

1. Post your comments below and share your thoughts and ideas on which one is best: Single or Double Opt-In

2. Check out the opt-in process for yourself at:

3. Start writing more articles knowing that you are going to build your list. If you need help, grab my instant article writing templates.