We get people to sign up a few different ways- -Information packet requests -Equipment quotes -Free product samples -Free industry "reports"
For my site, I get a lot of email sign-ups off-line. I do a real-world event and pass around the clipboard for the email newsletter.
Try offering a 'free download'. What you offer really depends on the business that you are in, but just about any business can offer something of (business term) 'perceived value', which may be of value to your website visitor, but cost you very little in time, effort, and money. Just prior to downloading, offer your visitor a way to subscribe to your mailing list regarding that downloaded product. If you need a free newsletter/email gathering program, (disclaimer disclaimer, I am a principal in this company), try SiteInteractive.com's 'Subscribe Me' mailing list program: http://www.siteinteractive.com/subscribe/ Free of charge, and no 'nagware'. ResidualGuy
What works well is - Offer up a contest to win something! What you can do is partner with another site that offers related products and share the contest entries. Eg: Site A puts in an IPOD as prize Site B puts in external speakers as prize The site A runs a contest for IPOD and External Speakers The site B runs a contest for IPOD and External Speakers Both sites share entries! PS. Make sure you have a statement on the entry form and privacy statement saying this contest is sponsored by Site A and Site B entry information will be submitted to both sites. Remember - the bigger the prize or trendier the prize the more entries you will get!!! Also don't forget to submit your contest to all the "Free Stuff" and "Contests" sites. Hope this helps and Good Luck!