When I began my newsletter, I needed a page to redirect my subscribers to once they signed up. Because I was in a rush to get it set up, I redirected them to the archives page of my newsletter.

Big Mistake #1.

When I had some free time I went back and made a thank you page that simply stated, Thank you for subscribing. Your first issue will arrive shortly. and listed the archives.

Big Mistake #2

What I failed to realize when I set up those two pages is that I had my visitors attention. They were already interested in what I had to say because I convinced them to sign up for my newsletter or eCourse and I let them get away. I missed an opportunity. I missed potential profits.

When I redesigned my thank you page I included the standard thank you and make sure you look for your confirmation email. I also instructed them to make sure they added me to their safe senders list to ensure they receive my emails. But this time I included You may also be interested in these additional free offers: and listed a free eBook, the opportunity to sign up for a free eCourse, and information about my favorite business author all using my affiliate links.

Guess what happened? When I checked my affiliate stats, my click through rate increased 100% in just two days. Every person who subscribed to my newsletter also subscribed to the free eCourse I offered. My affiliate sales for the three products I promoted have doubled.

Ive been publishing my newsletter for five months and it makes me sick to think about how much money Ive lost because I didnt take the time to talk to my visitors.

Do you know whats mind blowing? Not only did it take me 30 minutes to set up the new thank you page, it didnt cost me a dime. I already had all the information tucked away in my personal affiliate tool kit and was just too lazy to pull it out and put it to use.

Dont make the same mistakes. Take a look at the page youre redirecting your new subscribers to. Are you offering targeted product recommendations? Are you keeping them with you or just letting them close that window to possibly never return? Take thirty minutes of your time and the resources you already have available to you and update your redirect page.

Your bank account will thank you.

Heather Jacobson is the owner of Valley Virtual Assistants, providing marketing support and services to entrepreneurs and small businesses. She is also the author of "Making Dollars Out of Cents: 101 Tips for the Frugal Marketer". For more information visit www.valleyva.net or www.inexpensivemarketingideas.com.