Choosing a theme can be time consuming.
Some of the more sophisticated themes offer dozens of options for page layouts, even going so far as to allow you to have different layouts (and in some cases different headers and colors) on individual pages. While you may initially find this to be a creative and flexible option, it can be very confusing for your visitors. It’s important to remember that consistency is extremely important, especially when it comes to bloggers trying to build email lists. Every visitor is a potential subscriber that expects your opt-in form to be in the same place on every page and have a uniform appearance throughout your blog.
So just because you have the ability to move your opt-in form around, change sidebars, and create different offers on different pages doesn’t mean that you should do so. When you’re just getting started with creating your list and blog, it’s better to be consistent and predictable.
Speaking of which, one important feature in many themes is the ability to create a “landing page.” This is a special page template that removes your header, footer, and navigation. You see, switching things up isn’t always bad—when used to create a dedicated opt-in page, this style of template encourages sign ups because it removes the distractions and clutter, thus keeping the focus on your offer.
For example, our landing page for Blogger Building Blocks, our monthly e-kit, is one column, sidebar-less, and free from a header so that your focus is just on our offer. These “landing pages” are also where you want to direct readers when you send offers and promotions through email, on social media, etc.
Many premium themes come with landing page or sales page templates. All StudioPress themes have this option, offer unlimited updates, support, and sites with access to detailed tutorials—you can find all our recommendations and more at our Learning Library, especially in our four eGuides... which come free ($28 value!) when you subscribe to that awesome monthly e-kit I mentioned earlier. 
Our Early Bird special ends tomorrow, so get it while it’s still hot!
Where do you like your opt-in fields, as a reader and a blogger? Asking for a friend.
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