newsletter sign-up form fields

How many fields should i have on my email newsletter sign-up form?
Which fields?

Simple - you need one. Email address.

The more fields you add the higher the barrier for people to sign-up.

Think of the analogy of starting a conversation with a stranger. Do you walk up and ask for all of their personal info? if you did, do you think they would give it to you.

You start a conversation by sharing a piece of information each. "Hi, my name is Chris. What is yours?"

As the conversation progresses you trade info back and forth and build trust.

The same is true for email. It is a conversation and you need to build trust.

If you live up to your end of the deal, you can ask for more info later.

All you need to start the conversation is an email address.