You’ve probably heard a thousand times to “Start your email list!” I’m going to tell you the same thing. An email list is invaluable to your company’s bottom line. The thing is, it’s not always clear how to get it started. This blog post will cover my top 3 simplest ways to start an email list.
Starting and building an email list is like having an asset that appreciates. The more you nurture (and sometimes prune) the list the better it gets. Having an email list will help you deepen your impact, connection and pockets.
The thing that trips most people up is starting the list because it feels overwhelming but it doesn’t have to be. Here are my top 3 ways of getting started.
1. Choose an Email Marketing Platform
There are so many email marketing platforms to choose from but making the decision can be simple. There are countless blog posts on the pros and cons of most email marketing platforms but try not to get too caught up in that when starting your list. Here are a few popular choices and why they work.
MAILCHIMP
- User-friendly interface: Easy to navigate, even for beginners.
- Free plan: Offers a basic level of features for small businesses.
- Automation: Create automated email campaigns based on subscriber behavior.
- Analytics: Track email performance and engagement metrics.
- Templates: Wide variety of customizable email templates.
KIT (formerly ConvertKit)
- Designed for creators: Ideal for bloggers, podcasters, and online course creators.
- Automation: Streamline your email workflow with automation features.
- Visual builder: Create visually appealing emails with a drag-and-drop interface.
- Landing pages: Build custom landing pages to capture leads.
- Payment processing: Integrate with payment processors for online sales.
FLODESK
- Minimalist interface: A clean and intuitive design that’s easy to use.
- Drag-and-drop email builder: Create visually appealing emails without coding knowledge.
- Templates: A collection of stylish and customizable email templates.
- Automation: Automate email workflows based on subscriber behavior.
- List segmentation: Divide your subscribers into segments for targeted marketing.
- Integrations: Connect Flodesk with other tools like Shopify, WordPress, and Kit.
These are my top 3 but there are plenty more. The best platform for you will be the one you feel most comfortable using. Don’t take too long to decide here. Remember: you can always switch providers.
2. Create a Sign-Up Form
Potential subscribers need to know that you have an email list that they can sign up for. This can be as simple as creating a signup form for your site. Be sure to give subscribers an incentive to sign up (i.e. 15% off their first purchase, early access to content, exclusive offers).
The signup form should be on your website and easy to find. Social media is also a great place to link the form in your bio.
3. Build Your List
Now that you’ve successfully signed up for a new email platform and created a new signup form, it’s time to let people know you have an email list. This is arguably the most important part. The more you let people know they can join your list, the more potential subscribers you have.
Here are a few ways to encourage signups:
- Give subscribers a discount (that you’re comfortable with) in exchange for their email address.
- Host a giveaway or contest.
- Implement a referral program.
- Share it via social media.
- Share it via friends and family. It may be true that your friends and family aren’t your target audience but they may know someone who is.
Final Thoughts
Email marketing can be a game changer when done properly. Get started today by choosing a provider, creating a signup form and letting your audience know you have a list.
If you prefer to outsource this, we can help.
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