What exactly is an email list?
An email list is a collection of names and email addresses (what we call subscribers). List-building is the whole process of getting people to opt-in to your website either for a free resource or for some valuable information you provided.
Why does on need a mailing list?
Despite social media being the fastest and surest way of reaching the masses, a mailing list still remains a better means to communicate. Why is that so:
- A mailing list is specific. The message goes to specific people, which builds healthy working relationships
- It’s convenient and easy
How does one go about creating an email list?
- Choose an email service. There are several email service providers that you can use for this. I’ll point out some of my favorites and then you’ll have a look and decided which one suits your business needs. There’s MailerLite(which I use), Drip, Active Campaign, ConvertKit… among others.
- Set up your Lists. Now, the next thing is to figure out how to gain subscribers. You can create a freebie or a lead magnet and offer to your audience. Once that is setup, you can set up an opt-in which you will use to get names and email address. You also have to consider how often you will be communicating with your subscribers?
- Import your lists. Sometimes it feels like you have just began, but remember you have subscribers. So all you’ll actually be doing is add more recipients. If you already have an email list in your address book, then inform them that you’re moving to a different newsletter service and ask them if they’d love to be receiving your updates or are opting out.
- Grow your List. Continue adding more addresses to your list. Also, make your sign-up forms are easy-to-find, attractive and in it ask all the information necessary.
- Don’t look like Spam. Do not make your newsletter look like a sales pitch, but more of a personal note. Do not give a recipient a reason to hit that ‘Spam’ button or to unsubscribe from your list.
- Be consistent and creative. Consistency breeds creativity. Make a commitment as to when you’ll be sending out the newsletter. It is what keeps on bringing more subscribers and keeps them.
Feel free to sign up for my freebie that highlights the exacts steps to build an email list or what I love calling list-building 🙂
List-Building Freebie ‘Grab your copy’