This week we are continuing talking about email marketing and how to set up an email list. I walk you step by step through this process and even created a couple of videos about how to use my top two favorite email service providers to do so.
Last week, we talked about what an email list is and why you should have one. An email list is a database of email addresses you can use to reach out to your potential clients and customers. It allows you to communicate with them regularly and build strong relationships to keep your business at the forefront of their mind. Email marketing is still one of the most effective marketing channels.
Today we will be answering the question, what steps do you need to take to start your email list? There are 4 key steps in this process.
1. Determining Who Your Target Audience Is
The first step is determining who your target audience is. This is the most important step. You need to know who you are trying to reach, so you can target your message and content appropriately to those people.
2. Choose an Email Service Provider
The next step is choosing an email service provider. I currently use Active Campaign. There are many options, and I recommend using one you are familiar with or can become familiar with and is within your price range. I do recommend investing in an email service provider and not just using a free option.
Though I currently use Active Campaign, I have used Mail Chimp and MailerLite in the past. Between those two, I recommend MailerLite because it’s on the low end of the price spectrum but has more than Mailchimp. You can click on these links to watch a video on how to set up a list in Active Campaign and MailerLite.
3. Create a Sign-up Form
The third step is to create a signup form. This is how people join your email list. You can add a form to your website or you can create a landing page specifically for this. The main thing is you want to make sure it is easy to find. If you use a form, make sure it is above the fold on your website. This means they don’t have to scroll down the page to find it. If you are just using a landing page, make sure the only option on that page is to get the free opt-in and they don’t get confused about what to do.
4. Offer Something of Value for Free
The last step in creating your email list is to offer something of value for free in exchange for their name and email address. People are more likely to join your list if they are getting something in return. They ask the question, “What’s in it for me?” This could be a free guide or access to some exclusive content. Offer something of value to your target audience that will make them want to sign up.
How can you make the most of your email list once it’s created? There are 3 ways to do this.
First, you want to segment your list. This means dividing your list into different groups based on their interest or behaviors. This will allow your target audience to be broken down smaller, so you can target your message more effectively and make sure you’re reaching the right people with the right message.
Secondly, in order to make the most of your email list, you want to personalize your email. People are more likely to engage with an email that feels like it is written specifically for them. When doing this, use their name, refer to their interest, and make your content relevant. You can do this by writing your emails like you are speaking to an individual rather than a group.
Lastly, the third step is to provide incredible value. You want to give them the information they’re looking for and not just sell to them. Try to entertain, inspire, or educate them, but each email should have some level of one or all of those things.
You can use your email list to establish yourself as an expert, build that relationship with them, and create that know, like, and trust factor.
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