3 Things to Know Before Starting an Email List

Ever feel like your social media posts are just shouting into the void?

You put in all the effort to create that perfect post, but then it feels like it disappears into the abyss, seen by only a fraction of your followers. The harsh reality is that social media algorithms only show your content to a tiny percentage of your audience.

But there’s a marketing channel that doesn’t have this problem: email newsletter.

Email is a direct line of communication to your audience. Unlike social media, where your content is at the mercy of algorithms, email lands directly in your subscribers’ inboxes. And according to a study by Statista, 90% of emails sent to subscribers’ inboxes are actually opened!

That’s a huge difference.

If you’re serious about boosting your marketing efforts and connecting with your audience on a deeper level, building an email list is a must for a successful email marketing strategy.

But before you dive headfirst into email marketing, there are a few things you need to know. In this blog post, we’ll uncover three essential must-haves that will set you up for success before you embark on your email marketing journey.

So, grab a cup of coffee (or tea), and let’s get started!

What Is An Email List?

Picture this: it’s like a group of friends who love to hear from you. They’ve signed up to receive your emails because they want to know what you’re up to, learn from you, and be part of your community.

An email list is just that – a group of people who have given you permission to send them emails. It’s a powerful tool for building relationships, sharing your ideas, and growing your business.

Why You Should Build An Email List

In the hustle and bustle of the modern world, it’s easy to forget the importance of building an email list. After all, with all the social media platforms out there, it seems like there are a million other ways to reach your audience. But here’s the thing: email is still one of the most effective ways to communicate with your customers and potential customers.

Why? Because, unlike social media, where your messages can easily get lost in the noise, email gives you direct access to your audience’s inboxes. When you have someone’s email address, you have their permission to send them information and offers. This is a powerful thing!

So if you’re not already building an email list, now is the time to start building your email list. Here are just a few of the best reasons why you need to start email list building:

• You can nurture relationships with potential customers. When someone signs up for your email list, they’re giving you permission to stay in touch with them. This means you can send them valuable information, such as blog posts, newsletters, and case studies. This will help them get to know you and your business, and it will make them more likely to buy from you in the future.
• You can segment your list to send targeted messages. Not everyone on your email list is going to be interested in the same things. That’s why it’s important to segment your list so you can send targeted, effective emails. For example, you could segment your list by age, gender, or location. This will help you ensure that your messages are relevant to your audience, which will increase their open and click-through rates.
• You can use email to drive traffic to your website. In your marketing emails, you can include links to your website or blog. This will encourage people to visit your site and learn more about your business.
• You can use email to generate leads. When someone signs up for your email list, you capture their email address. This information can then be used to generate leads, which are people who have expressed an interest in your products or services.

3 Things To Know Before Starting An Email List

We all know how important it is to build your email list, but before you get started with creating a list from scratch, here are 3 ways to build your email list from scratch.

Choose An Email Service Provider

As you embark on your email marketing journey, choosing the right email service provider (ESP) is crucial for streamlining your efforts and achieving your goals. Flodesk, a user-friendly and affordable ESP, stands out as an excellent choice for businesses of all sizes. Here are three compelling reasons why I wholeheartedly recommend Flodesk email marketing software:

1. Simplicity at its Finest: Flodesk email marketing tool prides itself on its intuitive interface and straightforward design, making it a breeze for even the most novice email marketers to navigate. Its drag-and-drop editor eliminates the need for coding or design expertise, empowering you to create visually appealing and engaging emails with ease.

2. Automation Made Easy: Say goodbye to time-consuming manual tasks! Flodesk’s automation features allow you to automate various aspects of your email marketing strategy, including list segmentation, email sending, and email forms. This automation streamlines your workflow, frees up your time, and ensures that the subscribers to your email list receive timely and relevant communications creating an engaged email list.

3. Affordability without Compromise: Flodesk offers a variety of pricing plans to suit your specific needs and budget. Unlike many ESPs that charge based on subscriber count, Flodesk’s plans are based on the number of emails you send, ensuring you only pay for what you use. This flexibility makes Flodesk an attractive option for businesses of all sizes, from startup online businesses to established enterprises.

Flodesk emerges as a top contender among ESPs, offering a combination of simplicity, automation, and affordability that is hard to resist. Whether you’re a seasoned marketer or just starting out, Flodesk has the tools and support you need to help you build a thriving email list and achieve your marketing objectives.

Create A Lead Magnet

To entice potential customers to join your email list, you need to offer something of value in exchange for their contact information. This is where lead magnets come into play. Lead magnets are like irresistible treats that attract subscribers to your mailing list, promising valuable insights, tools, or resources in return for their precious email addresses.

Here are five ideas for irresistible lead magnets that will have your email subscribers eager to sign up, helping you collect email addresses with ease:

1. Ebooks and guides: Share your expertise by creating informative ebooks or guides that address common pain points or challenges faced by your target audience and help with your list growth.

2. Templates and checklists: Provide practical tools that simplify tasks or processes related to your niche. Templates and checklists are highly sought-after lead magnets due to their immediate usability.

3. Webinar recordings or presentations: Offer access to recordings of past webinars or presentations that showcase your knowledge and expertise on relevant topics.

4. Case studies and testimonials: Demonstrate your success by sharing compelling case studies and testimonials from satisfied customers or clients.

5. Discounts or exclusive offers: Entice subscribers with exclusive discounts or offers on products, services, or events related to your business.

Remember, the key to an irresistible lead magnet is to provide something valuable, relevant, and easy to consume. By offering content that truly addresses your audience’s needs and interests, you’ll attract a loyal following that’s eager to hear more from you.

Create A Welcome Sequence

Once you’ve captured the attention of potential customers with an irresistible lead magnet, it’s time to welcome them to your email list with a warm and engaging welcome sequence. A welcome sequence is a series of automated marketing campaigns/emails that are sent when a customer subscribes to your email list, typically over the first few days after they join your list. This email sequence serves as an introduction to your brand, establishes your voice and tone, and sets the stage for ongoing engagement.

Here’s an idea for a welcome sequence that nurtures new subscribers:

EMAIL 1: WELCOME AND INTRODUCTION

• Thank the subscriber for joining your email list and introducing your brand.
• Highlight the benefits of subscribing, such as exclusive offers, valuable content, and early access to new products or services.
• Encourage the subscriber to add your email address to their contact list to ensure they don’t miss a message.

EMAIL 2: LEAD MAGNET

• Deliver the promised lead magnet, such as an ebook, guide, or template.
• Provide a brief overview of the lead magnet’s content and how it can benefit the subscriber.
• Include a call-to-action (CTA) prompting the subscriber to take action, such as downloading the lead magnet or visiting a specific page on your website or email signup form.

EMAIL 3: SHOWCASE YOUR EXPERTISE

• Share a blog post, article, or video that showcases your expertise on a topic relevant to your audience.
• Briefly summarise the content and highlight key takeaways or insights.
• Include a CTA encouraging the subscriber to read or watch the full piece.

EMAIL 4: ENCOURAGE ENGAGEMENT

• Ask a question or prompt the subscriber to share their thoughts or experiences related to your industry or niche.
• Offer a chance to win a prize or participate in an exclusive contest.
• Include a CTA directing the subscriber to your website or social media pages.

EMAIL 5: INVITATION TO JOIN THE COMMUNITY

• Invite the subscriber to join your online community, such as a forum, group, or social media channel.
• Briefly describe the benefits of joining the community, such as access to exclusive content, networking opportunities, and peer-to-peer support.
• Include a CTA with a direct link to the community platform.

Remember, a welcome sequence is not a one-size-fits-all approach. Tailor your sequence to your specific audience, brand, and goals. Use a friendly and conversational tone, personalise the emails with the subscriber’s name, and track your results to refine your approach over time.

Embarking on the journey of email marketing can be an exciting and rewarding endeavour. By following these three key steps – choosing the right email marketing platform, creating an irresistible lead magnet to help grow your email list, and crafting a welcoming sequence once you’ve had email signups – you’ll be well-equipped to cultivate a thriving email list that engages your audience, nurtures leads, and drives conversions. Remember, email marketing is an ongoing process, so embrace continuous learning and refinement as you strive to build a loyal and profitable subscriber base.