Whether you have been in business for years or have just started your entrepreneurial journey, you need an email list.
When I first started my Virtual Assistant business, I knew that I needed an email list (at least that’s what everyone said), but I was very apprehensive because I didn’t want to bother my potential clients. I put off sending out my first email because I had the misconception that sending emails to promote your business was spam, and honestly, I had no idea what to write.
After listening to a slew of podcasts, watching YouTube videos and attending a few webinars, the puzzle pieces started to come together!
Here’s how I got started
- I signed up with an email software company (Mailchimp), and downloaded the plug-in for my website. There are plenty of platforms to choose from, but ultimately I went with Mailchimp because you can grow a list of 2000 subscribers before it costs a penny.
- I created a master list (this is where the email addresses you collect will be stored) and embedded my email sign-up form onto my website, so visitors could enter their name and email to request to hear from me.
- I set up a welcome sequence of 2 emails that go out automatically (on a specific trigger) every time someone signed up. (Grab your free welcome templates here!)
- I created an opt-in (also known as a freebie or lead magnet) that I knew people would want!
- I advertised the freebie every chance I could. I used Instagram, Pinterest, Facebook groups, my Facebook page, linked to it on every blog post and even worked it into everyday conversations.
- I stayed consistent by sending out an email every 7-10 days to my list. (I’m giving you 3 examples of content you can send to your list here)
- Last but not least, I consistently track my results. Some emails get a higher open rate than others, some get no unsubscribes, while some get 5 or 6. It’s not the most enjoyable part of having an email list but it’s important to pay attention to what’s working and what’s not!
Now let’s touch on a few things that are absolutely essential to growing a healthy email list:
Just Do It.You don’t need to have a website to have an email list. You can easily create a very simple landing page from your email software. A landing page can be created to simply capture names and emails. It will have a unique URL that you can post where appropriate. Start getting your list out there yesterday.
Opt-ins.You need to offer something that people want! An effective opt-in looks different depending on what you are trying to market. It can be a coupon code, a guide, and ebook, a free sample, etc. Most importantly, it should attract your target market and the offer should be attractive enough that someone will give you their name and email in exchange!
Provide value. You need to write each email with the intention of giving your audience new information that they can use and apply. Although you can use your email list to sell your product or service, I would only do this about 20% of the time. The other 80% of your emails should be serving your audience with information that specifically speaks to your target market.
Your subject line matters. Your subject line will determine whether or not your email gets opened, so don’t spend 2 hours on your letter and 2 minutes on your subject. I’ve heard it argued that you should brainstorm 30 subject lines (which are the equivalent of a headline for an article or blog post), before choosing the best. It’s that important! I use the Headline Analyzer tool for extra support.
More words, less pictures. I know that it may seem really tempting to throw together an email with one paragraph and then stuff it with graphics and pictures, but your unique voice, through your writing, is what will grow your business, increase your open rate and keep your unsubscribe rate down. Be personal, clear and inviting. Act like a real person, not a paid ad.
Call to action. No, this doesn’t mean a call to buy your product or service. It can be as simple as “let’s be friends on Instagram so we can stay in touch”, “reply to this email and tell me how you’re going to apply (xyz)”, or “grab my free guide”, etc. A call to action motivates your readers to leave your letter and connect with you somewhere else.
If you don’t have an email list, then I know that all of this might sound a little overwhelming. But, I encourage you to take the first step. Focusing on one item at a time will allow you to roll out your email list and start cranking out content in no time!
If you don’t have the time for another thing in your business, consider contacting me. I provide email marketing services, and will have you up and running in less than a week!
I’ve created a totally FREE guide that not only outlines what I’ve shared above, but also includes more details and customizable templates.
