Kelsey Reidl

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How to Grow Your Email List (even if you are starting from scratch)

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Are you struggling to grow your email list?

Do you feel like email marketing is dead?

Or are you worried that it’s ‘too late’ to start building your email list (pssssst…. It’s NOT too late!)

In this blog post, I’m breaking down the seemingly complicated topic of ‘Email List-Building’ into 4 easy steps so that you know exactly…

  • Why you need an Email List if you have a business

  • What steps you can take TODAY to get started (a collect your first 100 subscribers)

  • And the fastest ways to passively grow your list, even if you’re not posting on Social Media

This blog post has everything you need to start growing your email list starting now. No complicated funnels, expensive ads, or lengthy training required!

If you are like me and want to create a space where you can connect with your audience on a deeper level and (eventually) consider deleting all social media or at least avoiding the social media content creation hamster wheel, you are in the right place.

P.S.

If we aren’t already Email List Friends, drop your Name + Email right here.

I send out a weekly email to Visionaries (like you!) containing Marketing Strategies, Business Growth Tips, and Musings of an Adventurous Entrepreneur. Click here to subscribe →

Why should you care about growing your email list?

Your email subscribers are one of your most valuable assets, because they're already interested in what you have to offer and are likely to buy from you. 

According to the HubSpot blog, email marketing has an impressive ROI of $36 for every $1 spent. This indicates the potential for significant revenue generation (Source: HubSpot)

Therefore, growing your email list is KEY to unlocking more success (and more revenue!) in your business.

In addition to the earning potential of an email list, your list is also…

#1 A great way to slide into your dream client inbox.

The truth is with social media, you are NOT guaranteed to land on your Dream Clients newsfeed, contrary to sending out an email that is guaranteed to go into one of the Google Folders. It’s basically a direct path to connection and visibility!

#2 A healthy alternative to being on Social Media 24/7

In the last couple of years, we have seen social media (specifically Instagram) stop working and literally the world went mad. These moments reinforce how important it is to have an email list!

#3 An additional touchpoint that leads someone to know, like and trust your brand more quickly.

If someone subscribes to your mailing list, it’s an invitation to let you know they are interested in what you are chatting about, meaning they are a warm lead.

Now, it doesn’t mean they will immediately purchase from you, quite the opposite. It typically takes 7 points of contact before someone is ready to take out their credit card. This is your opportunity to nurture and foster your relationship with them.

“When creating emails, share valuable wisdom that your audience can implement in their lives/businesses. People appreciate receiving helpful and relevant content.” - Kelsey Reidl

Here is a practical step by step guide to help you get started with List Building:

Step #1: Choosing a freebie or opt in

People are timid to hand over their email without incentive, which is why you should start by creating a valuable resource to exchange with them.

What is a desirable resource that you could create that your dream clients would really benefit from?

A free resource can come in SO many different formats!

Here are some ideas:

Which free resource will you create, to share with your Dream Clients?

Step #2: Build a Landing Page to Promote the Primary Freebie and Opt-In

Landing pages are simple website pages that collect a name and email, in exchange to deliver the Free Resource that you created in Step 1.

A landing page can look like this:

You want to make sure that your landing page is simple to opt-into and that the content you’ll be giving is clearly communicated!

The 3 elements you need to include in a landing page are:

  1. The hook (We dive deep into these concepts in my 90-day business program, if you need guidance on getting clear on your marketing messaging. Join our wait list.)

  2. The 3 Key Benefits of the Freebie

  3. The spot to collect the Name and Email

Not sure how to build a landing page?

Here are some software recommendations that you can use to build out your landing page.

  1. FloDesk

  2. Squarespace

  3. Wix

  4. Active Campaign

  5. ConvertKit, 

  6. Kajabi and 

  7. Mailchimp. 

Step #3: Promote, promote, promote with your CCS and OPS Statement

One of the critical components of building your email list, is promoting your freebie and getting sign ups every week!

And you know what?

So many Online Business Owners forget this part and expect that people will magically stumble upon their list.

That simply isn’t the case!

Don’t forget to tell your Dream Clients (using social, podcast interviews, in conversation, etc.) that you have an awesome resource for them, and show them where they can opt in! You need to continuously share it, to build your list.

And, don’t worry, if you think you are talking too much about it, you are not. 

Start by writing 2 Instagram Posts that promote the content of your Free Resource, and share them today!

Step #4: Automate you promotion 

Once you have created your Free Resource, set up your landing page, and tested some promotion with content - it’s now time to collect sign ups more passively!

We can do this by:

#1 Adding a Link in Bio to your social media

That leads to your freebie (clickable anytime). Below is an example of Brock Johnson sharing a link to his ‘flash sale’ for this Instagram membership.

#2 Website Pop Up

You can activate this easily on most website platforms!

#3 Website Announcement Bar

#4 Add it to your Personal Email Signature

#5 Website Opt Ins from Blogs

#6 Paid Ads

There you have it!

4 easy steps to growing your list.

We’ve covered the foundation of building your email list, but the biggest takeaway should be that growing your email list should not be seen as “just another marketing strategy”.

Remember that according to the HubSpot blog, email marketing has an impressive ROI of $36 for every $1 spent. This indicates the potential for significant revenue generation for all Online Business Owners who spend time growing their list (Source: HubSpot)

P.S.

If we aren’t already Email List Friends, drop your Name + Email right here.


I send out a weekly email to Visionaries (like you!) containing Marketing Strategies, Business Growth Tips, and Musings of an Adventurous Entrepreneur. Click here to subscribe →

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