Email is still strong, and a solid list is one of the best ways to announce a new product, service or piece of content. In this Attn hack, I cover five ways to build an email list, how to use it once you have it, and how to avoid spamming the people who signed up.
Key Takeaways
- People open emails from someone they know, especially when the layout is clear and the content matches their interests.
- Build the list with sign-up sheets, business cards, website opt-ins, social media and ads that trade a useful download for an email.
- Use images, links, upsell campaigns and promo codes to move readers from inbox to checkout.
- Send in moderation, and survey subscribers on how often they want to hear from you.
Does Email Marketing Still Work?
Email has not died out. If you have a solid list, you can use it to announce a new product, a new service or new content, like a podcast launch with interviews.
I have seen big spikes in listenership when I send an email to people who know me personally. They are far more likely to open it, and a clear layout with content they care about keeps you top of mind.
How Do You Build an Email List?
I give five quick ways to start:
- A sign-up sheet at your events or location.
- Business cards. Hand them out, invite people to join your list and make a note on the card that they are interested.
- Website opt-ins. Pop-ups and optimization tools help people sign up from the page they land on.
- Social media. Tell people you have a list and invite them to join.
- Ads that offer a nice piece of content or a downloadable feature in exchange for an email address.
As you learn more about each person, you can segment them by the topics they care about.
What Do You Do With the List?
Use it to let customers know about new products, events, items in your shop or new services.
Put images in the email and add links that go straight to the landing page or product. That reduces friction when it is time to buy.
Build a simple funnel: the reader opens the email, clicks, lands on a page, adds to cart and checks out. You can add an upsell page along the way.
Add promo codes for a specific audience or all customers as a bonus for people who open and engage.
Which Email Service Should You Use?
I personally use Mailchimp. Constant Contact is another option, but Mailchimp works best for me. It lets me create segments based on interests and send slightly different versions of a campaign.
How Often Should You Email?
Do not spam. Too many unwanted emails can get you ignored, sent to spam or blacklisted.
Send in moderation. You can even run a short survey asking subscribers how often they prefer to receive emails. That gives you data on the pace your customers like.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is email marketing still worth it?
Yes. In the video I explain that people still open emails from someone they know, and a well laid-out email with relevant content gets attention.
What email service do you recommend?
I use Mailchimp and find it works best for segmenting by interest. Constant Contact is another option I mention.
How do I avoid being marked as spam?
Send in moderation, send relevant content and ask your subscribers how often they want to hear from you.
The Short Long Of It
Email still earns attention. Build your list in five simple ways, send useful content with clear links and promo codes, and respect your subscribers’ inbox.
Suggested Reading
- Attn: Hack #6 Send To A Friend
- How to Get your Website Noticed
- Small Business Branding: 9 Proven Steps to Build a Brand That Wins Customers
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