Why Build An Email List

Why build an email list?

I hear that question often. Consider this, someone comes to your website to get information about you, your products or services. That’s nice to have the traffic. However, wouldn’t it be better to have that person come back to your website (business) time and time again and engage with you?

An email list is a way for you to communicate with an audience of people who have expressed a desire for what you have to offer.

Other than your website, your email list is the most valuable asset you can have online. It belongs to you and you will reap what you so. Create and share valuable information, tips, and tools and your audience will stay with you for a long time to come.

Building an email list is not an easy task. It takes planning, creating and execution to get it right. The most effective email marketing plans must be evaluated and redesigned if they are not getting the desired results.

Why build an email list when I have social media?

While social media gives you the opportunity to connect with lots of people, the downside is that the news feed only lasts a short time and the owners can change how their ads are displayed in a minute. Basically, you do not own the social media platform. It is not your online property.

Therefore, I am a proponent of developing your website and posting regularly on your blog. If you have a WordPress website, you own it. You can connect this with your social media and email opt-in forms and you are creating business.

The most important reason to build an email list is distribution.

Is it best to build a large email list?

There is no advantage to building a large list, unless everyone on your list may become a customer at one time or another. It is better to build a qualified email list.

When you communicate with people who are interested in your services or products, they will remain on your list and wait for your next valuable content or something you are promoting.

In other words, you will have less people opting out of your list and potentially more buyers.

Concentrate on building a quality email list.

Where do I store my email addresses?

The email services online are called “email autoresponder” accounts. There are many to choose from both free, free to start and paid. Pricing is determined by the size or number of email addresses you will be storing.

First you must decide if you will be managing your email account and doing everything necessary to make it all work or will you hire someone to do email marketing for you.

If you’re pretty good at technology, you can probably figure them out. Just plan to spend some time as there is a learning curve with all of them. Unfortunately, they do not all do it the same way.

Here are some services I recommend.

I like MailChimp for starting out free
Get Response for only $15/mo.
My favorite ConvertKit $29/mo.

Prices and service can change, so be sure to check them out before purchasing.

Choose the right email service for your needs.

How do I get people to subscribe to my list?

To get people to sign up (opt-in) to your email list, you first need to offer them something of value. People are always looking for free tips or steps to start.

You could offer a training, check list, eBook, free webinar, guide or review. The key is to choose something that your visitor would like to have.

If you don’t have an offer, there are many ways to get one. Just be sure it is of value.

Next, post your offer and a sign-up form next to it anywhere on your website or social media accounts. Of course, this has to be connected to your autoresponder account. Then away you go, collecting email addresses.