Many entrepreneurs don't realize how important it is to create a email list when you start your business. You usually only start thinking about it after a while and see the impact it has on your traffic growth.
Thinking about helping you, I prepared a guide on email list. This way, you will better understand what it is all about and how you can start using this incredible tool today. Are you interested in the subject? Then be sure to follow this article with me!
What is an email list?
One email list is nothing more than a list of names and email addresses of people who have given you permission to keep them informed about you and your company. This information could be, for example, changes, events, special promotions, and tips and tricks.
The easiest way is to create your own email list in software specially created from an email marketing service, such as Mailchimp. This allows you to automate and segment registrations and send emails.
Why is an email list so important?
Through your website, visitors register with your email list. They enter their name and email address, and if you have enabled this option, they must confirm their registration again via an email they receive.
This means that they are very interested in the information you give them. This makes it much easier to convert potential leads into paying customers.
One email list A well-structured campaign delivers far more conversions than, for example, a social media campaign. You can safely assume that people are waiting for your emails, they didn't sign up for anything, right?
Some reasons why email is such a powerful means of communication:
- The email is directed
The subscriber of your email list has already shown that he is interested in what you have to offer. This allows you to make very specific and targeted offers.
The larger your email list, the more people you reach and the higher your conversion rate. And you know: everyone has an email address, as opposed to a social media account. The chance that you will reach your target group via email is therefore high.
- The effectiveness of email can be measured well
In the email program you use, all the numbers are recorded correctly. This way, you always have a direct insight into how many people open your emails and how often (and which) links are clicked.
This is very valuable information that can help you create the most effective campaigns and newsletters.
- Your email list It's yours
On social media, such as Facebook and Instagram, you are using other people's platforms. You must follow the terms and conditions they set, which can change at any time.
The moment they change any specific rule, you may lose all your followers and therefore potential customers.
Also, not everyone who likes your business page will see everything you post. This has to do with the algorithms these platforms work with. Their revenue model is based on ads, and they want to encourage that as much as possible.
What do you need to build an email list?
Besides the fact that it's really important to dedicate time and attention to it, you don't need much to create a email list. You can start collecting email addresses quite easily and cheaply.
Your basic requirements to start collecting emails today:
- A website.
- An email marketing service, such as Mailchimp (free for up to 2000 email addresses), ActiveCampaign, and MailBlue.
Simply ask for a subscription to your newsletter. In exchange for an email address, nowadays it is necessary to offer a free gift, such as an e-book, mini-course, checklist, etc.
Ask the visitor if they want to stay updated on your posts and offer something in return for it. Remember that this gift should be within your website’s niche.