If you want to remain top-of-mind with your customers (as well as nurture people who are interested in your business, but not yet buying from you), you need to be able to stay in touch. While social media may seem like a good first step, you’re limited in how often your audience sees your posts. And you’re not in control of the algorithms that impact that so…
You need to start building your email list. With a list, you can stay in touch and remain top-of-mind by sending newsletters, discount coupons, information on events, and specials. You’re more likely to be able to bring customers in the door with a strong list and it also gives them something to talk about and circulate among their friends. Plus, 92% of online adults use email regularly (not sure what the other 8% are doing when they’re online but whatever). And you don’t have to worry about the “social media powers that be” keeping your messaging from those you want to see it.
There are many ways to build a list. To capture online emails, you simply offer something of value (video, course, checklist, or other exclusive content) in exchange for an email. You’ll also want to be clear that they will hear from you on occasion. Make sure you give them the option to opt-out as well.
But how do you build your email list outside of a lead magnet?
25 Ways to Build an Awesome Email List
1. Host webinars or courses.
2. Run contests or giveaways. Incentivize sign-ups by offering prizes relevant to your target audience.
3. Include sign-up forms on your website. Make it easy for visitors to subscribe on high-traffic spots like your homepage, blog posts, and landing pages.
4. Promote your email list on social media. Encourage followers to sign up for exclusive content or updates. Let them know what they’ll receive. Discounts are a top motivator for sign-ups.
5. Run targeted ads. Use social media advertising platforms to reach a specific audience and promote your email list sign-up.
6. Add a sign-up form to your email signature.
7. Offer referral bonuses. Encourage existing subscribers to spread the word by offering rewards for referrals.
8. Run exit-intent popups. These popups appear when a visitor looks like they’re about to leave your website. Offer a last-minute incentive to subscribe.
9. Partner with other businesses. Cross-promote your email lists with businesses that complement your offerings.
10. Host Q&A sessions or live chats. Offer valuable interaction and require email sign-up to participate.
11. Run interactive polls or surveys. Gather valuable data while building your email list. If results would appeal to your audience, offer to send them the conclusions for their email.
12. Offer free trials or consultations. Capture leads interested in your paid services.
13. Repurpose content into email newsletters. Provide ongoing value to keep subscribers engaged.
14. Offer a challenge. These can be live videos or pre-recorded content, or emails sent daily. Length of challenges can vary so get creative.
15. Run interactive content like quizzes or games.
16. Offer loyalty programs or rewards. Give subscribers points or discounts for signing up and taking specific actions (e.g., opening emails, referring friends).
17. Utilize offline methods. Collect email addresses at events, trade shows, or through in-person interactions.
18. Use a QR code. If you have a brick-and-mortar business, place a QR code next to your register that directs to a VIP customer list they can join. Give a discount on their next purchase for signing up.
19. Retarget website visitors. Use website retargeting ads to remind visitors who haven't subscribed yet about your valuable content and email list.
20. Create a CTA. Add a call-to-action to join your email list wherever you’re giving value such as blog posts, newsletters, videos, etc.
21. Leaving comments. While I’m not a big fan of this one, if you have an engaged and vocal audience, you can require an email address to leave comments on your blog.
22. Write for a third-party. Reach a bigger audience by writing for LinkedIn or Medium. Make sure you add a call-to-action to join your email list.
23. Tease content. Just as trailers for movies whet a moviegoer’s appetite to see the upcoming film, post small bits of content with “read more” links to see the entire article for the price of an email. Many newspapers have adopted this strategy.
24. Create a game. The New York Times has cashed in big on this approach. Want to know how you did against the Wordle Bot? You’re going to pay for that with your email (and a few dollars).
25. Guest blog. Write for someone else and add a CTA to join your newsletter to stay in touch.
If you want to increase sales, you need to find a way to stay top-of-mind with your audience. An email list is one of the strongest, most versatile ways to do this. Your audience’s preferences on offers may vary so try several of these strategies and you’ll see subscribers (and sales) grow.
Christina Metcalf is a writer/ghostwriter who believes in the power of story. She works with small businesses, chambers of commerce, and business professionals who want to make an impression and grow a loyal customer/member base. She loves road trips, hates exclamation points, and is currently reading three books at once.
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