So, what is a list and why do you need one? A list is simply a list of email subscribers who have given you permission to market to them and I truly believe that it is the most powerful marketing tool you can have!
Here’s why you should start building your list TODAY…
1. It’s your own network: Although social media is amazing for getting your messages out there and connecting with your ideal customers, you should not rely on it solely for your marketing! What if they were to disappear or your account was closed down out of the blue? What if they changed their rules or the way your messages are delivered? The fans and followers you build up (or your ‘tribe’ as some people like to call it) belong to that social network and not you. This is why you need to build your own network by getting as many of your ideal customers you can over to your list. That way you have full control of your marketing and if the worst was to happen on social media you can still connect with your tribe.
2. Email is direct: Emails deliver your message directly to every single one of your ideal customers. There is no middle man and they don’t have to scroll through hundreds of posts to eventually stumble across yours. Once they have signed up to hear from you, their email address is your golden ticket to reaching that person exclusively. Your email list is like gold – a targeted audience who have subscribed because they want to hear from you – how fab is that!
3. It builds relationships: Sharing content that your ideal customer will love will help you to build relationships with them. Using email to do this on a regular basis will help to position you as an expert and builds credibility. Some ideas for useful content to share may be hints and tips or tools or articles you think they will find useful. Consistency is key here and you need to stick with it as it will take time for people to get to know you before they will start engaging and interacting with you. Start by sending out a newsletter once a month, but if you have loads of amazing content to share there’s no reason why you couldn’t increase this to once every two weeks. See what works best for you!
How To Get Started
1. Sign up for a good email service: Make sure you sign up to a professional email service, as sending out emails/newsletters from your personal email account not only looks a bit naff, but could also risk you being blacklisted. I think Mailchimp is fab! It’s really simple to use, makes your emails look great and best of all it’s FREE! You can sign up and find out more by clicking here. (Don’t forget to always include an unsubscribe link on all of your emails so that you comply with spam laws.)
2. Create your fabulous freebie: A freebie is something of value that you create for your ideal customer. Something that they would happily sign up to your mailing list in order to receive it. My freebies are my Unleash Your Marketing Goddess Tips E-book and my new Monthly Goals Planner, but it could be some kind of cheat sheet, a tutorial video or a simple hints and tips document. Have a think about what you can offer that your ideal customers would find really useful.
3. Create a sign up page: So this is where it gets a little more technical – you need to have a way for people to sign up to your freebie. All you need is a simple sign up form (which can be done via Mailchimp) and a picture of your freebie. If you have someone who helps you with your website, ask them first to save time. If not click here for a fab tutorial on how to do it yourself!
I really hope you find theses tips useful and if you haven’t already, hopefully you will get started building your list today! Good luck and I’d love to hear how you are getting on. Pop over to my Facebook page to let me know!
Love, Nicky xx
P.s. If you need more help with your e-newsletters, my Sizzling E-Newsletters That Sell course is now available for just £39.99. Click here for more info!
