Today, most businesses spend a lot of time and resources on social media marketing. Although we have platforms like Instagram, Facebook, and TikTok, there is one aspect that many business owners and marketers do not give much thought to – the email list.
Having a good number of subscribers on your email list is very important in your business as it means you own a channel through which you can easily reach your audience. But, alas, many entrepreneurs and business owners are more concerned with the number of likes and followers than with the effectiveness of email marketing. In this article, I will explain how to begin and maintain your email list and why it is essential for developing your business.
Why Email Marketing is a Game-Changer for Your Business
While social media sites are great for getting many people to see your content, they are only rented spaces. This is because you have no guarantee that your post will reach many people and vice versa; the algorithms can change, and platforms can shut down. On the other hand, your email list is an asset you own, and it is not affected by the algorithms or other changes.
Email marketing lets you connect more personally and closely with your prospects and customers. According to the DMA (2019), for every $1 spent on email marketing, the average return is $42. That’s a 42x return! The numbers don’t lie—email marketing is one of the most effective ways to boost conversions and drive sales.
Key Steps to Start Your Email List from Scratch
- Leverage Existing Contacts: The first step towards creating your email list is sometimes the most basic: use your contacts. The first step is to export the contact list from your phone. Although this may seem the most basic approach, many companies still do not know how to use contact data. Although these contacts may not be your target audience, they are a good starting point for your email list. All you have to do is upload them into your CRM system, and you are good to go.
- Choose the Right CRM: Once you’ve gathered your contacts, it’s time to load them into a CRM. A CRM helps you organize and manage contacts, track interactions, and automate follow-ups. Popular CRM systems like Rapid Marketing Systems can make this process seamless and scalable, helping you move from a simple contact list to a fully functional email marketing strategy.
- Offer Value in Exchange for Emails: Once you have created your email list, the next step is to get people to subscribe to it. The best way to do this is by giving people something valuable in exchange for their email addresses. It could be an e-book, a webinar, or any other download that will be useful to your audience and make them want to give you their contact information.
Why Content is King When It Comes to Growing Your Email List
The best way to grow your email list is to create content relevant to your audience to help you achieve your business goals. Your content should aim at more than just increasing engagement; it should also aim at getting people to take action. Here are a few ways you can create engaging content:
- Landing Pages: Design specific landing pages with proper forms that lead customers to certain pages and offer freebies in exchange for their email addresses. A good landing page can increase the conversion rate.
- Quizzes and Assessments: People love personalized content. It is a great way to get people to give you their emails while also giving them valuable content.
- Email Sequences: After you get an email address, you need to keep the fire burning by sending out follow-up emails offering even more value. The idea is to establish a trusting relationship and keep your audience engaged.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Although building an email list is essential for business growth, some misconceptions can limit success. Let’s discuss some of these pitfalls:
- Relying Only on Social Media: If you only use social media to generate leads, you are putting your business at risk. This is because social media platforms can change their algorithms or policies anytime. You are not building a sustainable business if you are not collecting emails. Email marketing should be a part of your plan.
- Failing to Organize Your Database: Your email list is only as good as how you organize it. Without proper segmentation, you are likely to send messages that are not relevant to your subscribers and get them to unsubscribe. It is essential to regularly clean your list and use segmentations to ensure that the right message gets to the right people.
- Ignoring Consistency: Getting people to join your email list will not happen overnight. It is essential to be consistent. You should continue creating and sharing valuable content through newsletters, promotional messages, or educational materials. The more consistent you are, the more likely you will get the desired results.
Conclusion: Building Your Business on a Solid Foundation
An email list is the foundation of any successful business. With the right tools and strategy, you can turn social media leads into loyal customers and build a thriving business. Don’t wait for “later” to start—begin today by creating and nurturing your email list. The sooner you make it, the sooner your business grows.
Remember, your email list is not just a list of names—it’s an opportunity to change lives, solve problems, and ultimately make a lasting impact. So, start today and watch as your business reaches new heights.
