If you aren’t growing your email list you’re leaving money on the table.
As a new entrepreneur (or an established entrepreneur new to email marketing) you should be growing your email list on a daily basis. This is the lifeline of your business.
When you hear the saying “The money is in the list,” it’s 100 percent true. This is because it’s a list of people who have already proven to you they want to hear from you by giving you their email address.
They are interested in what you have to say, what you have to offer, and you have a direct line into their life through email.
So, here are six list building strategies for entrepreneurs to use to start growing their list.
1. Become a guest expert.
Being a guest on someone else’s podcast, radio show, or blog positions you as an expert in your niche. This could be via audio, video or print. Each party benefits by introducing their respective audiences to each other and gaining additional opt-in’s.
As you close, be sure to include a call-to-action (CTA) so you can direct people to your mailing list. You might not have people knocking down your door to interview you yet. That’s okay! Start with some smaller brands so you can get your feet wet and then work your way up.
Action Step: Create a list of 5 podcasts, radio shows or blogs that you would like to pitch for an interview and feature. Be sure to review their brand and pitch ideas that will resonate with their audience.
2. Create a lead magnet.
Creating an irresistible free offer for your ideal client is a sure-fire way to gain sign-ups. This could include a mix of ebooks, audio, video, checklists or incentives. Create something that your ideal client can’t pass up. The key here is to creating something that not only your ideal client wants, but that relates directly to your product or service. This is a great tool to obtain high quality leads.
Action Step: Create five lead magnet topics and their corresponding free offers, then pick one.
3. Start guest blogging.
If you can write well on topics in your niche, then find targeted blogs and magazines that you can contribute to regularly. By creating and distributing targeted content to other websites and platforms you gain exposure to their audience and authority in your field.
Again, you’ll want to ensure you include a CTA. For guest posts it’s usually located in the bio. Start with smaller web properties so that when you go to larger ones you’ll have a portfolio of other guest posts that lend you credibility.
Action Step: Create a list of 5 niche blogs. If you need help coming up with a list, then Google “niche keyword” and “write for us.” That search should give you a list of blogs in your niche that are accepting guest contributors. After you have published 4-5 articles, then create a list of 3 larger blogs and magazines; and submit to them.
4. Host free challenges.
A free challenge is when you provide actionable tips for a consecutive number of days on a specific topic. For example, I could host a 5-day challenge on list building. Each day I would provide tips and strategies along with an action item.
The goal is to help your audience get results during the challenge. It also provides quick and massive credibility for you as you generate new leads, since they will need to opt-in in order to take part of the challenge.
Action Step: Come up with 3 challenge ideas. Pick one and then outline each day.
5. Launch a giveaway.
Giveaways are such an easy and fun way to grow your email list. They are also probably the fastest way. We all like free stuff, right? The goal is to get people to opt-in in to get a chance to win a free offer that resonates with your brand.
Action Step: Come up with 3 targeted prizes (physical or digital goods) to giveaway. Then select the one that would yield the most targeted opt-in’s.
6. Host live events.
One of the quickest ways to create the know, like, trust factor is for people to interact with you live. This could be through webinars, tele seminars or an in-person event. When someone hears you and is able to interact via Q&A, that skyrockets your relationship with them. Make sure to create an opt-in for event sign-ups. This grows your list and ensures you can communicate the details of the event and continue the conversation afterwards.
Action Step: Create a list of 4 topics for a live event that all align with your brand. Choose the best one and go for it!
This article has been edited and condensed.
Jessica Walman is a Visibility and Digital Marketing Strategist for smart, savvy women entrepreneurs helping them to gain the confidence, visibility, and know-how to create a business and life they desire. If you want to gain visibility and grow your brand, then connect with Jessica at JessicaWalman.com. Connect with @JessicaWalman on Twitter.
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