My company's email list is pretty decent in quality - everyone on there knows me personally, which makes them more likely to open my emails - but I really want to grow the thing beyond my happy circle.
Because I am as crunched for time as any small business owner, I did some research to uncover free and easy ways to grow, baby, grow. Here's how to grow your email list:
1. Place a bold sign-up form on your website
This is the most basic place to start. If you haven't already done so, place a sign-up form front and center on your home page. Go one step further, and include it on every landing page, too.
Write a brief but compelling reason people should sign up for your email list. What will they learn? What will they get? What will they miss out on if they don't subscribe?
2. Add subscribe buttons to email signatures
Next, spend a minute editing your email signature with the same info you just added to your website - and include a link where people can sign up. Send it to your employees, and ask them to do the same.
3. Include a subscribe link in your bio
When you send out your bio for guest blogging gigs, events, workshops, etc., include a call-to-action to subscribe to your newsletter. Again, tell people what they'll get when they subscribe.
4. Make emails social
Let's move over to your email templates. Log into MailChimp, Constant Contact, or whatever service you use, and add social share and "email to a friend" buttons to the bottom of the email. You can also send a "subscribe" link so when your emails are shared, recipients can easily sign up.
5. Segment your lists
By segmenting your email list, you can send out super-targeted, personalized emails, which are more likely to get opened and therefore more likely to get shared.
6. Ask for subscriptions
When you are getting to know a prospective client, ask them to sign up for your email list so they can get to know more about your company and what you do.
7. Create downloadable content
This will take a little effort, but it's worth it. Create downloadable content like ebooks, whitepapers, guides, how-tos, etc. that can only be downloaded after you capture a name and email address.
8. Capture email addresses through social media
Put your social media accounts to work, too!
- Facebook: Add a sign-up button at the bottom of your cover image (it's an option, along with the Like button, Message button, etc.)
- Twitter: Promote your downloadable content in tweets
- LinkedIn and Google+: Add a call to action for downloadable content to your LinkedIn company page and your Google+ About
What else have you done to grow your email list that is both free and easy? Share your additional ideas below!
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