Are you getting the right people to join your email list?

Is your email list growing the way you want it to?

If your answer to either of those questions is “no, ” you need to look at the foundation you’ve built to ensure it’s designed and created to get the right people to raise their hands and say “yes” to giving you their precious email addresses.

Answering questions from my community is something I love to do, and recently, I did just that, with the result being a series of Ask Me Anything (about online marketing) videos.

The first question I received was about list building, a perennial topic for business owners and marketers.

Below is the video and below the video is an article crafted from the transcript (and yes, I got help from ChatGPT4o to organize the information so it is easier to read than the transcript).

Imagine entering a room filled with potential customers, each eagerly awaiting a compelling reason to stay connected with you. Your email list is that room; the key to filling it lies in your approach to list building.

I recently offered a program called The List Building Lab, which included 12 lessons on my top strategies for effective list-building. The video above and the article below expand on those insights.

I’ll start by emphasizing the importance of a solid foundation. Without it, your list-building efforts might falter. The cornerstone of this foundation is a dedicated, stand-alone page for your opt-in form—#3 on the list below.

Why am I addressing the third essential step?

I’m making an assumption you already 1) know your target audience and 2) you’ve created a valuable reason why (maybe a lead magnet) someone would want to subscribe to your list.

That makes the third step: setting up a dedicated opt-in page. If you haven’t done steps one and two, you must back up and start there.

This page should exist solely to encourage visitors to join your list, whether offering a newsletter, a lead magnet, or another enticing freebie. The dedicated page allows for focused promotion and makes it simple for potential subscribers to opt in without distractions.

Why is a stand-alone opt-in page so crucial?

Many businesses scatter their opt-in forms across various parts of their website – the homepage hero image, the footer, or the sidebar. While these locations are beneficial, they don’t replace the power of a single, clear opt-in page.

This page is a direct, uncomplicated path for your audience to follow, enhancing your promotional efforts. Imagine being a guest on a podcast or speaking at a summit; having a straightforward URL to share can significantly boost your sign-ups.

Creating this dedicated page isn’t just about the opt-in form itself; it’s about conveying the value and benefits to the subscriber.

Here are some key elements to include on your stand-alone opt-in page:

1. Clear Value Proposition: Explain exactly what the subscriber will receive and why it’s beneficial. Be specific about the value they’ll gain.
2. Compelling Headline: Craft a headline that grabs attention and clearly states the offer.
3. Engaging Copy: Use persuasive language to describe the benefits of subscribing. Focus on what’s in it for them.
4. Simple Form: To reduce friction, keep the form fields to a minimum. Ask only for essential information, typically a name and email address.
5. Strong Call to Action: Make your call to action (CTA) stand out. Use action-oriented language that encourages immediate sign-up.
6. Visual Appeal: Ensure the page is visually appealing with a clean design, relevant images, and a layout that guides the eye toward the CTA.

Beyond the stand-alone page, promoting your opt-in page effectively is crucial.

Here are some additional strategies:

1. Social Media Promotion: Regularly share the link to your opt-in page across your social media channels. Use eye-catching visuals and persuasive copy to draw attention.
2. Guest Appearances: When participating in podcasts, webinars, or summits, mention your opt-in page and provide the link. This can attract a new audience who already values your expertise.
3. Email Signatures: Include a link to your opt-in page in your email signature. Every email you send is an opportunity to attract new subscribers.
4. Partnerships and Collaborations: Partner with other businesses or influencers in your niche to promote your opt-in page. Cross-promotion can introduce your offer to a wider audience.

To sum up, my list-building approach involves creating a strong, focused foundation and promoting it effectively. Your dedicated opt-in page is a powerful tool in your marketing toolbox, simplifying the subscription process and enhancing your promotional efforts.

Every email list starts with one subscriber. Treat each one as the individual they are, and your list will grow with integrity.

Author Unknown

Create that stand-alone page, communicate your value, and confidently promote it. By doing so, you’ll be well on your way to building a robust, engaged email list that can drive your business forward.

Ready to start? Craft your opt-in page today and watch your email list grow!

Here’s a comprehensive checklist ready to help you succeed with your list building.

Yes, I want the checklist!

Blog header photo by Philipp Katzenberger on Unsplash

The post How to Build a Strong Foundation for Your Email List appeared first on Adventures in Visibility.

However, building and maintaining this list can often seem like a daunting task. The key to overcoming this challenge lies not only in the methods of building a list but also in understanding the profound impact it can have on your business.

Why Build an Email List?

An email list is more than just a collection of names and addresses. It’s a direct line to your most interested customers and prospects.

Unlike social media platforms, where algorithms control your content’s visibility, emails land directly in your audience’s inbox.

This makes it a dependable and personal way to communicate with your audience, share valuable content, and build lasting relationships.

“If Social Media is the cocktail party, then email marketing is the ‘meet up for coffee’. The original 1 to 1 channel.”

-Erik Harbison

The Art of Connection

List building isn’t just about increasing numbers; it’s about fostering a community. Your email list should be a group of people who are genuinely interested in what you offer, who find value in your messages, and who look forward to your updates.

The aim is to create an environment where subscribers feel seen, heard, and valued.

Effective Strategies for List Building

1. Lead Magnets: Offer something irresistible in exchange for an email address. This could be an eBook, a webinar, or even a discount code – something that provides immediate value and a quick result for the receiver.
2. Optimize Your Website: Place sign-up forms in high-traffic areas. The top of your homepage or at the end of blog posts are good spots. Remember, the key is to make it easy and tempting for visitors to subscribe.
3. Consistent, Quality Content: Whether blog posts, newsletters, or updates, the content should be relevant, engaging, and valuable to your audience. This builds trust and keeps your audience engaged.
4. Personalization and Segmentation: Tailor your emails to meet the unique interests and needs of different segments of your audience. This makes your communication more relevant and effective.
5. Engage and Interact: Invite feedback, conduct surveys, and encourage replies. Interaction enhances the sense of community and belonging among your subscribers.

“A small list that wants exactly what you’re offering is better than a bigger list that isn’t committed.”

– Ramsay Leimenstoll

The Power of a Well-Built List

A well-cultivated email list can transform the way you do business. It allows for personalized communication, builds a sense of community, and enhances customer loyalty.

More importantly, it turns your email list into a group of engaged followers who are more likely to respond to your calls to action, be it a product purchase, service enrollment, or participation in a program you’re offering.

List building is an ongoing journey. It’s about consistently delivering value, building trust, and creating a community.

By focusing on these elements, you’ll not only grow your list but also cultivate a group of individuals who are genuinely interested in your business and what you have to offer.

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The post Boost Your Business With Smart Email List Building Techniques appeared first on Adventures in Visibility.

👉 If you want more engagement with your email subscribers, send short, simple surveys every once in a while.

Ask readers to REPLY to you with their answer to one question.

This creates more engagement and helps you get to know what your readers like, want, and feel about what you’re offering. Then you can give them more of what they want!⁠

You may have responded to the occasional one-question surveys I’ve sent out. Recently I sent an email asking if readers used iOS or Android. I discovered my audience is split just about down the middle.

I also discovered most of the people who responded read my emails on their desktop computer vs. mobile.  That’s good to know because it helps me know how to best format the content.

Why is reader engagement important?

As you can see from the slide above (from a short presentation I did for clients about email trends), interactivity = engagement. When a reader interacts with your email by replying or clicking a link for a survey, it signals to your email service provider they want to get your messages. That improves your deliverability.

So, what should you ask your readers? If it’s the very first email they’re receiving from you when they subscribe to get a freebie or sign up to get your blog posts or join a webinar, etc., here are some ideas:

Ask them “What is your number 1 problem with regards to [topic]”?

(A) You get them to reply to your email (the main objective)

(B) You get to know your audience better and discover their pain points → use this to create offers that solve these problems

(C) You’re building a relationship by asking them questions → shows you care about them

Or:

If you find the tips in the email useful to help you to [get the desired result] reply back this email by saying:

Give me more!!

And I’ll show you even more cool tips!

Or:

you can simply ask them to reply to your email and let you know if they’re able to access the lead magnet you promised.

Something like:

Can you let me know if the access link is working for you? A simple “got the guide” or “problem accessing” would do. Of course, if there’s any problem, I’ll make sure to fix it for you.

And always keep in mind, when you engage your subscribers by asking for a direct reply, it helps keep your list out of the spam traps.⁠ That’s a big deal.

Finally, remember to ask questions that are relevant to your reader AND how you can serve them better.  And don’t forget to ask the question to followers in your online communities, too! The more intel you have about your community, the better you can connect with and serve them.

𝙒𝙝𝙖𝙩 𝙞𝙨 𝙤𝙣𝙚 𝙨𝙞𝙢𝙥𝙡𝙚 𝙦𝙪𝙚𝙨𝙩𝙞𝙤𝙣 𝙮𝙤𝙪 𝙘𝙖𝙣 𝙖𝙨𝙠 𝙮𝙤𝙪𝙧 𝙧𝙚𝙖𝙙𝙚𝙧𝙨 𝙖𝙣𝙙 𝙨𝙚𝙣𝙙 𝙤𝙪𝙩 𝙩𝙤 𝙮𝙤𝙪𝙧 𝙡𝙞𝙨𝙩 𝙩𝙤𝙙𝙖𝙮?⁠

In the comments below, post the question you’re considering asking your audience. I’m happy to offer feedback if you’d like some. 😎

Recommended Reading

This Email Marketing  Tip is  Essential for Getting More Visibility

Email Copywriting Checklist (free download)

The post Engage Email Subscribers with This Simple Tip appeared first on Adventures in Visibility.

In this free Community Connect call, I share one of nine current trends in email marketing. The 7-minute clip is an introduction to the full one hour call focusing on 9 current email marketing trends.

You get access to the free training along with previous and all future Community Connect events and resources at http://AskDeniseWakeman.com

Community Connect calls are sponsored by the Marketing Trailblazers Community.

The transcript, lightly edited for better readability, is below the video.

[ssp-video id=”513148769251145″]

Transcript

If you prefer to read the content of the short audiogram above, here it is for you…

I will state that these are not in any specific order, any special order of importance. These are things that I just kept running into, and experiencing and then found names for. And there’s a thing, the first trend is interactivity in emails, and I was like, “Interactivity. What do you mean? Like playing games or what does that mean?” Well, interactivity is a huge trend that continues to grow. In a nutshell, it’s when a reader of your email takes some action. That means you have to put that action in the email. It’s clicking a link. It’s clicking a link to watch a video. It’s clicking a link to buy. It’s clicking a link to register. It’s clicking a link to take a survey, or to do a quiz, or to reply to you. That is what email interactivity is.

You’re probably also seeing more of that in your emails, that people are asking more questions. They are asking you to reply. I just sent one out as a test, as you probably saw, because many of you replied. I will say that I got more replies to asking that question about lead magnets than I ever get on any email where I ask for people to reply and tell me something or give me some feedback or something. They’re still coming in, and it’s three days since I sent that.

When you think about another step, … I didn’t write it down, but I’m remembering it from what I was reading, is that most email is opened … Like 20% of emails are opened within the first hour [of being sent]. And after that, opens decline. So the fact that two to three days later people are still responding to that one, that’s pretty good.

Now, why do you want interactivity? This is why this is so important and why people are doing it. You want that interactivity because it tells your email service provider, plus the one that’s receiving it on the other end, that you and the receiver are friends. The fact that they’re taking action, it’s as if they are getting a personal email and replying to you or doing something you asked them to do. That is important for keeping your emails, your broadcast emails, your email marketing emails out of the spam filters.

What it comes down to is that you want your readers to do something, not just read passively and then file it away and move on to the next thing. You want them to do something in your email because that is a clue to the email service providers that that is an active person who wants your content. I think I’ve known this intuitively, but I’ve now read this in lots of places about this whole spam thing and that you just want to make sure that happens.

You saw the survey that I did … And that’s a real survey. I was really curious. It really is a conversation. I didn’t make this up. It was a conversation that’s been going on in the Marketing Trailblazers Community. But then I wanted to test it. So I was like, “Well, what can I ask? Oh, we want to know this,” so I test it. The answers are all over the place. That is fantastic because it’s giving me, and when I share it with my audience, it’s going to give us some rich data and information about what we can do in the long run.

Depending on the question … A very common one is, on a first email, thanks for joining my list. Now could you reply and tell me your biggest challenge with X, Y, Z? We’ve all seen that; it is still a valid way to start getting to know your audience.

Plus, one of the things I read about this spam thing is that you want people to respond to the very first email that they get from you, the very first one. I was reading something where somebody gave several examples that I’ll tell you. So the first one he talks about is what is your biggest challenge, or what is your biggest problem, or that sort of thing. So you get to know your audience better. You get to know their pain points, and you can use this for segmenting, which I’ll talk about a minute, and building relationships by asking them questions and replying back to them. Of course, if somebody sends you [an email], you need to reply back to them.

The other thing is, he had a couple of really good things here, asking, “If you find the tips in this email useful to you for blah, blah, blah, reply back to this email by saying, “Give me more.'” So then you have an opportunity to send out another piece of valuable content to that person when they reply.  liked that one, too.

The other thing is if you’re sending out a lead magnet, if somebody subscribes to your lead magnet, the first email can include in it something like, “Is the access link working with you? Please reply and just let me know. Got it or no I didn’t. Then, I’ll make sure I take care of that and get it to you.” That’s being helpful. That’s being useful.

Those are some ideas for how to start that conversation and encourage people to reply to you. As I said, there are quizzes, surveys, games, contests, calls to action are what’s important in your interactive messaging because you want them to engage with you – in the email – in some way.

I saw Elizabeth asking, “Why didn’t you use a survey program like SurveyMonkey?” Yes, totally intentional, as I’m saying because I wanted people to reply to my email. I wanted to get the interaction on the email because that is what is sending a signal to the service providers on either end that it’s a legitimate email. It’s not a spam email. I hope that makes sense. Okay, that’s trend number one, email interactivity in your email.

To be continued…sign up for the free Community Connect calls and you’ll get access to all past (including this one on email marketing) and future training. Click the button below to join.

Recommended Listening

Email Marketing: Know Your Audience and What They Want

The post Community Connect -Current Trends in Email Marketing [video] appeared first on Adventures in Visibility.

Let’s say you agree, and let’s say that you have a really awesome email newsletter yourself. In this era where everybody under the sun is telling you to ditch the email newsletter in favor of social, how do you grow that list? I have some ideas for you…

Best practices

An important thing to remember when incorporating any new marketing idea is to test, test, test. But before you start testing, you should have the foundation of best practices in place. This way, as you test, you know that your newsletter, signup forms, and other fundamental pieces of your email strategy are rock-solid and will be there to help close the deal as you promote your list.

1. Make your email awesome

If your newsletter stinks, no amount of promotion is going to hold a subscriber for long. Be sure to have the entire signup process set up properly, with your welcome email, a clean,mobile-friendly design, and most importantly, content that will keep your subscribers wanting more.

2. Have a standalone signup page

Nearly all of us use a signup form on our websites, either in the sidebar, a pop-up (we’ll talk about that in a minute) or near the bottom of our web pages. But those forms are all “passive intent”, meaning the visitor came to that page for another reason (the content itself) and decided after the fact to sign up for your newsletter. Why not have a “sales page” dedicated to capturing signups?

3. Use your signup page as a funnel

The sidebar/footer/pop-up form is great to have, and important, but you should include links in your copy dedicated to drive people to that signup page, where you can make a better pitch. You can also track conversions this way.

4. Put a subscribe link in the email itself

If your email is forwarded or shared, the new set of eyes viewing it has no way of signing up for their own copy of awesomeness…unless you have a link in your email to that dedicated signup page.

5. Include social sharing buttons (if appropriate for the message) in the email. 

They’ll link to your web version which, you guessed it, includes a signup link to your newsletter!

Boost your signup form’s visibility

Now that you have the essentials in place, it’s time to drive traffic and messaging to your email list signup page. Here are some ideas to test out:

1. Pop-ups, pop-overs, pull-downs oh my!

Love ’em or hate ’em, those pop-ups that ask visitors to sign up for your email list work. Instead of giving you research and examples, I’ll point you to this blog post by email marketing consultant DJ Waldow who already did the work for me here.

2. Post teasers before your newsletter drops, with a signup link

Give your followers a heads-up that you have some exclusive content coming out in about 60 minutes (then 30, then 15), with a link to your signup form. [pullquote position=”right”]On Facebook and Google+, post an attention-grabbing photo that announces your upcoming newsletter.[/pullquote]

3. Set your list to “send last campaign” after your newsletter drops, then tweet/post the link

IMPORTANT: Don’t post a link to the actual newsletter on social, then you give your audience no incentive to sign up. You also dilute the exclusivity for your existing subscribers, who have given you their email address, only to find you posted the newsletter to everyone on the Internet. Not cool.

Instead, ask your Email Service Provider (ESP) if you can set your list to send the last campaign (your newsletter) to new signups, then you can promote the heck out of the fact your newsletter just dropped.

4. Do a Vine, Instagram or YouTube video about why people should sign up 

Video can invoke a level of trust for people who are hesitant to give out their email address, because we see people “face to face” and can read their human emotion in the video. Talking about what their email address means to you as a marketer is a fantastic way to bridge that gap, plus you’re taking advantage of a very hot part of online marketing today: VIDEO!

5. Create a pin on Pinterest that promotes exclusive content and links to your signup page 

Pinterest is fantastic for driving traffic to websites, and pins have a long life span compared to other posts that get pushed “down stream” in your followers’ news feeds. Bonus points: pin your YouTube video! 

6. Encourage audience participation 

DJ Waldow does a fantastic job with this (I’m a fan, what can I say). In his weekly newsletter, he has calls to action to tell him you’re interacting with his email (check out an example). This does three things: first, it makes the email fun and deepens his relationships with his subscribers. Second, it gives him valuable data to use when evaluating his campaign’s performance. Third, he can use those tweets and shout-outs to cross-promote his subscriber list AND his signup page.

Always Be Testing

Hopefully you’ll get some cool ways to boost the visibility of your email list. Some might work, some might bomb. But you’ll only know if you test! If you use any, I want to hear about them, so tweet me @stephanhov or +mention me on Google+.

The post Six Ways to Boost the Visibility of Your Email List appeared first on Adventures in Visibility.