How to Launch + Grow Your Email List (Blog from Freedom Makers Partner, AMSE)

If you have an online business you need to have an email list.
​
I have spent a lot of time listening to successful entrepreneurs talking about mistakes they made in their business, and a good majority of them have said, “I wish I would have started an email list sooner.”

We all know we don’t own our Instagram profiles or Facebook groups. People get locked out of their social media accounts all the time, and let’s not even get into how annoying the algorithms are. For instance, common social media engagement rates are around 5%!!! 

However, with an email list, you get to communicate directly to your potential clients as the message gets put right in their inbox, which I bet they check multiple times a day. Think about that exposure!

But how do you pick the right email marketing platform?This is one of the first questions I am asked when working with clients. Do not get caught up in trying to choose the best one. To be honest, they are all pretty similar. My personal favorite is Flodesk. It is extremely easy and simple to set-up and send emails. If you are looking for a free option, I would recommend Mailchimp. 

You have picked your platform…now what?After you have picked an email marketing platform that you like, you need to create a freebie.⠀

Lead magnet, opt-in, freebie, whatever you want to call it - they all mean the same thing. Essentially you’re giving something away in exchange for their email! This freebie is how you will massively grow your email list.

But how and why do we create a freebie? ⠀

Imagine your business is a PIE...key lime pie to be exact because it’s my favorite! The freebie is a SLICE of your pie.⠀It is important your freebie is a small slice of your offer/service/product so you ensure are attracting your ideal customer onto your email list.

Another thing to remember when creating your freebie is that it solves a problem your ideal client has. For example: “If you struggle with _____ I created this 10-page guide that will help you _______. Click the link to download the guide!” 


However, be sure to not make this mistake:

“Hey everyone! Come sign up for my weekly newsletter!” *crickets crickets*⠀
Instead, try this: 

“Hey! Who wants a free productivity calendar?” ME ME ME! *email list grows*⠀

After your freebie is created, you want to promote it all over the internet! Promote your freebie everywhere on a weekly basis. Promoting it every week will allow your email list to continue to grow. As you become more comfortable with your email marketing platform, you may decide to publish newsletters, reminder emails…it’s up to you. But getting started with these tips will help you launch and start your email list. So get to it!
​

For other email marketing tips, how to increase your open rates, and ways to sell your services/products to your email list, be sure to follow Kaila on Instagram @kaila.ruan.

Freedom Makers is proud to be partners with AMSE who connects military spouse entrepreneurs with the tools and resources needed to become successful in launching and growing their businesses. We invite you to check them out here.