Do emails still work and what is the best way to build an email list. Plus, what you need to do with a list to make it work for you.
There are good and bad email lists
What’s the difference between a good and bad list you may well ask.
We take the time to email to get a result. one that will deliver sales and a bad list
gets to go straight in the bin.
A warning first up that buying lists can lead to trouble. They can be untested and you get the flack.
I recently ran a new list through one carrier and got blacklisted for a single spam complaint.
However, had been using Constant Contact with the same list-building tools for several years without a problem.
A clean list is a good list and it pays to drop those that never open an email.
Building a list
Everyone you come in contact with goes on the list, friends, family, casual meetings, business cards picked up, people that but from you, get proposals or even just make an enquiry.
You will have a lead magnet on your website and on any or all printed literature.
You can run competitions, surveys and referrals to get names.
The important part is segmenting the list. Breaking it down into smaller lists.
Family list
Friends list
customers
Website etc
When you send an email you select a list and away you go.
So how do you build an email list?
Writing great content is a good start. Everyone likes good content but remember to be under 300 words.
Always have a share button on the email so people can forward your mail to others interested
in the subject.
Your Website should have an opt-in box with a giveaway.
Post a link on all your mail both print and written and even feature it with your signature.
Trade shows, breakfast/ lunch meetings, tradespeople you use.
Run an online contest
Use Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter
Youtube can be a great source
Write regular blog posts
Always a/b test to increase readership.
Run a rewards program, Achievers club, VIP members.
Do webinars and audio chats.
Instore programmes
Everyone you come in contact could be on your list, they don’t want everything you market but they may want something one fine day.
Keep your list clean
Building your list takes time and energy but the rewards will be well worth it.
However, not everyone will be a good contact. Some will unsubscribe and others will never open or click a mail.
They depress your results so have no hesitation in deleting them. It is not personal to you it is just business.
Email in marketing
This is a no brainer, off course you need to do emails and I wrote a long blog on marketing with email recently.
The bigger your list the greater the results so keep working on growth.
I made a sale this week to a guy that had been on my list for 15 months. He opened some mails, he clicked a few and when the timing was right he bought from me.
list building and more
This is a long subject so I have written about it many times, for alternate views you can have a look at List Building for small business.
Is spamming bad for you
It sure is so don’t attempt to email not approved lists. The law hates it, the carriers are scared of it and the complaints will upset you.
I set up a new list recently to try a different carrier, a price saving exercise I thought. I used the same methods employed over the years and had a complaint, One guy said I had spammed him. My new carrier immediately cancelled my account and said goodbye.
I had not spammed but had no right of redress. Interestingly I downloaded the list, changed carriers and continued on as normal.
I get a regular unsubscribe list and check the names with what I have sent. It is not personal, times change and we part friends.
Using your list with an Autoresponder
When a contact arrives interested in a certain product it is only correct to put them into an automated email series that will take them on a journey.
It walks them through the product with pre-posted email leading to a sales result.
Finally on the best way to build an email list
You are not just building a list, you are building a valuable asset that will increase the value of your business. When the time comes to sell the list will add real dollars to the sale price.
I had a customer that unfortunately ran into bad times, closed the doors and walked out. Her largest competitor contacted me to say they were happy to buy the list as they could bring the clients over. The bad news was she had no list. It was the only real value in the business and it was non-existent.
Conclusion
Emails, newsletters and broadcasting will remain the best and cheapest form of client contact available.
You need to stay at top of mind with your client base so this is an easy form
About me
The Internet is a complicated business. That is why I follow and recommend the training at Wealthy Affiliate. Click the block below for a free entry.
