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The Internet is one of the most crowded marketplaces. Irrespective of what you sell, others are selling the same product. To be on your client’s priority list, you must communicate with them regularly. You need an effective communication channel to remain on your client’s priority list. But email marketing has proven to be one of the most effective channels over time. And you need to build email marketing list for effectiveness.
Email marketing started in 1970. It is one of the most effective marketing tools. It ranks next to word-of-mouth marketing. And it will grow to a 10 billion dollar industry before the end of 2023.
It was the first tool that helped me make my first $130 online. Without missing words, it is one of my first go-to tools for marketing. Sit tight if you want to make money in this multi-billion dollar industry. I will explain in detail how to get started with an email marketing business, build email marketing lists for free, the cost implications of building an email marketing list, share the best email list providers and how you can begin to make money from your email list.
If you are in search of comprehensive material on email marketing. You can take advantage of the secret email system by Matt Bacak. It is one of those materials that helped me sharpen my email marketing skills.
Table of Contents
What is Email Marketing List Building
Email marketing list building is the process of acquiring emails for the sole aim of marketing. You can do this by requesting email addresses from customers, visitors or anyone who visits your website, social media platforms, or folks visiting your in-store shop.
Let us see some marketers and how they have turned their businesses around via email marketing.
- Neil Patel: did not miss words. He emphatically stated that email marketing outshines his other marketing channels. Email marketing has one of the highest conversion rates. So it makes it easy for you to cross-sell products. Even if you are not selling any product, email marketing will help you get visitors to your website continuously.
- Nathalie Lussier is the AccessAlly’s digital strategist. She uses email marketing to build relationships with her clients. She understands how effective it is when clients and website visitors continue to read useful emails from your desk. An email will move you from your desk to your customer’s email box. So if you spend time building a robust email list, you can constantly visit your customer’s email boxes with your promotions at no cost.
- Ramsay Taplin: I like it when Ramsay said if he loses Blogtyrant’s ranking on search engines, he has a backup strategy – his email list. Without missing words, search engines are one of the cheapest forms of traffic. But with algorithm changes, you can lose your ranking and traffic from search engines. But this is not the case with email marketing. Your email list can always help you promote your website without fear of losing your traffic. You can not compare Facebook or Twitter traffic to your email list. While you have absolute control over your email list, you do not have control over search engines.
- Corey Dilley: was emphatic about it when he said – our email list is our greatest asset. As a digital marketer, you do not have a business without a list. As an internet marketer, one of those things I prioritize is email list building. I started enjoying the dividend in my early days. I made my first 130 USD from an email list containing less than 30 emails.
- Joe Pulizzi: is another successful internet marketer you must listen to. He said his only regret is not getting started with email marketing early enough. I love his words on keeping and getting customers on your land. Keeping your audience on Facebook and Twitter is like building a house on rented land. So if you are not building your email list, you are not using the right approach.
The below graph shows a reflection of insider intelligence statistics on the effectiveness of an email list.
How Much Will Building an Email Marketing List Cost
There is no stipulated amount to how much you need to build an email list. There are a lot of factors that make up the cost of building an email list. One of that factors is your number of subscribers. Likewise, there are lots of ways to acquire an email list.
Buying an Email list.
A lot of marketers are out there selling email lists. You can buy an email list. It seems it is saving you time and quickly reaching potential markets. You will have access to a large number of new contacts and have control over this contact.
But many of this list are poorly gathered contacts. Nobody signed up voluntarily on this list. They are a pool of lists acquired from an unverified database. As such, the probability your emails will end up in spam or be rejected is high.
Many times, you are not the first to buy this email list. And you will not be the last. So it can be in the hands of your competitors. As such, you will be sending the same kind of mail others have sent. It will reduce engagement from your audience. The worst of it is that you will be violating the CAN-SPAM Act. And you can get punished.
Do it yourself
The best approach to building an email list is to do it yourself. That way, you will rest assured that all those receiving your emails want to receive them. It is time taken to build an email list. But with the right approach, it will deliver desired results. You can learn the correct method from Matt Bacak in his Secret Email System
How to build an email list for free
There are a lot of misconceptions about building a marketing email list. But if you want to create a profitable email list that will continue to pay your bills. Then read on.
So how should you build an email marketing list?
First, I want you to know that you can start making a profit from as low as 20 emails. I started making a profit when my email list was less than 30 emails. So, you don’t need to buy that junk list of 1,000 emails. Rather, follow the step below and get started building your emails at no cost.
Step 1: Create Free Downloads
The first task in building an email list is creating freebies. There are different types of free downloads you can offer. From spreadsheets, ebooks, checklists, video guides or a full course; the key is giving out something of value in exchange for email addresses.
Avoid the bandwagon that asks people to subscribe to their newsletter, without offering something of value. Creating freebies is not difficult. Follow the following steps, and you will get it done with ease.
- Decide on what you will offer
- Decide on how you intend to package it (video, pdf, or something else)
- Look for a platform to host it.
After this is done, the next thing is creating a landing page with a signup form.
Step 2: Create an Opt-in Form
The next thing is creating an opt-in form. This is the tool which will help you collect email addresses. They come in different forms. You can place them in different places. You can have them as pop-ups or in chat box conversations.
You need to be creative about placing your opt-in form. People do not like receiving emails that do not add value to them. So do not make your visitors feel they are signing up for a long list of emails. Let them know they are on their way to an adventure.
Below are some key points to take note of when creating an opt-in form
- Use words that encourage your visitors to take actions
- Use Pictures to show visitors what they are to receive in exchange for their emails
- Do not use too many input fields.
- Ensure your CTA button is attention-grabbing.
Step 3: Optimize your CTA Buttons
Your call to action (CTA) button is one of the most important parts of your opt-in form. Twisting it with different designs (font size, shapes and colours) is a good way to find the best and most effective conversion.
With a good CTA button, you will make your opt-in form attractive. That way you will notice a smooth transition of your website visitors to signing up on your email list.
Step 4: Place your Opt-In Forms in Inappropriate Places
If you are looking at attracting visitors to your opt-in form at minimum cost, then you must be considering content marketing. It is the easiest way to get new customers. Below are some strategic points you can place your opt-in form
- Use your blog: Create the content on your blog, and ensure they are user and search-engine friendly. That way, you will get people who are interested in your product to visit your blog. Place your CTAs at strategic positions in your content, and you will get your blog readers walking into your list. Your blog readers are one of the best sets of audiences you can build.
They are a better lead than random visitors. We have created a well laid out training to help you get started with your blog.
- Social Media Pages: Social media pages are another good place to display your opt-in form. I always advise you to select a platform to use. Maximum of two platforms for easy coordination. But if you are on a large budget, you can use social media management platforms to manage your work. Let us see some of the most popular platforms.
- Instagram: is a large social media platform where you can reach your audience. It has more than six billion monthly visits according to similar web and It has a high engagement rate. You can use this platform to promote your opt-in forms via newsletters and Instagram stories.
- Youtube: if you use social media often, you cannot deny noticing the current trend of massive content posted daily. You can also do the same. Create relevant content and add a link to your opt-in form in the description. Do not forget to mention your opt-in form or a page that can be used to gain an email subscription from your audience.
- Tiktok: is another fast-growing social media platform. Without missing words, Tiktok may surpass Google in the years ahead. You cannot take your eyes off this juicy market. Create an attractive lead magnet or a free download, go live on your Tik Tok account and offer these juicy offers.
- Facebook: Your Facebook profile is a good place to hinge your opt-in forms. If you are not working under a tight budget, use Facebook Ads to target a specific audience. It is a great way to increase your audience. Else use Facebook pages and create relevant content
Step 5: Turn Your Commenters into Subscribers
Another source for obtaining free subscribers is your comment section. It does not require any form of complicated setup. All you need to do is to add a checkbox in your setup with the aid of a plugin like Jetpack.
If you do not like playing around with plugins or you are not friendly with using tech, a lot of folks on Fiverr can help you add plugins to your website at a few bulks. Below is a banner for her page.
Step 6: Create a Good Confirmation Page
When people sign up on your email list, the page they land on is your confirmation page. If your subscribers just get a notification telling them their subscription is successful. You are not using that page well enough.
A lot of folks will opt-in and do nothing with the emails you send and they will eventually unsubscribe manually or the automatically via your autoresponder. To improve engagement on your confirmation page, consider doing the following.
- Ensure your confirmation page contains what they signed up for – the content you promised.
- Tell them about yourself and your brand. That way you will be building trust.
- The kind of content they will enjoy going forward from your desk
- Give them specific instructions to confirm their subscription
- Include social media links for them to follow you
This article on building an email marketing list is a valuable resource for anyone looking to enhance their digital marketing efforts. Email marketing remains a powerful tool for businesses, and this website offers practical guidance on creating and expanding an effective email list. From strategies to attract subscribers to tips on crafting compelling email content, the website covers various aspects of list building. It provides step-by-step instructions, actionable insights, and best practices to optimise audience engagement and conversion rates. Whether you’re a seasoned marketer or a beginner, this website equips you with the knowledge and tools to build a robust email marketing list that drives results.
Hi Owoeye, I really enjoyed reading your article on how to build an email marketing list. You have shared some valuable tips and strategies for those who are starting an online business.
One question I have is how often should emails be sent to the list of subscribers. We don’t want to spam them or annoy them, but also we don’t want to lose their attention or trust. Do you have any recommendations or best practices for this?
Thank you for your insights and advice.
Hey thank you for this informational post!
I am glad I came across this post since I have seen quite a bit of information about how email marketing is one of the essential features to an online business succeeding. Since then I have wondered about creating one however was unsure of where to start. Definitely a post worth saving!
Thanks again and have a great day!
High there, Owoeye.
Your website has provided all the information I’ve been looking for. I really believe that having an effective email marketing strategy is one of the most important parts of a successful online business. I have tried various email building programs that have not given me the promised results. I am looking for to learning more in the Secret Email System.
Thank you for sharing this invaluable information pertaining to email marketing.
Rachele
I deeply appreciate the practical, detailed, and authentic content you’ve shared in this post about making money online. The meticulous nature of your explanations and first-hand experiences of the various platforms and methods certainly lend credibility to your writing, providing valuable guidance for those seeking legitimate ways to generate a modest online income.
Wow, Owoeye, this is an incredibly detailed and comprehensive guide on building an email marketing list. You’ve left no stone unturned, starting from the basics of what email marketing is, to proven strategies on how to build a robust list. I appreciate how you’ve emphasized the importance of building your own list rather than buying one – it’s a key message that can’t be overstated. Email marketing is indeed about trust and permission, and a self-curated list will certainly yield better engagement and conversion rates.
Your actionable steps on how to build an email list for free are spot-on and easy to follow. Particularly your advice on creating value-packed freebies, creating an effective opt-in form, optimizing CTA buttons and smartly placing these opt-in forms for better visibility.
Also, I found the discussion about the importance of the confirmation page insightful. It’s easy to overlook this aspect, but you’re absolutely right that it can be an effective tool to kickstart engagement and build trust.
Your guide has shown that email marketing, though it’s been around for decades, still holds its ground as one of the most effective marketing tools. This is a great resource for anyone interested in leveraging the power of email marketing. Great job!
The article on “How to Build an Email Marketing List” from Content Laboratories provides valuable insights and tips for growing your email subscriber base. With practical strategies and best practices, this resource is a valuable guide for marketers and business owners. Thank you for this article! I found it very useful)
This is a tremendously informative article Owoeye, discussing how to build an email marketing list. I have been researching this topic for a while and this is the first common sense treatment of the subject that I have found. I commend you for your effort in compiling it and am very thankful to have gained this knowledge.
It is interesting to see all these digital marketing professionals recommend that email marketing is the way to go, their enthusiasm sort of took me by surprise as I had always kind of considered this a mundane topic that might not really make any difference.
I had not thought of this as a valid option to fall back on in the case that my website’s ranking were to fall through the floor.
I have bookmarked your article my friend, to use as a guide when I implement this strategy for myself. Is an autoresponder plug-in necessary to start compiling an email list?
I was really skeptical about email marketing some years ago but now that I also use it I can see its potential. As everyone has an email address nowadays it is practically an open market out there. You just have to create a convincing email campaign to have any kind of success. But from what I have seen it is doable.
Hello dear!
I appreciate all the tips given above and for me, I think transforming your commentators into subscribers is a great one because they have already shown some interest in what you are offering, so it will be much easier for them to subscribe to your newsletters. I will make sure to apply this to my business.
Thanks!
Building an email marketing list is a crucial aspect of any successful marketing strategy, and I wanted to provide a detailed resource that covers all the important aspects.
From understanding the basics of email marketing to implementing proven strategies, my goal was to leave no stone unturned. I believe that having a robust email list is essential for connecting with your audience, nurturing relationships, and ultimately driving conversions and sales.
I hope that the guide has provided you with valuable insights and actionable tips that you can implement in your own email marketing efforts.
This article is a goldmine of information for anyone interested in mastering email marketing list building. The writer’s personal success story adds a genuine touch, making the content relatable. I love how it breaks down the process step by step, from creating enticing freebies to optimizing opt-in forms. The emphasis on organic growth and the pitfalls of buying email lists showcase a clear understanding of effective strategies. Real-world examples and practical tips make this guide incredibly valuable. Thank you for sharing
This blog post is a treasure trove of information on email marketing list building. It highlights the importance of email marketing in today’s crowded marketplace and provides valuable insights into how to build and grow your email list effectively. The examples of successful marketers who have benefited from email marketing add credibility to the post. Moreover, the step-by-step guide on how to build an email list for free is a practical resource for anyone looking to get started in email marketing. Overall, a well-written and informative post for those interested in this marketing channel.
Yes, an email list is a must in your online business.
Getting subscribers to your website is a starting point to get your email list. Engaging with your list is next on your agenda.
Consistency is the key to this. Writing your emails and blog posts on a regular basis.
This is where I struggle, being consistent, because I have a full time work and I have a family to take care of and some activities in church and the extended family.
I am slowly growing my email list and my online business.
Marita
This is a comprehensive guide to email marketing list building, and it’s great to see how influential marketers like Neil Patel and Nathalie Lussier have benefited from email marketing. It’s clear that building an email list can be a powerful tool for connecting with your audience.
One question that comes to mind, given the importance of creating valuable content as an incentive for people to subscribe to your email list, is how do you consistently come up with engaging and relevant free downloads or offers to entice potential subscribers? What strategies or techniques have you found most effective for creating compelling incentives that resonate with your target audience?
Hello There, Building an email marketing list is a crucial aspect of any successful marketing strategy, and I wanted to provide a detailed resource that covers all the important aspects and Building an email marketing list involves several steps to ensure you gather subscribers who are genuinely interested in your content. Here are some tips to help you build an effective email marketing list:
Create valuable content: Offer high-quality content, such as informative blog posts, helpful resources, or exclusive offers, that your target audience will find valuable. When people see the value in your content, they are more likely to subscribe to your email list.
Use opt-in forms: Place opt-in forms strategically on your website, blog, or landing pages. These forms should be prominently displayed and clearly explain the benefits of subscribing to your email list. Consider using a lead magnet, such as a free e-book or a discount coupon, to Incentivize sign-ups.
Optimize your website for conversions: Make sure your website is user-friendly, visually appealing, and easy to navigate. Use compelling calls-to-action (CTAs) that encourage visitors to subscribe to your email list. Test different placements and wording of your CTAs to optimize conversions.
Leverage social media: Promote your email list on social media platforms by sharing snippets of your valuable content and directing followers to sign up for your newsletter. You can also run targeted social media ads that highlight the benefits of subscribing to your email list.
Host webinars or events: Offer webinars, workshops, or online events focused on topics of interest to your target audience. Require attendees to provide their email addresses during the registration process, thus growing your email list while providing valuable educational content.
Guest blogging and collaborations: Write guest posts for popular blogs or collaborate with other content creators in your niche. Include a call-to-action within your guest posts that invites readers to subscribe to your email list for more valuable content.
Use gated content: Create premium content, such as in-depth guides, industry reports, or exclusive videos, and gate them behind an email sign-up form. This strategy encourages visitors to provide their email addresses in exchange for access to valuable content.
Provide clear privacy and opt-in statements: Assure your audience that their privacy is important to you. Clearly outline your privacy policy and ensure that your subscribers explicitly opt-in to receive emails from you. Comply with relevant data protection laws, such as GDPR or CAN-SPAM, to build trust with your subscribers.
Remember, it’s crucial to always focus on building an engaged and interested audience. Avoid purchasing email lists or using unethical tactics to gain subscribers, as this can lead to poor engagement and harm your reputation. Building an email marketing list organically takes time and effort, but it will result in a more valuable and engaged subscriber base.