Yeap, size does matter. At least in email marketing. The size and quality of your email list can make or break your campaign. But how do you grow your email list? Here are some strategies:
Content Upgrades
Content upgrades are bonus content that people can get in exchange for their email address. But here’s the kicker—it has to be directly related to what they’re reading. For example, if your blog post is about ’10 ways to improve your SEO,’ you could offer a ‘checklist for improving your SEO.’ It’s like getting a side of dipping sauce with your pizza—highly relevant and irresistible. Who wouldn’t want that extra bit of value right when they’re in the zone?
Social Proof
Ever notice how people flock to a busy restaurant? That’s social proof at work. It’s the psychological phenomenon where people conform to the actions of others, assuming those actions are correct. In email marketing, you can harness this by showcasing testimonials, case studies, or the number of people already subscribed. Imagine a message like ‘Join 10,000+ marketers who receive our weekly tips.’ It’s like seeing a long line at a food truck—it makes you want to get in on the action, because if so many people love it, it must be good, right?
Use Social Media
Social media is the town square of the internet—everyone’s there, chatting, sharing, and connecting. Why not use it to grow your email list?
Add a ‘Sign Up’ button at the top of your business page, linking directly to your email sign-up form. It’s like putting a welcome mat at your front door—easy access for your followers to join your list. It’s right there, and anyone interested can step right in.
Instagram Stories are where all the millenial action happens. Leverage them to promote your email list. Use the ‘Swipe Up’ feature to link directly to your sign-up form. It’s like giving your followers a VIP pass to exclusive content. Every time they swipe up, they’re getting something valuable from you.
LinkedIn is the professional coffee shop where business happens. Use LinkedIn’s publishing platform to write articles and include a call-to-action at the end of each post encouraging readers to sign up for your email list. You’re inviting them to join a club where they get insider knowledge—who wouldn’t want to be part of that?
X (formerly Twitter)
Twitter, now X, is like the town crier spreading news far and wide. Promote your email list on X by creating a campaign and including a link to your sign-up form in your tweets and bio. It’s like handing out flyers in the busiest part of town, ensuring your message reaches as many people as possible.
Remember, the key to growing your email list through social media is offering value. Give your audience a good reason to share their email—whether it’s exclusive deals, informative content, or valuable resources. Why should they give you their email? Because you’re offering them something they can’t resist!
Exit-Intent Popups
Exit-intent popups are like that friendly salesperson who catches you just as you’re about to leave a store, offering you a discount or a freebie. These popups are triggered when the user’s mouse moves towards the close button, signaling they’re about to leave your website. At this critical moment, you can offer something valuable in exchange for their email address. Think about it—who wouldn’t reconsider leaving when they’re offered a discount code, a free ebook, or access to exclusive content? It’s all about providing enough incentive for them to pause and sign up before they go.
Host Webinars
Webinars provide a platform to deliver valuable information while also growing your email list. When people sign up for a webinar, they’re usually required to provide their email address. This not only expands your list but also gives you a pool of individuals interested in your topic. Plus, webinars allow you to showcase your expertise and build trust with your audience.
Collaborate with Other Businesses
Collaborating with other businesses is a great way to grow your email list by tapping into a new audience. This could involve hosting a joint webinar, running a giveaway, or creating collaborative content. The key is to partner with businesses that have a similar audience to yours. By doing this, you’re not only providing value to your existing audience but also gaining exposure to a new group of potential subscribers who could be interested in what you offer.
Free Trials
Offering a free trial allows potential customers to try your product or service before committing to a purchase. If you’re selling a product or service, a free trial can be a great way to collect email addresses. Once they’ve signed up for the trial, you can send them helpful content and offers via email, increasing the chances of them becoming paying customers. It’s a no-pressure way for them to see the value you provide, making them more likely to stick around.
Use a Scroll Box
A scroll box is like a friendly nudge as someone browses your store. It’s a type of opt-in form that appears as the user scrolls down your website, less intrusive than a popup but still effective. You can set the scroll box to appear after the user has scrolled a certain percentage of the way down your page, ensuring it only shows to engaged visitors. It’s a gentle reminder that says, “Hey, if you’re enjoying this, why not sign up for more great content?”
Contests or Giveaways
Running a contest or giveaway is a fun and exciting way to quickly grow your email list. The key here is to make sure the prize is something highly relevant to your audience, ensuring that those who sign up are genuinely interested in your products or services. Plus, you can encourage participants to share the contest or giveaway with their friends, amplifying its reach. Who doesn’t love the thrill of a contest, especially when the prize is something they really want?
Use a Welcome Mat
A welcome mat is like rolling out the red carpet for your website visitors. It’s a full-screen opt-in form that greets visitors when they first land on your site, capturing their attention immediately. The key is to make your offer compelling, whether it’s a discount code, a free guide, or access to exclusive content. The goal is to provide enough incentive for the visitor to want to sign up right from the get-go. It’s a bold, welcoming gesture that says, “We’re glad you’re here, and we have something special just for you!”
Pack the House
So, how do you grow your email list? It’s like throwing a great party—you need to have the right mix of attractions and offers to keep people coming. Use content upgrades to give your visitors that extra bit of value, leverage social proof to show them they’re in good company, and take full advantage of social media platforms like Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn, and X to spread the word. Don’t forget about exit-intent popups, webinars, collaborations, free trials, scroll boxes, contests, giveaways, and welcome mats—they’re all tools in your toolkit to engage visitors and encourage them to subscribe. By offering valuable incentives and ensuring your content is relevant, you’ll see your email list—and your marketing results—soar.