.png)
Why you should have an email list
Updated: Jan 15
We hear about it all the time... the "email list."
Do you have one, and if so, are you truly using it to your advantage?
Today I'm going to talk to you about why an email list is the number one thing you need for your online business, and what's required to get started.
What is an Email List?
An email list is a list of emails you have for clients, customers, blog readers, etc. that are interested in what you have to offer - whether that’s your products, services, your blog posts, etc. People typically sign up for an email mailing list on your website when you offer some sort of incentive - like news, updates, a free download, a demo, or something else - or they may have signed up by filling out a form while visiting your store, attending your event, or from being a past customer.
You can collect these emails the old fashioned way in a spreadsheet, or you can use a program or platform such as MailChimp or Convertkit that will capture and organize all those emails for you!
5 Reasons to Start an Email List
1. Keep Your Brand Top Of Mind For Potential Clients
This is probably the simplest, but one of the most important reasons to start a list. When you’re in your client’s, or potential client's, email inbox, you’re creating yet ANOTHER connection point with them, and your brand is top of mind! Having more presence and being more active to reach your potential clients, customers or readers is a huge stepping stone to growing your brand or business.
2. Make Sure Your Audience Doesn’t Miss a Thing
Even if you’re doing a great job on social media, having an email list (and a website!) is crucial for your business. Unfortunately, due to the ever-changing nature of social media algorithms, a lot of people don’t see what you post on social media, even if you post regularly. However, it’s tough to ignore an email that’s sent directly to your inbox (especially if the email subject is enticing due to good copy-writing!). When sending out emails, there is a better chance that people will see what you have to say, versus relying on social media alone.
3. Have a Backup In Case of a Social Media Shut-Down
Have you ever thought about what would happen if your chosen source of social media shuts down or if people stopped using it? You’d lose your whole business marketing strategy if you are simply depending on that social media platform. And I don't know about you, but to me, that's a scary thought.
Additionally, an email list is something that YOU (or your business) own, whereas social media has sole ownership and contact info for your followers. Having an email list can be a great side-by-side tool with your current social media efforts, and definitely as a backup in case of a social media apocalypse.
4. Email Marketing is Proven for Best Performance and Return On Investment
There is SO much research that proves that email marketing is the most effective way to make MORE money for your business. According to Campaign Monitor, “For every $1 spent, email marketing generates $44 in ROI.” Plus, according to McKinsey&Company, “The average order value of an email is at least three times higher than that of social media.”
5. Build Trust and Loyalty by Providing Helpful Content - Not Just Sales Pitches
Although there’s lots of money to be made from emails that promote sales, no one likes to get spam in their inbox just with sale after sale! I love getting emails from companies that offer other benefits like tips. tricks, sharing knowledge and expertise or just adding value to my life through their email list.
When you focus on sharing things like that with your email marketing list, in addition to focusing on sales, you build trust and loyalty with your potential client, customer or reader by showing that you are an expert!
My rule of thumb is to send 3 to 4 helpful emails that don’t sell anything, and then send one that has a sale or product in it. Or, as Gary V. calls it: "jab, jab, jab, right hook."
So, are you ready to start your email list, or ready to transfer the list that you have been building?!