How to Build Your Email List: The Ultimate Guide

Introduction

Email marketing has become one of the most powerful tools for businesses, marketers, and entrepreneurs to connect with their audiences and drive revenue. In fact, for many business owners, build your email list is the most reliable source of income, surpassing social media and other platforms in terms of sales generation. Alex, a successful copywriter and marketer, swears by the power of email lists and shares his approach for those looking to start building theirs from the ground up. If you’re eager to start building your own email list, here’s a comprehensive guide that covers the five essential steps to set you up for success.

Sign Up for an Email Marketing Service

Before you can start building your list, you need a platform to manage and send your emails. There are numerous options to choose from, including MailChimp, ConvertKit, ActiveCampaign, Flowdesk, and Klaviyo. While each platform has its unique features, the core functionality remains the same: sending, automating, and tracking emails.

If you’re just starting out, MailChimp is an excellent choice due to its free plan and user-friendly interface. However, as your list grows, you may find that you need more advanced features such as segmentation, conditional sending, and automation. Alex recommends doing your research to find the platform that best fits your business goals and budget.

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Create a Valuable Freebie to Build your email list

Once your email platform is set up, it’s time to create an enticing offer to encourage people to join your list. This offer, commonly known as a “lead magnet,” should provide immediate value to your target audience in exchange for their email address.

The type of freebie you create depends on your business and what you know best. Here are some ideas:

A free guide or ebook
Templates or worksheets
Webinars or online trainings
Free trials or coupon codes
Giveaways

After deciding on your lead magnet, you can create it using tools like Canva for design. If you’re offering a downloadable PDF or guide, Canva is especially useful for creating visually appealing, professional-looking content.

Write an Autoresponder and Welcome Sequence

Now that you have your lead magnet and a landing page to collect email addresses, it’s time to ensure that new subscribers receive immediate and valuable communication. Alex recommends writing a “day zero” autoresponder—a welcome email that’s automatically sent as soon as someone signs up for your list. This email should:

Thank them for signing up
Deliver the promised lead magnet
Set expectations for what they will receive in the future

Beyond the first email, Alex also suggests creating 1-3 follow-up emails that further engage your new subscribers. These are often called “indoctrination emails” and help new leads get acquainted with your brand and what you offer. These emails should:

Welcome new subscribers and introduce your brand
Set the tone for future communications
Deliver valuable content or insights

By setting these emails up in advance, you ensure a seamless experience for new subscribers, keeping them engaged while saving time on manual follow-ups.

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Promote Your Freebie and Build Your Email List

With your lead magnet, landing page, and autoresponder in place, it’s time to start promoting your offer to build your list. Promotion can take many forms depending on your existing audience and where you’re most active. Here are some ways to promote your freebie:

Website: Place an opt-in form or pop-up on your homepage or blog, making sure it’s visible and stands out. Many successful entrepreneurs, like Marie Forleo and Jenna Kutcher, feature opt-in banners at the top of their websites to capture visitors’ attention.
Social Media: Even if you don’t have a large following, you can post about your freebie on platforms like Instagram, Facebook, and Twitter. Use stories, posts, and bio links to direct followers to your landing page.
Blog Posts: If you write blog content, integrate your lead magnet within relevant posts. If you’re talking about a topic that aligns with your freebie, link to it in the post for a seamless user experience.
Word of Mouth: Don’t hesitate to ask friends, family, or fellow entrepreneurs to help promote your offer. Even a small shout-out can help you gain traction.

Keep in mind that building an email list takes time. It’s a gradual process, but with consistent effort and regular promotion, your list will steadily grow.

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Show Up Consistently in the Inbox

The final step to building a successful email list is consistency. Once people sign up, you need to continue delivering value through your emails to keep them engaged. The key here is to show up consistently and provide useful content that resonates with your audience.

Alex started by emailing his list once a week, but as his business grew, he began emailing three times a week. Whether you send emails once a week, twice a month, or daily, consistency is crucial. Your subscribers should come to expect your emails, and by delivering valuable content consistently, you’ll build trust and rapport with your audience.

Final Thoughts

Starting an email list from scratch may seem daunting. But with the right approach, you can quickly grow a highly engaged and profitable list. Follow these five essential steps:

Sign up for an email marketing platform.
Create a valuable freebie that attracts subscribers.
Write an autoresponder and welcome sequence to engage new leads.
Promote your freebie and start building your list.
Show up consistently in your subscribers’ inboxes and keep delivering value.

By sticking to this process and remaining consistent, you’ll see your email list grow and, most importantly, convert into paying customers. With a solid email marketing strategy, the possibilities for your business are endless.

If you’re looking for more tips, Alex offers a free email marketing cheat sheet to help you understand the different types of emails you should be sending. Grab a copy to optimize your email marketing efforts and start nurturing your list today!