Your Email List = Your Business BFF

If you’ve read my other blog posts on starting an email list, you may notice that some information is repeated. However, the point of this post is to give you 4 steps to start your email list – simply. The process can seem overwhelming at first, there is a lot to consider and decisions to make. But it might just be easier than you think to get your email list started. Especially if you already have a website and a personalized email address. But I’ll get to that in a minute! Once your list is started, you can always learn and add more layers of options as you need them and as your business grows.

If you aren’t sure if you need an email list at all, head over to this post and read some of the reasons why I think every business needs to nurture an email list. If you’re ready to dive in and start setting up your first nurture sequence, head to this post to learn more about what to include in your welcome sequence to start building a relationship with your audience via email.

Now, back to the four tips to start your email list!

Tip 1: Choose an Email Service Provider

The first step in building an email list for your email list is to select an email service provider (ESP) that suits your needs. Popular options include FloDesk, ConvertKit, and Mailchimp. If your website is on Squarespace, you can also check their email options to see if they fit your needs. These platforms provide user-friendly interfaces, automation features, and tools to help you design captivating emails. Some of them offer free plans for beginners, so you can start without a significant financial commitment. Keep in mind that some free options may not include automation features, which is one of the great benefits of a good email service provider. My current favorite ESP is FloDesk – it’s easy to use, easy to customize, and simple to get set up quickly. It’s not free, but if you’re ready to dive in there, you can use this link to get 50% off your first year. (Note: this is an affiliate link, so I may receive compensation if you sign up, at no extra cost to you.)

Your choice of an Email Service Provider will depend on a variety of factors which might include: Convenience, price, flexibility, available templates and layouts, and the ability to grow with your business. It’s ok to take some time to make an informed decision here, but don’t let this step derail you: make the best choice you can and prepare to dive in.

Tip 2: Authenticate Your Email Address

Starting February 2023, Google and Yahoo are implementing new requirements for entities that send bulk emails. Their overarching goal is to cut down on spam and junk email that is landing in our inboxes at an alarming rate. What does this mean for you? A few things, but first, it makes it more important than ever to set up a personalized email address rather than an @gmail.com or similar email. If you have already set up a personalized email address with your website, good for you! Once you’ve set up your account with your Email Service Provider, follow the instructions they provide to verify your domain. Authenticating your email address will help increase your deliverability rates and make sure your emails are less likely to go to spam! Always a good thing!

Tip 3: Create an Email Opt-In

This is how you will create interest and a desire to join your list. I don’t know about you, but only on VERY rare occasions have I signed up for a business emailing list only when prompted by a simple “Join my Newsletter” request form. It’s just not that enticing! If you are ready to create an opt-in to share with your audience and invite them to join your list, head here for 40+ ideas to create your first opt-in. This is your opportunity to share something helpful and show how much you care about your audience by offering value.

This step is a two-part step – you’ll create your free gift (a PDF, workshop link, quiz, etc) and a landing page or form that is set up to gather an email address, and the approval to add the subscriber to your list and add the subscriber to an automation that will deliver the goods.

Tip 4: Deliver the Opt-In and Welcome Your Email List Subscribers

Once the subscriber has opted in for your gift, it’s time to follow through! This email will be one of the most frequently opened emails you send so make sure you take the time to make it great! Include the free gift and any helpful tips or explanations necessary to be sure the recipient can make the most of this gift and get a quick win- this will set them up to look forward to more great content from you!

Another two-step tip: after you deliver your promised gift, you’ll want to follow up with a warm welcome so your new subscriber knows they’re in the right place and will benefit from future emails from you. For more on creating an inviting welcome sequence, check out this post.