What’s the easiest way to grow an email list from scratch?
Growing an email list from scratch can feel daunting, but breaking it down step-by-step makes it more manageable. Here’s how I approach it:
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Understand Your Audience: Before you even think about capturing emails, get clear on who you’re trying to reach. What problems are they facing? How can you help solve those problems? This understanding forms the foundation for everything that follows.
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Create a Lead Magnet: Develop something valuable that your audience can’t resist—a guide, checklist, or resource that addresses a specific need. When I started, I created a simple, actionable PDF guide based on my experience leaving corporate life. Make sure it’s directly aligned with what your audience wants to learn or achieve.
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Set Up a Landing Page: You want a dedicated space where visitors can sign up for your lead magnet. Keep it simple—focus on a compelling headline, a brief description of what they’ll get, and a clear call-to-action. Tools like ConvertKit or Mailchimp are great for beginners.
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Drive Traffic to Your Landing Page: Use multiple channels to get eyes on your offer. This could be through social media, blog posts, or collaborations with others in your niche. When I was just starting out, guest blogging was incredibly effective in reaching new audiences.
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Use Content to Build Trust: Engage your audience through valuable content—blog posts, videos, or podcasts. This is where the "Develop" stage of my framework comes in. By consistently delivering useful insights, you nurture trust and organically encourage more sign-ups.
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Engage with Your List Regularly: Once you have subscribers, keep the conversation going. Share stories, lessons, or behind-the-scenes content that resonates with them. Authenticity is key, and it's better to have fewer but more engaged subscribers than a large, inactive list.
Remember, growing an email list is not about numbers but about building relationships. Stay patient and persistent. The "Expose" part of my framework can apply here, too—find new ways to reach audiences and introduce them to your world. Keep tweaking your approach based on feedback and results, and don’t be afraid to pivot when something isn’t working.