Why Writers Need to Build an Email List
Do I need an email list?
My longest answer: Every writer needs to build one. Simple.
Do you want to build a relationship with your audience? Or Do you want to spread your message? Or maybe you want to write a book that sells.
You need to build an email list.
What Is an Email List?
In simple language:
“A group of people who opted in to receive updates from you.”
You need their permission to send emails.
What email list is not — Purchasing or downloading the email contacts from the third party. NEVER do that.
What do you need to build an email list?
You just need three things to get started:
1. A blog or website or a web page.
2. Ask permission — Place a signup form on the website and invite people to opt-in.
3. A right email marketing tool — To collect people’s emails and communicate with them.
Here are some reasons why you need an email list:
1. World’s Largest Social Network
Email is the world’s largest social network, with almost 4.26 billion email accounts in 2022 (According to a Statista study)
And the current world population is 7.7 billion. It means almost every person has an email address on this planet.
So, if you’re not leveraging the power of email, you’re missing a BIG opportunity.
2. Email Is Private And Personal
When your subscribers see your email in their inbox and read your helpful content, it builds trust. Email allows you to make a personal conversation with your readers.
And people feel more comfortable with email because it’s private. And they can share their questions and pain points with you.
3. You Own Your Email List
You don’t own a social media channel. Your efforts will go in vain if any of these platforms shut down or change their policies. But you own your email list, it’s your asset. You don’t need any third party to reach out to your readers.
See what Neil Patel says: “Out of all the channels I tested as a marketer, email continually outperforms most of them.”
Watch this video to learn more:
How To Build And Grow Your Email List
1. Find a good email marketing service provider. I recommend using MailChimp or Convert kit. Both are simple, affordable, and easy to use.
2. Place a simple and clear signup form on your website. Convertkit and MailChimp help you to create high converting opt-in forms.
3. Provide Free resources. Create interesting and informative ebooks, PDFs, and some other resources. Provide these valuable resources to your visitors in return for their email addresses.
4. Send a welcome email to new subscribers. When someone joins your list, say thank you and welcome to your family. Don’t forget to introduce yourself.
5. Start sending your messages to your subscribers. Be consistent with your email frequency. Start small. Once per week is good. Send valuable and helpful messages.
Bonus TIP: Don’t see your subscriber as your contacts. See them as your community members. It’s all about sharing ideas and information. Never blast emails to them.
