Email list aren’t just for the Amy Porterfields’ and the Marie Forleos’ of the world. Even if you’re just getting started you should have an email list because it’s a lot easier to create and sell a service (or product) for a group of people than trying to find a group of people to sell to. Seems like a minor difference but in reality it’s the difference from having a successful launch or banging your head against the desk wondering why no one purchased your awesome service. Let me just say, we’ve all been there. If you want to make sure your next launch is a hit it’s time you build up your very own email list.

I’ve broken down everything you need to know plus the tools you need to start growing your business with email marketing. I promise that email marketing isn’t hard once you know where to start.

Psst, I know it just sounds like yet another thing to put on your already full plate but I promise it’s 100% worth your time and in fact it might help shed some of those others marketing tactics. Let’s get started.

What is an Email List?

The technical definition is “An electronic mailing list or e-mail list is a special use of email that allows for widespread distribution of information to many Internet users.” (Wikipedia)

In simple terms, its a collection of your ideal clients’ and customers’ email addresses in an email marketing service ( think: Mailchimp, Aweber, Active Campaign) that allows for multiple email delivery.

Why You Should Have An Email List Even If You Don’t Have Anything To Sell.

[clickToTweet tweet=”“E-mail remains a significantly more effective way to acquire customers than social media.’ I’m just sayin’.” quote=”“E-mail remains a significantly more effective way to acquire customers than social media…'”]

Having an email list means being able to generate more income, algorithm proof your business from Facebook or Instagram updates, and having an audience to serve ( aka people who need what you sell). In case you needed a little extra motivation to get started here are the top 5 reasons you should have an email list even if you’re just getting started and don’t have anything to sell.

1. Direct Access ToPotential Clients – If they took the time to sign up for your email list they’re interested in hearing from you and theres a good chance they’re also interested in what you have to offer (read: they’re more likely to buy from you).

2. More Insight On Your Potential Clients – Take advantage of your direct access to potential clients by engaging with them. Find out what they want, what they need and use that information to create solutions for them.

3. Higher Conversion Rates Than Social Media – “Email remains a significantly more effective way to acquire customers than social media—nearly 40 times that of Facebook and Twitter combined (exhibit). That’s because 91 percent of all US consumers still use e-mail daily…” () Not to mention that they’re also 3 times more likely to make a purchase and on average the order value is 17% higher than purchases prompted by social media. ( McKinsey & Company)

4. The Best Bang For Your Buck – For every $1 spent, $44.25 is the average return on email marketing investment. (Email Stat Center)

5. Capture a Portion of Your Traffic – Having an email list is like having a captive audience. The majority of the traffic your site receives ( or will receive) are going to be new visitors. New visitors is exactly what it sounds like, these people have never been to your site. By offering an option to subscribe you can capture some of these new visitors and follow up with them via email to keep your name (and business) on their radar.

Before we get into how to set up your email list I want to cover three phases of e-mail marketing because it will make the set up make a lot more sense and order is important. The most common mistake I see is doing things out of order, using the wrong tools or the wrong tactics. In other words resist the temptation to bypass the three phases.

The Three Phases You Need To Understand to Get Started.

Capture E-mail – They land on your awesome site or landing page and fall head over heels in love with you so they leave you their E-mail address.

Send Valuable Content Via E-mail – You follow up by sending them a well written E-mail and this is the start of a relationship that will lead to them liking you, knowing you ( as much as one possibly can through the inter webs), trusting you and buying from you.

Make an Offer – You send an E-mail explaining how you can make their life better with your awesome service (or product). If it’s the right fit for them they’ll buy. If not they’ll probably stick around because they like you so much.

Now that you know the three phases we can get into the nitty gritty of getting your e-mail list set up.

How To Set One Up In 5 Minutes Or Less.

Keeping the three phases in mind you’ll need two tools to turn your site visitors into  happy subscribers and potential customers.

Email Capturing / Landing Page Service – This tool takes care of phase 1. When I first started I used Leadpages which is an industry standard. It’s great BUT I think it’s a bit too expensive. It was eating up a big portion of my budget. However it is a great plug and play option if you want to get started quickly.

Currently I use Optimizepress and although I got off to a rocky start with them I now like it and recommend it to those who don’t want to spend big bucks on Leadpages. For my pop ups, I use Popup Ally Pro to collect emails. BUT you could totally skip Popup Ally Pro * if you use Leadpages or Optimizepress. They both include pop ups. For more information in the tech set up for your email list watch the video below. ***Update: Adobe Spark is a great option if you don’t have cash to spend on landing pages.

Email Marketing Service – This tool takes care of phase 2 and 3. Technically, phase 3 you writing the email but this service will help you create a visually appealing email and send it out. I use and love Active Campaign *. I highly recommend it to anyone who plans to sell to their list. It’s super easy to set up your sales funnel automation and manage customer relationships.

*This is an affiliate link but I promise these are my honest opinions.

We covered everything you need to know to get started and set up with E-mail marketing. I encourage you to give it a shot. It’s definitely worth your time and energy.

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