How to Build an Email List from Scratch

Building an email list is one of the most powerful strategies for online business success. Whether you’re a blogpreneur, affiliatepreneur, or digital marketer, your email list is your direct line to potential customers. Unlike social media, where algorithms control visibility, your email list gives you full control to reach your audience whenever you want.

In this blog post, you’ll learn how to build an email list from scratch, even if you have no prior experience. By the end, you’ll understand the strategies you need to attract subscribers and grow your list steadily over time.

Contents:

• Why you need an email list
• Step 1: Choose the right email marketing platform
• Step 2: Create a Lead Magnet
• Step 3: Set up opt-in forms on your website
• Step 4: Drive Traffic to Your Opt-in forms
• Step 5: Welcome new subscribers
• Step 6: Keep Your List Engaged
• Conclusion

Why You Need an Email List

Before we look into how to build your list, let’s talk about why it’s essential for your business. An email list allows you to:

• Directly engage with your audience: You can send personalized content, promotions, or updates directly to their inboxes.
• Increase conversions: Email marketing has one of the highest conversion rates of any marketing channel.
• Build trust and loyalty: Regular communication builds a deeper relationship with your audience, making them more likely to trust and buy from you.
• Monetize your audience: From promoting affiliate products to selling your own digital products, your email list can be a significant source of revenue.

Now that we know the importance of email marketing, let’s look at how to get started.

Step 1: Choose the Right Email Marketing Platform

Before collecting any emails, you’ll need an email marketing service to manage your list. Some of the most popular options include:

(A) Mailchimp
(B) Kit (formerly ConvertKit)
(C) AWeber
(D) GetResponse

These platforms allow you to collect email addresses, send campaigns, and track performance. For beginners, I recommend starting with a free plan until your list grows.

Step 2: Create a Lead Magnet

People won’t give you their email addresses without an incentive. That’s where a lead magnet comes in. A lead magnet is a valuable piece of content or a freebie that you offer in exchange for someone’s email address. Here are a few lead magnet ideas:

(A) Free eBook or Guide
(B) Checklist or Template
(C) Email Course
(D) Discount or Coupon Code

Your lead magnet should solve a problem for your audience or provide something valuable they can’t resist. Make sure it aligns with your niche to attract the right subscribers.

Step 3: Set Up Opt-in Forms on Your Website

Once you have a lead magnet, it’s time to create opt-in forms where visitors can enter their email addresses. These forms should be strategically placed throughout your website to maximize sign-ups. Common places to include opt-in forms are:

(A) Homepage
(B) Blog posts
(C) Sidebar
(D) Pop-up forms

To increase conversions, make sure your opt-in forms are easy to fill out and clearly state the benefits of subscribing.

Step 4: Drive Traffic to Your Opt-in Forms

Building an email list requires driving traffic to your website. There are several ways to do this:

1. Content Marketing
   Write blog posts or create videos around topics your audience cares about. Embed opt-in forms within your content to encourage sign-ups.
2. Social Media
   Share your lead magnet and invite your followers to join your email list. You can also use Instagram stories or Facebook posts to attract new subscribers.
3. Guest Blogging
   Contribute articles to other blogs in your niche. Include a call to action at the end, directing readers to your opt-in form or lead magnet.
4. Paid Advertising
   If you’re looking for faster results, you can run Facebook Ads or Google Ads to promote your lead magnet and drive traffic to your opt-in forms.

Step 5: Welcome New Subscribers with a Sequence

After someone subscribes to your list, you don’t want to leave them hanging. Set up an automated welcome sequence that introduces them to your brand and offers more value. A typical welcome sequence might look like this:

• Email 1: Thank them for subscribing and deliver the lead magnet.
• Email 2: Introduce yourself and explain what they can expect from your emails.
• Email 3: Share more valuable content, such as a blog post or video.
• Email 4: Encourage them to follow you on social media or check out your best resources.

This welcome sequence builds trust and keeps your subscribers engaged from the start.

Step 6: Keep Your List Engaged

Consistency is key when it comes to email marketing. It’s not enough to just collect emails and send a few sporadic updates. You need to maintain regular contact with your list by sending valuable content. Here are some ideas to keep your audience engaged:

• Weekly newsletters
• Exclusive deals or discounts
• Free resources
• Announcements of new products or services

The goal is to provide ongoing value so that your subscribers stay excited to open your emails.

Building an email list from scratch may be overwhelming, but with the right strategies, it’s completely attainable. The key is to start small, focus on delivering value, and consistently grow your list over time. By creating lead magnets, optimizing your opt-in forms, and keeping your audience engaged, you’ll be well on your way to building a profitable email list.

Ready to start building your email list? Follow these steps and watch your subscribers grow. And if you found this guide helpful, don’t forget to subscribe to our newsletter and follow us on Facebook for more tips on how to grow your online business!