5 Simple Steps to Build an Email List that Explodes Your Business Growth
Build your email list! Build your email list! Build your email list! You've heard it from everyone. I know - because I have too. If you don’t grow your email list, you’re leaving money on the table. But how do you exactly grow that email list?
Hey there, friend! Let’s get real for a second - I know, email marketing might seem like an old-school tactic compared to the latest Instagram trends or TikTok dances. But trust me, it’s one of the most effective ways to grow your business, build relationships, and convert followers into loyal customers.
So, why does everyone keep talking about email lists like they’re the holy grail of marketing? Because they are! Unlike social media, where the algorithm gods decide who sees your content, an email list is yours. It’s personal, it’s direct, and it’s proven to convert.
The following steps will help you create an email list that doesn’t just sit there collecting digital dust—but actually grows your business. Ready? Let’s dive in!
Step 1: Start with a Freebie Your Audience Can't Resist
First things first: you need to give people a reason to join your email list. And no, “sign up for my newsletter” is not compelling enough. You need to offer something juicy—like a freebie that solves a specific problem your ideal customer is facing. Think checklists, e-books, mini-courses, templates… something that makes them go, "Oh, I need this!"
Think about it: What’s a quick win you can offer that showcases your expertise and gets your ideal audience excited? That’s your freebie.
Action Tip: Brainstorm three freebie ideas that directly address your audience's pain points. Pick the one that’s the easiest to create and most aligned with your brand, and launch it! Don’t overthink it; just get it out there.
Step 2: Create a Killer Landing Page (That Actually Converts)
Now that you’ve got a freebie, it’s time to create a landing page that convinces people they absolutely must have it. Here’s the deal: your landing page should be laser-focused. No distractions, no fluff—just a clear headline, a compelling call to action, and a sneak peek of the value they’re about to get.
Pro Tip: Your landing page should pass the “blink test”—if someone can’t understand what you’re offering and why it matters within 3-5 seconds, it’s time for a redesign.
Action Tip: Keep it simple. Use a tool like ConvertKit, Mailchimp, or Flodesk to create a clean, visually appealing landing page. Make sure the call-to-action button stands out and tells them exactly what they’re getting (e.g., “Get My Free Instagram Growth Guide”).
Step 3: Promote, Promote, Promote (Then Promote Some More)
Think about it: You’ve created an irresistible freebie and a landing page that’s ready to convert, but if no one knows about it, does it even exist? (Spoiler alert: it doesn’t). It’s time to shout it from the rooftops—or at least from your Instagram, Facebook, podcast, blog… you get the idea.
Pro Tip: Your freebie should be everywhere—your social bios, your website header, and your email signature. And don’t just post about it once; keep sharing it in different ways!
Action Tip: Schedule regular posts promoting your freebie on all your social channels. Use Instagram Stories, Facebook groups, and even your Pinterest pins to spread the word. Repurpose content to keep it fresh and consistent.
Step 4: Make it Easy to Sign Up Everywhere
Here’s the thing: People are busy, and their attention span is shorter than ever (hello, scrolling!). Make it super easy for them to sign up for your list. If they have to dig around to find your opt-in, they won’t bother.
Pro Tip: Place your opt-in form everywhere on your website—header, footer, sidebar, blog posts, and even as a pop-up (just make sure it’s not too annoying!). Make it hard for them to not see it!
Action Tip: Go through your website and identify at least three places where you can add an opt-in form. Don’t overthink it—just get it done!
Step 5: Nurture Your List Like It’s Your BFF
Okay, so now you’ve got people on your list… what’s next? You need to nurture those relationships! Your email list isn’t just a sales tool; it’s a way to build trust and provide value. Your subscribers should feel like VIPs, getting exclusive content, tips, and insights they can’t find anywhere else.
Pro Tip: Provide consistent, valuable content, and your subscribers will be more likely to buy when you do make an offer.
Action Tip: Create a simple welcome email sequence to introduce new subscribers to your brand, share your story, and offer even more value. Set a goal to send out a regular weekly email filled with tips, stories, or inspiration. Keep it fun, light, and conversational—like you’re chatting with a friend over coffee.
Bonus Tip: Keep Testing and Tweaking
Look, growing an email list is not a one-and-done deal. What works today might not work tomorrow. That’s why it’s super important to keep testing and tweaking—whether it’s your freebie, your landing page, or even your email subject lines.
Pro Tip: Treat your email list like a living, breathing thing. Monitor your stats, test different opt-ins, and experiment with your emails to see what resonates the most.
Action Tip: Set aside time each month to review your email list performance. What’s working? What’s not? Make small adjustments and keep moving forward.
Let’s wrap it up: Your Email List is Your Secret Weapon
Girl, building an email list doesn’t have to be complicated or overwhelming. Start with one irresistible freebie, create a landing page that converts, promote it like crazy, make it easy to sign up, and nurture those relationships like they’re your BFFs. You got this - your dream clients are just an email away!
