In the world of digital marketing, there’s one timeless truth: your email subscriber list is like the holy grail. It’s your direct line to your audience, your valuable tool for engagement, and your ticket to building lasting relationships with your customers. In fact, according to a recent study by Litmus, email marketing delivers an impressive ROI of $36 for every $1 spent. This, in turn, makes it a top priority for businesses of all sizes. So, now that we know how important an email list is, let’s explore seven clever strategies on how to grow your email subscriber list.
* Featured image by rawpixel.com on Freepik
1. Create Compelling Lead Magnets to Grow Your Subscriber List
Lead magnets are tempting nuggets of content, freebies, or incentives that you offer to your website visitors or social media followers in exchange for their email addresses. The idea here is to make people want to subscribe to your email list by offering them something of value in return.
Now, why are lead magnets so crucial? Well, people are super protective of their email addresses. They won’t just hand them out for no reason. But when you dangle a valuable lead magnet in front of them, it changes the game. It’s like saying, “Hey, we’ve got something awesome for you, and all we need is your email to deliver it.” The result? More people signing up, more potential customers in your email list, and more chances to engage with your audience.
Moreover, lead magnets come in all shapes and sizes. There are ebooks, which are like mini treasure troves of knowledge. People love to learn, and ebooks are like a buffet of information. Then there are webinars. These are basically live events where you share your expertise, and attendees get “the VIP treatment”. Templates are another great option. They’re like shortcuts to success. Need a quick boost in productivity? Grab a template! And that’s just the tip of the iceberg. Checklists, toolkits, exclusive access, discounts – you name it, and you can probably turn it into a lead magnet.
Needless to say, if you offer fluff, people will catch on and hit the “unsubscribe” button faster than you can say “lead magnet.” But when you give them content that’s genuinely helpful, they’ll not only subscribe but stay engaged and eager for more.
2. Optimize Your Website for Sign-Ups
Having user-friendly sign-up forms is like rolling out the red carpet for your website visitors. When forms are easy to fill out, you’re making the process smooth and enjoyable. It’s all about reducing friction. Think about it – if your form is a hassle, visitors might bail, and you’ll miss out on potential subscribers. What’s more, tools like Mailchimp and ActiveCampaign are great for creating handy forms.
Another important thing to consider is where you put these forms on your website. The ideal areas should be high-traffic, where visitors naturally look. For instance, your homepage is a prime spot. It’s like putting the subscription offer right on their doorstep. Blog posts are golden too. People reading your content are already interested, so make it easy for them to subscribe. Tools like Sumo can help you strategically place forms to capture the most eyes.
Next up, the call-to-action (CTA) buttons – these are your sign-up form’s best friends. They’re the big, colorful buttons that say, “Yes, I want in!” or “Subscribe Now.” Effective CTAs are action-oriented and enticing. It’s like the cherry on top of a delicious cake – irresistible. For example, ConvertKit and HubSpot have templates and tools to create catchy, effective CTAs.
3. Leverage Social Media for Growing Your Email Subscriber List
Social media has a staggering reach; in fact, it connects with a whopping 4.8 billion users around the globe. This means that nearly 60% of the entire world’s population, and a whopping 92.7% of all internet users, are actively engaged on various social platforms.
To grow your email subscriber list effectively, it would be a shame to not use this to your advantage. Start by sharing teasers and snippets of your valuable email content on platforms like Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and LinkedIn. Most importantly, make it easy for interested users to take action. For instance, include a link to your email sign-up page in the post or ad.
The art of crafting engaging posts and ads is all about telling a compelling story. Share the benefits of subscribing to your email list – what’s in it for them? Use eye-catching visuals, whether it’s a striking image or a captivating video. And remember to keep it conversational and relatable. Use emojis, humor, or personal anecdotes. You want to connect with your audience on a human level.
Additionally, you can utilize contests and giveaways. People love free stuff, right? Again, use this to your advantage. Host a contest or giveaway that requires participants to subscribe to your email list. It’s a win-win – they get a chance to win something cool, and you get more subscribers.
4. Collaborate with Influencers
Influencer marketing can be “a turbo boost” for your brand. Influencers are individuals who have established themselves as authorities or trendsetters in specific niches or industries. They’ve gained a substantial following on social media platforms, blogs, or other digital channels due to their expertise, authenticity, and engaging content. Their recommendations carry weight and authenticity, and they can introduce your subscription list to a whole new audience.
To connect with the right influencers, you have to play the role of detective. Hunt for influencers who are credible and resonate with your brand’s vibe and values. Check their social media, blogs, and see if they’ve promoted similar products or content in the past. Reach out to them in a friendly and personal way, not with a generic copy-paste message.
When influencers promote your subscription list, it’s like a domino effect of goodness. Your list gets a dose of fresh subscribers who trust the influencer’s judgment. Plus, influencers often create engaging content around your brand, spreading the word even further. This way, you can not only gain subscribers but also build brand awareness and trust.
5. Email Referral Programs: A Fun Way to Grow Your Subscriber List
One of the forgotten yet fun ways to grow your subscriber list is through referral programs, they bring several perks. First, they expand your subscriber base, and you get more eyes on your content. Second, they’re cost-effective because you’re tapping into your existing subscribers to bring in new ones. Lastly, it’s a trust thing. People trust recommendations from friends, so you gain subscribers who are more likely to engage with your content.
Setting up a referral program is as easy as pie. Use email marketing tools like MailChimp or ActiveCampaign that offer built-in referral features. Now, the fun part – incentives. Give your current subscribers a reason to spread the word. It could be discounts, exclusive content, or even a chance to win something valuable. When there’s something in it for them, they’re more motivated to bring in friends.
Here’s where it gets exciting – the viral potential. Referral programs can go viral. One subscriber tells two friends, who tell two more, and it keeps multiplying, creating a digital chain reaction.
6. Host Webinars and Workshops
People love to learn, and when you offer them valuable insights and knowledge, they’re more likely to subscribe. This means that you become a trusted source of information in your niche.
Hosting webinars and workshops is easier than many people think. You can use platforms like Zoom or WebinarNinja that have both free and paid versions. It’s important to plan the content well, choose a date and time that works for your audience, and promote it. During the live event, engage with your participants and answer their questions. Even though it’s online, it will closely resemble a live classroom experience, making it a fantastic way to connect with your audience.
When people register for your webinar or workshop, that’s the moment to capture their email addresses. Make sure to include a sign-up form during the registration process. That way, you’re not only delivering value through your event, but you’re also growing your subscriber list in the process.
7. A/B Testing and Optimization
When it comes to growing your email list, the journey doesn’t stop after the initial setup. Continuous improvement is equally important. That’s where A/B testing and optimization swoop in.
A/B testing helps you figure out what’s working and what’s not on your email sign-up pages. In other words, you create two versions (A and B) and test which one performs better.
Here’s how:
- Identify What to Test: Find elements like headlines, images, form layouts, or buttons that could make a difference.
- Create Variations: Make two versions of your sign-up page, changing one element.
- Split Your Audience: Show these versions to part of your visitors or subscribers.
- Track and Analyze: Use A/B testing tools to monitor user interactions and conversions.
- Draw Conclusions: Analyze the results and implement the version that converts better.
For optimization, consider testing:
- Headlines and copy.
- Images and media.
- Form lengths.
- Call-to-action button designs.
- Page layouts.
Once you find what clicks with your audience, you optimize and refine your sign-up pages for maximum impact.
Final Thoughts
In conclusion, we’ve explored seven clever strategies that can grow your email subscriber list. From irresistible lead magnets to harnessing the power of influencers, these tactics can take your email list to new heights.
But here’s the bottom line: Don’t just read and forget. Take action. Implement these strategies and watch your list flourish. And remember, you’re not alone on this journey. If you need help, we are here to support you every step of the way. We can help you fine-tune these tactics to suit your unique needs and goals.
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Ross Jenkins
Ross Jenkins is the founder of DigitalME and is an ActiveCampaign Certified Consultant. He is ranked #1 on UpWork for his proficiency in digital marketing. DigitalME offers targeted digital solutions and is perfect for anyone who wants to increase leads, sales, and productivity through automation.