“I have a list of customers, friends and family. How do I get them onto an email list?”
Like many small retailers and business owners, Sarah had her customers’ names and email addresses, but she had no idea where her list should go. On her website? On social media?
“Once I figure out where to put it, how in heck do I upload it?” she asked in frustration.
Not sure where to begin when it comes to building your list of prospects? Download my FREE List Building Roadmap to help you get started.
How To Get Your Customers onto an Email List
First, enter your customers’ name and email address into a spreadsheet (such as Excel or Numbers) and create a .csv file.
Next, get a subscription with an email host. Some of the more popular low priced email hosts are AWeber, MailChimp, and ConstantContact. (I have used AWeber since 2012 and think they are great. Please know, if you click on the AWeber link above it goes to my affiliate account.)
Why you want an email host
An email host stores your customer’s names and email addresses, and enables you to send one email to many people at the same time without being shut down as a spammer.
You’ll also be able to automate emails, meaning you can create emails to go out automatically when someone takes an action, such as when they sign up for your free offer (aka Lead Magnet).
Ask your email host…
- Contact your email host
- Tell your email host that you have a list of customers who gave you their name and email address
- Tell your email host how many people are on your list
- Ask if they have any special requirements for uploading your list
The first email you’ll send out asks your customers if they would like to receive email from you. If they do, they’ll need to confirm by clicking a link. It’s called a double opt-in process, and it ensures people want to hear from you.
These days our email inboxes are loaded with junk, and people have complained.
Email hosts need to adhere to European GDPR (European General Data Protection Regulation) and the US CAN-SPAM Act. They want to work with you to grow your email list so always ask them to help you follow their guidelines.
Get People To Say, ‘Sign me up!’
If you have a bricks and mortar business like a boutique, spa, or yoga studio, include an opt-in incentive such as a coupon toward a product or service.
Downloadable PDFs that give people a valuable free tip is a perfect opt-in incentive for coaches and consultants.
Easy 4-Step List Building System
Once you’ve uploaded your list of customers, you’ll need to keep building your list so you always have new prospects ‘in the wings.’
List building is not hard it’s just takes time.
STEP ONE
Discover what your customers want
- Ask your customers what they need and, or…
- Use Google Search and Google Trends to discover what they want
Once you know what you perfect customers are looking for, ask yourself, what is something valuable that you can give away for free, that you know they would like, or that would help them achieve one quick win?
Keep it simple and memorable.
STEP TWO
Create a Free Offer
No design skills? Can’t draw a straight line? No problem. Just use Canva. Their free version gives you hundreds of designs to choose from.
- Choose a template you like
- Add your text and images
- Download it as a PDF
- Uploaded your PDF to your website, DropBox, Amazon S3, Google docs or any place you can store your PDF that also contains a link so that your free offer can be downloaded.
Can you give prospects an audio or video?
Yes. Use what works best for you.
STEP THREE
Deliver Your Free Offer
NOTE: The following steps will be done in your email host:
- Create a List (this is where your names will be stored)
- Create a form that collects people’s email addresses
- Create an email that asks people to check their email inbox
- Create an email with a link to your downloadable free offer
STEP FOUR
Promote Your Free Offer
Add your free offer in one or all of these places:
- website
- social media posts
- social media profile
- paid advertising
- podcast show notes
- book promo
- YouTube
- webinar
- your email signature
Need Help Getting Started?
CLICK HERE to download your 4-step List Building Roadmap and start building your list today.
Leave a Reply