Once you get over the hump of actually starting a list now it’s time to figure out how to get more email subscribers.
Because what’s the point in doing all the work of running an email list if you aren’t talking to anyone?
But let’s back up for a minute. Maybe you’re a freelance writer who doesn’t do much online marketing. You might think a concept like getting more email subscribers, or even having an email list, is a bit overkill. I mean, what’s the point, right?
If I’m describing you then here’s my quick pitch for having an email list:
- You can nurture relationships with potential clients who aren’t ready to hire you yet
- It helps people who are on the fence about hiring you get to know you better
- Want to stay in touch with previous clients? This is a non-awkward way of doing this!
- It helps you build authority in your niche (I mean, you’re writing about it literally all the time, this reinforces your expertise!)
Anyway, I could go on about this but it’s not today’s topic so instead I’ll drop a graphic below for you to consider. In today’s freelance environment, platform building both has merit and helps you escape the dreaded feast or famine cycle. (More on THAT later.)
This infographic shows you where I think email marketing comes in to play in the freelancer’s sales funnel.
Just my opinion, but I stand by it.
For more about WHY I think you should have an email list check out the article I wrote for Story Board, Why Freelancers in Marketing and Communications Should Have an Email List.
How to get more email subscribers
Tip 1: Ask people to join your list
Yes this is as simple as it sounds. If you want more email subscribers then ask people to join your list.
Here are a few ways you can do this:
- Make sure your social media followers know about your list and have opportunities to join up every now and then
- Invite people you meet at networking events to join your list (or ask if you can add them—get permission!)
- Add a link to your sign-up form in your email footer
- Embed sign-up forms on your blog posts or on your website pages (like your “About” page, for example)
Now, there is a caveat here. You want to invite people to join your list who are a good fit for your business.
This means you have to know what you do, who you serve and why your service matters to them.
By the way, I’ve created a worksheet to help you work through these questions. Just pop your email address into the form below and I’ll send you the password for my free resource library. When you’re there, navigate to the Freelancing category and download the “Freelancer Positioning Worksheet.”
Want to go deeper here? Check out Want to Work from Home? Consider Freelance Writing!
Tip 2: Offer some sort of incentive for signing up
This makes sense if you think about it.
“Hey join my email list” is one thing.
But isn’t “Sign up for my list and you’ll get this extra special thing that you can’t get anywhere else” better?
- What can you offer people that makes giving you their email address worth it?
- What will make it a fair trade?
- How can you surprise and delight your subscribers?
Think about incentives as two pieces.
First, you want to give people a compelling reason to join your list. Perhaps this is a free download or template or something they’ll find helpful.
The important thing to keep in mind is you want to come up with something that both represents your brand well, and solves a problem for your ideal reader or customer.
Second, you want to send relevant, interesting information in your actual emails.
While getting people on your list is important, giving them a reason to stay is next level.
Tip 3: Encourage your email subscribers to forward your newsletter
Because you’re sending interesting and exclusive stuff to ideal readers (right!? Go back to Tips 1 and 2 if this is new information) it should resonate with them.
And people love sharing information that strikes a chord.
So encourage your email subscribers to share your newsletters with others. This serves as a win-win. They share something helpful with their audience and you’re gaining visibility.
This simple request can have big rewards. Don’t underestimate the power of a referral!
If you want to go deeper into list building Jennifer Maker has written a fabulous ebook on the subject. She grew her email list to 20,000 subscribers in less than a year so she knows her stuff. It’s an excellent, quick read and I know you’ll take something away you can implement today.
You can grab this FREE ebook from my affiliate link → LIST LOVE Introduction to List Building
Like I said, this is a free book. But by using my link, if this if you purchase anything from Jennifer Maker later (she has tons of valuable books and courses) then I’ll receive a small commission at no extra cost to you.
You may also like
- How to Get Your Email List Started (and What to Send)
- 4 Email Etiquette Tips to Make You Stand Out
- How to Create a Digital Business Card
One more thing. You may be interested in my free resource library. This is where I keep my files, downloads, ebooks, worksheets and whatever else I manage to create. I love sharing what I learn and want to keep adding to this library so it becomes a wealth of helpful goodness.
This is a free resource but I do require a password to access the library itself. You can get access by popping your email address into the form below.