Email Marketing - Building a List

Critiqued by Cowboytf | July 5, 2008 .

Build YOUR list today!
Be prepared to have a small email list when first starting out. It takes time to build trust with readers and it takes effort to start a list and maintain it.

Here are some simple ways to create your email list:

Add a “Join My Newsletter” box on your site. Providing a sign up box/link in a visually appealing spot, you’re more likely to attract readers instantly. I recommend you provide both box and link. Use the link to lead them to a page that explains what they might read in your newsletter. Be sure to provide the sign up box on that page as well.
Ask your regular readers to sign up first. Be sure to always get permission and always keep in accordance with the Can-Spam laws. If you request emails in person or by email, it’s very important to get their permission first!
Spread the word! Use social networking sites like Twitter or Mom Bloggers Club to let people know about your free newsletter. Include the phrase “Free Newsletter” on your business cards and in your signature via email and forums.
Incentives are a quick way to get subscribers. Simply offer a freebie to those who sign up. It can be anything from $5 Paypal or some one on one time with that person to help them with some blogging needs.
Run a “Forward to a Friend Contest.” In your e-mail newsletter, let your contacts know that if they use the “Forward to a Friend” link to send this month’s newsletter to at least one new recipient, they’ll be entered into a drawing for a prize. Most e-mail marketing service providers let you see which subscribers forwarded your e-mail to a friend.
Partner up! Talk with a network or other blogger with a newsletter and consider promoting each other. You can also write a guest post and in your byline, include a link to join your newsletter.

3 email marketing websites you can use to create newsletters and build your list!

Reasonable prices with the features and quality intact.

This one is by far the most popular and perhaps even the best. Lots of features and with a reasonable price for everything you get!

Another popular one that has is priced on the lower end but without compromising quality.

By following the tactics above, you’re sure to increase your subscriber count easily. Research thoroughly before choosing your email marketing program. Make sure the one you choose can provide all the features you need for your budget.

Do you have a newsletter?

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4 Comments so far

pip July 6, 2008 7:18 pm

We should never forget the old ways to to gather addresses direct post marketing and feed back from
blog surveys is a good thing.
Email Marketing Pune July 7, 2008 1:31 am

Thanks alot for the great tips…will be looking forward to your future posts and suggestions.
Barbara Ling, Virtual Coach July 7, 2008 8:12 am

I have a newsletter - you can see it at http://www.barbaraling.com/newsletter/ . I recently updated the copy as well.

One thing I learned awhile back when I was teaching a newbie how to set up his blog online - many ISPs offer free mailing list software to their users. So if you’re not yet ready to send out followup autoresponders or 7 days customer care sequences etc., you can use that option as a free way to run your own newsletter until you’re ready to take that next step.

Enjoy,

Barbara

Barbara Ling, Virtual Coachs last blog post..The One Tool All Affiliates MUST Own - past and present and future links, one-step additions and more
Cowboytf July 15, 2008 5:31 pm

testing