Social media is a rented space. You can easily lose your account by violating the rules or by being hacked. A platform could no longer consider itself viable (or they could be in a war with Apple which is currently happening with Facebook) and could shut down so it’s important to grow your own email list. Email marketing is considered permission-based marketing, a term coined by Seth Rogan.
1. Offer Something of Value in Exchange.
These are usually called opt-ins, freebies or lead magnets. They can live on your website or on a stand-alone page such as the one we use on ConvertKit. Whether it’s a checklist, a discount coupon, early access to a new product or an e-book, make sure you are providing something of value to them in exchange for a name and email address.
2. Use Pop-Ups
Many people don’t like these lightbox pop-ups but they have been proven to get the best results. They make it easy for people to sign up if they choose to.
3. Use Facebook ads
Facebook has over 2.74 BILLION active users. Using highly targeted Facebook ads to capture leads (name and email) is a good idea. Because of the pandemic, the user base for Facebook is at an all-time high, and the age range of its users is great for (most) businesses. The Facebook user base ages demographic age 30-55+ with the majority being men. A recent global study shows that 56% of Facebook users over the age of 13 are male. There has also been an increase in women over 50 beginning their own businesses.
And surprise, Facebook still reaches the largest number of users aged 13-17.
4. Collect email addresses when you speak or do a workshop.
Bring a clipboard for people to leave their name and email address in exchange for your Power Power slides, worksheet or additional info related to the topic.
5. Promote your email sign-up at the end of your blog post.
At the end of a blog post, say something like “to keep up with out latest blog posts, tips and tricks, sign up for our (weekly, monthly) emails. Or you could mention that you’ll be doing a series on the topic and to sign up so they don’t miss a part of the series.
6. Ask your current subscribers to share with their friends.
Add language such as ‘If you found this email useful, please forward it on to a friend,’ to the end of every email. This could easily help you grow your list.
7. Run a contest.
Contest are great ways to grow your list. Just be sure that the prize your are offering relates to your ideal customer or client. For example, you wouldn’t necessarily want to give away an iPad if you’re trying to grow the clientele for your salon. Also,This type of contest would not be fun solely on Instagram as it wouldn’t provide a way to capture email addresses. Here’s a list of tools you might use.
8. Join an online summit.
A summit of like-minded business people who are offering different types of valuable information to those joining is a good way to grow your list. Remember to offer something of value that will showcase your work and expertise.
9. Host a free masterclass webinar.
Gather email addresses from those who attend the event. Usually, you would offer this as a free event but it could also have a minimal charge.
10. Be a guest on a podcast or webinar or virtual conference.
Being a guest on podcasts, webinars and conferences is a great way to grow your email list. It’s customary for hosts to allow you to share your website, your email address, a free downloadable product or your presentation slides in exchange for an email address.
11. Add your email sign-up box to all possible social media platforms.
Facebook pages have a tab where you can collect an email address in exchange for a download or further information. There are 3rd party apps for Instagram such as LinkTr.ee and Beacons.ai that allow for email sign ups. On Twitter, you can link to your free opt-in. Be sure to share these out regularly.