In this digital age where social media platforms dominate our online presence, it's easy to overlook the potential of building an email list. However, as a content creator looking to grow and establish yourself on a platform, creating a strong and engaged email list can be a game-changer.
Why It’s So Important
You want to reach your customers organically and build a community! How are you reaching your people organically? Don't rely solely on social media! If you're relying on social media and it shuts down, so does your business! We don't own our data, we don't own our customer's data, we don't own any of the social media platforms. That's why it's important to keep in contact and build a relationship with your audience or your potential customers.
A Foundation for Success
I had a few customers to write me wanting to grow their YouTube channels to 10,000 followers. My advice was to simply grow an e-mail list. Most were skeptical, so I told them to check out our e-book on marketing and after just three days, they were ready.
Imagine having a dedicated group of followers who are genuinely interested in your content, eagerly anticipating your updates, and are more likely to convert into loyal supporters. That's the power of building an email list.
Unlike social media platforms where algorithms and changing trends can limit your reach, an email list ensures you have a way to reach every single recipient directly - no algorithm or platform needed! It provides a more personal and direct way to connect with your audience.
Building Your Email List as a Content Creator
First you want to pick a niche. I know everyone says this, but it’s true. You cannot target everyone on everything, you’ll end up targeting no one! When picking your niche you need to ask yourself these four questions:
- What topic does your business revolve around?
- Who do you want to target?
- How does your business help your target audience?
- What makes YOU different from your competitors?
If you need more help with your branding identity, I recommend checking out my e-book on Branding Marketing and Advertising.
Placing Your Freebie Strategically
So how do you reach your customers or potential customers? How do you keep in contact with them? What you should send to keep in touch with your potential customers or customers? How can you start growing your email list?
Here are some easy tips:
- Create an opt-in freebie like an ebook, checklist, or video series.
- Promote your freebie in your YouTube pinned comment, TikTok/Instagram captions, or ask viewers to check your bio!
- Use email signup forms on your website or in your bio so visitors can join your list.
- Offer your freebie in exchange for an email signup. This lead magnet gives them something valuable right away.
- Send occasional newsletters with your latest content, exclusives, or deals. Make them feel special!
- Tailor your freebie to your niche! A fitness influencer might offer a free workout guide, while a finance creator could share a budget template. Get creative!
Your freebie should provide value to your audience and give them a taste of what you have to offer. People already don’t like giving out their personal information. If the freebie is relevant to your audience, they won’t mind signing up to get it. This is where you want to send updates, exclusive content, behind-the-scenes insights, new offerings or even host live Q&A sessions via email. This is how you will get people to STAY on your list!
I started with two freebies. I traveled a lot and started vlogging my experiences and posting them online. During this time I started sharing tips for content creators. People were really into becoming creators, so I made an e-book. My first freebie was How To Make Money Online As A Content Creator.
The second freebie I created was an e-book that could help upcoming business owners with their online businesses. Websites You Didn’t Know Exist was a list of websites anyone could to start and upscale their business and make six figures doing what they loved.
To get started, ask yourself: What are your audience looking for? What would be helpful for them to have for free?
Focus on listening to their needs and engaging with them in an authentic way. By focusing on every recipient, offering valuable freebies, and strategically placing your lead magnets, you'll establish a loyal and engaged audience beyond the confines of social media.
Automating Your Freebie
Once you’ve made your freebie, automate it on an email host. This ensures that your freebie is automatically sent when someone signs up. Of course you will need an email host. I recommend direct.me.
With direct.me, you don’t even need a website because they allow you to set up your link in bio. You can have a stunning mini-website showing off all the things that are most important to you and your followers. It’s the perfect option for somebody who is just starting and growing their email list.
I have an e-book goes into further detail about growing your email list, personal branding and so much more. There’s a lot to discover when it comes to sales funnel, and I cover it all!
If this sounds like it will take a lot of stress off your shoulders, check out the Ultimate Business Guide here.
Monetization Opportunities
One of the primary goals for many content creators is to turn their passion into a full-time career. Monetizing your content can be challenging, but with a strong email list, you have a direct line to your most engaged and loyal audience.
Whether you're selling digital products, offering exclusive content, or collaborating with brands, having an email list gives you the opportunity to promote your offerings directly to those who are most likely to support you.
Building your email list may seem like a small thing, but it’s one of the most important steps you can take to turn your creative passion into a sustainable business.
Put Yourself Out There
No one is going to sign up if no one knows about it. Talk about it once a week on your social media platforms to get people onto your list! You want to talk about what it is, who it’s for, where to find it, etc.
Did you know it takes people 6-7x to see or hear about something before they purchase? If after 2 weeks nobody is signing up, then ask your audience what they need! It’s not that they don’t want to sign up, it could be that they don’t have a need for what you’re currently offering.
Using Inorganic Tactics
This is not necessarily needed to grow, my customers and I have been able to grow without using paid advertisements, but it helps… A LOT.
If you’re confident in your ability to write copy that sells and your content is good, then there is nothing wrong with running ads toward your freebie.
If you choose to run ads, you’re going to do that through your Facebook Ads Manager. I know a lot of people like to press that “boost post” button on Facebook and Instagram but we’re not going to do that! Through your ads manager, it makes it much easier to customize the ad and get it in front of your target audience by setting up your ads correctly.
If you need help with advertising and setting up your Facebook and Instagram ad accounts, check out my e-book on Facebook Ads here.
Keeping a Positive Mindset
Creativity is one of the most in-demand and important skills in today's economy. Whether you're a writer, designer, artist or maker of any kind, your abilities are highly sought after.
The hardest part is often just getting started. If you have an idea for a creative business or freelance career, stop waiting and start taking action. Begin putting together samples of your work, set up a website to establish your online presence, start networking, and look for your first clients or projects.
When faced with challenges or setbacks, it's important to stay positive and focused on your journey. Embrace each experience as an opportunity to learn and grow, knowing that every obstacle brings you one step closer to success.