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Internet marketing-email listI’ve promised to tell you everything I’m doing to grow my email list because I know that many people are stumped in this regard.  I have 3 friends who would like a larger list but whose lists have stayed under 100 for over a year.

The last time I posted on this topic, my email list was 52. That was 2-1/2 weeks ago. What did I do?

To some extent, I’m stumped! I didn’t do anything big. I continued to connect with people in LinkedIn groups. Each email I send out invites people to forward the email to others they know. Most of the people who are joining the list are people I don’t know.

But here are a few ideas for you!

Start conversations rather than marketing pitches

I don’t usually start by announcing my website. Instead, I start a discussion on a topic or ask a question. For example, “What is your greatest hurdle in getting online?” Then, when people provide answers, I provide solutions either by offering my free report or a link to a relevant blog post.

When I do announce my website, it’s just to offer free information. For example, in the Social Entrepreneur Empowerment Network group in Linked In, I said:

I’ve started a new website, to help social entrepreneurs succeed online, especially with the technical and marketing learning curve.

I invite you to visit and read, especially the blog posts. I’m not selling anything, just offering free information, a free Master Plan document, and a newsletter. And please let me know what you think! Feel free to ask a question or suggest a topic that you’d like me to cover. Thanks in advance!

I received very positive responses, plus several “Likes” from this post (some of you may recognize your comments):

Thank you Ellen, I’ve signed up for your newsletter.

Thanks for the post. I think the guide is a handy primer!

Thanks for this post. I’ll be sure to check out all of your tips since I’m part of a startup myself.

Great! I just signed up for the newsletter. Thank you

Will definitely check out.

Thank you Ellen! This is wonderful information and I am very grateful for your incredible generosity. Blessings!

Very clear and concise delivery of useful information.

I very much appreciated the positive feedback, so it become very rewarding to give out the information!

Respond to people’s comments

When people respond, answer back! Thank people for their comments, offer to provide information that they need. Be a real person!

Look for people who express a need for what you have to offer

Look at other discussions that are on a topic you know something about and provide solid information for people. If appropriate, you can give a brief reply and write, “I have more information on that in my blog post” and provide the link.

My goal is 100 subscribers by the end of November!

 

 

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    2 replies to "The latest story on growing an email list"

    • Don Monteith

      Hi Ellen….

      It looks like you are full time with your business and I really appreciate you sharing your experiences. Your advice is welcomed.

      Is there a “best” way to run ads on LinkedIn? Have you had a positive result there?

      Best….

      Don Monteith

    • Ellen Finkelstein

      Don, no I haven’t run ads on LinkedIn. I know that they’re expensive but worthwhile with a certain target market. I do most of my work on LinkedIn with groups. Writing blog posts (the Pulse feature) can also be powerful. And of course, you can grow your list of connections. SO many people use LinkedIn to find jobs, so I think your message would resonate there. Also, have you thought of partnering with college Career Centers to train graduating seniors?

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