As you’ve read in earlier posts here, here, and here, I’m telling you the story of my email list growth. It’s a story that is just beginning, but I want you to learn techniques you can use on your own.
My goal was 50 people by the end of October, and as you can see, I’ve beaten that goal–and over a week early!
You don’t always know
Of course, as I’ve mentioned before, people join your list without telling you, so you don’t always know how it happens.
But when you get a spurt of new sign-ups, it’s usually related to some event. Try to learn from these experiences, so you can repeat them.
Go to your tribe
Seth Godin talks about how leaders need a tribe–people who have something in common and want to go in the same direction.
People will respond to you if they know you have something in common with them. It could be anything, but online groups are one place where tribes flourish.
My first efforts with LinkedIn groups didn’t work, but then I went to my alumni association group. It’s very small, but I got a great response! Since then, I’ve had a flurry of sign-ups.
Ask people to sign up!
Don’t be afraid to ask people directly to sign up. If someone responds positively to your post, ask the person to sign up. You can say something like:
If you haven’t already signed up for my newsletter, I invite you to do so. I’d especially love to hear what you think about my free report. And if you have any questions, just let me know and I’ll blog you an answer.”
Respond when people compliment you!
If someone responds positively, thank the person. This encourages people to pass on the information. Here are some comments that I received. I haven’t asked for permission, so I’m leaving out their names:
i just subscribed….this looks very promising! Your pdf [free report] is amazing…i thought it was very clear and is super easy to follow.
i skimmed through the rest of your blog…this is a lot of great information and i look forward to digesting it!
Thanks for this, Ellen. I’ve seen other such troves before but this one seems richer and more current. Much appreciated.
Sign up!
So, if you’re reading this blog post and you haven’t yet signed up for my newsletter and free report. I invite you to do so. The sign-up form is at the top right.
2 replies to "The story of my email list growth continues…"
Good advice. Thanks for sharing your journey with us. I think it is great that you are sharing your journey starting out. One negative of some online sites is that they only show you once they have already achieved a lot of success. Once they have 1,000 email subscribers they show you, well that doesn’t help when someone only has 5! Just makes it seem impossible.
This is the same approach I am taking with our site for social entrepreneurship. I want to help people along the journey with every little bit I am learning.
Thanks for being open and authentic!
Thanks for the comment, Justin. I’ve built a large list before, but you’re right, that doesn’t help people starting out. By the way, I signed up for your report!