A lucrative email list that grows consistently takes time and focus.
It may not be the sexiest thing in your business in the initial years because you're hustling for a much-needed cash injection.
No wonder a lot of entrepreneurs give this (list building) a miss and instead engage their efforts elsewhere.
I can relate.
In fact, my first year in the online space, I devoted my time to networking in social media forums.
Here's the problem though.
I was soaking in all the information and spending a lot of time creating content for Facebook.
So, building my list (even though every coach I worked with stressed on this) was sadly not my top priority. My strategy was; "If my post in this Facebook group gets liked, I can follow up with sales calls."
How well did that work out you ask?
Well my strike rate was 2 out of 5. That meant two people out of five would agree to work with me.
"Who needs a list when I can get clients by just being active on Social Media," I'd say. But after I was done with my client obligations, I'd start from zero all over again to look for new clients.
And that looked like posting in more Facebook groups and hustling for clients. What I should have done instead was build my email list with my original and valuable content.
Content that isn't manipulated by the infamous Facebook algorithm.
But content that convinces, connects and converts my target audience on a platform that I control.
In this blog, I'm going to share four kinds of content you must include in your content marketing strategy that builds your email list with ideal subscribers.
1. Create no opt-in required content
This kind of content is to get your ideal audience to know, like and trust you before they can get on your list.
Your prospect's email address is a prized possession.
She is already receiving way too much email.
You need to earn her trust and give her lots of value through your free no opt-in required so that she gets on your list.
Here's what you need to know before you create this content:
- Determine who you are creating content for (ideal audience). Cater to her deepest struggles, challenges and desires through your content.
- Determine your publishing frequency. Weekly is best. Consistency is huge!
- The format in which you'll produce content - think blogging, videos, podcast, email newsletters and guest articles.
- Schedule time in your calendar to perform researching your content and creating it. A well-researched content piece is key to attracting your audience because and sets you apart from your competition. However, it takes time to research and then create your content. Scheduling is everything and keeps you on track.
Note: Your no opt-in required content needs to be consistently produced even if you're hitting your list building goals. There's no stopping here!
2. Create your signature lead magnet
If your prospect likes your free no opt-in required content, she is ready to move on to the next step a.k.a become an email subscriber.
In exchange for her email address she'll receive your free gift or better known as your signature lead magnet.
Your signature lead magnet is directly related to what you teach or offer as your top paid program.
So, for example if you are a personal trainer and teach postpartum moms how to lose pregnancy pounds, then a relevant lead magnet in this case would be "The top 10 foods you must have for a flat belly in 4 weeks".
Your paid service should be the next logical step after your subscriber has consumed the information in the lead magnet.
3. Create content upgrades
These are like secondary lead magnets but they have just as much potential to grow your list as a signature lead magnet does.
Simply put, a content upgrade is a bonus piece of information that enhances, complements and is specific to the information in your blog post, podcast or video.
In order to access the bonus information, the online visitor has to submit her email address. Hello list building!
So, for each blog piece/podcast/video, you can create a content upgrade.
How do you get started on creating the content upgrade?
Log into your Google Analytics on your website and select Landing Pages which get the most traffic.
Or you can also see the most number of social shares you've received on your content.
And then boom! Create your content upgrades for these content pieces.
4. Guest blogging
Last but not the least, guest blogging is a smart and an effective strategy to aid your list building efforts.
There are three ways you can use guest blogging as a list building strategy:
1. Select 3-5 blogs that you want to contribute to.
2. Recommend a minimum of three topics in your pitch that suit the tone of the blog, will appeal to the readers and are within your expertise or experience.
3. Craft a power packed author bio that includes a link to your lead magnet landing page (if permitted). Do not use a backlink to your website!
Conclusion
"The money is in the list" is a popular expression in the online marketing world.
However, a majority of new and seasoned entrepreneurs are focused on gaining a following on Social Media instead of building their email lists.
Your email list is a platform that you control 100%.
There are four ways that your content strategy can help you build a profitable email list:
1. Creating no opt-in required content
2. Creating your signature lead magnet
3. Creating content upgrades
4. Guest blogging
An email list size of at least 1000 subscribers is when you start seeing shifts in your business.
With careful planning and a strong intent this goal is absolutely achievable.
How are you using your content strategy to build and grow your email list?
About the Author
Amisha Shrimanker is an online business strategist. She specializes in helping coaches and consultants create their own sales funnels so that they can sell with ease, create impact and build a scalable online business.
To download her free resource on how to create an irresistible high converting opt-in, click here: http://bit.ly/2Bdz0nb
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