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How to Grow your Email List and Start Attracting Clients
Darlene Hawley
Building an email list is one of the most important things you can do when starting your business.
Building an email list is one of the most important things you can do when starting your business.
I wish I knew this earlier on in my business. When I started my business back in 2007 I spent a ton of time networking and connecting with people in my community but I didn't build an email list in the beginning. I ended up with boxes full of business cards and no way to follow up.
If I could do it over again that would be the number one place I would spend my time and energy.
Social media is great for focusing on growing followers on your account but at the end of the day you don’t own those platforms and if they get closed down or crashes you potentially could lose all of those connections. When you grow your own email list organically or through paid advertisement you have a way to stay in touch and nurture your community.
You own your email list, no one else.
Think of your email list as the heart of your business. It truly is the best way to communicate, nurture and grow your ideal clients.
Know your audience .
Do the research to identify what it is that your ideal client is looking for so you can offer the right opt-in/freebie.
Create an irresistible opt-in/freebie.
Create one that your ideal client will find valuable and would be a great introduction to how you work with your clients. Remember it needs to be something that is worth handing over their email address for. In this day in age, there is a lot of noise in the online space so make it worth their time to download. Where does your ideal client need help, or what is a pain point or struggle that you can help solve? Your opt-in/freebie is a gift. You can create an ebook, pdf, checklist, video series, quiz, webinar, audio, or mini bundle. The ideas are endless, but remember to keep in mind what would be best for your ideal client.
Start collecting email address.
Now that you have created a killer opt-in/freebie you need a way to collect their email addresses. I started with MailChimp and still use them today. It’s free for your first 2000 subscribers and is easy to get the hang of. But do some research and figure out which platform is best for you. Once you are set up create a landing page for capturing email address and to deliver your opt-in/freebie.
Create a sequence of emails to nurture your new community friends.
I recommend sending 5 emails as part of the nurture sequence.
- Email 1- Create a welcome email and send your opt-in/freebie that they signed up for.
- Email 2- Send an introduction email so they can get to know a little about you and your story.
- Email 3- Share something of value, maybe your most popular blog post or a tip that they can implement into their business right away.
- Email 4- Invite them to join your social media group.
- Email 5- Followup to see how they found the free gift they downloaded and invite them to jump on Zoom with you to get a free 20-minute coaching session.
Now it’s time to promote your freebie and start sharing it everywhere.
Share it will your friends and family. Post it in your social media groups or in groups that you already are in (if they allow). Talk about it when you guest post or when you are being interviewed on podcasts or as part of virtual summits. Share with those that you network with virtually or in-person and find out if they would like you to email it to them. Add it to the bottom of your email signature.
I hope this helps you to create an email list that your community needs and gives you the encouragement you needed to start your list today.
Comment below with your top take-aways or any questions.
I offer 1:1 Leadership & Business Coaching & Team Trainings! If you would like to explore what working together would look like, I invite you to submit an application.
Hey There!
I'm Darlene
A mother, wife, connector and dream builder. I'm a Personal Branding & Business Coach and the founder of DarleneHawley.com.
I have a passion for helping online entrepreneurs to create an authentic, magnetizing and profitable brand and business by tapping into their story. I support them by creating a solid brand foundation that allows them to attract their ideal clients and stand out in their industry. I've been committed to helping entrepreneurs launch and grow their business since 2007.
I now spends my time supporting women to reach their goals and live out their dream life, all while raising my family and creating memories each and every day.
I'm sharing 8 of the biggest mistakes I've made as an entrepreneur – the ones I wish I could've avoided.
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Becca Heissel, a dedicated Success Strategist and passionate advocate for entrepreneurs, has been on a mission to assist numerous business owners over the past six years. In her role as a certified trainer of Jack Canfield's Success Principles, she focuses on guiding individuals through the challenges of entrepreneurship, specifically emphasizing the importance of building confidence, envisioning financial futures, and breaking free from the chains of shame and fear surrounding money. Recognizing the notable absence of money and business education in traditional schooling, Becca is committed to filling this gap by providing practical support and mentorship to those navigating the complexities of running a business. Her expertise lies in helping entrepreneurs overcome significant challenges, particularly in the realms of finance and mindset. In a world where entrepreneurship demands resilience and strategic thinking, having a seasoned guide like Becca Heissel could prove invaluable for individuals seeking to not only survive but thrive in the business landscape. SmartBiz Cash Flow Allocator. Managing your money should be empowering, not overwhelming. https://www.smashingnumbers.com/free_... https://www.linkedin.com/in/becca-hei... https://www.instagram.com/beckyheissel/ https://twitter.com/MaddieBrownCPA https://www.facebook.com/SmashingNumbers https://www.facebook.com/Beck51523/ ____ Darlene Hawley is a speaker, podcast host, business coach, and communication expert who shows ambitious, heart-centered entrepreneurs and rising business leaders how to speak up, stand out, and make more impact. Grab my 10 Do's and Don't for Effective Daring Conversations: https://mailchi.mp/297e8105e904/commu... Grab my 6 Steps To Attract & Stand Out digital guide, a free roadmap to create a successful business with less hustle and more ease: https://bit.ly/attractandstandoutonline Grab a Chai and let's Connect: https://darlenehawley.com
On episode 91 of the Attract and Stand Out Podcast, dive into the world of brand positioning with my special guest Susan Friesen. When two brand strategists get together and chat you know it's going to be good. Our conversation reveals the transformative journey of becoming a branding expert and its pivotal role in business success. In this episode, Susan shares invaluable insights, including: ~The Evolution of Brand Positioning: Explore Susan's two-decade journey from digital novice to branding pioneer, highlighting the evolution of branding as a foundational business strategy. ~The Significance of Personal Brand for Entrepreneurs: Discover the importance of personal branding in connecting with your target audience and how to refine your brand message for maximum impact. ~Challenges and Sustainability: Uncover the hurdles faced in the industry and the importance of authenticity and ethical use of tools like AI in maintaining trust and relevance. ~Innovative Ideas and Long-term Growth: Explore the potential of artificial intelligence in branding and marketing and how to embrace it as a tool for ideation and efficiency without sacrificing human creativity and connection. Don't miss out—subscribe now for more wonderful conversations! ------- Susan Friesen is a visionary brand strategist, entrepreneur, and founder of British Columbia’s premiere boutique web development and digital marketing agency, eVision Media. With over 20 years of experience in the industry, she is an expert in helping businesses establish their online presence and create a strong brand identity. Her passion for empowering female entrepreneurs to succeed in the digital world has earned her a reputation as a leading authority in the marketing industry. Grab Susan's free guide for anyone who is not getting the qualified leads they want and need. It's called "Unlocking Customer Trust and Business Growth: Your 7-Step Guide to Defining a Compelling Brand Identity that Appeals to Your Perfect Clients" www.BrandIdentitySteps.com IG: https://www.instagram.com/susan.evisionmedia/ LI: https://www.linkedin.com/in/evisionmedia/ FB: https://www.facebook.com/eVisionMedia ------ Darlene Hawley is a speaker, podcast host, business coach, and communication expert who shows ambitious, heart-centered entrepreneurs and rising business leaders how to speak up, stand out, and make more impact. Grab my 10 Do's and Don't for Effective Daring Conversations: https://mailchi.mp/297e8105e904/communicationguide Grab my 6 Steps To Attract & Stand Out digital guide, a free roadmap to create a successful business with less hustle and more ease: https://bit.ly/attractandstandoutonline Grab a Chai and let's Connect: https://darlenehawley.com https://linkedin.com/in/darlenehawley
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