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How to Grow your Email List and Start Attracting Clients
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.
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Hey There!
I'm Darlene
As a mother, wife, connector, and dream builder, I’m Darlene Hawley, the founder of DarleneHawley.com and an Executive Leadership & Businesss Coach dedicated to empowering leaders like you.
My passion lies in helping ambitious professionals cultivate their unique leadership style while crafting an authentic and impactful personal brand. Through my coaching, we’ll work together to build a solid foundation that not only inspires your team but also drives results and growth within your organization.
Since 2007, I have been committed to guiding leaders and entrepreneurs in launching and scaling their businesses with confidence and clarity.
Today, I focus on supporting women in reaching their leadership goals and living their dream lives—all while balancing the joys of raising my family and creating meaningful memories each day.
Together, we’ll transform your challenges into opportunities, allowing you to lead with authenticity and inspire those around you.
