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If you are like many solo entrepreneurs and small business owners, you know you need to build an opt-n email list but with so much information out there, you may still be confused about how to get started.
You may not realize that to build a list you need certain things in place and you have to get them in the right order…in other words, you need a defined, easy to implement set of tasks that will insure your success.
Follow my simple 7-step system for fast results.
One: Choose your niche. This first crucial step is where a lot of beginners go astray. Taking time to do careful research that leads to a viable niche will pay off in the long run. Pick something you are passionate about, as it’s easier to sustain long-term interest.
Two: Buy a domain name. Go to a domain name seller, such as GoDaddy.com and purchase a domain name related to your niche. Be sure to get the dot com and stay away from dot biz and dot net, as the dot com is still the de facto standard and will give you more credibility.
Three: Get hosting. If you purchase your domain name from GoDaddy, they will try to upsell you at checkout. Many newbies think they have to host their domain from the company they purchased it from, but this is not true. Choose a hosting company that has a reputation for good customer support. (Here is my list of recommended business resources, including a hosting company that lives up to my standards!)
Four: Choose an autoresponder. You will need a way to store the names on your email list and communicate with them. A good autoresponder service, such as an all in one solution like 1ShoppingCart or a stand-alone provider such as Icontact or Aweber, is a must. Choose an autoresponder service that has a reputation for excellent email deliverability.
Five: Put up an opt-in page. Use a simple opt in form that requires first name and primary email address only. Don’t ask for more information, such as their address, or your visitors will be less likely to subscribe.
Six: Craft your ethical bribe. Give your visitors an irresistible reason to opt in to your list by offering a valuable special report, ebook, whitepaper or audio. Make sure your opt in offer solves a problem for your target market and even though you are offering it for free, pack it full of excellent content related to your niche.
Seven: Drive traffic. Now get busy generating traffic (visitors) to your website by writing articles, blogging and using social media such as Facebook and Twitter. Do something every single day to drive traffic to your site. Consistency is key.
Bonus Tip: You may have heard some internet marketers say that the money is in the list. Actually that’s not true. The money is in your relationship with your list. When you have an email list of people who know, like and trust you, they are much more likely to purchase from you. Treat your list with respect and you will be successful!
{ 4 comments… read them below or add one }
Excellent article Ellen. Your point of building a relationship with your subscribers is outstanding. Unfortunately, so many people go for quantity instead of quality and completely miss the point of a solid list.
The ideal situation is a nice sized list of people who love hearing from you. By providing great content (like you continually do) people look forward to one’s messages rather than cringing when they see a message from them.
Kathleen
Great job synthesizing the elements Ellen! It’s a good action plan to have and start working.
Thanks Kathleen! Yes, even though I’ve been in this biz for awhile, I resisted putting out a regular newsletter to my list…but I must say, it’s been one of the best things I’ve done lately. Not only is it cementing my relationship with my list, it puts an overarching structure on my week that has made it possible for me to be even more productive…a delightfully unexpected outcome.
Thanks Julie! I find that so many of my clients don’t have this basic framework in mind and tend to go in every direction when thinking about starting to build a list. Sometimes, back to basics is best.
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