Should you have an email list as a blogger? Find out why you should set up an email marketing account the moment you start your blog.
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If you’re like me, you get a million emails delivered to your inbox. I have my iPhone on me at all hours of the day and every time I get a notification of an email that comes through, it totally shifts my attention away from what I’m doing.
I’m going about my day, not thinking at all about a specific store – say a children’s clothing store – or what they can offer to me.
And yet – in that instant that I look at my phone when an email notification shows up, I’m reminded of them.
I might think “oh yeah, I really need to get my son some new shoes for the spring and summer months.” Or even “Ooh! A sale? I’ll hop on this evening after I put my son to bed and buy him some shoes… and maybe something else if I can find anything good.”
When you think about that type of interruption in terms of being productive and trying to get something (anything!) done during the day, you probably think that’s a total pain in the butt. Right? Or maybe you’ve never even noticed that you do this.
From a personal perspective, you might think… “Wow, that’s pretty invasive. I never thought how easy it is for my mind to shift like that.”
However, from a business owner’s perspective, it’s actually exactly what you want. Now I’m not saying you want to be bugging people at all hours of the day, but staying top of mind as a go-to person who knows stuff your readers want to learn is a good thing.
Instead of searching for something in your niche when they think of it, they’ll be reminded that you talk about all things regarding (insert your niche here) because they’ve heard from you recently. This recency is what turns readers into raving fans who come back again and again.
Email newsletter lists are your number one “in” with your readers and turn readers into raving fans.
Sending emails are the easiest way to remind your audience that you exist AND that you have something valuable to share with them if they’re interested in reading more.
If I haven’t convinced you thoroughly yet, here are 5 more reasons that you need to start an email newsletter list the moment you start your blog.
5 Reasons to Start an Email List When You Start Your Blog
1. You’re able to show your readers what you bring to the table immediately
So many bloggers wait months before taking the time to put together a newsletter list. When you do this right away, you aren’t missing any opportunities to share what you know and you’re creating that rapport with people who would otherwise click away and likely never come back to your site ever again.
These first people to join your newsletter list may very well become some of your best and longest readers, because they will see the journey you’re on and want to keep coming back to learn from you. There’s nothing better than creating a communication channel between you and your reader.
2. Your ability to directly communicate with your audience is invaluable
When you start a newsletter list, you get to email your readers any time you want to. This means opening up the communication channel between blogger and consumer. What’s great about this is not only can you share what’s new with you and your blog, but you can also ask for feedback and get to know your readers more personally.
What’s great about that is that when you learn more about what one reader is like, then you’ll know that there are likely more readers just like them out there that you haven’t chatted with via email. Having the ability to have the one-to-one conversation and allow them to respond to you lets you in on what kinds of things your readers want to hear about or learn more from you on.
This kind of communication of learning about your readers on a deeper level is invaluable to the growth of your blog and creates a sense of trust and rapport that will only grow over time.
3. Social media platforms change constantly
Let’s face it: ALL the algorithms for Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, and Pinterest change constantly. While all of these are great for engaging with your readers, sharing your best stuff and letting readers know when you have new content, you’re never going to reach everyone directly the way you would via email.
You can’t expect to post something on Facebook these days and expect very many of your fans to see it without using paid ads. If you’re going to spend time engaging with fans, do so in email so you know they will actually get the message.
4. The more your readers hears from you, the more top of mind you will be
When it comes time for readers to want to get help with whatever your blog helps them solve, they’ll immediately think of you because they hear from you and hopefully already feel like they have a sense of who you are, and the type of great content you share.
Recency is a real thing. Be in touch more and you’ll be remembered.
5. You can get feedback from your subscribers about the content you create
What’s great about email is that when you have an email that goes out to all your readers, you may hear back from some of them, especially if you ask a question in your email. When you’re looking for feedback on what they want to hear more about from you, you can ask.
I have had so much success over the years by simply asking what my newsletter subscribers want to learn more about from me. It’s a win win, they do my market research for me, and they get the content they’re asking for.
If you haven’t opened up an email newsletter account yet, I highly recommend you do it as soon as possible. Start building that email list so you can reach your readers regularly and always be top of mind as the go-to solution for their needs.
There are a number of great services out there for every stage of business – my absolute favorite and most recommended service is ConvertKit. Mailchimp and Aweber are also great options too – and are easy enough for even the most tech-challenged. You really can’t go wrong with any of them – so don’t spend a ton of time deciding. Pick one, learn it, and keep moving forward.