If you’re looking to boost your marketing efforts and engage with your audience on a more personal level, building an email list is a fantastic way to go.
Actually, if I’m being honest, it’s the only way to go. And you’re not yet convinced that you should be starting an email list, consider also reading this blog post:
=> Why you need an email list for your online business in 2023.
But in this blog post, we’ll dive into four essential must-haves that will set you up for success before you embark on your email marketing journey.
So, grab a cup of coffee (or tea) and let’s get started!
Must Have # 1: A Website (Your Online Hub)
Imagine your website as your digital home base.
It’s the place where your potential customers come to learn more about your business, explore your offerings, and eventually make a purchase.
Before you start building an email list, it’s crucial to have a solid, stunning and high-converting website in place.
Your website should be visually appealing, easy to navigate, and optimized for both desktop and mobile devices.
It should reflect your brand identity and provide valuable content to your visitors. Remember, your website is the first impression you make on potential subscribers, so make it count!
=> It’s also the best and easiest place for you to advertise a lead magnet and effortlessly grow your email list once you it setup.
And if the thought of setting up a website from scratch seems daunting – our Funnel Breezy platform might be the best fit for you. You’ll get to choose any one of our Website Template Collections for free and we’ll even do the entire basic install for you.
Having a website is non-negotiable, so we make it as easy on you as possible.
Example: Let’s say you run an online coaching business, specializing in career development. Your website should showcase your expertise, highlight client success stories, and provide valuable resources to visitors. It should have a clean and professional design, with easy navigation to different coaching programs or services you offer. As mentioned above, it’s also the perfect place to include a lead magnet opt-in page to help you entice readers to hand over their email addresses.
Must Have #2: An Email Marketing Platform (Your Communication Tool)
Now that you have a website, it’s time to choose an email marketing platform.
This tool will be your best friend in managing your email list, creating and sending campaigns, and tracking your results.
There are numerous platforms available, each with its own unique features and pricing plans.
When selecting an email marketing platform, consider factors like ease of use, automation capabilities, deliverability rates, and customer support.
It’s also essential to ensure that the platform integrates smoothly with your website and other tools you may be using, such as e-commerce platforms or customer relationship management (CRM) systems.
(But as you can imagine, we believe Funnel Breezy is your best bet on this one. You’ll be able to manage your email list, build your website, create calendars and scheduling, host your courses and soo much more, all for one easy payment.)
=> Choosing the right platform right from the start will enable you to build faster and better and prevent you from needing to make the switch down the road.
Example: Let’s say you decide to use Funnel Breezy as your email marketing platform. With its user-friendly interface and robust features, you can easily create eye-catching newsletters, set up automated welcome sequences, and track the performance of your email campaigns. Plus, we also give you all the email copy + automation templates to make your life easy.
free checklist
My Secret-Sauce Checklist for Launching an Irresistible Lead Magnet
Get everything you need to start building a big beautiful email list with people that want to buy from you!
Must Have #3: A Lead Magnet Idea (Your Irresistible List Builder)
Now that you have a website and an email marketing platform, it’s time to entice visitors to join your email list. This is where a lead magnet comes into play.
A lead magnet is a valuable freebie or incentive that you offer in exchange for someone’s email address.
The key to a successful lead magnet is to make it highly relevant and valuable to your target audience.
Think about their pain points, challenges, or desires and create something that addresses those needs. It could be an e-book, a checklist, a quiz, a mini-training or an exclusive content series—anything that provides immediate value and establishes trust with your potential subscribers.
=> And you want to learn more about what a lead magnet is and it differs from other types of freebies, you can check out this post: Lead Magnets vs. Content Upgrades | What’s the difference?
Example: If you run a fitness coaching business, you could offer a free downloadable workout plan specifically tailored for beginners. This lead magnet not only addresses the common struggle of starting a fitness routine but also positions you as an expert in your niche. As visitors download the plan, they become part of your email list, allowing you to nurture the relationship and promote your fitness coaching services or recommend relevant products.
Must Have #4: Choose Your Long-Form Content Outlet (Attract the people that need you).
In addition to having a website, an email marketing platform, and an enticing lead magnet, it’s important to consider incorporating a long-form content outlet into your online presence.
This outlet allows you to showcase your expertise, build credibility, and attract a wider audience. Let’s delve deeper into this essential step.
Creating long-form content, such as a blog, podcast, or YouTube channel, provides you with an opportunity to share valuable insights, dive into topics in depth, and establish yourself as an authority in your industry.
=> By consistently delivering high-quality content, you can attract and engage a dedicated community of followers who are more likely to join your email list.
When choosing your long-form content outlet, it’s essential to consider your own strengths, preferences, and the preferences of your target audience. This will ensure that you’re leveraging a medium that allows you to effectively communicate your message and connect with your audience.
And if you want my personal opinion – we think blogging IS the perfect starting point. It has a low barrier to entry and ranks better in terms of SEO.
This means you are more likely to turn up in search results when people are already searching for the thing you do.
Creating YouTube videos also has the same effect – it just requires more time, experience and expense when it comes to producing quality video content.
Example: Example: If you’re a natural writer and your audience enjoys consuming written content, start a blog where you share in-depth articles on topics relevant to your coaching niche. If you have excellent communication skills and prefer a more conversational approach, launching a podcast where you interview industry experts can be a fantastic way to establish authority and reach new listeners as well.
Get going on starting your email list!
Congratulations! You now know what you need to consider before you start your email list as an online business owner.
With a well-designed website, a reliable email marketing platform, an irresistible lead magnet, and knowing which long form content you’ll use, you’re on your way to building a strong email community.
=> ps. If you think Funnel Breezy might be the right fit for you, but you’re not 100%, simply email us at: hello@ladybossstudio.com for your free trial link anytime!
