Let’s talk about emails: Why you need an email list and what to send
I’ve learned a lot about email lists over the past year and a half, especially in the last few months as I’ve focused on creating exclusive content for my email list. I’ve also learned a lot as a user. I just don’t read blogs as much as I used to. If I want to be sure I don’t miss something from my favorite sites, I’m on their email list.
With that in mind, for the next three Thursdays I’d like to share what I’ve learned to help you with your email list! Today let’s talk about why you need an email list and what to send.
Why you need an email list
Email doesn’t change.
Honestly, I didn’t get the fuss over email lists for a long time. But with the recent Facebook algorithm changes, email lists are more relevant now than ever before. You see, email will never change. Once someone gives you their email address, the only thing between you and that person is their inbox — which they control. You don’t have to worry about an algorithm restricting your shared content to a small part of your email list.
People can’t ignore emails.
We’ve already discussed Facebook — your content will only reach a small percentage of readers. Twitter is so fast-paced that if you blink, you miss it. But emails? They sit in your inbox until you deal with them. Even if your email gets deleted, that’s your name in someone’s inbox, reminding them you exist.
It’s personal.
How many times do you post a question on your blog only to hear the sound of crickets in the comments section? Commenting requires entering extra information and putting your thoughts on public display. Though there’s less effort in responding on social media, it’s still public. With emails, people can hit the reply button, and you’re the only person who can read their response. People are more likely to share personal stories, which will give you a better understanding of your readers and how you can help.
These are your people.
You can follow anyone on social media with the click of a button — and forget about them two seconds later. But when you have to enter your email address? You’ll think twice before giving it away. I mean, who stares at their inbox and says “more emails please!”? But that’s exactly what people do when they give their email address to you. These are the people who want to hear from you the most!
OK, I get it, but I have no idea what to send!
Send a popular blog column
Just like anything else, you have to start somewhere. I chose my most popular blog column, committed to posting it once a week, and sent out that post to my email list. Eventually, I started adding related blog posts or links of interest from other blogs.
Send a post you want to highlight
If you’re uncomfortable committing to a weekly schedule, try once or twice a month, and just send a post you want to highlight. Like blogging, the point is to be consistent and give your readers a heads up when you decide to change things. Some of my favorite emails are simply blog posts that I could read online, but I subscribe via email because I don’t want to miss them!
Approach existing content in a new way
If you can start creating exclusive content for your list, that’s great. I know my subscription rate increased when I started sending exclusive content! I took what I was already doing (writing about blogging) and gave the content a new purpose for my email list (giving the reader a quick and easy task). So while my blog and emails share topics, I focus more on discussion and sharing ideas on my blog, and my emails are about doing.
Learn 4 reasons you need an email list and 3 ideas for what to send!
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Do you have an email list? How has it helped you, and what do you send?
