How to start an Email List: Why they are SO IMPORTANT and how to get people to join from each social platform

Let’s start with the basics: what exactly is an EDM? And no – we’re not talking about Electronic Dance Music (although, we do luuuuurve that) 👩🏻‍🎤, we’re talking about Electronic Direct Mail – it’s basically a regular email from your business. EDMs get your message straight to your followers inbox. If you’ve ever received an exclusive offer or sneak peek into a product launch in your email, then you’ve experienced an EDM in action. 

So why should you create an email list for your business?

Unlike social media platforms (who give us major trust issues with all their tomfoolery), you OWN and CONTROL your email list. Your social accounts can get hacked, have ‘issues’, be shut down by the platform or simply have their overlords change the rules mid-game. Your email list is yours to keep safe and a direct line to your customers. Email lists are completely under your control, are safer from hackers and are insulated from changes from the big social platforms.

EDM’s also CONSISTENTLY steal the show from social media when it comes to people buying your stuff (the fancy name for that? Conversions💰). With a well-crafted email, you can speak directly to your internet besties with customised offers. This…can drive serious sales (statistically higher than social media = EVERY. SINGLE. TIME.) and can also help build a loyal and engaged online community.

Ok – I’m in. How do I create a subscriber list?

It’s easier than you think! 

First, you need to choose a platform. We recommend Active Campaign and Campaign Monitor, but there are plenty of other options like TalkBox, Klaviyo, Mailchimp or really user-friendly platforms like Squarespace. Once you’ve picked your platform, it’s time to create an offer that encourages people to hand over their email for your irresistible deal. That could be a cool freebie, a discount, access to something like training or just the benefit of your regular pearls of wisdom.

Here’s some ideas: 

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Once your sign-up form is looking fab, SHARE IT in as many places as you can!! 

Instagram is a fantastic place to build your email list. Here’s how:

1. Link in Your Bio: Make sure your sign-up link is in your Instagram bio and mention it in your posts. A simple reminder like, “Sign up to get our latest updates and exclusive offers,” will encourage followers to click.
   
2. Instagram Stories: Use the link sticker to give your audience easy access to your email sign-up form.

TikTok’s audience loves engaging content, so let’s use that to drive email sign-ups!

1. Link in Bio: Just like Instagram, the bio link on TikTok is key. Add your sign-up link there and make sure to mention it in your videos (you do need to have more than 1000 followers for this one though).
   
2. TikTok Videos: Use trending music, memes, or popular formats and incorporate your email sign-up CTA creatively into your TikToks.

Facebook offers lots of opportunities to direct traffic to your email list. Here’s how:

1. Facebook Posts: Share posts regularly with a clear call-to-action (CTA) for your email sign-up. This could be anything from a product update to a promotional post. You can pop this link straight into your copy, because Facebook is friendlier to links like that.
   
2. Facebook Stories: Use the link sticker to add your email sign-up link to your Facebook Stories.

LinkedIn is perfect for professionals, and it’s a great place to grow your email list!

1. LinkedIn Profile and Banner: Add your email sign-up link to your LinkedIn profile in the Contact Info section, and update your cover photo with a call-to-action (CTA) encouraging sign-ups.
   
2. LinkedIn Posts: Share regular valuable content like tips, articles or insights and include a CTA to join your email list. Make it clear why it’s worth signing up.
   
3. LinkedIn Stories: Use LinkedIn Stories to direct people to your email sign-up page with the link sticker.

Building an email list is one of the smartest moves you can make for your business, and asking people to join doesn’t have to be complicated! By integrating simple, clear calls to action into your Instagram, TikTok, Facebook and LinkedIn posts, you can organically grow your email list and engage your audience more effectively.

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