6 Reasons you need an email list NOW
REACHING YOUR AUDIENCE
As a business owner (not to mention a caregiver, partner, etc.) you’ve got dozens of things on your to-do list each day. And that list is probably constantly growing.
If only we had more than 24 hours in a day, right?
I hate to put out content that contributes to your ever-growing to-do’s... but in making a case for why you should have an email list *now* I’m going to say #sorrynotsorry.
If you aren’t already capturing email addresses of your clients, fans or followers - please take a few minutes to read up on my top 6 reasons why I encourage you to jump into the powerful world of email marketing below.
Reasons Your Business Needs An Email List
#1 - Your followers aren’t really yours
You don’t own your followers on social media and, without their email address, you have no way of reaching out to them. I hate to think in doom and gloom scenarios, but you have to remember that people’s accounts are hacked all the time which means you can lose access to your audience in an instant. This actually happened to my Instagram account some years back, which forced me to start a whole new Instagram account and grow my following from scratch. Fortunately, I had a lot of their email addresses, so I was able to inform them in a seamless way. Flodesk
#2 - You can’t control the algorithm
The algorithm in social media is always changing. This means that you are likely up against some stiff competition and you have zero control over how many people will actually see the content you post. Email marketing ensures that the offerings, launches, discounts, classes, or just gorgeous goodness you want your customers or potential clients to see actually ends up in front of them. Also remember that new social platforms are always popping up (hello, TikTok) and you will likely lose your audience's attention at some point. Engaging regularly with your people on email marketing is a surefire way to keep the relationship alive.
#3 - Showcase your best work
Email marketing gives you a solo platform to showcase your best work, top products, and (of course) your branded photography. This isn’t just about showing your customers/clients pretty things, it’s about using the power of 1:1 email marketing to build brand recognition, loyalty, reputation, and trust.
#4 - You can track your progress
Analytics, baby! If you’re using an email marketing platform to stay in touch with your audience, that platform will allow you to run simple (or complex) reports so that you can see who opened an email (or not) - down to who even clicked a specific link. This is wonderful data and can help you to narrow down your target market even further. Analytics is power - leverage it by using a platform such as Flodesk (my personal favorite), ConvertKit, or Mailchimp.
#5 - Your list is already interested
Whether we realize it or not, we are all trained to do something when it comes to opening and reading an email (especially ones that have catchy subject lines). Whether the call to action is to click, reply, forward, etc. - well laid out marketing emails are a highly effective way to lead your clients or potential customers to your transaction point (i.e. generate more revenue for your business). Remember if people are willing to signup for your list, they are interested in what you are offering. Email marketing allows you to stay top of mind and encourage them to click or buy.
#6 - Build anticipation with a waitlist
If you are planning a launch, new product offering, course, giveaway, or event - email marketing is the perfect way to add to your list by offering first access to those who sign up. I have used this strategy for years with my portrait business and it has allowed me to sell out special once a year sessions again and again.
Some tasks are worth adding to your already maxed out to-do list and email marketing definitely makes the cut in my books. Please don’t feel like you have to have it all figured out at once. Begin with choosing the email marketing platform that fits your business (or is least intimidating) and simply create a way for people to sign up for your list. After this, you can create emails, and dive more into things like automation and segmentation.
I hope you will take these 6 reasons into consideration and get started on email marketing today.
Curious how this might look for your business? Let’s chat it out!