5 Common Problems Business Owners Face, When Looking To Build A Responsive Email List!
If you’re currently finding it difficult to build a responsive email list, or maybe you’re just getting started, and don’t have a clue of what to do, then this post will help you understand how to get things going in the right direction.
People often say “the money is in the list”, mainly referring to your email list, and how to create emails which can attract sales. But it’s easier said than done, mainly because of these common problems…
Problem #1: Time
Creating content for emails is a daunting task, and in order to achieve desired results, you need to be consistent with your emails to your subscribers, and also sending them what is relevant to them. This is proving to be a difficult thing for most business owners, especially if they are juggling too many tasks.
Solution:
Plan ahead: understand why you’re building an email list, and why it’s important to stay consistent with your emails. Are you going to be sending out daily, weekly, or monthly emails/newsletters? Determine which one will work best for your subscribers, and get to work.
Automate your emails: in order to leverage your time and be more productive, you have to consider using an automation system with your email marketing process. Bear in mind that technology has a way of malfunctioning, so be sure to choose the right tools for this purpose. I’ll share some links below to platforms you can have a look at, if you currently don’t have any.
Problem #2: Sourcing Content
Building an email list is one thing, it’s another thing to have to right content to use within your emails, and this is where most people often get stuck. I have an email list now, what do I send to them? Am I going to be writing emails everyday? That’s a lot of work, isn’t it?
Solution:
Social listening: find out the problems people within your industry are facing via social media channels. If you belong to groups, look at the interaction that goes on there on a daily basis, mark the ones you feel confident you can use, and then create content (i.e. a solution) around it.
Survey your existing list: people don’t like taking surveys, but if you make it super simple (just few objective questions), with some added incentive, then you’re more likely to get some responses. Ask your subscribers what they want you to share with them. The more they open up to you, the better, because you’ll be able to speak to their needs/wants via your emails.
Problem #3: Tech Overwhelm
With so many software out there on the web, business owners often get confused on which ones to use or what to really do with them. It’s a crowded space and it can easily become a headache, especially if one’s not really tech savvy.
Solution:
Outsource: find someone who is good at putting these technical systems together, so you can spend time doing what you know how to do best. I know it’s often hard to trust this process, and in order to ensure you’re getting the right person (or people) to help, you have to find out more about the person/people (track record, portfolio, etc, etc). It could be someone within your town, city, country, or someone overseas. Due diligence is key here.
Do it yourself: I know most people don’t like this part, but in all honestly, if you’re someone who’s always skeptical about letting other people have access to your online systems, then you’ll have to learn the process. Maybe it’s the funds you don’t have for such an investment; whatever the case, be ready to learn the process. Get someone to train you, and also learn from the software company you choose (most of them have some good training on how to use their tools).
Problem #4: How To Get Subscribers
Getting people to subscribe to your email list is usually a journey, and this process, in some cases can take time, while in some cases, it can happen quicker. It all depends on your message. If your message does not resonate with the people you are trying to get on board your list, then they won’t subscribe.
Solution:
Give away something for free: based on the knowledge you have about your industry, you can create content that will be of benefit to people, and then give them access in exchange for their names and email addresses. This is usually called a “lead magnet”, and it’s one of the best approaches to list building. But for it to work, you need to have a good landing page, with a unique headline, copy, and call to action. You can also position your lead magnet(s) strategically on certain places on your website (especially the blog section).
Education based marketing: unlike the “lead magnet”, an EBM system works best if you know how to train others within your industry. These could be via webinars, video series, podcasts, Facebook live or Periscope, and any other training medium you can think of. The people who often come through any of these mediums are usually warmed up enough to become your clients. This is more of building trust with your audience, and then getting them to access more from you via email.
Problem #5: Don’t Know Where To Start
You may know you need time, content ideas, the technology/funnels setup to automate the process of collecting leads, and your emails going out automatically… but where do you start?
Solution:
Figure out who you want to serve: building a responsive email list can only work if the people who subscribe really want to be there. There’s nothing as frustrating as having a list of subscribers who never open your emails. So, identify who these people are, and position your business in front of them.
See the solution on problem #1 again in order to know the next step (plan ahead).
What you’ll also need:
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A good email automation/marketing tool, such as… ActiveCampaign (the one I’m using), ConvertKit, Drip, InfusionSoft – these ones are good when it comes to effective automation, and behavioral tagging
Note: links provided to access any of these tools are not affiliate links!
Conclusion
There are business owners who still don’t believe in using emails, and there are those who have used it, but down the line they have given up on the whole process. Email marketing is not a one off process; it’s something that should be integrated into your overall digital marketing strategy.
Getting the right subscribers really depends on these key things:
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Who your ideal audience are
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Where they hangout online
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Your core message to them
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Your systems for lead generation (e.g. your website)
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Your email campaign strategies
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Your automated systems
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Your ability to stay consistent, regardless of any setback
This outline can help you get started, or at least give you an idea of what to tell the person you’re looking to hire to do.
However, if you feel you need more depth into this whole email marketing process, especially when it comes to automation, then maybe you could have a look at my training program called…
“Conversions Engine Masterclass” – Click here
That’s a wrap from me.
I hope this information was helpful? Leave a comment below and let me know what you think.
To your success!
P.S. Conversions Engine Masterclass is a hands-on training program, which will take you through the process of setting up an effective online business (it’s not just about emails).
If you feel your current online marketing efforts are not yielding desired results, then get on board this program and learn how to turn things around in your favour. Click here to learn more!
Cover image credit – http://joethegoatfarmer.com/
