101 Email marketing for beginners
How to start & grow your email list for free— in a day
We’ve all heard about email marketing— you know, that $42 ROI and all that.
But when you don’t have the capacity to figure out one.more.thing, you’re already juggling a growing business and clients, it feels like starting and growing an email list is like adding another full-time job. And you’re maxed out, I know.
What you really want is a simple way to get your list started without having to spend days watching YouTube or figuring out what kind of freebie to make. And it’d be great if you didn’t have to drop dollars while you’re still trying to figure this out.
Let’s start and grow your email list, in 4 simple steps that you can get done in a day.
Let's dive in and turn your inbox into a marketing powerhouse!
Note: While most email service providers have a free version, and I’m 1000% on board with using those, I recommend jumping on a free trial of a paid plan, like the Creator Plan with ConvertKit. This way you can use the automated sequences as you grow— and get paid faster.
1. Create your opt-in freebie
TIME: 1-2 HOURS
“Sell your sawdust” is what I have stuck in my head from an old Ashlyn Carter YouTube video. What does this mean? It means you probably already have something valueable that you can give away in exchange for an email address.
What do you have in your business toolbox that you don’t have to recreate- or maybe just polish it up a bit? Do you have a checklist or ‘getting ready guide’ that you send out once someone books you? Do you help other business owners and have client resource guides that would be helpful to those just starting out?
>>> If someone was to work with you down the road, but they aren’t quite ready yet, what’s the FIRST thing they could do that would give them an actual quick win? THAT is your freebie.
Build out whatever you already have and in whatever platform that you’re comfortable with that’s easy to update. My go-to’s are Google docs or sheets and Canva.
>>> Need some more ideas? I’ve got 25 for ya right here.
2. Connect your freebie to your email service provider (like ConvertKit)
TIME: 1 HOUR
Once you have your freebie polished up and ready to go, it’s time to set up the automation so that your soon-to-be raving fans can get their hands on it. You can use the free version of ANY email service provider you choose. If you choose ConvertKit, you can do everything here on the free plan, except for writing sequences.
*NOTE: If you choose to plop this on it’s own page on your website, then I would keep the form extremely simple. Name & email address fields only. No fancy design. If this will be a standalone form and you don’t have the capacity or budget for it’s own web page, then opt for a nicer designed landing page template in CK rather than the plain form.
Create a landing page or form. Add your incentive to it. Decide if you want double opt-in or not. (this is completely up to you and how you feel about it)
Write the email that will deliver your freebie.
If your free plan allows, or you’re on a paid plan, go ahead and write at least one check-in email and a Welcome Sequence to nurture your new friends. If you need help writing any of the emails, I’m a fan (& affiliate for) the Copy Bar templates.
3. Write & design an opt-in page on your website
*OPTIONAL | TIME: 3-4 HOURS
Let me start by saying this isn’t absolutely necessary. But it is incredibly helpful. If this is out of your wheelhouse, or it’s too overwhelming, or you just need to get the thing up, then I would go back to step #2 and make sure you use the landing page.
This is the most time-intensive part, IMO. A well-crafted landing page speaks clearly to your target audience and has ONE goal: to grow your email list.
Here’s what you should include:
What it is and who it’s for
What problem this is solvingl
A bulleted list of what’s inside
What kind of outcome to expect or what they’ll learn
Social proof or statistics
How to get it
It’s important to take your reader on a journey, and use their own words. Start with their problem, show that you understand them and offer a solution. If you want some guidance, grab yourself a template or browse at some of your favorite creators and pay attention to the layout and what information they choose to include on their landing page for inspiration.
After you have your landing page created, find the code for your opt-in form and add it to the bottom of your landing page. If you use the landing page from your email service provider, you should have a direct link you can share.
4. Get eyeballs on your freebie
Most of the time when you read blog posts or freebies about this topic, this is about where the train stops. But not here. Creating a freebie— and even an amazing opt-in page for it— isn’t enough if no one sees it.
The absolute BEST way to get your freebie seen (and therefore grow your list as fast as possible) is to get it in front of more established audiences as often as you can.
Grab my list of DO’S and DONT’S for getting eyeballs on your freebie HERE (yep, check out the anatomy of that opt-in page while you’re over there!)
And there you have it, budding email marketers!
You've just unlocked the key to growing your email list, in a day and without spending a dime. From crafting compelling freebies to automating the process with savvy (free) email service providers, creating irresistible landing pages, and promoting your valuable content – these steps are the building blocks of email marketing success for beginners.
Let the inbox magic begin ✨📬
>>> Start your free trial with ConvertKit
>>> Explore email templates in Copy Bar
>>> FREE 25 opt-in ideas + the DO’s and DONT’s of getting eyeballs on your freebie
Did you know Dubsado is free for your first the 3 clients?
Use the code PARADISE for 30% off your first year or month when your trial is over!