The Ultimate Guide To Building Your Email List

Did you know, less than 6% of your Instagram followers actually see what your posting?

With algorithms constantly changing, spending all your time strategising your social media growth when few take action, engage and convert is wasting your time and energy!

Instagram is an incredible platform, but ask yourself...

Are socials where the majority of your target market are hanging out? Could you be gaining more followers and customers with one of your other touch points?

The answer is YES.

An email message is 5 times more likely to be seen than a post or disappearing story on Instagram. When you grow an email marketing list, that's yours forever. You don't own your followers on socials, but you DO own every single one of your email subscribers!

Your email list is there to build brand awareness, show your products being used and enjoyed, keep you front of mind AND reach your people to drive promotions and sales!

If you're an online store, do this to increase your email list NOW!

1. Have the link to your website in your Instagram bio. Follow through with a pop-up offer that your customer cannot refuse. This is called a "lead magnet" or freebie i.e. a free 'Styling Guide' PDF, an 'Early Access' video promoting "New Season" collections, or an offer, such as a VIP rewards program!

2. Tap into "Meta" i.e. Facebook Ads. Use ads to promote your "freebie" or "giveaway". How it works? Preview your offer in your ad. Show your audience exactly what they are getting! Use any of the "freebie" ideas above and use Canva templates to create your irresistable ads.

3. Create more video content on socials like Reels and Stories. Run competitions, ask questions or create quizzes to engage your audience! Reveal your answers when your customer enters their email address!

4. Start a blog or newsletter and send as often as possible. Create content that includes an offer, teaches your audience something new or simply adds joy to your subscribers. And remember, they don't have to be be long! Beautiful, consistent visuals with an eye catching and fetching headline will get the consistent "clicks" you need!

5. In addition to the above, when sending out your newsletter or email confirmation of purchase, always offer a monetary discount, a free addition i.e. 'Buy 1, get one free' or free shipping. This may not bank more sales, but rest assured, it will guarantee more email subscribers!

If you're a bricks & mortar store, start doing this NOW!

1. Host a workshop, either with yourself, local artisan or one of your brands! Don't be afraid to charge a small fee. Your customer will pay up if they know they're going to be gaining something in return!

2. Open your doors outside of trading hours! Offer in-store styling for your customers, but change the language to "consulting" to attract a premium market. First session free when you sign up to your email and share your styling experience on socials!

3. Say "hi" to your neighbours and drum up a product or service based collaboration! Coffee and flowers are always winners. Alternatively, a painting, ceramic or photography class! Offer the opportunity to an aspiring trade for free. You never know, you might be giving someone the exposure they need!

4. VIP customer night. Once your email list is fairly established, host a "Style + Sip" night to your VIP customers! Ensure they spread the word via socials, word of mouth and promote your event to all your platforms to encourage others to join so they don't miss out!!

5. Gain more local exposure! Reach out to your local town guide, magazine or tourism instagram to see if they'd run a feature on you, post about your store on socials and share in the hype of an event you're hosting.  

Final considerations when starting and GROWING your email list...

👉🏼 Starting an email list takes time and effort. It can also be daunting if you're unsure where to begin (hint, read the above for inspiration!). Don't commit to an email newsletter if you don't think you'll be disciplined with it. Sending regular and useful newsletters is paramount. On the other hand, be too active and you might scare people off! Find the balance that you can commit to!

👉🏼 Ensure your emails are relevant to your customer and useful! Create messaging that captures your ideal target audience. Don't be broad and vague. Solve a customers problem or address a specific pain point that you can solve!

👉🏼 You won't convert to sales if your emails are not selling something. They will end up in peoples junk mail and people will unsubscribe once they use your offer.

👉🏼 Finally, what value are you providing to the person signing up? What is your purpose and what can your customer gain? Make this email newsletter as much about your customer as you and your shared values!