10 Tips for Growing a Mailing List from Scratch

Just getting started building your mailing list?

Here are ten tips to help you get off to a great start:

1. Do set a goal. Get a particular target in mind (ex.: “500 subscribers by June 1, 2010”) and keep your eye on that target.
2. Don’t make the goal too small or too big. It should be big enough to stretch your creativity, yet not be so big that it shocks you into paralysis. Ask your coach or a colleague to help you find your sweet spot when it comes to setting goals.
3. Do track your results on a regular basis. Your total number of subscribers and rate of increase from the previous month(s) are key performance indicators.
4. Don’t let unsubs distract or dismay you. And don’t take them personally! If your mailing list management system automatically sends you a notice every time someone unsubscribes, turn OFF the notification. Seriously. Turn it off. Stay focused on growing your list; don’t worry about reducing unsubs.
5. Do use a mailing list management system. The most popular online services are AWeber, Constant Contact, and iContact. If you want to integrate a shopping cart with your mailing system, check out 1shoppingcart or WAHMcart .
6. Don’t use a personal email system (like Gmail, Outlook or Outlook Express) to manage your list. You need to manage a business mailing list, not a personal address book. It may be tempting to try and save money by using your personal email system, but in the long run, it’s actually going to save both time and money to get yourself properly set up on a business system ASAP.
7. Do get clear about who your ideal subscribers are. You’re going to be creating content for them, so it’s really important that you have a specific audience in mind. You need to know who they are and be able to describe them so THEY know who they are, too.
8. Don’t automatically add friends and family to your business list. If they want to add themselves, fine – but don’t just import your whole personal address book into your mailing list. For one thing, once they’re on your  list, they’re trapped – because they know YOU’LL know if they unsubscribe! And you really only want qualified prospects on your list anyway – people who are most likely to want to do business with you. Your Aunt Susie is probably more likely to buy stuff FOR you than to buy stuff FROM you.
9. Do learn how to use the basic features of your mailing list system. Even if you’re going to hire a VA to set it up and/or manage the list for you – you should know how the thing works! Your list is a critical tool for building your business; you can’t really use it properly if you’re afraid to even touch it.
10. Don’t forget who you’re talking to. While your list may grow to have hundreds or even thousands of subscribers, you’re the only one who sees them as a group of people. Remember to write your emails as if you’re addressing just one person. Don’t say stuff like “Dear Subscribers” or “Some of you might be interested to know that…”

Comments

[Gaye Wilson]

Great tips for a newbie who needs/wants to create a mailing list! So many internet marketers selling information about list building forget some of these points, for instance having a goal, learning how to use the management system, and not using a free email address.

Very helpful!

[Cindy Morus, Online Business Manager]

Hi Gaye, these are all great tips for people just getting started. I'd also recommend letting your Twitter followers and Facebook friends automatically know when you've posted an article or sent out a newsletter.

Cindy

[Cindy Morus, Online Business Manager]

Sorry, that was Kathy that posted such a great article and Gaye who commented.

[Dave Meyer]

Great tips for list management. I especially liked the comment about turning off the notification of unsubs. The truth is, when people unsubscribe it just means that your list is then even more focused on people who are your potential clients.

[Elaine Lockard - Business and Spiritual Coach]

This is great information. I agree with Dave, quality over quantity anytime for me.

[Judith Auslander]

Great tip ideas. I personally use Aweber and love it. Thanks so much. Judith