The Long Game of Email Lists: Sustainable Strategies for Launch Success
In the digital age, the adage "if you build it, they will come" doesn't necessarily hold true.
Launching a digital product, service, or small business website requires more than just creating something great - you need to give people a reason to come, a reason to care.
This is particularly true when it comes to building your email list for a product or service launch.
1. Organic Social Media
The first strategy is leveraging organic social media. While paid ads can be effective, organic reach shouldn't be underestimated.
The key is to adapt to the changing algorithms and preferences of each platform.
For instance, if live videos are currently favored on Facebook, consider hosting live sessions to engage with your audience.
The idea is to focus on the "favorite child" of each platform, meaning the type of content that is currently being prioritized or promoted by the platform.
But it's not just about following trends. It's about creating genuine connections with your audience.
Engage with them, respond to their comments, ask for their opinions. Make them feel valued and they'll be more likely to join your email list.
This isn't just about numbers, it's about building a community of people who are genuinely interested in what you have to offer.
2. Pinterest
Pinterest is a powerful tool for driving traffic to your website or landing page. By creating multiple pins for your content, you can reach a wider audience.
Infographic-style images and stories tend to perform well on Pinterest, so consider incorporating these into your strategy.
But Pinterest is more than just a platform for sharing pretty pictures. It's a search engine.
This means that you need to optimize your pins with keywords and descriptions to make them discoverable.
And don't forget to link back to your website or landing page to capture those email addresses. It's not just about getting repins, it's about driving traffic and conversions.
3. Ads
Paid advertising is another effective way to build your email list. However, it's important to invest wisely.
Ashlynn suggests spending the majority of your ad budget during the pre-launch stage to build your list.
She also recommends being prepared to spend around $1,000 per lead magnet that you want to test.
Once you've confirmed that a funnel is profitable and hitting conversion benchmarks, you can then confidently invest more in ads.
But remember, ads are not a magic bullet. They need to be part of a larger strategy. You need to have a compelling offer, a well-designed landing page, and a clear call to action.
And most importantly, you need to understand your audience and what they want. It's not just about getting clicks, it's about getting the right clicks.
4. Pitching to Podcasts
The podcast industry is booming, and being a guest on a podcast can significantly boost your visibility. Don't be afraid to pitch yourself to podcast hosts.
When you do get the opportunity to be a guest, focus on delivering solid, valuable content rather than trying to pitch your product or service.
This approach can lead to better word-of-mouth referrals and more people sharing the podcast episode, which can ultimately help grow your email list.
But getting on a podcast is just the first step. You need to leverage that opportunity to its fullest potential.
Promote the episode on your own platforms, engage with listeners who comment or share the episode, and offer a special bonus or discount to listeners who join youremail list.
It's not just about getting your voice heard, it's about making a lasting impression and building relationships with your listeners.
5. SEO (Search Engine Optimization)
Lastly, SEO is a long-term strategy that can bring in consistent traffic.
By optimizing your content for relevant keywords, you can rank higher in search engine results and attract more visitors to your site. These visitors can then be converted into email subscribers.
But SEO isn't just about stuffing your content with keywords. It's about creating high-quality, valuable content that answers your audience's questions and solves their problems. It's about building authority and trust.
And it's about providing a great user experience, from a fast-loading website to easy navigation.
It's not just about getting to the top of the search results, it's about staying there.
In conclusion, building an email list for a launch involves a combination of organic social media engagement, strategic use of platforms like Pinterest, smart ad spending, podcast pitching, and SEO.
By implementing these strategies, you can create a robust email list that will help make your launch a success.
But remember, building an email list is not a one-time task. It's an ongoing process.
You need to continually engage with your subscribers, provide them with valuable content, and make them feel valued.
Only then will they stay on your list and look forward to your emails. It's not just about building a list, it's about building relationships.
And remember, the journey of a thousand miles begins with a single step.
So start building your email list today, and watch your business grow. It's not just about the destination, it's about the journey.
And with the right strategies, you can make that journey a successful one.