The ultimate guide to build an email list for solopreneurs [and 10 helpful marketing strategies]

It is important for online business owners to build an email list, especially solopreneurs. An email list allows you to connect directly with your audience, build relationships, and convert subscribers into customers. In this guide, we’ll explore the benefits of creating an email list, the tools you’ll need, strategies for growing your list, and how to promote your lead magnet effectively.

Why building an email list benefits online business owners

The skill of how to build an email list is key for business owners. Here’s some reasons why:

1. Direct Communication: Email provides a direct line of communication to your audience, bypassing things like social media algorithms
2. Higher Engagement: Emails generally have higher engagement rates compared to social media posts. Subscribers are more likely to open, read, and act on your emails.
3. Personalization: With email marketing, you can segment your audience and send personalized content based on their interests and behaviors.
4. Conversion Rates: Emails are effective for converting leads into customers, making them a valuable tool for increasing sales.
5. Ownership: Unlike social media platforms, you own your email list. This means you have control over your audience and can reach them anytime.

Tools needed for building an email list

If you want to build an email list, you’ll need an email marketing platform. These platforms help you create, manage, and grow your list. They also offer features like automation, segmentation, and analytics. Some popular options include ConvertKit, Mailchimp, and MailerLite.

Watch the video below for a comparison on the 5 best email marketing platforms (2024)

Direct vs. indirect entry points

As you build your email list, it’s essential to understand the difference between direct and indirect entry points.

Direct Entry Points: These are the straightforward ways people can join your list, such as signing up through a waitlist form on your website, subscribing to a newsletter or subscribing to a paid newsletter.

Indirect Entry Points: These involve more subtle methods, such as interacting downloading a free resource, or purchasing a product of yours.

Creating a compelling lead magnet is a key strategy for building your email list (as an indirect entry point). For an in-depth guide on creating an effective lead magnet, read this blog on how to create a lead magnet.

10 strategies to build an email list from scratch

Here are ten strategies to help you build an email list growth, categorized into organic, partnerships, and paid methods:

Organic Strategies

1. Create Valuable Content

Publish blog posts, videos, and other content that provides value to your audience. Include opt-in forms and calls to action within your content. For example, if you run a fitness blog, create workout videos or nutrition guides that require an email sign-up to access. Regularly update your content and create series or themed content to keep your audience engaged and returning for more. Testing different types of content will help you understand what your audience finds most valuable, and as a result increasing sign-ups.

2. Use Social Media

Promote your lead magnets and opt-in offers on social media platforms. Engage with your audience and encourage them to join your list. For instance, share snippets of your lead magnet on Instagram stories and use a swipe-up link for sign-up. Use social media polls and questions to interact with your audience and gather insights on what lead magnets would be most appealing to them. Regular interaction builds trust and makes your audience more likely to subscribe.

3. Optimize Your Website

Place opt-in forms in strategic locations on your website, such as the homepage, blog posts, and sidebar. You could use a pop-up form that appears when a user spends a certain amount of time on your site. Test different form placements and designs using A/B testing to see what converts the best. Additionally, ensure that your forms are visually appealing and easy to fill out to reduce friction in the sign-up process.

4. Host Webinars

Webinars are a way to provide value and capture email addresses. Promote your webinars and collect registrations. For example, offer a free webinar on a topic relevant to your audience and require email registration to attend. Send reminder emails leading up to the webinar and follow-up emails after the event to keep participants engaged. Providing valuable content during the webinar will also encourage attendees to stay subscribed for future events.

5. Leverage SEO

Optimize your website and content for search engines to attract organic traffic and encourage sign-ups. Write blog posts targeting specific keywords and include opt-in forms within the content. Regularly update your SEO strategy and conduct keyword research to ensure your content stays relevant and attracts new visitors. High-ranking content on search engines brings in consistent traffic, leading to more email sign-ups over time.

Partnership Strategies

6. Guest Blogging

Write guest posts for other blogs in your niche and include a link to your opt-in page. For example, contribute to a popular blog in your industry with a byline that includes a link to your free resource. Choose blogs with high engagement and relevance to your target audience to maximize the impact of your guest posts. This not only helps you reach a broader audience but also builds your authority in your niche.

7. Joint Ventures

Collaborate with other businesses to create co-branded lead magnets or host joint webinars. For instance, partner with a complementary business to create a combined guide or eBook. Ensure both partners promote the lead magnet equally to their audiences for maximum reach. Joint ventures can significantly expand your audience reach and add credibility to your offerings through association with reputable partners.

8. Affiliate Marketing

Encourage affiliates to promote your lead magnets in exchange for a commission on sales generated from their referrals. Provide affiliates with a unique link to your lead magnet and track sign-ups through their referrals. Offer attractive incentives and regularly communicate with your affiliates to keep them motivated and informed. A well-managed affiliate program can provide a steady stream of new subscribers from trusted sources.

Paid Strategies

9. Facebook Ads

Run targeted Facebook ads to promote your lead magnets and capture email addresses. Create a compelling ad with a strong call-to-action that directs users to a landing page for your lead magnet. Use Facebook’s targeting options to reach a specific audience based on interests, behaviors, and demographics. Continuously monitor and optimize your ad campaigns for better performance and cost-efficiency, ensuring you get the most out of your advertising budget.

10. Google Ads

Use Google Ads to drive traffic to your opt-in pages. Target keywords related to your niche. Bid on relevant keywords and create ads that lead to a dedicated landing page with your sign-up form. Continuously monitor and optimize your ad campaigns to improve performance and reduce costs. Well-targeted Google Ads can bring high-intent visitors to your site, increasing the likelihood of conversions.

11. Sponsored Content

Pay for sponsored posts on popular blogs or social media accounts in your industry. Partner with influencers to share your lead magnet with their audience in exchange for a fee. Choose influencers or blogs with a high level of engagement and an audience that closely matches your target market. Sponsored content leverages the trust and reach of established voices to drive sign-ups to your email list.