How to Start An Email List From Scratch (5 Decision-Making For Female Coaches)
If you're a budding coach—or even just dreaming about it—you might be all wrapped up in Instagram reels, LinkedIn articles, or TikTok videos.
And why not?
Social media is the splashy, show-stopping queen of the digital age; she's the life of the party, the one everyone notices when she walks in. 🎉
But let's not forget her humble, yet ever-so-loyal, knight—your email list.
While social media might give you the stage, your email list gives you the backstage pass, the VIP lounge where the real, intimate conversations happen.
Imagine this: a room where everyone's eyes are on you, hanging on to every word, eager to learn from your wisdom. That's what an email list offers. It's a space that's all yours, no algorithms invited!
Why it's Not Just "Old School"
I hear you, "Email? That's so two decades ago!" But classics never go out of style, right?
Think of your email list like the little black dress of your coaching business—timeless, elegant, and oh-so-versatile. 🖤
Social media platforms come and go (Remember MySpace, anyone?). But email? That's your forever friend. It's the medium that has stood the test of time and tech trends. So while it might sound a bit 2000s, its effectiveness is very 2020s (and beyond!).
The Algorithm-Free Zone
Ah, algorithms—the unpredictable, ever-changing rulers of social media. One day they love you; the next day, they act like you don't exist. It's like being in a high school drama, isn't it? 🎭
Your email list, on the other hand, is your drama-free, algorithm-free sanctuary. It's like your own cozy café where you can have heart-to-heart chats with your tribe. There's no middleman deciding who sees what and when. Your message goes straight from your heart to their inbox, undiluted and unfiltered.
So, while social media might be the queen that captures everyone's attention, your email list is the knight in shining armor, reliably by your side, helping you forge real, deep connections. And let's be honest, in the world of coaching, those connections are pure gold. ✨
5 Decision-Making To Get Started
1. Picking Your Platform
Imagine you're about to build your dream home. You wouldn't just pick any piece of land, would you? You'd consider the soil quality, the neighborhood, even the view! The same meticulous care needs to go into selecting where your email list will "live." It's the foundation of your digital 'home,' so you want to make sure it's rock solid.
Each email platform comes with its own personality, kinda like different neighborhoods in a city. Mailchimp might be the hip, artsy area that's great for newcomers—super user-friendly but perhaps not as feature-rich as you might need down the line. ConvertKit could be the upscale neighborhood—more features, more customization, but potentially a bit overwhelming for email newbies.
ActiveCampaign? Think of it as the bustling business district—lots of analytics and automation, but maybe a tad too complex if you're just starting out. Before you settle on a platform, you've got to get crystal clear on what you need both now and in the future. Are you planning a simple, newsletter-style communication? Then maybe you don't need a platform with all the bells and whistles. Planning to do complex funnels, tagging, and segmentation? Then you'll need a platform that can keep up with your grand plans.
Your coaching business will grow (because you're awesome like that!), and your email marketing needs will evolve. Does your chosen platform have the flexibility to grow with you? Can it adapt to more sophisticated strategies as you expand? These are critical questions to ponder.
2. Crafting Your Lead Magnet
Ah, the famed lead magnet. This is your "Welcome! Come on in!" sign.
This is your first chance to show them what you're all about, and let me tell you, first impressions in the digital world are everything.
When someone gives you their email address, it's like they're handing you a little piece of digital gold. It's a ticket to their world, a nod that says, "Hey, you seem interesting, tell me more." Now, you've got to give them something equally golden in return. That's your lead magnet—a value-packed treasure that answers a question they have, solves a problem, or simply delights them in a way only you can.
Your lead magnet should be like a custom-made outfit, designed to fit the unique needs or questions your target audience has. Are they struggling with time management? Offer them a killer productivity guide. Make it so relevant to them that it's not just "nice to have," it's a "need to have."
A great lead magnet doesn't just end at the download. Make the experience unforgettable from start to finish. From the moment they download it to the follow-up email they receive, each touchpoint should leave a lasting impression. Think of it as rolling out the red carpet for your newest VIP. Check out this video to learn about the 5 steps to create a lead magnet that grows an email list
3. Promoting Your Lead Magnet
So you've got this fabulous lead magnet, your digital "welcome mat," all ready to roll. Awesome! But it's like throwing a party—no matter how stunning your décor or how delicious your hors d'oeuvres, it's all for naught if no one shows up. That's where promotion steps in, acting like your savvy event planner, making sure the world knows it's time to celebrate.
Two voices are louder than one, and partnerships can serve as a fantastic amplifier for your message. Think about complementary businesses or influencers in your niche. Can you collaborate on webinars, co-write a blog post, or maybe do a social media takeover? A partnership not only broadens your reach but also lends additional credibility to your offering.
Never underestimate the power of a good ol' recommendation. Encourage the early adopters of your lead magnet to share their experience. Whether it's a tweet, a quick Instagram story, or even a LinkedIn recommendation, a third-party endorsement can be incredibly persuasive.
Think of your promotion as your lead magnet's grand debut, its launch party. You want as many eyes on it as possible, and you want those eyes to sparkle with interest. So roll out that digital red carpet, pop the virtual champagne, and let's make this a debut to remember. Need to be more visible and get your message out? Grab a signature talk worksheet to get started.
4. Engagement: The Heartbeat of Your List
When people think of email lists, they often think of "newsletters," and sure, newsletters are one way to keep in touch. But let's elevate that, shall we?
Instead of just sending updates or announcements, think of each email as an invitation to a deeper dialogue. Each message should serve a purpose, whether it's to inform, inspire, or invite action.
We've all been to those parties where you can tell the host is just going through the motions, right? Don't let your email list turn into that kind of snoozefest. Personalization is key. Use your subscriber's name, reference previous interactions, or segment your list to offer the most relevant content. Make each subscriber feel like your VIP guest, not just a name on a list.
Think of each email as a little gift of value that you're offering your subscribers. Whether it's a useful tip, an inspiring quote, or exclusive access to your latest content or offers, make it something they'll look forward to opening. The "unsubscribe" button is always just a click away, so keep giving them reasons to stay.
5. Measuring Success: The Reality Check
Without metrics, you're like a pilot flying without a compass—sure, you might get somewhere, but will it be where you intended?
You've sent out your beautifully crafted emails, but are people even opening them? The open rate tells you just that. If your open rates are high, you're doing something right in catching their attention. If not, it's time to rethink your subject lines or even the timing of your emails. Think of open rates as the RSVPs to your email party—the first indicator that people are interested.
Metrics are not just scorekeepers; they're your coaches, too. They highlight the areas that need improvement, offering you the insights needed to tweak, adjust, or even overhaul your strategy. Maybe your subject lines need to be jazzier, or perhaps your content needs to be more focused. Listen to what the metrics are telling you.
Every opened email, every clicked link, and every conversion is a mini-victory. Take a moment to pat yourself on the back; you've earned it.
The Heartbeat of Your Coaching Business
So there you have it, lovely souls—the definitive guide to not just starting an email list, but turning it into your own magical realm of connection, engagement, and yes, conversions. From laying the foundation with the right platform to crafting an irresistible lead magnet that opens the gates to your world, each step is a pivotal moment in your email marketing journey.
Remember, it's not just about gathering names on a list; it's about building a tribe, a community, a fan club.
It's about creating meaningful conversations and offering true value that transforms lives. And let's not forget the guiding stars—your metrics—that keep you on course, celebrating each win and learning from every stumble.
So go ahead, roll up those sleeves, ignite your inner magician, and let's build an email list that's not just a list, but a thriving, engaged community of raving fans. Because you're not just any coach; you're the coach that knows how to captivate, connect, and convert. And that, my friends, is pure magic.
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