You’ve done the work.

Created a juicy free something of value to grow your email list of willing subscribers.

Maybe a

• downloadable how-to guide
• series of educational audios
• free mini session
• discount code

Your call to action is proudly displayed on your website encouraging sign ups.

You’ve written the welcome email and tested the customer journey.

You’ve done all the background techy stuff in your email marketing software.

Everything is ready to start collecting names and email addresses.

But HOW do you actually grow your list? After all the effort you’ve put in you don’t want it to stay empty.

First, a word of warning:

The set up was just the start, now it’s time to spread the word. It takes planning, consistency and a big deep breath BUT the rewards are massive because the people you attract are your best prospects, future clients and loyal cheerleaders.

When I work with clients on their list building campaigns we split promotions into two clear avenues:

1. Slow n Steady

This is you. Consistently communicating about your opt in offer, building your list one person at a time. Your undercurrent of slow n steady list building takes place daily.

Regular mentions on social media, using Facebook ads, a pop-up on your website, in conversations with prospects and customers, in network groups, on your blog, guest blogs, your email signature and email correspondence.

It’s not glamorous but it’s necessary for building your list of prospects.

Use the clout of your existing community too…

If you’re just starting out that could be your closest friends and family – and that’s ok! Ask them to pass it along to anyone they think would need it.

If you already have subscribers, add a line in your regular updates inviting them to share with their friends.

Every opportunity you get to mention your opt in, what the benefits of subscribing are or inviting prospects to subscribe – grab it.

Having one of these makes sharing and converting prospects to your list MUCH easier.

2. Rich n Rapid

These are the short, sharp bursts of activity to attract larger numbers of fresh eyes and subscribers to your list.

Here are a few ideas…

Webinars; web summits and Google hangouts; online guest interviews, TV and radio appearances; featured magazine articles, speaker events, competitions or 30 day challenges.

All are perfect opportunities for this rapid type of promotion.

Often they are labour rich, involving lots of promotional activity over a short and fixed time scale.

The impact is a potential jump in the number of subscribers. Plus, if you use the pulling power of someone else’s community your achievements can be far greater.

As always: it’s quality, not quantity

You don’t want too many rich n rapid campaigns. It takes work, plus you don’t want to exhaust your community with a constant flow of promotions. For a solo business, 1 per quarter is enough to start, and some careful planning will help you achieve your list building goals.

Your big take away

Too often I hear about stagnant list growth followed by the question: what do I do??

Combine these 2 styles of marketing to get steady growth in your email list.

Write an action plan for every activity in your slow n steady list building and keep it up every day.

Get creative for your rich n rapid marketing – grab your calendar and plot out which single activity will be the focus for each quarter and make it happen.

Over to you!

What’s your favourite way to build your list. Or what’s the best list building campaign you’ve done or seen? Share in the comment below to inspire us!