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Unsure of how or why you should start an email list for your blog? Are email lists still worth starting? If you’ve been putting off starting an email list for your blog, you’re missing out on an essential piece of your business!

In today’s post, I’m going to go over the top 7 reasons why you should start an email list for your blog, and who you should go through to get started!

WHAT IS AN EMAIL LIST?

But first, if you’re unsure what an email list is, it’s simply a collection of emails you have gotten from your readers.

When a reader comes to your blog and likes what they’ve read, they can sign up for your email list. To entice them to sign up, you can offer a freebie, along with regular contact from you.

You can send out updates on blog posts, sales emails, exclusive content that only your email list will receive, and more!

REASON 1: SEND EMAILS FOR BLOG POSTS

Now let’s get into the reasons why you should want an email list! The first one is becuase you can get some easy blog traffic from your subscribers.

Whenever you write and post a new blog post, you can send out a quick email to your list to let them know a new blog post is live! I usually like to summarize the post and write a shorter version. That way, if someone doesn’t want to click out of their emails to read the full post, I am still giving them value!

But, if someone is interested in reading more, I let them know they can read the full version of the post on my blog! You can even set up an email sequence and schedule emails ahead of time to go out to your list!

REASON 2: YOU OWN YOUR LIST

This is a big reason I love my email list. No matter what, you own your list. It can not be taken from you. Even if you choose to switch providers, you can export your list of emails and take them with you.

The reason you want a list of people that can’t be taken from you is, not only are these people who have raised their hand to hear more from you. But also, social media isn’t forever!

If you only interact with your audience over social media, if something were to happen to that following (i.e. account loss/closure, follower cleanout, app shuts down) Then you lose contact with your followers!

If you haven’t yet started an email list, I highly recommend ConvertKit. I have been using them for a while now and it has made my email marketing experience so much better!

I’ve used other email marketing services in the past and found them to be hard to use. ConverKit has helped me really understand how to email market my blog better.

And the best part is, ConvertKit launched a free plan for their users to try out! They also have a 30-day free trial for their paid plan too, which is the one I personally would recommend trying out.

REASON 3: YOUR EMAIL LIST FOLLOWERS ARE ENGAGED

The best part of an email list is, these people want to hear from you! Giving someone an email is big.

I like to compare it to the online version of a phone number. It’s the next best thing. Giving someone your email means more than a simple like or follow on social media. It’s a higher quality lead for when you actually get to selling.

REASON 4: YOU KNOW YOUR LIST WILL SEE YOUR EMAIL

You probably hear bloggers complaining all the time about social media algorithm changes and dreading for when the next one might come out.

It’s a hit or miss on social media whether any followers will even see your post. The algorithm decides who sees what. When sending emails, the email stays in their inbox until they choose to delete it. Ready for when they have the time to read it, or want to see it.

Even if they don’t read it, it is their choice whether they do or don’t. Not the algorithm.

Unless, however, you’re using a free service like Mailchimp. Google wants to keep spam out of people’s inboxes and free services might get you sent straight to spam. When I found this out, I switched from the free Mailchimp to Converkit and haven’t looked back since!

REASON 5: SENDING AN EMAIL IS MORE PERSONAL

With Convertkit, you can brand your emails to match your blog and your style and you can even send emails mentioning people by name! That way, they feel as if you are talking directly to them, not your vast social media audience.

Just like this. Of course, it will show their name once they get the email, not [FIRST NAME HERE]

REASON 6: TURN CASUAL READERS INTO LIFELONG FANS

Think about it, you find a pin on Pinterest, click to read, get info, like what you read, and make a mental note to come back to their blog.

But by tomorrow, you’ve already forgotten this amazing blogger you found!

With all the info on the internet, your readers are doing the same.

Now let’s try the same scenario. But this time, they have an email signup. Now in the coming weeks, you’re getting regularly contacted, keeping that blog top of mind, and creating a loyal reader- and maybe a one day buyer!

REASON 7: YOUR MESSAGE IS BEING DELIVERED ASAP

Unlike social media, your message will be delivered the exact moment you sent it. This is good for emails that have deadlines like sales going on!

People will likely have their email notifications on but might not have your specific social media notifications on. If the social media platform even decides to send them one!

REASON 8: YOU CONTROL WHO SEES WHAT

On social media, you send a variety of things to reach a larger audince with different interests. Some people may eventually become uninterested and unfollow.

With email, you can personalize the experience. Using tags and segmenting, you don’t have to send your entire list an offer knowing some aren’t interested. That way you can send sales emails only to those you know will enjoy it, blog posts to others that will enjoy it, and categorize who likes what!

REASON 9: GREAT FOR MARKET RESEARCH

Email lists are full of warm leads, and you know that your message is getting seen, so you can test out your product ideas!

Ask subscribers questions and allow them to beta test your product. They get extra value, hyped for a product launch that they had free or discounted access to and you get valuable feedback from people you know are interested!

As opposed to creating a sales page, hoping it gets seen, then wasting time and money on a product nobody actually wanted. And finding this out after the product has been made and launched!

There are a lot of benefits to having an email list, and I hope this has convinced you as to why you need to start an email list! If you’re ready to start, check out my favorite email service, Convertkit here!