In honor of National Email Week, which is the second week of June, today’s focus is using social media to grow your email list.
They say, “the money is in the list,” and outside of building your online presence, strengthening relationships and generating web and foot traffic, one of the best ways to use social media is to build your email list.
Because we’re already online, it’s easy to opt-in and typically we’re doing so to receive something special like a discount, free shipping or free product.
Just having an opt-in form on your website isn’t enough (but make sure you do have one!). You must have a form on your Facebook page through a free application that most email service providers offer like SnapRetail, MailChimp and Constant Contact. Then, you need to talk about, promote and link to the application to get your fans to subscribe.
One of the most effective ways of using social media to build your email list is by running a contest or giveaway. Simply tell fans on Facebook or Pinterest that to enter to win {prize}, they must follow you and give their email address.
Use a 3rd party application to collect the email address directly on Facebook, through a Pinterest contest or on your website or blog like WooBox.com, ShortStack.com or Rafflecopter.
Example of using WooBox to run a contest on your Facebook page
These applications cost money, so if you’re looking for a free alternative post the contest on your social media outlets, but link to your website or blog where people can opt-in/enter to win through a contact form.
For ultimate success, promote the contest on all your online outlets and in store. And consider using Facebook Ads to promote the contest to your current likes (which are your warm leads), and new people who live in your area and fit your perfect customer demographics.
Remember, when using Facebook Ads the more targeted the ad is, the less you’ll spend and the better your ad will perform. For additional ads training consider joining Social Edge.
Here’s a mini checklist to go through this week to use social media to grow your list:
- Do you have an opt-in form on your website?
- Is the opt-in form above the fold? Meaning, the website visitor doesn’t have to scroll down to see the form.
- Does your form have text that states what the person gets for opting in, like a discount, free product or free shipping?
- Does your Facebook page have an opt-in form?
- Do you use graphics that ask your online audience to join your email list?
- Can you run a contest to increase your email list? If yes which platform will you use/what will you giveaway/how long will you run it for/etc. Social Edge members log in to access a Facebook Contest Worksheet.
- Is there another business you could partner with and run a contest together, or have them share your email opt-in to their audience and you’ll do the same?
- Should you run a Facebook ad promoting your contest and/or email list?
- Does your blog posts include links to join your email list?
Take this week to check your online presence to ensure you’re making it easy for your online audience to opt-in. Then, consider running a contest or giveaway and using Facebook Ads separately, or to support the contest.
If you have any questions please leave them in a comment below.
If you found this tip helpful, please forward it to a retailer friend and I’m wishing you a great National Email Week!
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