An email newsletter is one of the best ways to build your fanbase and stay connected to your readers. Consider this: You might have hundreds (or thousands!) of social media followers, but that contact list belongs to the specific platform—so if it suddenly shuts down, all that information will be lost. Your email list, however, belongs to you. Yet you may notice that, over time, your newsletter’s subscriber numbers might stagnate or even decrease. The experts at Web Design Relief have some practical tips and clever hacks that will help you refresh your email list, gain more subscribers, and grow your email list!

Grow Your Email List Using These Hacks And Tips

Utilize the right newsletter platform: Newsletter providers offer different advantages and disadvantages. Is the one you’re currently using the best choice for you, or do you need to update? Maybe you’ve outgrown the newsletter platform you started on. Does the platform allow you to customize the appearance of your newsletter? Is it easy to use? Review your current newsletter platform to ensure it lets you engage your subscribers in the best way.

Include a reader magnet: Do you offer any freebies when subscribers sign up for your author newsletter? This free content is called a “reader magnet.” You might offer an exclusive short story for new subscribers only or a sneak peek excerpt from your upcoming book to all your subscribers. If you reward your followers with something worthwhile and free, you’re offering an incentive for new fans to sign up.

Be clear about what new subscribers can expect: Besides receiving a fantastic freebie, what can subscribers expect from your newsletter? Look at your welcome emails and the type of content you’re emailing your readers. If the content you offer is inconsistent, or you don’t send emails on a regular schedule, make the necessary adjustments. Your readers should be excited about the content you share! When your emails are entertaining and informative, your subscribers will look forward to receiving them and be more likely to forward them to their friends, family, and social media followers—a great way to gain exposure and obtain additional subscribers!

Make it easy for readers to sign up: Be sure your fans and followers know you have an email newsletter available, and make it easy for them to sign up. Mention your newsletter (and any freebies) on your social media platforms, and provide a link to your signup form. And whether it’s a popup or a design element, the newsletter call to action on your author website should be noticeable and grab attention. Keep your website up to date with great content so you draw in new readers and make a good impression on them. Social media and an author website are good ways to turn casual readers into fans.

Remember, back matter matters: Do you have a call to action at the end of your book that directs readers to your author website and newsletter? Readers who get to your book’s back matter have dedicated hours to your writing and will be receptive to what you may say. If you convert as many readers as possible into subscribers, you’ll increase your odds of having an interested fanbase.

Send an opt-in message: If your open rate has gone down, sending an opt-in message can help reinvigorate your email list. Encourage your readers to re-opt in and promise to delete all contacts who don’t respond. While you may lose some subscribers, these would be readers who didn’t actively engage anyway. Weeding out the deadwood will make your overall list more responsive.

By using these tips and hacks, you’ll be able to grow your email list and reach a wider audience of readers. And be sure to always mention your author website in your newsletter so that your readers can check in on you between mailings! If you don’t have an author website, Web Design Relief can help! Our designers can create an author website for you that suits your style and your budget. Learn more and sign up for a free consultation call today!

Question: How have you grown and maintained your email list?