How to Grow Your Mailing List

When you have a big sale coming up, you've just added an exciting new product to your store, or if you've decided to offer a last-minute special... who wants to know about it?
The people on your mailing list do!
The shoppers and potential customers who subscribe to your mailing list are genuinely interested what you sell. These are the people who are eager to hear about your special offers and your new additions. And they are the people who are most likely to buy from you again and again. So, you can see how important it is to grow your mailing list and find as many of these valuable subscribers as possible.

I can think of several different ways you can start to grow a mailing list of qualified prospects and potential customers. Here are a few you might want to try.

The most obvious, of course, is to place a newsletter sign up box somewhere on your website. I think most of us have a form on our websites or blogs that visitors can fill in to receive our updates. Did you know that where your box is positioned can affect how many people sign up? To be most effective, you want to have it in a prominent place on your website, preferably somewhere near the top of the screen. You might want to experiment by putting it different places and seeing which position attracts the most subscribers.

Another simple way to grow your mailing list is to invite the subscribers you have right now to forward their copy of your newsletter to a friend who might be interested in it. It sounds almost too simple, but it works! When I receive an article I really enjoy, I'm happy to pass it along to a friend that I think will find it helpful too.  In your newsletter, include a little note of how to sign up, so the friends can subscribe and get their own copy next time.

And how many emails do you send out in a day?  At the end of each one, offer your newsletter in your signature, and include a link to your sign up page.

When you write articles, do the same. In your "About the Author" paragraph at the end, include an invitation to sign up for your mailing list. Mention your mailing list in every piece of communication that leaves your desk.

Remember to offer your newsletter to prospects and customers you meet in person, too. Consider having a sign up sheet in your studio or shop where they can sign up to receive your latest news and specials.

Another idea I like is to offer your newsletter on your voicemail message.

Whenever you're interviewed about your business or teach a class, mention your newsletter.

Make it a habit to offer your newsletter at every opportunity, starting today.  Soon you will have a healthy list of customers and prospects who are eager to hear your latest news, and are ready to buy from you again and again.

Joyce Lucas, Founder
Make Mine Pink