Don’t buy or rent a list!!!
The quickest way to bloating your mailing list is to either rent or buy a list. While this may be an easy strategy, it is by no means the best or the cheapest. The integrity of your email campaign largely depends on your email address database. If your database comes from a questionable source, this can severely affect your sending reputation with ISPs and can compromise the success of your email marketing campaign.
You don’t need to work with a big list right away. It’s OK to start small and build your way up. A clean, short and targeted list trumps a bloated and dirty list all the time.
Ask your customers if they’d like to receive free information from you
Sometimes, all you need to do is ask. Your loyal customers may be more than willing to hear from you. Let them know the benefits of signing up and receiving regular communication.
If you run a brick-and-mortar, chat them up and ask them personally. It would also be helpful if you could get insight on the type of information they would appreciate receiving.
Place an email list sign-up sheet prominently on your website
Many customers are willing to sign up to subscribe to a mailing list. I personally have signed up to a handful of mailing lists of my favorite brands. The problem I see, however, is that I find it quite difficult to locate where I can sign up!
When designing your website, don’t forget to prominently place a mailing list form on your website. If you’re unsure whether your customers will find it, test it.
… and give something for free.
Who doesn’t want to get something for free? An ebook or a discount voucher are excellent freebies.
Get active in social media
If you’re starting out, launching a social media campaign can be an excellent strategy to get people talking about you. Make sure that your social media fans and followers know about your mailing list and provide features that allow them to sign up.
Host a special event and ask visitors to register online
Hosting an event? Whether it’s a sale, a get together or a trade event, don’t forget to use the event to build your mailing list. Allow them to register for the event online—let them know that they’re subscribing to your mailing list, too!