How to Build Your Email Lists

Jan 2
15:05

2024

Karen Fegarty

Karen Fegarty

  • Share this article on Facebook
  • Share this article on Twitter
  • Share this article on Linkedin

The question "How can I build my email lists?" is a common one among our clients. If you're planning an email campaign, you need targeted addresses to reach out to. But how do you go about it? One thing is certain: purchasing lists is not the answer.

mediaimage

The Pitfalls of Buying Email Lists

You've probably seen the offers: "Buy 10 million addresses for only $149". However,How to Build Your Email Lists Articles using these lists will likely get you labeled as a spammer. The majority of these addresses are either fake or duplicated, and the remaining ones have not given their consent to receive your messages. Moreover, most software or Internet Service Providers (ISPs) are not equipped to handle the volume of that many email addresses, let alone the potential bounce-backs.

The High Cost of Renting Email Lists

Another option could be to rent email lists from submission services, but this can be expensive, often costing 20 to 30 cents per email.

Building Your Own Targeted Email List

So, what's the solution? Here are eight strategies to help you build your own targeted email list. These are email addresses of customers who are interested in your message and with whom you can communicate repeatedly.

1. Leverage Your Website

Encourage visitors to sign up for your newsletter, guest book, ezine, or contest. Make sure to include this call to action on every page. Tools like EzlistZ can simplify this process for you.

2. Utilize Direct Mail

Send postcards to potential clients, inviting them to visit your site and sign up to receive valuable information or products. Companies like Web Card can assist you with this.

3. Employ Telemarketing

Use telemarketing agents to contact potential customers and ask for their email addresses. Give them a reason to share their information, such as a contest, coupons, free trial, or valuable information.

4. Collaborate with Brokers

Ask brokers or other high-traffic sites to post a sign-up for your information or service. Most will charge between 10 - 15 cents per email, but these addresses are yours to keep.

5. Go Door-to-Door

One of our tourism clients found this method quite effective. They hired students to go door-to-door asking for email addresses in exchange for information that residents might be interested in.

6. Run an Online Contest

Online contests can be an effective way of collecting email addresses. Make providing an email address a requirement for entry. Companies like Raffle can manage all aspects of your online contest.

7. Use Your Physical Store

If you have a brick-and-mortar store, don't forget to ask for email addresses at every opportunity. Ask at checkout, send surveys, run contests, etc.

8. Include in Your Communication Material

Don't just include your URL in your communications. Ask people to visit your site and sign up. Include this call to action on business cards, order forms, survey forms, and signature files.

While building a qualified list will take time, it is the most cost-effective and profitable route in the long run. These strategies should help you get started on building your own targeted email list.

Categories: