7 Ways To Grow Your Email List
Do you have a professional tax business that could use a boost in the client department? I don’t think most of us would say, “No, I have enough clients – thanks!” Right? Well email marketing is a great way to maintain the clients you have and find new clients and business as well. The first that we need to do is start building an email list if you don’t already have created. And if you have an email list of your current clients, then let’s go through the ways you can add legitimate emails to your list.
To start building an email list you should have a CRM (Contact Relationship Manager System) set up and activated. Some of the best include Constant Contact and Mailchimp (who offers a free account for up to 500 emails). These are user friendly, with lots of how-to’s and you don’t need a degree to sign up, but only about 10 minutes. Once you have an account, you can then you can create your first email list and it will be ready to start building. If you already have an account somewhere, most CRM’s will provide information on how to use your sign up list on the web via a “widget” or snippet of text. Once you have a list to add to, let’s start growing with these 7 ideas on how to build your list.
1. SetUp Email Capture System on Your Website
If you have a website for your business, you should have an email capture system set up on it for anyone to sign up at anytime. Place the email sign up widget prominently where people can see it. Add it to the footer of your website so people find it no matter the page they land on within your site. Keep the form simple and just ask for email address and their Name (first and last). Check with your email CRM on how to add the widget to your site. If your site is built in WordPress for example, there are plugins that will create a widget to connect your website to your account directly.
2. Create Valuable Content
The content of the emails you send are really important to your customers. You have have a valuable opportunity to land in a customer’s inbox these days, then you will take care to give them something they want or need. Think about your clients and their industries if you specialize in any type of tax preparation. Are there deadlines they need to be informed about, tax rule changes, maybe on how you will be managing how taxes are prepared in your office, how-to guides, links to downloads, your website, your social media accounts, reminders to make appointments and more. These are just a few ideas to get your started. Think about when you are sending out emails as well and the holidays, events or special occasions that may resonate with them.
3. Offer Incentives
Give the subscribers on your email list a free e-book, checklist, or special discount for referrals. This strategy can demonstrate to new sign-ups, that you offer quality content and just hard sales.
4. Partner With other Businesses
Think about any other businesses that may provide different services that you may not offer, but may be in need of your service. Financial advisors, other small business owners in the community, real estate businesses. For example, people who are moving into your community may be in need of a new preparer and who better than a real estate agent to pass along your information. You can cross promote within your emails, or on your website. This can expose you to potential new clients.
5. Use Social Media
Whether you are on social media or not, your potential next customer may be there. So just make a post that asks your followers to sign up for emails. If you don’t ask, they won’t know. Sometimes people prefer to receive info in their inbox then just over social media to remind themselves about important information. So grab a link to your sign up list and find a good image that has your business name, services and either your logo or picture of you. A small relaxed ad to accompany the request to sign up for your list.
6. Attend Events (Use Phone App)
Attend events in your local community with the your CRM ready to receive emails on your phone app. Try a few Chamber of Commerce meetings, or other small business networking events held locally. Collect email address from attendees, and ask for their permission to add them to your list for future newsletters.
7. Include a Forward-to-a-Friend Link /Share
One of the best reasons to use inbox marketing, is that the emails create a very easy way for your existing clients to share an email with your info with anyone they know. Encourage subscribers to share this email with friends and family. Again, if you don’t ask, no one will know that’s what you would like them to do. The potential reach for new customers is there within your existing customer base list.
Building an email list, is an ongoing, year-round activity. It takes time and effort, but growing your list organically is best way to create long lasting customers and subscribers. Make it simple for people to sign up from your site or social media, and always remember to ask permission before you send them an email. You can set up a “double opt in” sign up form, where you can remind them who you are they have a chance to confirm their choice of receiving emails from you and your business.
Here is a real world live example. If you aren’t already signed up to receive Pronto Tax School’s email, sign up right now! If you sign up here using this link, you can receive the Free E-Book “5 Metrics Every Tax Professional Must Measure.” Just click on this link https://go.prontotaxschool.com/ex2186 and you will emailed the free report from Pronto Tax School.
