Here’s why email marketing is so powerful for online business

It’s still one of the best marketing tools you can use

If you’re running an online business, there’s no doubt you’ve heard about the power of email marketing.

And there’s a good reason for that.

You 100% should be building your email list and using email marketing in your business.

Whether you’re a course creator, coach or service provider, one of the quickest ways to grow your business is by creating engagement with your audience through emails.

And yes, I hear you! You’re thinking, ‘Yeah, great theory and I know that. But how am I supposed to find time to write emails on top of everything else?’.

Let me ask you this…

Do you have time to post on Insta or Facebook? They’re platforms you don’t own that could change any second (and do!) and shut you down. If you’ve got time to focus on social media, you have time to focus on email marketing.

Let’s explore why email marketing is so powerful for any online business.

The top 5 reasons why you need an email list for your business

1. Social media

Although you run and manage your social media channels, you don’t technically own them. They belong to the big boys – Facebook, Instagram, Twitter and so on.

If you say something that’s taken against the rules or have someone report you (some competitors can get nasty!), your account could be shut down. And your audience disappears along with your channels. You have to start from scratch again.

I highly recommend using your social media to drive people to your email list (more tips below). If your audience is on your email list, you don’t need to worry. They are yours to keep!

2. Build your authority

Email lists will build your authority as an expert. It’s important not to send all salesy type emails but to share your wisdom with your audience.

For example, you may have found a fantastic program that saved you heaps of time doing something – share this. Or you may have a top tip that will solve your audience’s pain point – share this.

If you write blogs, you can also do an intro to the blog post in your email to direct your audience to your website. Hits on your website also work on improving your Google rankings.

3. Nurture your audience

Most people won’t work with you or buy from you straight away. It’s the ‘know, like, trust’ factor. Like any relationship, you need to take the time to nurture it and show people that you’re genuine – the real deal.

An easy way to grow your list is to give your audience something free to sign up. Once they’ve signed up, you know they were interested in your giveaway topic, so you can create a series of emails on that topic to follow up and nurture them.

A well planned out email marketing funnel ultimately leads to a more significant offer where the person is encouraged to make a purchase or work with you.

4. Stay in front of your audience

It’s said that people can take at least 7 touchpoints before they buy from you. Most people will have sussed your business out before buying from you. So, by sending emails, you’ll stay in front of your audience and increase the chances of people buying from you.

Social media has become so noisy that your messaging can get lost in the crowd. When you send emails directly to your audience, you have their attention. Yes, they can still decide to ignore or delete your email, but if you’re offering them solutions to their problems, they are likely to read what you say.

If they’ve come to know and trust you and you have their attention, when they need something you offer (or their friend does!), they will contact you.

5. Make more money

Email lists can make you money. Honestly – it does work. And I don’t mean by selling your list (that’s not cool.). Once you’ve nurtured your audience and they’re engaged, you can start offering your products and services.

When I send out emails, I share my knowledge on online courses, marketing or websites. I gently promote my service to help them if they don’t want to do things themselves. The number of replies I receive to my emails asking about my services pays off.

Some quick stats on email marketing you may like to know

• Email marketing ROI is a massive 4400% – or $44 for every $1 you spend on your email marketing campaign
• Welcome emails open rate is 82.21% (so get this right and have a clear call to action – just not too salesy so you don’t turn them off)
• Newsletters open rate is 20.48%
• Autoresponders open rate is 29.77%
• Triggered emails open rate is 44.07%
• RSS emails open rate is 26.78%

Here are the steps to follow to get started with email marketing

1. Choose an email provider

I highly recommend ActiveCampaign for so many reasons. It can grow with your business, and you can build complex automation funnels when you need to.

2. Create an opt-in

Free downloadables work a treat to encourage people to exchange their details for your knowledge. Make sure it’s relevant to your audience, and play with a few options to see what gets the best result.

3. Set up a landing page

Create a landing page for your opt-in, telling your audience why it’s so valuable. This adds another SEO rich page to your website. Also, use a promo opt-in bar on your home page, blogs and so on.

4. Set up an email welcome sequence

As mentioned above, welcome emails have a high open-rate. If you’re a coach, you should check out Brittany Bayley’s Swipes that Sell. They are templates that you can use to create content for various email sequences.

Disclosure: Some of the links provided in this blog are affiliate links. I only promote services that I personally use and love. I will be paid a small commission if you use this link to make a purchase.

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