Oh my goodness, you need an email list!
But you already know this, right? If you’ve had a blog for more than a minute, then you’ve heard it said, the number one rule after you start your blog is to begin building your email list.
I know, right? You just got your blog up and running, you haven’t even published your first post yet and already the “experts” are screaming about an email list.
What’s up with that?
Have no fear blogger friend. I’m here to help. I’ve written a short series of posts all about Mailchimp: why you need it, how to get it, how to set it up, and so much more. You can do this. I know you can.
Let’s start at the beginning.
To start, I’ve created a page just for this series called Mastering Mailchimp where all of the posts are listed in order. So, head on over there and then we’ll get started.
Great job. Now, let’s get started.
Blogging is awesome. I don’t know how else to say it. Writing and sharing what you know is amazing and using a blog to spread the word is downright fun.
But, blogging is much, much more than writing and posting your big ideas. There are a million and one elements that go into creating a successful blog. One of those elements is building and maintaining an email list, a list of readers who like what you have to say and want to keep up with everything you publish. Kinda cool, right?
There are a variety of options when it comes to collecting the email addresses of your readers. For beginning and intermediate bloggers the best way to stay connected to your readers is via email marketing software (EMS), and the best choice for your EMS is Mailchimp.
{Updated for 2019}
Mailchimp is free software that you can add to your blog to help you collect email addresses and other information from your readers. In return, you can send your audience updates, newsletters, promotions, and other communications that relate to your blog, your products or services, and your niche.
It’s a win-win for everyone. Readers stay connected to your site and you have access to a ready-made audience who can help spread the word about your blog. It doesn’t get much better than that.
Mailchimp is the means by which you market your blog.
“Oh, but I’m not a marketer.”
“I don’t like to talk about myself too much.”
“I don’t want to seem too promotional.”
I hear ya friend. It is always difficult to be the one to push your own material. But, as a blogger if you don’t do it, nobody else will. That’s why you need the right tools. Mailchimp allows you to self-promote without feeling skeezy.
Using an email list service will prevent skeeziness. Using Mailchimp will propel you straight to the top of your class. BAM!
Here’s the low-down.
1. You sign up for Mailchimp
2. You install their software on your blog to collect email addresses
3. Mailchimp builds a list from the email addresses you collect
4. You send an RSS feed or a newsletter or even a Christmas card to your list
5. Your list members are happy because you send them quality information
6. Your list grows
7. Your blog grows
8. You ROCK!
Over the next few weeks we are going to break this all down into simple, manageable steps. So, get ready and let’s get to work.
#YouCanDoThis
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