How to Get Started with Email Marketing and Get Your First Subscribers

If you’re a blogger like me, you’ve probably heard a million times that “you need an email list.”

And honestly?

That advice is spot on.

An email list is like having your megaphone to reach your audience.

It’s direct, personal, and, most importantly, yours. Unlike social media, where algorithms can tank your reach overnight, an email list lets you connect with your audience whenever possible.

So, let’s dive into the basics and get you started with email marketing for beginners — with no fluff, just simple steps that work.

Why Email Marketing Is a Game-Changer

Before we jump into the “how,” let’s talk about the “why.” Email marketing isn’t just for big brands or tech-savvy marketers. It works wonders for bloggers, too. Here’s why:

1. It’s Personal: Unlike a social media post, an email lands directly in someone’s inbox. It’s like talking one-on-one.
2. It’s Effective: Email marketing generates an average of $42 in return for every dollar spent. Yes, you read that right.
3. It’s Yours: Social media platforms come and go, but your email list is yours.

Step 1: Set Your Goals

The first step in any email marketing journey is to know what you want to achieve. Are you looking to:

• Build relationships with your readers?
• Drive traffic to your blog?
• Sell products or services?

Having a clear goal will guide your strategy. For example, if your goal is to get more blog traffic, your emails should include engaging snippets of your posts with links back to your site.

Step 2: Pick an Email Service Provider

The options can feel overwhelming, but choosing an email service provider (ESP) doesn’t have to be complicated. Start with one that’s beginner-friendly, like Mailchimp or ConvertKit. These platforms offer free plans for small lists, which are super intuitive. Here’s what to look for in an ESP:

• Easy-to-use interface
• Automation features
• Customizable templates
• Analytics to track performance

I started with Mailchimp and loved how simple creating and sending my first email was.

Step 3: Build Your Email List

Alright, here’s where the fun starts — building your email list. And trust me, it’s not as complicated as it sounds. Here are a few foolproof strategies:

Create a Freebie (Opt-In Offer)

People aren’t just going to hand over their email addresses for nothing. Give them a reason to sign up by offering something valuable, like:

• A free e-book
• A checklist
• A template
• Exclusive blog content

For example, I created a “10-Step Blogging Checklist” that helped me grow my list by 200 subscribers in a month.

Add Sign-Up Forms Everywhere

Make it easy for people to subscribe. Add forms:

• In your blog’s sidebar
• At the end of your posts
• As a pop-up (don’t overdo it)

Remember to include a call to action. Something as simple as, “Want more blogging tips? Subscribe to my newsletter!” works like a charm.

Step 4: Segment Your Audience

Once you start building your list, you’ll notice that not all subscribers are alike. Some might be interested in blogging tips, while others care more about your recipes. That’s where segmentation comes in. You can send more relevant emails by dividing your list into smaller groups. Most ESPs make this super easy to set up.

Step 5: Write Emails People Want to Read

Here’s the deal: no one wants another boring email in their inbox. To keep your subscribers engaged, follow these tips:

Write Killer Subject Lines

Your subject line is like a headline for your email. Make it catchy, intriguing, and specific. For example:

• “The #1 Blogging Mistake You’re Making (and How to Fix It)”
• “5 Quick Tips to Triple Your Blog Traffic”

Keep It Personal

Use your subscriber’s name whenever possible. It’s a slight touch that makes a big difference.

Be Valuable

Every email you send should provide some value. Whether it’s a tip, a story, or a resource, make sure your readers walk away feeling glad they opened your email.

Step 6: Automate Your Emails

One of the most incredible things about email marketing is automation. With a few clicks, you can set up a series of emails that go out automatically. For example:

• Welcome Series: Introduce yourself and what your readers can expect.
• Blog Post Updates: Share your latest posts automatically.
• Re-Engagement Emails: Reach out to subscribers who still need to open your emails.

Automation saves you time and keeps your subscribers engaged.

Step 7: Analyze and Improve

Email marketing isn’t a set-it-and-forget-it kind of thing. To get the best results, you need to track your performance. Most ESPs provide analytics that shows:

• Open rates: How many people opened your email
• Click-through rates: How many clicked on a link
• Unsubscribes: How many opted out

If your open rates are low, try tweaking your subject lines. If your click-through rates need work, experiment with your call-to-action.

Common Pitfalls to Avoid

Here are a few mistakes I made when I was starting (so you don’t have to):

• Buying Email Lists: It’s tempting but a terrible idea. These subscribers didn’t choose to hear from you, which will hurt your deliverability.
• Ignoring Mobile Users: Over half of all emails are opened on mobile devices. Make sure your emails look great on a smartphone.
• Overloading Subscribers: Only send emails daily if your audience expects it. Once a week or bi-weekly works best for most bloggers.

Final Thoughts

Getting started with email marketing can be manageable. Focus on providing value, stay consistent, and watch your list grow. Remember, the goal isn’t just to get subscribers — to build a community of people who love what you do.

If you found this guide helpful, don’t forget to check out some of my other posts:

• Why Every Blogger NEEDS an Email List
• 10 Easy Ways to Improve Your Email Open and Click Rates
• How to Grow Your Email List with a Free Opt-In Offer