Want to get better results from your email marketing efforts and grow your email list? Here are the elementary steps of list building, as well as some more creative ideas.

The Basics of Blog List Building

When you first get started with email marketing, it’s normal to have a smaller list. It takes a concerted effort to get in the habit of asking for email addresses. There are people who have been email marketing for years and still aren’t taking advantage of all the opportunities they have to grow their list. Don’t let that be you!

Here are a few simple things that you can do to build your list:

• Put a “Join My Email List” sign-up box on your website or blog. Your website is the first place most people look when they want information about your business. It’s great when they visit your website, but are you capturing their email addresses? Don’t miss the chance to start building a relationship with them.
• Ask your customers for their email addresses and permission whether it’s over the phone or in person. Don’t forget to tell customers about your email communications and ask if you can add them to your list. If you have a physical store, put out a sign-up book in a prominent place. If your business is Internet-based and your only customer communication is through email, send them a follow-up email after an order and ask if they want to join your list. If you have employees who interact with customers, train them to ask as well.

• When you meet people at networking events and trade shows tell them about your free e-newsletter or your email-only specials and ask them if they would like to join your list.

Want to take it to the next level?

Here are some creative ideas that you can put into practice: Continue reading ’5 Blog List Building Tips’