My current strategy is the following:
To get followers off of every book, course, social media account, blog post, and static email list and onto my newsletter
After realizing:
1. How quickly algorithms change (including organic sale dips)
2. The potential revenue stream from emails
I’m convinced that the primary way to build trust & attention over time is via a newsletter
So far, I have 340 subscribers
That’s not a lot, but given that I didn’t launch my newsletter yet, I’m quite happy about this number
Plus, this is a long-term growth strategy, so I’m getting confirmation that the tactics I’m applying are helping.
Here are three strategies I’m doing that are working for me
1. Create a crisp, concise landing page (with a free bonus)
First, I need to incentivize folks to sign up.
It doesn’t make sense to direct traffic to a landing page if what I’m offering isn’t compelling enough.
My newsletter is called “Leadership 80/20” and my promise is to share practical tips that leaders will get for free 1x per week (by focusing on the Pareto Principle).
I also offer a free copy of my bestselling book (currently being sold for $6.99 on Amazon).
You can check out the landing page here: https://leadership8020.com/subscribe
2. Include multiple signup forms on my blog
My main blog is called “The Couch Manager” and I included several easy ways for folks to sign up to my newsletter (I use Beehiiv which makes it simple to create those).
Here are a few examples.
Example 1: On the main homepage
Example 2: In a widget on the side of the blog
Example 3: In the footer after every blog post
Even though my blog doesn’t get a lot of traffic, all those help increase signups if someone is interested in learning more.
3. Include a P.S. in every email follow up for my existing lists
I publish books (on Amazon) and courses (on Udemy). I also offer free bonuses that complement those books and courses to incentivize folks to sign up to my email lists (I have multiple).
However, those lists are mainly used to send subscribers the bonuses only (and to send an occasional email when I publish a new product)
And because I don’t have permission to add folks automatically to my newsletter, I simply added a PS after the initial “here’s your bonus” email that asks them to join if they’re interested.
Here’s a sample of how that request looks like:
That’s pretty much it.
I create those CTAs once and forget them as I focus on building my newsletter.
Interested in starting your own newsletter?
I’m using Beehiiv for my newsletter and the platform is fantastic (they have a ton of awesome features).
I’m on a paid account, but I already made my money back via their sponsored ad network.
If you’d like to try them out, use my affiliate link below, and you’ll get 30 days free & 20% off your first 3 months of any paid plan.