Maybe you don't feel like you're "ignoring" email marketing, but let me ask you another question: Does the Email List for Your Blog... Suck?!
(are you 100% sure of your answer?)
I actually thought I was doing a pretty good job with my own Blog Email Notification... until I read List Building for Bloggers, that is.
I discovered a whole slew of cool things I should be doing. Things that will immediately increase my opt-in rate, increase my click-through rate, and the biggie: increase engagement and conversions! The cool thing is - they were all super simple things I could easily implement...
Note: We have an exclusive coupon code for this guide!
Download it for only $14.95 using the code "clicknewz" 😉
List Building for Bloggers
I downloaded this guide a few days ago, as it fits in perfectly with my theme of List Building this month. I thought I would give it a quick review to see if it's relevant, and pretty much expected a standard ebook. (I read a lot of them.)
For less than $25 I can always be sure to get at least one tip or resource that is worth 10x what I paid, and often learn something from their model or follow-up.
This particular guide though... totally exceeded my expectations! 😀
I wasn't familiar with the author, Phil Hollows. He is the founder and CEO of FeedBlitz, and has also been blogging since 2003.
My first thought was that the guide would revolve entirely around the FeedBlitz service, which may not suit me since I use Aweber.
But that wasn't the case at all. I found the entire guide to be relevant, regardless of which email management solution you're using. (thumbs up for that, Phil!)
I've been managing email lists for more than 10 years, and blogging for almost 8 years. I'm no newbie to either publishing medium...
I decided to print the guide out and give it a read on the back deck. ->
I caught (friendly) flack for that on Facebook - shame on me for not reading it on my shiny iPad! 😯 LOL
But I was really glad I printed a copy once I started reading it, and realized how many notes I was going to take.
I made tons of actionable notes and highlights in the guide! Like I said, what started out as a simple review... totally exceeded my expectations. Even as an experienced blogger & marketer.
At the same time, it's very "newbie friendly".
I should think, for a writer in our space, that's not so easy to accomplish. Phil has a great (!) writing style though, and this is one of those odd non-fiction books that is actually a page-turner. Also not easy to accomplish.
It's a very easy read, enjoyable even, and I can't think of a single blogger this guide wouldn't suit. From the casual blogger to the professional blogger, from the newbie to those with years of experience under their belt, this is a must-read for anyone blogging in 2011.
Praise for the List Building For Bloggers guide came from top leaders in the industry, including Seth Godin and Denise Wakeman among others. Seth Godin even wrote An Appreciation at the beginning of the guide, where he said:
"Email is ten times more impactful and responsive than just about any form of media ever developed." ... "Phil Hollows is a mensch, and a generous one. In this book, he's sharing a ton. Stuff he learned the hard way. Ignore it at your own peril." -Seth Godin, page viii
It's Easy To Ignore Email Marketing
It's very easy to ignore your email marketing strategy. Particularly once you set up the basics and have it running on "auto pilot". As a blogger you probably added a form, set up a confirmation message, and let your mailing list manager do the rest (send out your blog posts on a schedule).
It's also easy to focus on other things, or get caught up in social media instead of paying (special) attention to your email subscribers. Phil really knocked me over the head with that one! 😉
You're not alone. That's the reason I'm hosting this entire series on List Building, and why I am revisiting my own strategy to see where I can spruce it up a bit.
I have to say, reading Chapter One alone really got me excited about email marketing all over again. It made me realize what was lacking, how EASY it was to fix, and just how important my mailing list is to my business...
What's Inside (A Sneak Peek)
Since Phil doesn't show the Table of Contents on the order page, I'll outline it here for you real quick. You'll be amazed at what all he covers in his guide for the price!
Here goes (and pardon the caps, I copied only the chapter titles - without subchapters - from the TOC straight out of the guide)...
- WHY AREN'T EMAIL LISTS EXTINCT IN THE AGE OF SOCIAL MEDIA?
- LISTS, EMAIL MARKETING AND YOUR BLOG
- EMAIL FACTS, FEAR AND MYTHOLOGY
- FIVE KEY STEPS TO GROW YOUR BLOG'S MAILING LIST
- ACCELERATING LIST GROWTH
- IMPROVING ENGAGEMENT
- GETTING TO THE INBOX AND AVOIDING THE SPAM TRAP
- CAN-SPAM CASE STUDY: BEING LEGAL IS NOT ENOUGH
- MAILING LIST UNDER-PERFORMING? 13 OPTIMIZATION TIPS TO USE NOW!
- AUTORESPONDERS: WHAT, WHY AND HOW
- INCENTIVES: THE RISKS OF OFFERING REWARDS
- SEVEN TOP LANDING PAGE TIPS
- FROM FAN TO SP*M: ANTI-SOCIAL NETWORKING
- ARE YOU IN THE THREE DANGER ZONES OF SPAMMINESS?
- HTML EMAIL DESIGN TIPS
- ONE BLOG, MANY LISTS, MUCH SUCCESS
- THE PRIZES AND PITFALLS OF PERSONALIZATION
- PRACTICAL PERSONALIZATION: BIRTHDAY LISTS
- CASE STUDY: LINKEDIN 100 MILLION USER EMAIL
- CHOOSING A SERVICE: DIY OR OUTSOURCE; FREE OR PAID?
- A CASE STUDY IN THREE ACTS: ZOMBIES!
- BONUS CHAPTER: HOW TO USE TWITTER FOR REAL-TIME LEAD GENERATION
- THE TOP TEN EMAIL POWER TIPS: TWO WEEKS TO EMAIL HEAVEN
http://www.listbuildingforblogs.com
-
It's broken up nicely into sub-chapters in each of those sections as well, which I didn't include titles for. I have to leave a little secret stuff for you to discover on your own, you know. 😉
I could rave about this brand new guide all day long, but I'm actually off to start implementing all the creative ideas and cool notes I took while reading it!
I'll close by saying... this is it.
Forget old school "internet marketing guru" style training on building your list.
THIS is the guide you need for "Email Engagement" in 2011. It discusses your mobile readers, social media, tips that actually make your readers *like* you (instead of report you - lol). I am very impressed with the depth and accuracy of this guide, and highly recommend it to every blogger.
Ready to dig in? Download List Building For Bloggers
Note: We have an exclusive coupon code for this guide!
Download it for only $14.95 using the code "clicknewz" 😀
Best,
About Lynn Terry
I got the guide too, Lynn. I have to wait till I start really implementing it because I'm in the middle of another challenge right now.
I haven't read the whole book yet, but I'm glad Phil recommends marketers to watch their unsubscribes - I wish more (IM) marketers did that before they start sucking life out of their lists.. 🙂
You're going to love it when you get a chance to finish it! 😉 I took tons of notes, and am really anxious to implement them ALL. Pacing myself with one awesome idea at a time though - lol.
Good luck on your current challenge. I look forward to brainstorming with you in the private forum as you work through this one and then the next!
The only reason to why I ignore e-mail marketing when it comes to my personal blog is because I know all my readers. And I hate selling stuff to them. I just... can't. Feels wrong.
Ooh - great topic for discussion, Nabil! 😀
Tell us about your readers, your target market. I would love to hear more, and also how you DO monetize your online business.
Thank you, Lynn, for the review; I'm blushing 🙂 I'm thrilled you like it.
Phil
I *loved* it. What a refreshing change too. The last few guides I've read were a real chew, and I never made it all the way through them. I really enjoyed your writing style - and particularly your sarcasm and sense of humor. 😉 Good stuff, Phil!!
I cannot wait to implement all the cool new ideas I got reading LBB!!
All: In case some of the links are broken when you read this - the book's web site is:
https://www.e-junkie.com/ecom/gb.php?cl=167615&c=ib&aff=15151
Thanks!
Phil
Hi Lynn!
Glad to know I'm not the only person left in the world who prints things out and uses a highlighter! LOL. I find that - in printed form - I follow the content more closely versus something I have on my PC. This is one reason I don't own an iPad or Kindle or any of those items: what I buy/download will get buried in a folder, never to be seen again!
I so respect your opinion and recommendations that I am going to buy this gem to assist with my new endeavor.
Best,
Cindy 😉
I love my Kindle app on the iPad for a lot of things - especially pleasure reading, or while traveling (just easier). But nothing beats an afternoon on the deck with a good book! 😉
Sounds like a great resource. I snatched it up too. I've been wondering how to build my list for my book site. 🙂
This guide plus the series I'm running right now should both prove helpful to you for that. We'll have to get together for a brainstorming lunch again soon too and we'll discuss it more then. 😀
Yay. I really have been neglecting my email marketing. I have a list for my transcription company that I've never sent an email to.
Ack! 😯 😯 I just choked on my coffee!!! LOL 😛 We should brainstorm for sure. I would love to see you before I start my "month of travel" in June anyway. 😉
I figured you would say something like that!
😀
Wow. Just logged into my Aweber account and discovered they are offering a "grow you blog's email list" guide for $47.97. Thanks again Phil for offering such a comprehensive guide for such a low price!! You seriously over-delivered with this one. 😉
Thank you! One week to go before the price gfoes up to $24.95 🙂
Hi Lynn,
Sweet! Just grabbed my discounted copy. Thanks Lynn for the recommendation and the coupon. Congrats to the lady that won the computer last week. She seems like a super deserving winner. Thant you Lynn for giving it away. You really rock!!!
Smiles 🙂
Gary
You're most welcome! Dig in - you'll love it 😀
And yeah, very cool about Charity. She is LOVING the ThinkCentre!
Hi again,
Rats! 🙁 I messed up my Twitter ID.... I am a total clutz! lol
Smiles 🙂
Gary
Why oh why does it always take three tries to get it right.
SORRY!!!
Smiles 🙂
Gary
Lynn,
thanks for the review and recommendation. Just bought and downling still going on. Lets see what's in it.
I look forward to hearing your thoughts! 🙂
Thanks Lynn. Just picked it up and read it through last night. Have implemented one of the list building recommendations on my blog. I am fairly new to list building and didn't have too many problems setting it up. Just played with a few things in aweber and got the sign up form to display choices.
Looking forward to see how this works. Really enjoy reading your blog!
Thank you Sue! Glad you're enjoying the guide. I have a whole list of new things to implement. I am really excited about the creative ideas this guide sparked! Let us know how your list choices work out, and any other tips you choose to implement.
I can't wait to read the guide. Still trying to keep up with the build your list guide from Paul. I am going to make sure my subscribers know that the name field is optional. Well actually I should be able to just go into aweber and take that field off the opt in form completely right? Except that my coder built it into the box he designed for my site. He said he could fix it in a moment. It's the one over at WinningAtRomance dot com. (not feeling like I'm supposed to put website urls into a blog comment) -and PS - You're traveling all of June. Get together!!
This guide will be perfect for you, Gina 😀 You'll enjoy Phil's writing style too. It's a really good read.
It should be an easy fix with the form field - whether you make it optional or remove it. Personalization can be nice though, but in your niche anonymity may appeal.
And yes, let's get together! Got your note about not making it to Nashville tomorrow, so we'll look for another opportunity. 😉 Want to come over one day and hang out here? Slim misses you! lol
Thanks for the review and recommendation! I just got a copy and look forward to reading it 🙂
Okay, I got it. That is one huge eBook to print. I love printing, hole punching and highlighting. I live for it. Can't wait to sit down and read this one. I don't even have an email list on any of my blogs...gulp. Learning how to do it correctly right from the beginning should be a benefit to me and my readers. BTW--love the toenail polish!
Cynthia,
I'm with you. What is it about printing, hole punching and highlighting that is so rewarding somehow?
Terry B.
Case-in-point - I ALWAYS open the emails I receive from you, Lynn! I don't always make it over to your blog to read the article of the day, but I wouldn't get there at all if the "memory joggers" didn't arrive by email.
I guess I'm just another raving fan! (...still miss IMTWhenever, though!)
I've downloaded the guide, and by golly, I think I will print all 190 pages (two-sided!!!) 🙂 Thanks for the tip!
Terry B.
Hey Lynn, thanks for the article. I just purchased List Building for Bloggers. Can't wait to get into it. I am starting a new blog and will need new subscribers for my list. As always you are on the cutting edge of what's happening. Much appreciated...
I really cherish my e-mail marketing. But, the sad part is I don't have any readers for my blog yet. I'm trying to link to as many websites as I can to find readers for my blog.
Lynn,
I would love to hear about the results you've seen from your recent list building efforts. Any duds from gems? What one method has resulted in the best return? As always, I get so much knowledge from your blog!
Wow, this was a very thought provoking article. The book sounds like something that could enhance my business. Thanks for the info!
Email marketing if used in a right way can bring a tons of traffic, so basically all we need to do is to make it stand out, out of spam, out of tons of other emails. But it can be done and it can have great positive effects.
Email marketing was really an uncharted territory on my Marketing-map. I hope this book can bring some light in the dark. But your enthusiastic post is very promising.
Yeah, with good email marketing, i know i can achieve a lot more from targeted leads. This E-book could be a good tool to learn from.
Hemm... I used to promise to myself that I wouldn't buy any ebook or report abour list building anymore. But this one really gets my attention.
I'm feeling that I'm not putting a maximum effort for my lists, and I always unsubscribe leads regularly from my Aweber lists, so Aweber can delete them. This way I won't have to pay the extra fee for having more than 10,000 subscribers.
I'm thinking of purchasing this guide. Thanks Lynn.
BTW, I just found your blog and I think I'm impressed already with the content. Bookmarked!
I'm a beginner and have 4 subscribers on my Mail Chimp list. Have sent one e-mail "campaign" but no one opened it. So there's nowhere to go but up! I AM a subscriber on other folks lists, and have gotten some great bonuses. One secret is to make subscribers know they are special.
Email marketing is tricky. Just like you said, the email list for our blog might suck; in this case, don't buy lists! I get all sorts of spam emails that try to convince me to buy their lists with emails to promote my websites – I think it’s a major error and will get the website banned. If you don't have one, create your own newsletter box and wait for your readers to subscribe, or find a way to convince them to do that, tell them the advantages.
This is a very helpful tip to anyone out there that has a blog. Not only is it great for selling affiliate products but also a steady stream of traffic to your website without having to rely on google to have to bring in all the traffic.
Just about to grab the guide myself however my biggest issue with my mailing list is that I don't know what to say in my newsletters. Should I keep it personal - should I keep it about a particular affiliate I've been wanting to promote - should I do this should I do that. Everything always talks on how to build the list but not what to send to them too keep them subscribed and interested.
I have several posts here at ClickNewz on that topic, and we'll be discussing that in the LBFB series this month as well: http://www.clicknewz.com/3266/list-building-series/
Also see:
http://www.clicknewz.com/2056/email-newsletter-ideas/
http://www.clicknewz.com/2058/web-content-writing-tips-and-inspiration/
http://www.clicknewz.com/3239/fast-content-ideas/
http://www.clicknewz.com/2661/blogging-ideas/
(Some of these discuss blogging ideas, but you can easily use those same ideas for newsletter content!)
Even though this product has been out for about or over two years, is it still evergreen and can I still purchase it at the discount price? Thank you.
Yes and Yes! 😀 You'll love it!!