You’ve successfully started a blog. Now what? Many people who discover your blog for the first time might not be ready to buy or book yet. An email list for your blog lets you stay connected until they are.
A recent study reports that 92% of companies find email marketing successful, with an ROI of $10-35 for every $1 spent. I’ve also seen firsthand how impactful it can be for clients and my own business
As an SEO writer and consultant who has helped hundreds of businesses, I recommend having an email list to most of my blogging clients. In this article, I’ll cover how an email list actually works, the logistics of starting one, and strategies to grow your own.
What is an email list for a blog?
An email list for bloggers is a list of readers who have opted to receive emails from you. This allows your business to send regular emails so you can stay in touch with those interested in your offer(s).
Why Bloggers Need an Email List
An SEO-friendly blog brings people to your website, but an email list keeps them around. Readers aren’t always ready to make a decision on the first visit, so an email list gives you another touchpoint.
Once you get your blog working for your business, curating a list of subscribers through email marketing helps maintain that traffic, build trust, and grow a loyal customer base.
Stay connected until readers are ready to buy
Sending regular emails lets you foster a relationship with your readers and earn their trust. This keeps you top of mind so they’ll think of your business when they feel ready to inquire, book, or buy. You have already been building that connection long before they take action.
Connect without the algorithms
Even an SEO-friendly blog doesn’t allow you to control Google rankings, AI Overviews, or social media algorithms. What you can control is your email list because emails get sent to your whole list and you can send them at any time.
You can also segment an email list to meet your audience at different touchpoints with content that’s relevant to them. For example, a photographer might have a segment for couples and another for families.
Bring readers back to your blog
An email list for blogging allows you to share your newest posts and increase traffic to your articles. You can also share older articles in your emails when you’re writing about a relevant topic.
I recently started a monthly blog roundup email, where I spotlight my blog posts from the previous month. Not only does this increase my traffic, but it also shares valuable resources with my audience.
How to Start an Email List for Your Blog
Follow the steps below when planning your email marketing strategy to help ensure success.
Choose an email marketing platform
First things first, you’ll want to choose an email marketing platform that meets your needs and fits your budget. This will help you create opt-in forms, manage your list, and schedule content.
My favorite platform is Flodesk because it’s user-friendly and offers customizable templates. It also has flat pricing, no matter the size of your email list. Some other popular options include Mailchimp, Kit, and MailerLite — the costs for these increase as your list grows
Create one simple freebie
Freebies, or lead magnets are free resources related to your offer(s). They give your website visitors incentive to share their email and get on your list.
You only need one freebie to get going. Be sure it’s directly related to your product or service and brings value to your audience. For example, a photographer might offer a “what to wear for your session” PDF guide. Or a life coach could offer a free weekly planning template.
Set up a welcome email series
When someone opts in as a subscriber, they’ll receive an email with their freebie. You then want to create a series of automated welcome emails to help them get to know you and your business.
Your welcome series might look like this:
A general introduction email
A link to a free resource, like a blog article or podcast episode
A client or customer success story
Your primary offers you’re currently marketing
How to Grow Your Email List With Your Blog
These strategies can help you use your blog to grow your email list.
Use a timed pop-up
A pop-up is an opt-in form that automatically appears when a reader lands on your page. While many people avoid these because they think people don’t like them, they’re actually very helpful in growing your email list.
You can schedule a pop-up to show up after a set amount of time. For example, my freebie pop-up appears once someone has been on my site for 30 seconds. This has brought in over half of my email subscribers!
Over 1,600 opt-ins to my freebie pop-up form.
Add opt-in forms to your blog posts
Opt-in forms or buttons can be thoughtfully placed throughout your blog articles. Include freebies that are relevant to that particular topic. For example, a therapist may link a free ADHD screening tool in an article about ADHD management. I usually share a freebie opt-in form and a general email sign-up form in all of my articles.
Create a free resources page
As you create more freebies, it can be useful to create a landing page, like mine, where they all live. Include this in your site navigation so it’s easy for your audience to find.
Share your freebie beyond your blog
Don’t limit your freebie to just your blog. You can share this offer across other platforms, such as social media, LinkedIn, your email signature block, or wherever you show up. You never know where you might find a new subscriber.
What to send your email list
Now it’s time to plan out your email content. Consider highlighting a new article, behind-the-scenes stories, client wins, or current deals to let your audience in on. Consistency matters more than frequency — think quality over quantity. And be sure to lead with value, not selling.
Email List for Blog: FAQs
When should I start an email list for my blog?
It’s never too early to start an email list for your blog. Even if your website or business is new, it’s helpful to begin your list because it can take time to grow.
How often should bloggers send emails?
Consistency of emails is more important than frequency, so pick a schedule you can keep up with. Common schedules are weekly, bi-weekly, or monthly.
Do I need a freebie to start?
A freebie isn’t necessary to start your email list, but it can help you get more sign-ups. A simple “join my newsletter” form can be a great place to start if you don’t have a freebie yet.
Should I buy an email list?
No, your subscribers should opt in. When readers voluntarily sign up, they have already shown interest in your content, which drives engagement and more qualified leads. It’s better to have a smaller list of subscribers who wanted to opt in because they’re more likely to take action.
Email List for Blog: Next Steps
A successful blog can bring readers in, but building an email list will keep them around and make sure you’re top of mind when they’re ready to take action. Freebies, newsletters, and opt-in forms can help you grow a list of loyal subscribers, who will hopefully become clients or customers over time.
If you’re ready to get started with an email list for blogging, check out Flodesk. It’s my favorite platform because of its user-friendliness and affordable pricing. And you can use this link for 25% off Flodesk when you sign up 🎉
