Actionable ways to build a high-converting Email list

The secret sauce for authors and bloggers, and all who need Email followers.

Follow these 18 steps to success in order to grow your email list.

Add an opt-in form to your website. This asks people who visit your website to sign up for your newsletter. If may also offer an incentive to do so. You can see mine here: sherrybriscoe.com.Share a link to a Pinterest board that tells a visual story about your book (or a character). This is a great way to incorporate colors, locations, moods, themes, etc. bringing your story to life for those visual learners.Write a monthly (or whatever suits you) progress report of your journey. Make it meaningful for your subscribers by sharing lessons learned, inspirational moments, or challenges to be overcome.Surprise your subscribers with more than they were expecting. A bonus chapter, an additional guide, or an extra service.Check your email and blog comments frequently, and answer your readers’ questions, follow-up on their comments. I always make sure to write their name in my response (when it’s given).Include updates on your news, a new book release, book awards, price promotions, book signings and appearances. Your readers want to know the latest!Repackage older, but evergreen posts. Create image quotes with them. I use Canvaand BookBrush. Both of these offer free accounts.Use Reader Magnets. Free downloads of short stories, a sample chapter preview, guides or checklists for subscribers only. When people subscribe to my newsletter, they receive a free download pdf of a short story.Share a review of a book you read and loved that you feel your readers might also enjoy. I post all my book reviews on Bookbub, but also refer to them in my newsletters.Poll your readers and get their opinions on future projects or book cover ideas. I often poll readers for my book titles and cover images. It helps me know what resonates with my readers.Allow subscribers a peek behind the curtain and share a bit more about you. My newsletter has a section titled About the Author, where I try to share something personal from my life. It helps them to know you’re human!Share a list of books or resources that you recommend.Maybe you can offer a free training or mini-course to your subscribers. This is especially great for non-fiction authors.Use an email service to set up autoresponder messages. I use MailerLitefor my newsletters. Aweberis also another great provider. However, there are many providers available. Review the costs, the pros and cons of each before you choose one.Share your manifesto. I recently read Octavia Butler’s manifestoand was blown away! If you don’t have your own manifesto — create one.Offer a promotion code for a discount on your latest book. I run free or 99 cent specials all the time.Insider info. Give your readers exclusives and even ‘reader appreciation gifts’.Share a sneak preview of your next book. Many authors create a special post with the ‘cover reveal’ of an upcoming novel.

Overall, there are many steps to creating and building a valuable email list.

Start with a solid website offering an easy sign-up form.Be consistent in your writing. My newsletters go out once a month.Know your audience and give them what they’re looking for. Specials, inside information, sneak previews, tips for their own business.Reward your followers with Reader Magnets and occasional reader appreciation gifts. I’ve given away amazon.com gift cards and even some Kindle e-readers.Make sure your writing is visual, well-crafted, memorable, relevant, and compelling to your readers. Give them value.