How to Build Your List

by Penny | Jan 10, 2008 | Book Marketing Basics

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So you have a newsletter – great! But now you’re wondering how you’ll get subscribers. Here are a few quick tips to help grow your subscriber list and bring more people into your fabulous marketing funnel!

1) Make sure you have an ethical bribe: this is something you give to get something. A free eBook, special report, whatever it is it must have value to your reader. If it doesn’t you won’t attract new subscribers. The idea is that if they want the freebie they have to give you their email address.

2) Create some “Top 10 Tips” articles: People love those “Top 10 Ways toâ€¦” articles so why not create some of your own. Even if you’re a fiction author you can still offer suggestions for top ten ways to get published, simple solutions for character development, research, etc. If you’re stumped for ideas consider this: add the following words to the end of the title string “Top 10 Tips toâ€¦” Create, Solve, Prepare, Start, Prevent, Save, Improve. These should get you started!

3) I tell authors this over and over again and I’m surprised how many folks still forget to do this. Your email signature line may be your most powerful asset. Always include a link to the subscribe page for your ezine (if it’s on your home page refer them there) – don’t forget to tell them about the fabulous freebie they’ll get just for subscribing!

11 Comments

Annie B Lawrence on January 11, 2008 at 9:07 AM

Love your blog. I find it full of great information that I put into action. I will be changing my email signature this minute. Great tip.

Annie B Lawrence

Love’s Secret Live Your Life In Love

http://loveambassador.blogspot.com
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Penny on January 12, 2008 at 6:51 AM

Thanks, Annie! I’m glad you enjoy the blog!

Penny
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Patricia Harrington on January 24, 2008 at 10:21 AM

Penny,

I’ve followed your great column and just begun to check out your blog . . . I know, I know, shame on me. Missing an opportunity. I’ll try to get back to doing a newsletter and your tips are really helpful. Especially the one about offering a freebie tip sheet.

I’m thinking of a title: Tips on Tipping for Writes: With Helpful Ideas sp Bucks Will Follow.

Well, that is a bit long.

Cheers,

Pat Harrington, Mystery Author

Bridget O’Hern Amateur Detective Series
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Marilyn H. Collins on January 24, 2008 at 1:29 PM

My blog – writelocalhistory.wordpress.com gives a quick Five-Step kick start to those writing a local/regional history or to someone tasked with writing their church, family, organization, or sports team history. Easy to follow and fun to do. Thanks for your site.
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Penny on January 26, 2008 at 4:49 PM

Thanks for the comment and for the visit! Enjoy the site!
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Melissa Langer on January 28, 2008 at 8:27 AM

Hi Penny

I just wnated to thank you for your wonderful newsletters and valuable advice about how to create my own success.

I appreciate all that you do.

Melissa Langer

http://www.pugnotes.com

Uncommon Pug and Dog Art
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Penny on January 28, 2008 at 6:35 PM

Thank you, Melissa! I’m so glad you enjoy our site and newsletter – Wishing you publishing success! Penny (PS Love your site!)
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Terry Finley on February 10, 2008 at 7:07 PM

Thanks. That will put a fire under

my newsletter.
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Penny on February 11, 2008 at 7:43 AM

Hi Terry – great! I’m glad this was helpful. A newsletter is a fantastic way to promote yourself and your book!
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Rob Daniel on February 21, 2008 at 4:49 PM

Great stuff Annie, Thanks

Sorry you won’t be at the Whidbey conference this year.
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Penny on February 21, 2008 at 6:12 PM

Me too, I wish I could go to Whidbey – I LOVE that conference…. thanks for reading!
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