Hi everyone, and welcome to March's episode of Content Creation 101, the monthly series of blog posts, where you'll see some tips and tricks and some inspiration for your content creation. 

Today's episode is about building an email list for your website, business, brand, or whatever you want to grow online. 

Building an email list is like creating your website because it's another tool you can control and manage for marketing, deepening the engagement with your community, and creating a private channel with your subscribers to connect and chat. When I started martinamanca.com, one of my first goals was opening the newsletter because I knew it would be a sensational communication tool more than Instagram. So, let's see why you want to build an email list and my tips for managing it effectively. 

Why do you want to build an email list?

As I mentioned, the email list is the most effective way to convert a reader into a subscriber because you offer an exclusive communication channel to connect with you. It's not like engaging on Instagram; an email list is more like your website. You're in control of your newsletter. You can manage it and design it according to your preferences. And you can leverage it as a strategic tool for your business or brand. 

If you want to engage with your community, the newsletter is perfect for sharing exclusive content. You can use the newsletter to share discount codes, private launches, sneak peeks, and previews to turn your community into a customer base. 

Otherwise, you can start building the newsletter to wrap up the content from your website and chat with your subscribers like you would with your friends. 

As you can see, a newsletter is a powerful tool for your brand, and it's always early enough to open a free subscription, even if you're starting from scratch. 

For example, I chose to send my newsletter at the end of each month, and now that I'm working on the launch of the martinamanca.com shop, I want to dedicate some gifts to my subscribers. First, they knew the launch date. Also, they will have some free and exclusive products after the shop's launch. If we reach 100 subscribers by April 30th, they'll unlock another gift. 

As you can see, I started the newsletter to wrap up the blog posts and share something from my life with my subscribers. Now I'm evolving it into another tool to grow my website. It depends on what you're writing in the newsletter, and you'll have a powerful tool for your community and business. 

My tips for building an email list

Now let's talk about my tips for building an email list. I'm sharing everything I wanted to know when I started. 

Speaking of the technical stuff, you can start your email list using the same platform if you have a website. For example, I designed my website on Squarespace and purchased a plan to build my email list to manage everything in one place. It's easier and more convenient because I can link my blog posts in seconds, analyze the analytics in one place, and plan for future activities using one platform. I recommend checking the platform where you have your website. Or, if you want to start an email list even if you don't have a website, MailChimp is the best newsletter platform. 

Now, let's talk about the managing part of having an email list. I know it's another tool to manage, another activity to add to your to-do list, and more stress for your brain. I see you because I'm living the same. As I always tell you, planning your weeks and days is crucial. Use your spare time to brainstorm and take notes on every idea. Then, time block during the day and week for some sessions to work on your dreams and personal projects, like the website and the newsletter. It may sound scary, but you can do it. When I had to write my first newsletter, I thought I had nothing interesting to say to my subscribers. I panicked, like when you need to write a book and don't know where to start. Well, let me tell you that you're unique, and that's your superpower. Nobody will have your storytelling, enthusiasm, or point of view. So, use it and share it with your audience because there will be people who want to listen and engage with you. And if you're still scared, start with simple things like sharing your life or past purchases. Fake it until you make it is the best motto you can repeat to yourself. 

And if you need help figuring out where to start even after this blog post, contact me on Branding with Martina. I will help you set everything up and give you exclusive tips based on your ideas. 

Check out the previous episodes of Content Creation 101 here.