When I sat down to think about what I wanted to share with you this week, what tricks I have up my sleeve, the most obvious realization hit me…

Duh Krystle, my bread and butter (which also just so happens to be the No.1 way you’ll grow your revenue sustainably in 2023)

→ Email, baby.

But in order to make $$$ from email in 2023 and beyond. 

You FIRST need to BUILD a list.

The beautiful thing is? → It’s easier than ever. Like, wayyyy easier. There are literally endless methods you can deploy to grow your list.

I know because I’ve grown my list with them, or I’ve helped KC Copy Studio clients use similar strategies to grow theirs.

So instead of honing in on one strategy (which would be just one teeny piece of your list-building puzzle)…

I’m revealing the TOP 20 WAYS TO GROW YOUR EMAIL LIST 

But before I share them with you, I want to preface with this warning:

Don’t use all of them. 

Why?

Because you don’t need to. 

You just need to choose the ones that best fit the way you like to show up.

Your stage in business.

Your energy levels.

Over time when things are working, you can layer in more pieces to your email strategy, especially if/when you have a team supporting you.

Whenever we do something new as a team as the KC Brand, it’s always in layers. We add in another piece, master it, then the next, and only continue when we feel like we can confidently commit to each.

Ok, preface over, let’s get to the good stuff → 

1. Host a free webinar

Create a nice little freebie that nurtures your audience to an understanding of your brand, creates small wins for them, builds trust, and shows them the value you will continue to bring their way if they’re on your list 

2. Give a CTA on social 

A lot of times people create a lead magnet, then forget to tell their audience it exists (womp womp). People need a reminder. Keep putting it in front of them to reinforce that it’s a free resource they can (and will definitely want to!) get their hands on. 

You should be doing this 2x a week in social posts and reels, and at least once a week in IG stories.

3. Do a podcast tour

Take the next 90 days, or all of Q1, to try and pitch yourself to as many podcasts as possible. Then, once you come to the end of your podcast interview (and this is key), you’re gonna give away your lead magnet so people can join your email list. Podcasts are so high-converting because the audience really feels like they know you. You’re gonna get a lot of opt-ins from people that are now nurtured and warmed up to you, that can then get that much warmer on your email list. 

4. Start a Blog 

Honestly, I feel a little bit like Carrie Bradshaw every time I sit down to write a blog post.

*Stares out window wistfully and types thoughts*

You have a brand for a reason. You’re full of thoughts and bright ideas that you couldn’t keep to yourself. Place a direct drive to learn more about your free lead magnet in your CTA and have fun.

A blog is just another space to brain dump, infuse personality and value, and have a hell of a good time with Gifs while positioning content where your ideal client can find it. 

What’s not to love?

 5. Promote your lead magnet on Pinterest 

Pin a blog post, and overview of your lead magnet, or an educational graphic with your lead magnet linked. Pinterest is a more low maintenance platform to hangout on than Instagram, so take advantage of that and get pinning.

6. Put a sign up link in your email signature

So when you’re talking to leads, collab partners, etc., they can join your list for further nurturing. That way, anyone you’re talking to on a more personal basis will easily be able to see that you have an email list, and if they’re interested in you and what you do,  they’re gonna sign up. 

7. Create a new lead magnet 

Spice things up! What’s currently trending in your industry? Dig in, do your research, then use this data to inform your lead magnet. Create a new lead gen offer that is a no-brainer to opt-in for. 

And if you don’t have one yet, great, start now! A lead magnet can be something free, or low-cost (always great to have a free option, though), that falls along the lines of a webinar, guide ebook, checklist, etc. Tip: Make sure that it’s no fluff and really really valuable right off the bat. An easy opt-in that will make them say, “Woah, if I got so much out of her free content, what the heck does her paid stuff look like?!”

8. Share social proof

Collect positive replies + DMs from list subscribers and promote it on social media. 

AKA get really freaking good at writing relevant emails for your list that they love to reply and tell you about, shout you out, and in turn you can give insight into what it’s like getting your emails to those that come across your content or are considering joining when they’re on your landing page hovering over that ‘join’ button. 

9. Put a CTA in your social bio 

Like: ‘Get your free website template ⬇’ + point to the link where people can access it. A hella easy way to draw attention back to your page and generate traffic back to your website.

10. Participate in or host a Giveaway!

There are so many ways to set this up. Listen to this Podcast Episode for examples of what this can look like. This will not only generate excitement and engagement, but give your winner(s) a glimpse into the magic you can provide when they (ultimately 😏) work with you. 

Fun fact: When I started my business, this is the FIRST thing I did, which grew my email list from 0 to 90 people! Serious game changer. 

11. Add a pop-up on your website

This one is a big missed opportunity. 

The perfect little treat to capture attention when they’re about to leave your site. 

One thing I caution against here is positioning the pop-up to appear when they first land on your webpage. How many times have you been bombarded with an offer in flashing lights before you even know the type of content you’re about to read? Yeah, not the vibe we’re going for. 

Place an exit-intent pop up, something like: ‘Wait! Before you go, get this free goody!’ that will appear right before they exit out. 

12. Create a quiz

Quizzes are VERY high converting. When have you ever seen a ‘What Pride & Prejudice sister are you?’ quiz and scrolled right past? That’s what I thought. 

Quizzes give an incredibly personalized experience that you can weave your personal brand benefits into, adding them to your email list once they complete it.

13. Encourage email sharing 

Create a link that new subscribers can click on when current subscribers share your email with them. Let’s be honest, if your emails are loaded with genuine personality and no-nonsense value-pack content, they are gonna want to share with their friends. Make it easier by having a link by your signature with something like, ‘Like this email? Forward it to a friend!’

14. Guest Blogging 

Share the gift of your blog content and broaden your reach by guest blogging for sites where you know your ICA hang out, then have a CTA for your lead magnet or newsletter at the end. 

15. Do an email swap 

Write an email, or series of emails, for another person’s list and they will do the same for yours. This creates cross pollination with an audience you know are engaged and active subscribers to an adjacent business.

16. Run FB ads to your free product

A super effective way to maximize your audience base, guaranteeing you get in front of a certain number of people with as little as $5 a day. Then, you can check the conversion and click rates on your landing page. And if they aren’t looking good? That’s ok! You can use that data to assess and adjust accordingly!

Whew, that was a list.

I know what you’re thinking…

Where are the other four?

Ok ok fine, I’ve kept them for a very special episode of the Freedom Found Podcast.

In a four part series, I’m giving a more detailed explanation of the tips listed here, and the missing four (as well as spilling the tea on some road trip stories). Tune in to hear them all and find out which ones might be best for your biz!