Have you ever wondered what would happen to your audience if social media platforms disappeared? How would you get in touch with those people? How would they get in touch with you? Well, if you haven’t thought about it before, now is a great time to consider it. 

What WOULD you do? An email list is a great solution! 

It might seem daunting or overwhelming to start an email list, like “where do I even start?” But if you have an online business, it’s really important to figure it out (or consult with someone who knows how). As business owners, we cannot simply rely on one platform to reach potential clients. It’s a scary thought, but it’s a real possibility. Those social media platforms are borrowed space. At any time, they could shut down, and we could lose everything we have worked so hard to build. That’s why having an email list is so important. Here are five more reasons you should have an email list:

It belongs to you. 

Yep, you’re in control. You call the shots on what you send out, how often, to whom, and everything in between. Plus, you won’t have to worry about losing touch with any followers if a platform decides to shut down. There is comfort in knowing you have the resources to keep in touch with followers and potential clients. 

It gives you a direct line to communicate with your community. 

Want to give out special deals, promos, freebies, etc., to your community? Well, with an email list, you can do that in minutes. The people on your email list are your ideal clients. They have taken the time to know you and like you enough to subscribe to YOUR email list. They are already interested in your services or products, and having a quick and easy way to communicate with them directly is a huge asset to your business. 

It allows you to build a closer relationship. 

When you share a post on a social media forum, it is for everyone to see. The same can be said for followers who leave comments too. They may be shy, intimidated, embarrassed, or despite our best efforts, they just may get lost in all the comments. The same can be said for DM’s too. Sometimes the shear volume is nearly impossible to keep up with. Emails make it easy for potential clients to share their feelings, ask questions, express interest, etc., without fearing judgment from other total strangers (and, sometimes, those keyboard warriors can get a little out of hand). Whatever a potential client wants to connect with you about can remain confidential between the two of you. 

It helps to build the trust factor.

An email list gives you a much more intimate and personal experience of connecting with your audience. You can write your emails in a way that speaks directly to the reader rather than to the masses. Because an email list lets customers feel like they’re part of a private conversation, they can ask you questions confidently by replying to your message. This helps build trust and a connection that you don’t always get on your social media pages. 

It gives you HUGE potential.

An email list gives you a list of people right at your fingertips. These people are already interested in what you have to offer. Enough so that they subscribed to you to see what else you have to share with them. That’s the hardest step between turning a follower into a client. The people who subscribe to your email are more likely to buy your product or service than someone who happens to follow you on social media. 

The people who have opted-in to your email list have done so because they like you, your product or your service. So, be diligent in communicating with them, nurture the relationships and show them how you can enhance their lives and business. It takes time, commitment and dedication, but if you put the effort in, it will be worth your while.