We’ve talked quite a bit so far about setting up your first list for your blog. What we haven’t talked much about is how to go about making money from that list. A question that gets asked quite a bit is when to start mailing the list and when to start sending offers (for your products or affiliate products). The answer is simple. You should do both from day one. Let me walk you through a simple step by step plan to follow your first few autoresponder messages.
The thank-you page
Before we move to the actual email messages you’ll send to your subscribers, let’s talk about the thank you page. It is the page your readers will land on after they submit their name and email address. Most people will thank their readers for signing up and let them know that they will receive a welcome email in just a few minutes.
What they are missing out on is a great money-making opportunity. Think about it. These people just proved that they trust you and are ready to learn more about a particular topic. Allow them to do that by adding an offer to your thank you page.
For example, if I’m building a list about growing tasty tomatoes, I might recommend a little eBook about growing tomatoes organically on the thank you page.
Your welcome email
The next place to monetize is within your welcome email. It is the email that goes out to your readers as soon as they are signed up. Welcome them and let them know what they can expect over the coming weeks. If you’d like, share a quick little tip or link to a great blog post you’ve written.
Last but not least, repeat on the thank you page the offer that you’ve made. You’ll be surprised how many readers will take you up on the proposal this second time around.
Alternating good content and solo offer emails
From there, you want to email your readers a mix of great content and offers for various related products. A good rule of thumb is to send one solo email for every three content emails.
A solo email is an email message you write and send out with the sole purpose of getting your readers to buy something. In it, you explain what the product is and why it would benefit them, along with a call to action to have them buy it right now.
Content emails can be a variety of things. You can share some tips and information right in the email, you can link to a couple of useful blog posts you’ve written, or you can even share links to short reports or videos you’ve created.
The goal is to find a balance between sharing content, building a relationship with your readers, and making money off your list.
When it comes to building your brand, your website is one of your most powerful tools. Contact Dr. John Elcik at identityXperts to handle all of your web design needs. We can be reached by phone at (561) 543-2892 or email: jelcik@identityXperts.com.
