Email marketing is a powerful tool for businesses of all sizes. It enables you to reach your target audience directly and build relationships with them through regular communication. In this chapter, we’ll walk you through the steps for setting up your email marketing system, including setting up an email marketing account, importing your email list, and creating opt-in forms and landing pages.
Setting up an email marketing account: The first step to setting up an email marketing system is to choose an email marketing platform that meets your needs. There are many email marketing services available, including Mailchimp, Aweber, and ConvertKit, just to name a few. When choosing a platform, consider the size of your email list, the features you need, and the cost.
This post is part of a larger Email Marketing Guide, please visit the master post, which also has index page for other chapters by Clicking Here.
This Guide is a work in progress and intention is to improve it based on your comments and feedback – please do let us know what else you want us to add, or what is it you want to see improved.
Once you’ve selected a platform, sign up for an account and follow the instructions to set it up. You’ll typically need to provide basic information such as your name, business name, and email address. Once your account is set up, you’ll be able to access your email marketing dashboard and start building your email campaigns.
Importing your email list: Once your email marketing account is set up, the next step is to import your email list. This is the list of people who have given you permission to send them emails. You may have already collected email addresses through your website, events, or other channels.
Importing your email list is easy with most email marketing platforms. Simply export your list from your previous system or upload a CSV file containing your email addresses. The email marketing platform will then import the list and add the email addresses to your account.
Creating opt-in forms and landing pages: An opt-in form is a form that allows people to sign up for your email list. Opt-in forms can be placed on your website, blog, or social media profiles. When someone fills out the form, their email address is added to your email list and they start receiving your emails.
Landing pages are standalone pages that are used to promote a specific product, service, or offer. They often include an opt-in form to encourage visitors to sign up for your email list. Landing pages are a great way to convert website visitors into email subscribers and are an important part of any email marketing campaign.
Most email marketing platforms offer drag-and-drop form builders that make it easy to create opt-in forms and landing pages. Simply select the type of form you want to create, customize the design, and add it to your website or landing page.
The best email marketing service for you will depend on your specific needs and the size of your email list. Consider the features you need, the cost, and the user-friendliness of each platform before making a decision.
- Mailchimp: Mailchimp is a user-friendly platform that’s popular for its free plan, which allows you to send up to 12,000 emails to 2,000 subscribers each month. It offers a variety of email templates, drag-and-drop editors, and integrations with popular e-commerce platforms. However, it’s not as feature-rich as some of the other options, and it can become expensive as your list grows.
- Aweber: Aweber is a well-established email marketing platform that offers a range of features, including automation, split testing, and analytics. It’s known for its reliable delivery, and its customer support is widely praised. However, it can be more expensive than some of the other options and its interface may not be as intuitive as some of the newer platforms.
- ConvertKit: ConvertKit is a popular choice for bloggers and online course creators. It offers a range of automation features and integrations with popular platforms such as WordPress, Teachable, and Leadpages. ConvertKit’s pricing is based on the number of subscribers, rather than the number of emails sent, making it more affordable for larger lists. However, it doesn’t have as many email templates or design options as some of the other platforms.
- Drip: Drip is an e-commerce focused email marketing platform that offers a range of advanced automation and personalization features. It integrates with a variety of e-commerce platforms and offers integrations with webinar platforms and lead magnets. It’s more expensive than some of the other options and may not be as suitable for small businesses or individuals.
This table should give you a general idea of the features offered by each email marketing service. It’s important to keep in mind that these services are constantly evolving and improving, so it’s a good idea to check the latest information on their websites before making a decision.
| Feature | Mailchimp | Aweber | ConvertKit | Drip |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Free Plan | Yes | No | No | No |
| User-friendly Interface | Yes | No | Yes | Yes |
| Email Templates | Yes | Yes | No | Yes |
| Automation | Limited | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Integrations | Many | Some | Some | Many |
| Advanced Personalization | Limited | Limited | Yes | Yes |
| Split Testing | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Customer Support | Good | Good | Good | Good |
| Affordability (based on list size) | Expensive | Expensive | Affordable | Expensive |
Setting up your email marketing system is an important step in building a successful email marketing campaign. By following the steps outlined in this chapter, you’ll be well on your way to creating an effective email marketing system that reaches your target audience and drives results for your business.
This post is part of a larger Email Marketing Guide, please visit the master post, which also has index page for other chapters by Clicking Here.
This Guide is a work in progress and intention is to improve it based on your comments and feedback – please do let us know what else you want us to add, or what is it you want to see improved.