Hey, are you still wondering if you should have an email list? I have a simple answer for you: yes, girl. Yes. I know you love social media {and feel super comfy there}, but guess what? You don’t own those spaces, none of us do. Despite the fact that you’ve “claimed your pages” and traveled to the moon and back to earn “verification” they fact of the matter is, they do and always will belong to the man behind the curtain. As a result, we need toss extra sparkles in an area where we do have more control and “ownership.”

This is why you should have an email list.

Hold on to your leggings, boss. It’s not as hard as you think. In fact, an email list is the #1 power tool I use in my business. Social media has helped me get the word out about my business, but email strategy is the way I’ve grown my business into a six-fig operation. Now, maybe you’re wondering if you can boss babe your email list through excel or a studio management program. Great idea, but… these interfaces are completely different animals than an email management program. Don’t worry, I’m going to explain all of that and more below.

Rock out your email list.

1.) Never send out a newsletter {I’m for serious, don’t do it.}

How many newsletters do you actually read? None? One? I read my moms, and my aunt’s at Christmas time. That’s it. I love all of the rest of you, but in the real world newsletters = noise. Let’s focus on how we can create a valuable community or opportunity for our clients. Unfortunately, no one is waiting around for your updates {except your mama, but she knows it all already}. They’re much more concerned with how your business can make their life better…. and could really care less about that fancy new backdrop you bought. Sooo, my sweet, be mindful of the content you’re sharing in your emails… because when you send out a newsletter, and no one opens it? That decreases your open rate and {womp womp} that’s no bueno.

2.) Know why an email list matters

As you know by now, social media is rapidly changing. We have new platforms to keep up with, less reach, and more noise. So much so, that some users are de-activating social accounts due to total overwhelm. Oh and? What about that freaking algorithm? Social media is an awesome place to start the relationship with a client, but thoughtful {read: strategic} email marketing is what sweetens the deal and keeps the ball rolling long-terms and helps you build a sustainable business.

3.) Client lifecycles are a thing.

You may wonder why clients aren’t falling all over your witty and wonderful posts. Well, my sweet friend, it takes seven touches {impressions} before a client considers buying from you. Sometimes even more! Your ideal client {who is smart and savvy, by the way} needs time to consider investing with you. Therefore, they don’t make a purchase on impulse. You should have an email list to reinforce your brand with consistency and genuine appeal. Show up in the inbox.  Call them by name {don’t worry – I can teach you how to customize your emails}.  Ask genuine questions.  Be a freaking human.  When you do, you’ll get that know, like, trust factor in place and then… my friend… you will have an authentic client relationship to build on when it’s time to ask for the sale.

4.) Get people on your email list

Right out of the gate, you need to know that this is not easy! Nearly 90% of your peers aren’t making a list, because you gotta werrrrrk. You should have an email list and fiery intention to add one person per day to that list for authentic and sustainable growth. Sometimes you’ll get one a day, but some days it may be more or less. Create an opt-in or freebie in exchange for giving clients your email list. Do you give your email out to everyone and their mama? Um, no. Give a freebie to make the info exchange worth it. When you create that killer list, you need to talk about it! Put it on your website, talk about it in person, share it on social. You won’t get many joiners if no one knows it exists.

5.) Produce valuable content

You should have an email list that’s intentional. If you produce bogus or filler content you’re wasting your time. Focus on themes {and integrate with your social channels}. It’s simple to pick monthly/seasonal themes with tips and tricks. You may want to consider posts that help your clients pick an awesome seasonal wardrobe {on a budget}; partner with your favorite hair and MUA to provide tips for camera-ready hair and make-up; or even highlight a family that you’ve photographed, zeroing in on their personal story. Featuring this type of content positions you as that approachable authority we discussed and makes your clients feel famous, too. Get the big pic on blogging your sessions in this post —> check out this guest post from Michelle Gifford.

6.) Your studio management software {or excel} isn’t your email list’s bff

On the surface level, these database systems are very same-ish. However, Mail Chimp is now about $10 a month. And you get integration with Facebook ads, simple landing pages, and so many good analytics. Time-freaking-out. Guys, analytics are life. If I made that t-shirt, all the social influencers in the world would buy one because… truth!!! Analytics make the world go ’round. You need to know these things in order to up-level your strategy.  If you know your numbers and stats you will be empowered to make changes accordingly. You can see which emails were opened, how many were opened and re-target from there. How about them sparkles? Also? Mailing list providers provide valuable automation tools and play nicely with Facebook, Zapier and a host of other great business tools. Trust me. Don’t be a slave to your computer. Make money in your sleep {literally} and let your email list work for you.

Now that you know you should have an email list…

Are you ready to learn more, because I’ve got a boatload of tips that I want to send you!  Of course, you could just buy my workshop, Sparkle Mail, but I’d rather start you off with a freebie!  I totally get that it can be overwhelming to start out with email marketing, so I want to walk you through the process from start to finish.  For many of us, the “start” is a simple four-word message that says “what are your prices?”  You and I both know that you’re so much more than your prices, but how do we communicate that to our clients?  Well.  Simple.  I’m going to let you steal the exact email that I send my clients!  It will help them get to know you, establish your awesomeness and move them onto your email list.  All in one simple email.  Wouldn’t that be amazing?!?!?  It’s made my life so much easier I know you’ll love it.  Download my email right here and start email marketing like a boss!