How I Grew My Newsletter to 91,892 Subscribers (Without Paid Ads)

Summary

This video offers a comprehensive guide on growing an email newsletter to over 90,000 subscribers without paid ads, achieving an impressive 50% open rate. The speaker shares insights from building successful newsletters for his companies, highlighting strategies like branded newsletters with consistent templates, bite-sized value, and never missing an issue to form habits. Emphasizing the value of newsletters, he stresses the importance of a dedicated sign-up page, welcoming new subscribers effectively, and leveraging the newsletter for promotions and customer acquisition. With practical tips and a proven approach, this video equips viewers to build a highly engaged newsletter subscriber base.

Takeaways

• 😃 Send a confirmation and deliverability (CD) welcome email to new subscribers to set expectations and improve inbox placement.
• 🔖 Create a branded newsletter with a consistent format and template to build familiarity and anticipation among subscribers.
• 📝 Provide bite-sized, easily consumable value in each newsletter issue to encourage skimming and engagement.
• ⏰ Stick to a consistent sending schedule (e.g., same day and time each week) to build a habit for subscribers.
• 🌐 Have a dedicated newsletter sign-up page on your website to funnel subscribers effectively.
• 📩 Use engaging subject lines sparingly if your newsletter has a recognizable brand and format.
• 💌 Ask new subscribers to move your email to the primary tab and reply to improve deliverability signals.
• 🚀 Leverage your newsletter as a growth channel by promoting products/services occasionally while providing regular value.
• 📈 High open rates (e.g., 50%) indicate a successful, valuable newsletter that resonates with the audience.
• 💰 A large, engaged email list can be a highly valuable asset, as demonstrated by companies acquired for their newsletters.

Q & A

What is the primary benefit of having an email newsletter?

The primary benefit of having an email newsletter is that it acts as a free retargeting channel, reminding subscribers of the existence of the business on a regular basis. Additionally, it helps build top-of-mind brand awareness, making the business the go-to choice when subscribers need a related solution.

How did the speaker grow their newsletter to over 90,000 subscribers without using paid ads?

The speaker employed several strategies, including sending a branded newsletter with a consistent template and format, providing bite-sized value in each issue, maintaining a consistent sending schedule, and having a dedicated newsletter sign-up page on their website.

What is the purpose of sending a CD (Confirmation and Deliverability) welcome message?

The CD welcome message serves two purposes: 1) It confirms to new subscribers that they made the right decision to sign up, reminding them of the value they will receive, and 2) It prompts subscribers to take actions that improve email deliverability, such as moving the email from the promotions tab to the primary inbox and replying to the message.

Why is it important to have a branded newsletter separate from the company brand?

Having a branded newsletter separate from the company brand makes it easier for subscribers to remember and share the newsletter. It also sets expectations for the content and format of the newsletter, making it more recognizable and habit-forming for subscribers.

What is the significance of providing bite-sized value in a newsletter?

Providing bite-sized value in a newsletter allows subscribers to quickly skim and get something out of it without needing to read a lot of content or click on links. This makes it more likely for subscribers to open and engage with the newsletter on a regular basis.

Why is consistency in sending the newsletter important?

Consistency in sending the newsletter at the same day and time every week (or other chosen interval) helps build a habit among subscribers. It trains them to expect and look forward to the newsletter, increasing open rates and engagement.

What is the importance of having a dedicated newsletter sign-up page on the website?

Having a dedicated newsletter sign-up page on the website makes it easier for visitors to find and sign up for the newsletter, rather than relying solely on pop-ups or other less prominent methods. This can help grow the email list more effectively.

How can a newsletter be leveraged for product launches or promotions?

By consistently providing value through the newsletter, businesses can build goodwill with their subscribers. This goodwill can then be leveraged during product launches or promotions, as subscribers are more likely to engage with and convert on these offers due to the existing relationship and trust.

What is the significance of asking subscribers to move the newsletter from the promotions tab to the primary inbox?

Asking subscribers to move the newsletter from the promotions tab to the primary inbox sends a strong signal to email providers like Gmail that the messages should be placed in the primary inbox. This is because it shows active engagement and interest from subscribers, indicating that the messages are not just promotional content.

How can a consistent template benefit both the subscriber and the business?

A consistent newsletter template benefits subscribers by setting expectations and making it easier for them to quickly identify and engage with the content. For the business, it streamlines the newsletter creation process, making it easier to fill in the blanks and send the newsletter without having to reinvent the format each time.