Written by Rusheed "Portiay" Nash
As a musician or band, you know the importance of connecting with your fans. Social media platforms are a great way to do this, but they have their limitations. Algorithms can change overnight, and you can't guarantee that all your followers will see your content. That's why having a mailing list is so valuable. With a mailing list, you can reach your audience directly, ensuring that your message gets to them. In this article, we'll explore how a mailing list can help your music career and provide tips on building and engaging your subscribers.
Why You Need a Mailing List:
Social media is a powerful tool, but it's not enough to rely on it alone. Here are some reasons why you should have a mailing list:
You own your mailing list: With social media, you're at the mercy of their algorithms. With a mailing list, you own your audience. You have direct access to their inbox, and you don't have to worry about algorithm changes affecting your reach.
It's a more personal connection: Email is a personal communication channel, and subscribers are more likely to engage with your content in this context.
Higher conversion rates: Studies show that email marketing has a higher conversion rate than social media.
Now that we've established the importance of having a mailing list let's discuss best practices for building and engaging your subscribers.
Building Your Mailing List:
Offer a lead magnet: A lead magnet is something of value that you offer in exchange for someone's email address. This could be a free download of one of your songs, exclusive access to a video, or a discount on merchandise.
Optimize your website: Make sure your website has a clear call-to-action to sign up for your mailing list. You can also use pop-ups or slide-ins to encourage sign-ups.
Utilize social media: Use your social media platforms to promote your mailing list and offer your lead magnet.
Collect email addresses at shows: Have a sign-up sheet or a tablet at your merchandise table where fans can enter their email address to sign up for your mailing list.
The Best Websites to Get a Mailing List:
There are several websites where you can create and manage your mailing list. Here are some of the top options:
Mailchimp: Mailchimp is a popular email marketing service that offers a free plan for up to 2,000 subscribers.
ConvertKit: ConvertKit is a more advanced option that caters to bloggers, podcasters, and creators. They offer a 14-day free trial.
Aweber: Aweber is a user-friendly option that offers a free trial for 30 days.
Turning Followers into Subscribers:
Offer exclusive content: Provide your mailing list subscribers with exclusive content such as early access to new music or behind-the-scenes content.
Create a sense of community: Make your subscribers feel like they are part of a community by offering them the opportunity to engage with you directly.
Personalize your emails: Use your subscriber's first name in your emails to create a more personal connection.
Engaging Your Subscribers:
Segment your list: Segment your list based on factors such as location or purchasing behavior, and tailor your content to each segment.
Provide value: Make sure your emails provide value to your subscribers. Offer tips, advice, or exclusive content.
Use automation: Use automation to send personalized content based on subscriber behavior. For example, you could set up an automated email series that sends a welcome email, followed by a series of emails introducing your music and merchandise.
FAQs:
Q: What should I include in my welcome email? A: Your welcome email should thank your subscriber for joining your mailing list, introduce yourself and your music, and offer a lead magnet.
Q: How often should I email my subscribers? A: It's important to find a balance between staying top of mind and overwhelming your subscribers. Once a month is a good starting point, but you can adjust based on your content and engagement.
Q: Can I buy a mailing list? A: No, it's not a good idea to buy a mailing list. It's better to build your list organically with people who are interested in your music.
Conclusion:
Building a mailing list is a crucial part of a successful music career. With a mailing list, you have direct access to your audience, and you can create a more personal connection with your fans. By offering a lead magnet, optimizing your website, and utilizing social media, you can build your list quickly. Once you have subscribers, it's important to offer exclusive content, create a sense of community, and personalize your emails to keep them engaged. With these tips and best practices, you can take your music career to the next level.