Email List Building For Artists: Our Journey and Top 10 Tips For Beginners
Hey there, fellow artists and designers! We’ve been on quite the journey lately, switching gears from the corporate IT world to pursue our passion for surface pattern design and art for products. Who knew that our years of managing complex technical projects would come in handy for building an email list? Turns out, a lot of those skills transfer pretty well!
When we first started our online platform for surface designs and wall art, we were kinda clueless about email marketing. Sure, we knew how to manage big teams and navigate corporate red tape, but building an email list from scratch? That was a whole new ballgame.
So, we rolled up our sleeves and dove in headfirst. We made some mistakes, learned a ton, and now we’re excited to share our top tips for email list building, especially for artists like us who might be new to the business side of things. Let’s get started to our list building strategy.
Table of Contents
Quick Facts (Because We Love Our Data)
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- Building an email list is crucial for direct communication, fostering customer loyalty, and boosting sales growth.
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- Choosing the right email marketing tool can make your life way easier when it comes to list management and campaign work.
- Creating awesome offers and welcome emails can seriously up your email signup game and help build stronger subscriber relationships from the get-go.
Email List Building 101: The Basics
Alright, let’s break this down. An email list is basically a group of people who’ve said, “Hey, I like what you’re doing. Keep me in the loop!” It’s like having a VIP guest list for your art business.
We learned pretty quickly that a solid email list is the foundation of any good marketing strategy. It lets you chat directly with folks who are genuinely interested in your work. And let me tell you, after years of dealing with corporate communication channels, having this direct line to our audience feels like a breath of fresh air.
One thing to keep in mind: building an email list isn’t a “set it and forget it” kind of deal. We’re constantly tweaking and testing to see what works best for our artsy audience.
What Exactly is an Email List?
Think of your email list as your art studio’s guest book, but way more powerful. When someone signs up, they’re basically saying, “I dig your style, keep me posted!” It’s all about building a community of folks who are genuinely interested in what you’re creating.
Starting your list is like laying the foundation for a masterpiece. You’ve gotta have the right tools (hello, email marketing software), and you need to put yourself out there. We added signup forms to our website and every new subscriber felt like a small victory!
Why You Need an Email List (Trust Us on This One)
In case you did not hear this one before, here’s the thing: social media algorithms change faster than paint dries. But your email list? That’s all yours, baby. It’s a direct channel to your audience that you control. No more worrying about whether your latest post will get buried in someone’s feed.
And let’s talk money for a sec. The ROI on email marketing is insane. We’re talking potential returns of $36 for every dollar spent. Even with a small list, you can make some serious cash. We know artists who’ve funded entire projects just from their email subscribers. Pretty sweet, right?
Building your list is like creating a loyal fanbase for your art. It’s all about growth and making those meaningful connections.
Some Techy Terms to Know (Don't Worry, We'll Keep It Simple)
Okay, let’s break down some jargon:
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- Opt-in forms: These are the little signup boxes on your website where people can join your list.
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- Lead magnets: Free goodies you offer to entice people to sign up. Could be a wallpaper design, a mini art tutorial, you name it. Our first lead magnet is SEO Checklist For Artists and Surface Pattern Designers.PDF that we prepared for you guys as a simple, hands-on guide that you can always check.
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- Segmentation: Splitting your list into groups based on interests or behavior. It’s like curating different galleries for different tastes.
Understanding these basics will help you manage your email marketing like a pro. Trust us, it’s way easier than coordinating a multi-team IT project!
Choosing Your Email Marketing Platform: The Foundation of Your List
Picking the right email marketing platform is like choosing the perfect canvas for your art – it sets the stage for everything else. We spent way too much time overthinking this step (old habits die hard, I guess), but you don’t have to!
Even if you’re on a shoestring budget, don’t sweat it. There are plenty of platforms out there with free plans or affordable options for us creative types just starting out. We fell in love with ConvertKit for its simplicity and artist-friendly features. It felt like it was designed with people like us in mind.
When you’re shopping around for a platform, look for one that’ll make your life easier, not harder. You want something with automation features (trust us, they’re lifesavers), pre-designed templates (because who has time to design emails from scratch?), and solid analytics (gotta know what’s working, right?).
For newbies like us, Mailchimp or ConvertKit are great starting points. We can openly say that we’re using both. They’re user-friendly and packed with features that’ll help you navigate the email marketing world without pulling your hair out.
Features to Look For (Because Details Matter)
After years of evaluating enterprise software, we thought choosing an email platform would be a breeze. Boy, were we wrong! There’s a lot to consider, but here are the biggies:
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- Automation tools: Look for platforms that let you set up workflows. It’s like having a personal assistant for your emails.
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- Pre-designed templates: These are lifesavers when you’re short on time or design inspo.
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- Analytics: You’ll want to know how your emails are performing. Open rates, click-through rates – all that good stuff.
That’s why we decided to use Mailchimp and ConvertKit. And in case you’re wondering if you have to use both of them, the answer is no. Just one would be enough. I have my own reasons, having the tech background, using them to be informed and to help you guys further, if you need help. Please see our Creative Digital Lift Services.
Best Platforms for Beginners (We've Been There)
Starting out can be overwhelming, so let’s keep it simple. Mailchimp is great if you want something with a free tier to get your feet wet. ConvertKit is awesome if you want something tailored for creatives like us. And if you’re looking for a budget-friendly option with all the bells and whistles, Sendinblue is worth checking out.
Remember, the best platform is the one you’ll actually use. Don’t get bogged down in analysis paralysis.
Creating Irresistible Incentives: The Art of the Offer
Alright, let’s talk about getting people to actually sign up for your list. In the corporate world, we used to joke about “mandatory fun” events to boost team morale. Well, in the email marketing world, you’ve gotta make signing up feel like the coolest party in town – and everyone’s invited!
Just slapping a “subscribe” button on your site isn’t gonna cut it. You need to offer something juicy, something that makes people think, “Heck yeah, I want that!” These are called “lead magnets,” and they’re your secret weapon for growing your list.
For us artsy folks, this could be anything from a free downloadable wallpaper design to an exclusive tutorial on your signature illustration style. Whatever it is, make sure it’s something your ideal audience would love.
We learned the hard way that generic offers don’t work. You’ve gotta tailor your incentives to what your audience really wants. It’s like creating a commissioned piece – you need to understand your client’s taste, right?
Oh, and here’s a pro tip: create a dedicated landing page for your offer. It’s like giving your lead magnet its own little art gallery. We saw our signups skyrocket when we started doing this!
Lead Magnets: Your Email List's Best Friend
Coming up with lead magnets felt a lot like brainstorming new design concepts – it takes some creative juice, but it’s so worth it. Here are some ideas that worked well for us:
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- Free resources: Think ebooks on color theory, checklists for setting up an art studio, or guides on pricing your work.
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- Exclusive content: Maybe a sneak peek at your upcoming collection or a sample chapter from your art technique book.
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- Discounts: Everyone loves a good deal. Offer a special discount on your prints or original pieces.
The key is to make your CTA (that’s “call-to-action” in marketing speak) irresistible. Instead of a boring “Sign Up,” try something like “Get Your Free Art Guide!” or “Unlock Exclusive Designs!” It’s amazing how a little wordplay can boost those signup numbers.
Timed Pop-Up Forms: Not as Annoying as You Think
Okay, we know what you’re thinking. Pop-ups? Aren’t those super annoying? Well, yes and no. When done right, timed pop-up forms can be really effective for snagging email signups.
The trick is to time them just right. These little ninjas appear when someone’s about to leave your site. It’s like giving them one last chance to stay connected.
Here’s how to set it up in ConvertKit:
Opt in Forms: The Gateway to Your Email List
Alright, let’s talk about opt-in forms. These little guys are crucial for growing your list, but man, did we mess them up at first! We tried to get way too much info upfront, and people bounced faster than a rubber ball.
Here’s what we learned: keep it simple, stupid (KISS). Ask for the bare minimum – usually just a name and email address. Anything more, and you’re likely to scare folks off.
Placement is key too. We experimented with putting forms in all sorts of places on our site. Some winners? The footer (always visible), the header menu (hard to miss), and at the end of blog posts (when people are engaged with your content).
Placement: Location, Location, Location
Where you put your opt-in forms can make or break your signup rate. We tried a bunch of different spots, and here’s what worked best for us:
- Footer: Always visible, not intrusive.
- Top navigation: Well, other words, the Contact Page. Easy to spot for interested visitors.
- End of blog posts: Great for capturing readers who’ve just enjoyed your content.
- Scroll boxes: We did not use this one yet. These appear as users scroll down the page.
Pro tip: Use A/B testing to figure out which spots work best for your audience. It’s like rearranging your art studio to find the perfect setup – it takes some trial and error.
CTAs: Make 'Em Want to Click
Your call-to-action (CTA) is like the signature on your artwork – it’s gotta make an impact. We learned that using action words like “Download,” “Exclusive,” and “Access” can really boost those click rates.
Remember to sprinkle these CTAs throughout your site, especially in your blog posts. Make them stand out, but don’t go overboard – you don’t want your site looking like a neon sign factory exploded.
Landing Pages: Your Secret Weapon
Creating a killer landing page for email signups is like setting up the perfect gallery show – every detail matters. We learned that a good landing page needs to be clear, concise, and compelling. It should scream “value” to your visitors.
Think of your landing page as a special VIP area for potential subscribers. It needs to catch their eye and make them feel like they’re getting something exclusive. We’ve had great success creating themed landing pages for special promotions or events.
Driving traffic to these pages is crucial. We use a mix of SEO (yeah, those tech skills came in handy), social media shoutouts, and even targeted emails to our existing subscribers asking them to spread the word.
Landing Page Essentials: The Must-Haves
After some trial and error, we figured out the key ingredients for a high-converting landing page:
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- Clear, compelling message: Tell visitors exactly what they’re getting.
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- Strong value proposition: Why should they sign up? Make it obvious.
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- Social proof: We added testimonials from happy subscribers, and it made a big difference.
Think of your landing page like a mini-portfolio – it needs to showcase the best of what you offer and leave visitors wanting more.
Drive Traffic to Your Landing Page: Build It and They Will Come (Maybe)
Getting eyes on your landing page is half the battle. Here’s what worked for us:
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- SEO: We optimized our page for relevant keywords. It takes time, but it pays off.
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- Quality content: We created blog posts and resources that naturally lead people to our landing page.
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- Social media: We share our landing page across all our channels, mixing it up with our regular content. You can insert it in your instagram bio.
Pro tip: Don’t just set it and forget it. Keep tweaking and testing your landing page. Content upgrades would help you see what resonates best with your audience.
Leveraging Social Media for Email Signups: It's All Connected
One of our list building strategy is adding signup prompts to our social media bios and running campaigns specifically designed to encourage newsletter signups.
As we all know, consistency is key. It’s all about creating multiple touchpoints for potential subscribers.
Add Signup Links: Make It Easy for Them
We learned that adding direct links to our newsletter signup form in our social media bios is a game-changer. Here’s how get more sign ups:
- Twitter: We embedded a link in our bio that leads straight to our signup landing page.
- Facebook: We added a call-to-action button on our business page specifically for email signups.
- Instagram: We use a service called Linktree to consolidate multiple links in our bio, including our newsletter signup.
Pro tip: Make sure your signup process is mobile-friendly. A lot of social media browsing happens on phones, so you want the transition from social platform to signup form to be smooth as silk.
Running Contests and Giveaways: Everybody Loves Free Stuff
Running contests and giveaways on social media has been a fantastic way for us to boost our email list. People love free stuff, especially when it’s art-related! We’ve found that these promotions spread like wildfire, especially when we ask participants to share for extra entries.
Here’s a cool trick we discovered: partner up with other artists or brands for your giveaways. It makes the prizes more appealing and helps you tap into a wider, more targeted audience. We did a collab giveaway with a local art supply store, and our list grew by leaps and bounds!
Just remember to always require an email address for entry. It’s amazing how quickly your list can grow when you’ve got an irresistible offer on the table!
Welcome New Subscribers: First Impressions Matter
Alright, let’s talk about welcoming new subscribers. This is where our project management skills really came in handy – it’s all about setting expectations and delivering value right from the start.
We learned that a whopping 74% of new subscribers expect to receive a welcome email when they sign up. And get this – welcome emails have an average open rate of 68.59%! That’s huge compared to regular emails.
At first, we didn’t send welcome emails at all. Big mistake. We noticed that new subscribers weren’t very engaged, and some even unsubscribed pretty quickly. Once we implemented a welcome email sequence, though, things turned around fast. Then what we did is to provide a %10 discount coupon on our first Welcome Mails. It worked out.
Our welcome series usually consists of 3-5 emails that introduce newbies to our brand and deliver some immediate value. It’s like rolling out the red carpet for VIP guests at an art gallery opening.
Welcome Series: Make Them Feel at Home
Here’s how we structure our welcome series:
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- A warm welcome with an exclusive discount (because who doesn’t love a good deal?)
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- Our brand story (how we transitioned from tech to art, our inspiration, etc.)
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- Popular content or products (giving them a taste of what they can expect)
This approach has really helped new subscribers feel like part of our community right from the get-go. It’s all about making that personal connection early on.
Personalization Tips: It's All in the Details
Adding a personal touch to your welcome emails can make a world of difference. We learned this the hard way after sending out some pretty generic emails at first. Talk about a snooze fest!
In one of first emails, we forgot to do the personalization settings and really sent out. Boy, embaressed so much, but what you can do? They went out with the greeting of “Hey [First Name]” 🙂
Another lessons learned not to forget the personalization. Here’s how to personalize your mail in ConvertKit:
We’ve also had great success with personalized CTAs. Instead of a boring “Click here,” we use something like “Sarah, check out your exclusive welcome offer!” It’s a small change, but it’s boosted our click-through rates significantly.
Clean and Maintain Your Email List: Keep It Fresh
We did not have to do this yet but cleaning your list regularly is obviously very important like any other data. It means removing subscribers who’ve gone AWOL and updating contact details for the ones who are still with you. It might seem counterintuitive to remove people from your list, but trust us, it’s worth it. A clean list means better delivery rates, fewer bounced emails, and happier subscribers overall.
When we get there we will write about how to maintain your list and keep it up-to-date. List Maintenance: The Nitty-Gritty
Segmenting Your Audience: One Size Doesn't Fit All
Segmenting our email list was a game-changer for us. It’s like curating different collections for different art lovers – not everyone wants the same thing, right?
We segment our list based on things like subscriber behavior (what they click on, what they buy) and their interests (surface patterns, wall art, business tips). This allows us to send more targeted, relevant emails to each group.
For example, we might send a tutorial on creating repeating patterns to our surface design enthusiasts, while our wall art lovers get a sneak peek at our latest limited edition prints. The result? Higher engagement rates and happier subscribers.
Measure and Optimize: Data is Your Friend
Alright, time to put on our data nerd hats (yep, we’ve still got ’em from our IT days). Measuring and optimizing your email marketing efforts is crucial if you want to keep improving.
We keep a close eye on key metrics like open rates, click-through rates, and conversion rates. Open rates tell us how well our subject lines are resonating, click-through rates show us if our content and CTAs are on point, and conversion rates give us the big picture of how well our campaigns are performing overall.
Metrics to Watch: The Numbers Game
Here are the key metrics we keep an eye on:
- Open rates: Are our subject lines catchy enough?
- Click-through rates: Is our content compelling people to take action?
- Conversion rates: Are our emails actually driving sales or sign-ups?
We use these metrics to constantly refine our approach. It’s like critiquing your own artwork – sometimes it’s tough, but it’s the only way to improve!
Don't Do This: Learn from Our Mistakes
Okay, time for some real talk. We’ve made our fair share of mistakes on this email marketing journey, and we want to save you the headache. Here are some big no-nos, some of them we learned the hard way:
First off, don’t even think about buying email lists. We were tempted early on when our list growth was slow, but thankfully, we resisted. Purchased lists are a recipe for disaster – they’ll tank your deliverability rates and could even get you in legal hot water. On the contrary, we collect email addresses on our own with all these methods we explained above. We run successful email marketing campaigns by really learning this process ourselves.
A mistake we made? Bombarding our subscribers with emails. We got excited about our new designs and wanted to share everything, all the time. Big mistake. We saw our unsubscribe rates spike faster than you can say “inbox overload.” Now, we focus on quality over quantity, and our engagement rates are much healthier.
Spammy Tactics: Just Don’t
Here's a quick rundown of what to avoid:
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- Buying email lists: It’s tempting, but it’s a shortcut to the spam folder.
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- Over-emailing: Respect your subscribers’ inboxes. Quality trumps quantity every time.
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- Misleading subject lines: Clickbait might get opens, but it’ll erode trust in the long run.
“Grow your email list organically” is our main email marketing strategy.
Compliance: Stay on the Right Side of the Law
Laws like GDPR in Europe and CAN-SPAM in the US have specific guidelines on how to handle subscriber data and messages.
Staying compliant isn’t just about avoiding legal trouble (though that’s a big plus). It’s also about respecting your subscribers’ privacy and building trust.
Conclusion: You've Got This!
Whew! We’ve covered a lot of ground, haven’t we? Building an email list and growing it might seem daunting at first, especially if you’re more comfortable with a paintbrush than a keyboard. But trust us, it’s worth the effort.
Remember, focus on creating valuable content, choose the right tools, and always, always respect your email subscribers. Place your opt-in forms strategically, craft compelling CTAs, and shout it out from your social media accounts to grow your email list.
Building a high-quality email list takes time, but it’s one of the most powerful tools you can have in your artist’s toolkit. It’s your direct line to your audience, your cheerleaders, your potential customers. So start now, be patient, and watch your email list (and your art business) grow!
Remember, we’re all in this together. The art world is all about community, so don’t be afraid to reach out to fellow artists for advice or collaboration opportunities. Who knows? Your next big breakthrough might just be a newsletter away!
Now, go forth and conquer those inboxes! You’ve got this, and we’re rooting for you every step of the way.
FAQs
Q: What exactly is an email list and why should I care as an artist?
A: Think of an email list as your personal fan club. It’s a group of people who’ve said, “Hey, I dig your art! Keep me in the loop!” As artists, having this direct line to our audience is gold. It lets us share our latest work, announce shows or sales, and build real relationships with our supporters. Plus, when it comes to selling our art, email converts way better than social media.
Q: How do I create lead magnets that actually work?
A: Creating effective lead magnets is all about knowing your target audience. What do they want? What problems can you solve for them? For us, offering things like exclusive wallpaper designs or infographs. free pdfs about SEO has worked wonders. The key is to make your offer irresistible and relevant to your art. And don’t forget to highlight the benefits in your call-to-action. Instead of “Subscribe now,” try something like “Get your free art guide and level up your creativity!”
Q: I’m new to all this. What’s a good email marketing platform for beginners?
A: We feel you! When we first started, we were totally overwhelmed by all the options out there. After trying a few, we’d recommend Mailchimp, ConvertKit, or Sendinblue for beginners. Mailchimp is great if you want a free option to start with. ConvertKit is awesome if you want something tailored for creatives like us. And Sendinblue is a good all-rounder with some budget-friendly plans. They all have user-friendly interfaces and plenty of features to help you get started. Just pick one and dive in – you can always switch later if you need to! If you need help, contact us!
Q: How can I drive more traffic to my landing page?
A: Driving traffic to your landing page is like promoting an art show – you’ve gotta get the word out! We’ve had success with a mix of strategies. First, focus on SEO – use relevant keywords in your page content so people can find you through search engines. Create high-quality content that naturally leads people to your landing page – blog posts, videos, whatever suits your style. And if you need help, check our Services. Remember, it’s all about consistency and providing value!
Q: Why is it so important to maintain and clean my email list?
A: Cleaning your email list is like decluttering your art studio – it might not be fun, but it makes everything work better! A clean list means better deliverability (your emails actually reach inboxes), higher engagement rates (people are opening and clicking), and fewer complaints (which keeps you out of the spam folder).
