In the latest episode of the Blogger Genius Podcast, I sit down with Greg Zakowicz, an expert marketer from Omnisend, to delve into all the cool things a blogger can do with email marketing. We explore its renewed significance in the digital landscape, especially for online entrepreneurs looking to build and nurture their audiences.

The Importance of Email Marketing

Email marketing has seen a resurgence as other channels like social media and SEO become increasingly saturated. Unlike these platforms, email allows bloggers to communicate directly with subscribers who have opted in, making it a powerful tool for building relationships and driving sales.

Show Notes:

• MiloTreeCart
• Book a FREE 20-minute call with me
• Omnisend
• MiloTree Pop-Up App
• Join My Blogger Genius Email List
• Become a Blogger Genius Facebook Group
• All Blogger Genius Podcast Episodes

Subscribe to the Blogger Genius Podcast:

• iTunes
• YouTube
• Spotify

Key Benefits of Email Marketing:

• Direct Communication: Reach subscribers who are already interested in your content.
• Personalization: Tailor messages to specific segments of your audience.
• High Engagement: Subscribers are in a receptive mindset, leading to better engagement rates.

Building a Quality Email List

Greg emphasizes the importance of focusing on the quality of your email list rather than just the quantity. A high-quality list consists of engaged subscribers who are genuinely interested in your content.

Strategies for Building a Quality Email List:

• Offer Valuable Incentives: Instead of generic giveaways, offer something that aligns with your audience's interests, such as early access to products or exclusive content.
• Create a Sense of Exclusivity: Make your subscribers feel special by offering them unique opportunities or experiences.
• Use Simple Opt-In Forms: Make it easy for visitors to subscribe by using straightforward and user-friendly forms.

Treating Early Customers as VIPs

I share my approach of treating our early MiloTree customers as VIPs, which helps in building a loyal community around our brand.

Tips for Treating Customers as VIPs:

• Personal Connections: Respond promptly to emails and acknowledge customers by name.
• Exclusive Offers: Provide early access to new products or special discounts.
• Community Building: Foster a sense of belonging by engaging with your audience and encouraging them to share their experiences.

Crafting a Welcome Series

A well-crafted welcome series can set the tone for your relationship with new subscribers. Greg advises that the number of messages in your welcome series should depend on what you need to communicate.

Elements of an Effective Welcome Series:

• Engaging First Email: The first email typically has the highest open rates, so make it count. Introduce yourself and your brand in a relatable manner.
• Storytelling Approach: Share your journey and what subscribers can expect from your emails.
• Relevant Content: Include links to popular blog posts or helpful resources that resonate with your audience.

Utilizing Segmentation

Segmentation is crucial for sending relevant messages to the right audience. Greg introduces the concept of segmentation within welcome emails, allowing bloggers to tailor follow-up messages based on subscriber interests.

Segmentation Strategies:

• Tags During Sign-Up: Use tags to categorize subscribers based on their interests during the sign-up process.
• Preference Campaigns: Conduct campaigns to gather information about subscribers' preferences.
• Self-Segmentation: Allow subscribers to self-segment by clicking on options in emails, simplifying the process and empowering them to express their preferences.

Simplicity is Key

Both Jillian and Greg stress the importance of simplicity in email marketing. Overcomplicating processes can lead to inaction, so it's essential to keep things straightforward.

Tips for Keeping It Simple:

• Concise Emails: Keep your emails short and to the point, with clear and engaging sections.
• Visual Elements: Use buttons or icons to guide readers and make your emails visually appealing.
• Actionable Steps: Focus on small, manageable steps that encourage subscribers to take action.

Crafting Effective Subject Lines

Subject lines play a crucial role in determining whether your emails get opened. Greg shares his approach to writing effective subject lines.

Best Practices for Subject Lines:

• Character Limit: Aim for 21 to 40 characters to ensure visibility on mobile devices.
•  
• Relevance and Action-Oriented Language: Create subject lines that pique curiosity and provide a clear reason to open the email.
•  
• Testing and Feedback: Write multiple subject lines, including unconventional ones, to think outside the box and find what works best.

Building Relationships with Subscribers

Building genuine relationships with your subscribers is essential for long-term success. Understanding your audience's perspective can lead to more effective communication.

Strategies for Building Relationships:

• Personalization: Tailor your messages to address the specific needs and interests of your subscribers.
• Engagement Tactics: Host exclusive online events or focus groups for email subscribers to foster a sense of community.
• Emotional Connection: Make subscribers feel seen and part of a larger community, addressing the loneliness many people feel today.

Final Thoughts on Email Marketing

Effective email marketing doesn't have to be complicated. By focusing on providing value, being human, and simplifying processes, businesses can achieve success in their email marketing efforts.

Key Takeaways:

• Quality Over Quantity: Focus on building a high-quality email list with engaged subscribers.
• Personal Touch: Treat early customers as VIPs and foster a sense of community.
• Simplicity: Keep your emails concise and straightforward, with clear calls to action.
• Segmentation: Use segmentation to send relevant messages to the right audience.
• Engagement: Build genuine relationships with your subscribers by understanding their needs and interests.

Other Related Blogger Genius Podcast episodes You’ll Enjoy:

• #336: Master Email Tripwires: Convert Subscribers into Customer with Jillian Leslie
• #335: Why Freebies Are the Secret Sauce to Email List Success with Jillian Leslie
• #321: How Email Marketing Helps Bloggers Increase Ad Revenue with Cassie Noyes

MiloTreeCart, the Best Tool for Non-Techies to Sell Digital Products

I also want to introduce you to the MiloTreeCart, a tool designed for non-techies to sell digital products easily. It comes with features like fill-in-the-blank sales pages, check-out pages, a sales dashboard, upsells, and customer support. MiloTreeCart is currently available for a lifetime deal of $349 or three easy installments of $116.33.