How to grow your mailing list without annoying people

Building an email list is one of the most valuable things you can do for your marketing, but it is also easy to get wrong. Push too hard and you will put people off. Do too little and you will not grow at all.

The good news is that growing your list can be simple, ethical and effective. No tricks or spam required.

Why your email list matters

Social media reach can change overnight. Website traffic can be unpredictable. But a good email list gives you a direct line to your audience on your terms.

That means more control, better engagement and a stronger return on your content.

Some tips to help your mailing list grow:

Make it worth signing up for

If you want people to give you their email address, you need to offer something they actually want. That might be:

• A useful free resource or guide
• Early access to something valuable
• Exclusive content or updates
• A simple promise of helpful emails (as long as you deliver)

Whatever you offer, make it clear, specific and relevant to your audience.

Keep your form short and clear

Most people will not fill out a long form unless they really have to. Name and email is often enough. Anything more should have a strong reason behind it.

If you need more information, explain why. Always make it clear that people can unsubscribe at any time.

Promote it gently and consistently

A sign-up form buried in your footer will not get much attention. Instead, look for natural places to promote it:

• In blog posts or articles
• As a call to action on your About or Contact page
• At the end of a helpful guide
• Occasionally on social media

You do not need to shout. You just need to be visible and relevant.

Photo: Taryn Elliott