How To Grow Your Email List in 2022
I may have interviewed over 40 children’s book authors in 2021 alone. The last question I ask in each of these interviews or via the application process is if a parent is interested in buying your books, where can they find you?
90% of the time, authors point potential new readers to social media or Amazon.
They may begin to notice that:
- with each new book release, they feel like they are starting over with their marketing plan
- a potential new reader may follow them on social but fall victim to the algorithm
- or the possible reader visits their site, but without a way to sign up, the author has no way to chat with them again
When an author tells me they have a great disdain for social media or they are frustrated with marketing their book– I immediately know why:
There is no plan to keep that reader engaged past reading their first book. So each time the author releases something new, they hope that the reader who liked their first book happens to discover a new book is out. 😬
Social media is a point of contention for most people, not just children’s book authors.
Did you know that even if someone ‘likes’ your page on Facebook, only about 6% of your fans will see it?
Whereas email, which is my absolute favorite form of communicating with my Bookmates, has a 40% open rate?!
Imagine this scenario:
- Barbara buys your first book for her child after seeing it on Amazon
- You have a QR code in your physical or ebook for them to get a fantastic freebie
- They sign up and hear from you consistently about what you are working on next
- They are excited!!!
- Your next book publishes, you email them that it’s ready
- They buy it!
Now think about this:
- Barbara buys your first book for her child after seeing it on Amazon
- Her child loves it, but since you don’t have an invitation to an email list, she scours the web for your social media
- She follows you on Instagram and only sees your posts when Instagram decides to feed them to her (darn algorithm)
- Barbara never sees your updates
- Second book comes out– no Barabara 🙁
So how do you avoid losing your potential reader to social media?
I would implore any author to start an email list and regularly update their readers.
How to Grow Your Email List
There are many ways to go about this, and I will share three here:
1. How to grow your email list on social media
Place a call to action on your social media
Most of the children’s book authors I speak to hate social media. I get it. It’s so much work and seemingly minimal reward.
However, if you set up your social media platforms/ bio correctly, you can reduce the number of times you have to post and focus on engaging.
People want to know who you are when you engage on social media. They check out your bio, see that you are giving away something they’ll love (a freebie)– then sign up for your list! Bam!
2. How to grow your email list with your book
Make sure to add an email list invite to your book
Whether you offer an ebook or print version of your book, you can always add a QR code (or link for ebooks) and invite your reader to your list. If they love your book and you are offering something to supplement that book, your reader will want to join your list to receive that item.
When you send them the freebie you promised, introduce yourself! Tell them about your mission, why you write, and anything else you think they should know. Invite them to email you back.
This exchange is the beginning of a positive relationship with your readers.
3. How to grow your email list quickly
Offer a giveaway
If you are wondering: How can I make my email list grow faster? Check out giveaways🙌🏾
Giveaways are a quick, surefire way to start an email list and grow it quickly.
The key is to require an email address for entry, not just follows or likes. (i.e. Instagram based giveaways)
Once they opt into the giveaway, they also opt into your list, and you can continue to communicate and share your message with them.
Don’t wait to start your list. Do it today!
Marketing a children’s book can feel like you are on a hamster wheel. Each time you release a book, you may feel like you’re starting from point A again.
Learning how to grow your email list can remove some of the marketing pressure.
As the admin of a few parenting communities, I know that parents love to buy from authors they know and trust.
If you find a way to engage them and bring them into your world, you can be that author.
Starting an email list and nurturing your current and potential readers can be the solution for you.
Make sure to check out this free download, if you are looking for how to grow your list from scratch.
