If someone hasn’t already told you, or you have somehow been under a rock for a while, having a social media strategy is vital to growing an email list. Just think of all the wonderful (slight sarcasm) things you are able to do with social media.
Scheduling posts, uploading videos, photos. Creating tags for specific posts on the products you sell, and of course, we can’t forget hashtagging everything.
Now you can’t use links within your Instagram posts, but this is only a slight challenge that you could overcome.
You can simply include a signup link within your bio. That’s right, you can include a link to a landing page or opt-in form that requests the email address of the visitor (or someone who is already following you).
You have to take a two-step approach when you do this.
The Two- Step Approach
Step 1:
Make sure that the link goes to an opt-in form that also includes some value proposition in exchange for their email address…think ebook, email course, downloadable checklist, etc.
Step 2: Whenever you create content and post to Instagram, be sure and remind your followers about that link in your bio.
Walla, it’s that simple.
Now obviously you can employ this same process with whatever other social media site you’re on. That only makes the most sense. You want to make sure you convert your followers into subscribers, no question about that.
We will go one step further to help you on your email list growth adventure.
SPLIT TESTING!
Yes, you’ve either heard of it, used it, or have no clue as to what we are talking about.
Split testing is also referred to as A/B testing.
Let’s briefly touch upon this.
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What is A/B Testing?
So we are talking about email list growth and social media accounts. But in general A/B testing is basically where you have two variations of a campaign and you send either traffic or part of your email list to one version, and another part of your traffic or email list to another, and the main goal is to see which variation gives you the best results.
So in the context of what we are talking about, you would basically A/B test your social media accounts with a link in your bio to various content upgrades or opt-ins. You could even test the posts themselves, and figure out which social media audience is driving more email subscribers based on the specific post/link you are using.
Listen, making a small change can make a big difference. So you don’t want to compare night and day, or apples to oranges. When it comes to email, some people just change the subject line, others just one word. You might change the opt-in form freebie that you offer as well.
Start slow and work your way into it. Don’t force something if nothing is there to be forced.
Instagram and social media, in general, can truly help you grow your email list. You just have to be patient and understand that it is all about providing value to your followers. Make those people want to go to your website and give you their email so you can have a stronger relationship with them.
If they feel like they will “get more access” to what you have to offer both in products and services, or in content, than they are getting through your social media posts, then you will grow a targeted, niche, highly engaged email list, which is what we should all be after.

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