21 Ways to Build Your Email List Organically

Acquiring new subscribers is critical for the continued success of an email marketing program. Taking into account churn (losing contacts), if you have subscriber goals that you need to meet, you have to not only make up for lost subscribers but continuously build your email list. In evaluating ways to grow your list, I highly recommend growing your list organically. This is not always the easiest method, but it's worth it in the long run. Below, I've created a list of 21 tips to help your organic list growth. Look over the list and evaluate what you're currently doing today. With so many ways to grow your list, this could also serve as a checklist:

1. Make sure the sign-up is highly visible, sells the sign-up, and exists on most pages of your site.
2. Consider a light-box pop-up.
3. Add an email opt-in checkbox to your contest entry form, free downloads, registrations for webinars, accounts, or wishlists.
4. Get permission at check-out.
5. Ask on your blog!
6. Include Forward-to-a-Friend links in your creative.
7. Make Share-With-Your-Network links part of your template.
8. Develop a Refer-a-Friend Program.
9. Conduct Friends-and-Family campaigns.
10. Put your sign-up form on Facebook.
11. Use your Facebook wall and Twitter account to push sign-ups and link to form.
12. Enable people to text-to-join.
13. Add a sign-up option during mobile app downloads.
14. Create QR codes and put on print pieces (in checkout lane or on shipping box) and link to sign-up.
15. Partner with non-competing businesses and run ads on each other’s sites and in each others newsletters.
16. Consider partnering with a reputable company that does co-registration the "right" way - like Pontiflex.
17. Go viral. Create a compelling video.
18. Motivate call center or store employees with some kind of incentive program for gathering working addresses.
19. Print URL (or QR code) on marketing materials. Think outside the box: back of receipts, on bags/boxes, price tags, etc.
20. Use catalog or fulfillment inserts.
21. Gather names during special in-person events using iPad apps or traditional raffles.

If you're interested in hearing more about these tactics or would like more information on how to implement a tactic, I am hosting a webinar with Bronto partner, Fifth Gear. In the webinar on August 17th at 12:30 EST, we'll get into best practices and client successes, so be sure to register now and save your spot!

Kristen Gregory
Manager of Strategic Services at Bronto
@kristengreg