Do you have a mailing list? Do you send out a regular newsletter?
This is a post about ConvertKit, the email management service I use.
If you want to build a platform — as a writer, blogger, or entreprenuer — the most valuable asset you can build up is an email list. Social media followings are amazing, but you are always at the mercy of the alogorithm, and you never know how many people see your posts.
Email, in contrast, allows you to build a relationship with your readers, and to fine tune exactly how and when you will speak to them.
Trying to build up a platform without an email list is like trying to fill a bucket with a hole in the botttom. You can do it, maybe, but it’s going to take a lot of effort. Whereas, once you have an email list of over, say, one thousand people, everything else (selling books, running a reader survey…) becomes much easier.
Now, if you are building a list, you probably need a professional email manager. Some of these start off free, like Mail Chimp, but most cost a monthly subscription.
I can say that using ConvertKit was among the best decisions I made this time last year, when I restarted my blog, and got serious about building a newsletter.
The service is easy to start using and scales up beautifully. The people running the company also seem nice, affirming, and friendly.
I can definitely recommend you give the service a try. If you do, feel free to email me with questions (see the note / disclaimer below about afffiliate links.)
Best wishes,
Daniel
I’m paying very close attention to everything you’ve put out there about blogging and building an audience. I think you’re doing great work in this department, and I have a feeling you’re advice is going to help me launch my own online literary project with success.
Thanks for continuing to share your expertise.
Thank you! Appreciated.
Thanks for the recommendation, Daniel!
It’s a really big change — the switch to an email list, I mean.
nnnjjThanks for sharing your advice, Daniel
Thank you, Diane!