Are you a writer of any sort? An artist? Craftsman or photographer?  If you answered yes you need an email list. 

Right now you are reaching your audience on Social Media outlets like Steemit, facebook and twitter.  But I wouldn't count on facebook, for instance, in the long run.  With all their breaches and shenanigans, they may soon be a thing of the past.  

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Not just for business owners and salemen, email lists allow you to connect with your ever growing fan base and have a guaranteed way to reach them.  

If you are thinking you don't have anything to say, you may be only picturing using your list for sales.  But the growing trend is for transparency- people want to hear about what is going on, whether you have something in the works, been publishing daily articles on Steemit (your list can help bring in a greater audience here, too) took a much needed vacation, or already have something to sell.

I recommend monetizing your emails.  If you do not have something to sell yet, get plugged in with an affiliate marketing platform and place a pretty ad at the bottom of your emails.  This is a great way to get the feel for it, and a small ad is not pushy so it will not cross the uncomfortable threshold.

But your list belongs to you and you alone, and nobody can take it from you.  Your list is how you will communicate with your audience.  Besides, research studies have been conducted on this and they all prove that a much higher percentage of people open and engage with emails and the contents and links within over social media- where it's easy to get lost in the noise.  An email is more personal- it's like you knocked on their door and left a written note.

What happens when a platform goes away or becomes obsolete?  It's not going to matter to you because I will share an easy plan to build an email list.
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**Find a Service**

There are free and paid email services, and some of them have a free version so when you are famous and your list becomes huge you can seamlessly switch over.  Keep in mind that moving your list from provider to provider is a lot of work.  You will want to do some research and compare the services to find one that is right for you.  Be sure that you read reviews, too.

The services have built-in analytics so you can see who opened your email, how long they read, and if they clicked on links.  This will help you determine what works and what doesn't.
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**First Come First**

Add your family and friends.  A simple text will work wonders here- "I'm starting an email list for (business or hobby here) would you like to be on it?" Be sure to verify their email address.
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**Give to Receive**

To grow your list you must offer something of value.

They are giving their email address to you.  This is a commitment to receiving your correspondence at least once a month.  You must offer something in return.

You do not want to mail them less than once a month, or more than once a week.

Think about what you can offer the world.  Brainstorm something small but useful.  Something that fills a need, answers a question people have or solves a problem.  Make it about **them.**  

For email templates, you can find multiple examples on the internet, but Upscri.be is a super inexpensive option to make forms that I totally love.  It also works with most email services.  

**Quality not Quantity**

Now it's time to start creating bad-ass emails!  Take some time with this, this is after all your *brand* and the first impression your audience will have of you and your craft.  

It will take time. Do not expect a mad viral outbreak in the beginning. Just like with business, writing and art- it takes time.  Do not give up!  You will realize yoru email list is the best thing you have done for your success by far.  If you spend time in one area of your business it should be your email list.
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**Ask**

Try not to feel overwhelmed.  Ask people to join your list.  Put your signup at the end of blog posts.  

Those who want will happily sign up.  And those who don't will not think any different of you.  

Do not overthink this, just ask :)

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### Today's Challenge

Research email services and find one that fits your needs.  Sign up and ask your friends and family if you can add them.  Then start outlining your voyage email journey!

Bon Voyage my friend!  


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Images via Pixabay and Unsplash
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**Be a Better Writer in Just One Month!  Join the 31 Day Writing Challenge to transform your writing and your life!**

[Day 1](https://steemit.com/writing/@arbitrarykitten/31-day-writing-challenge-day-1-the-truth-about-writing-time) The Truth About Making Time For Writing
[Day 2](https://steemit.com/writing/@arbitrarykitten/31-day-writing-challenge-day-2-how-to-find-ideas-from-your-life) How to Incorporate Ideas From Life in Your Writing
[Day 3](https://steemit.com/writing/@arbitrarykitten/master-the-art-of-captivating-your-readers-31-day-writing-challenge-day-3) Master the Art of Captivating Your Readers
[Day 4](https://steemit.com/steemit/@arbitrarykitten/how-to-eliminate-distractions-transform-your-blog-with-31-day-writing-challenge-day-4) Banishing Distractions
[Day 5](https://steemit.com/steemit/@arbitrarykitten/getting-your-writing-noticed-for-free-day-5-of-the-31-day-writing-transformation) Get Your Writing Noticed!
[Day 6](https://steemit.com/writing/@arbitrarykitten/morning-pages-are-your-key-for-ideas-and-creativity-day-6-of-31-days-writing-challenge) The Importance of Morning Pages
[Day 7](https://steemit.com/steemit/@arbitrarykitten/why-you-should-write-even-if-you-re-not-a-writer-day-6-of-the-31-day-writing-challenge) Why You Should Write Even if You're Not a Writer
[Day 8](https://steemit.com/writing/@arbitrarykitten/how-to-personify-an-object-transform-your-writing-day-8) How to Personify an Object
[Day 9](https://steemit.com/steemiteducation/@arbitrarykitten/how-to-use-writing-prompts-right-day-9-of-the-total-writer-transformation) How to Use Writing Prompts to Improve Your Skills

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