It dawned on me this morning that exactly two years ago, I started this email list.
Since then, I’ve written an email almost every single day.
That’s over 700 emails.
And while writing those 700 emails, I’ve learned a lot about email marketing.
So I’m gonna share a few of those “ah ha” moments with you today…
– The emails that get the greatest response for me are almost always personal struggle stories. For example, the email I wrote last year about my mom calling me a “scammer” got more replies than anything I’ve ever written. People might not have related to their mom calling them a scammer, but they related to the people around them not believing in them. That’s why struggle stories connect so well.
– It’s not about the size of your list – it’s about who’s on the list, and your connection with them. My list is tiny compared to most lists. As of this morning there’s 1942 people on my list. So nothing to write home about numbers wise. But here’s what matters. Most of the 1942 people on my list are SERIOUS marketers. They’re business owners and copywriters who are actually making money. And that’s the kind of people I want to talk to. I don’t want flaky biz-opp seekers on this list. I want real, committed business people. And that’s what I get. It’s all about WHO is on your list, not the size of your list.
– The key to good emails is entertainment and vulnerability. When I started this email list, I was writing really tactical emails about conversion rates and stuff like that. I soon realized that’s not what people want. Why? Cause it’s boring. People want to be entertained. That’s why I tell a lot of stories (especially personal stories). And I make sure my stories have a point in them that teaches something about marketing. People listen to Howard Stern to be entertained. They watch The Bachelor to be entertained. Same thing goes for reading emails.
– You have to have 1 platform that is your main way to talk to your tribe. For me, my 1 platform is email. It’s how I talk to you everyday. For Joe Rogan, it’s his podcast. For Craig Ballantyne, it’s his Instagram. You can’t be awesome at all of these. You have to find your 1 platform and become the best at it. For me, that’s email above all else.
– My email strategy is NOT the only strategy that works. My strategy is all about the long game. For others it’s all about “churn n burn” (like in weight loss). I used to think my strategy was the best, but it’s not. It’s the best FOR ME. But for another business where the list doesn’t stick around for long, pounding them with offers every day might be a better approach. It’s all about figuring out which email strategy works best for YOU.
– People want to see your rough edges. They don’t want you to be perfect. They want to see the real you, flaws and all. When I talk about things like my battles with being a work-a-holic, or how my mom and I don’t get along, or how I still struggle with feeling like I’m not good enough when I’m at certain events…people relate to that. It strengthens the bond between you and me. I’m not just some internet marketer to you. I’m a real dude who has worries and struggles just like you. But that can only happen when you’re able to show that side of yourself. A lot of people think revealing your flaws will hurt you in business. But the reality is, that’s the stuff people connect with. Cause everyone has flaws. And it’s your flaws that make you real and relatable.
So there ya have it.
I’m sure I could go all day on this.
But those are 6 of the big things I’ve learned after writing 2 years of daily emails.
Before I go…
I just want to say a big “thanks” for tuning in and reading my emails every day.
This whole list kind of started on a whim.
So to see what it’s grown into…
And to see the businesses I’ve been able to launch from it…
It’s pretty amazing.
So I’m glad you’re tuning in to hear what I have to say.
That’s all I got for today.
Enjoy your Saturday.
– Justin
If you want to hear more from Justin, he has a private email list for top marketers, copywriters and business owners. To apply to be on the email list simply click the button below that says “apply now”.
