Trying to build your email list?

Why not have a contest?

Contests are a lot of fun. They can be as simple as submitting one’s name and the winner is drawn from a hat or a bit more involved by requiring specific submission rules such as sending a photograph or essay.

Everyone loves free stuff. Give your audience an incentive to share their email address by running a contest. You can promote your contest on your website, within a blog post, within your emails to your current list, and social media.

Start by choosing a product, service, or opportunity you can give away — this could be anything from a coupon, gift basket, or free ticket to an upcoming event.

Then, make it easy for your fans to enter. You can collect names and email addresses to choose a winner at random, or ask your fans to provide an entry relevant to your business.

For example, a car wash business could run a photo contest for the “dirtiest car.” You can even crowdsource the winner by asking your audience to vote for the top five entries.

The great thing about contests is that it’s an easy word-of-mouth type of referral. Depending upon your prize, your audience will likely share the contest with those they think will benefit the most from it.

Using the example above, how many of us have a “dirtiest car” owner in our family? Or work with one?

Engaging people is the name of the game. A contest allows you to demonstrate goodwill and generosity while helping you identify your tribe–those who are interested in your business.

And don’t forget to pull in some fun and wacky holidays to add a twist to your contests. The website https://www.brownielocks.com/ is a great place to find them. Special holiday months, weeks, and days are listed.

The point is, there are other ways to build your list other than featuring a lead magnet. Test out other ideas such as quizzes, surveys, infographics, templates, a free podcast or slide presentation.

Your audience is always tuning in to the WII-FM station… “What’s In It For Me?” Make your offer irresistible.