The biggest question I get about dCommerce™ products and any sort of online shop is: “Do I need to have an email list?” The short answer: YES!

Of course, if you’re just starting out, you might be panicking right now, thinking about the whopping 7 people you’ve got on your email list. You may not even have an email list. Don’t freak out; it’s totally normal to not have an email list. But if you want to grow your template or product shop, you’re going to need an email list. How do you build one?!?

Here, I’ll show you 4 ways to start building your digital product shop email list.

Invite past clients

If you’ve never had a system for adding past clients to your email list, now is the time to ask them if they’d like to join your email list. Now, you can’t just add people to your email list without asking.

So why not send out a campaign to your past clients or supporters, and ask them if they’d like to be part of your email list? Give them a heads up that you’ll be sharing something new and exciting, and they’ll have a first peek at your new products.

Create a list-building opt-in

One of the best ways to get NEW people on your list is to create something they’d be willing to trade their email for. Maybe it’s a checklist for writing their own web copy, or maybe it’s a quick guide on how to optimize SEO on their new website.

Whatever it is, make sure that it leads into your shop’s products. You don’t want to create a checklist for SEO if what you’re selling is a branded social media graphics kit. Make sure you promote this new opt-in wherever you can, and include it on your website so casual visitors get on the list, too.

Embrace the nurture sequence

A nurture sequence is a series of emails you can use to really familiarize new people with your brand. You’ve probably seen this before — when you’ve signed up for a free opt-in. you get the delivery email, and then a series of emails that follow, telling you about the brand, the products or services they offer, and how they can help you.

That’s a nurture sequence — and it’s key in building a relationship with new leads. You don’t want to just SELL SELL SELL, especially if you’re a dCommerce™ shop. People want to know that you’re providing value, that you have expertise in their situation, and that they can learn from you!

Get out there

It’s so important to share your opt-in or freebie in places you’ve never been. As you probably know, your social media followers only see so much, and your website only gets so many views. So go where your ideal clients are!

This can involve setting up a joint webinar with someone you admire in your space, getting on a podcast, guest speaking at a summit or in someone’s membership program… the list goes on. Brainstorm ways to connect with people with an audience similar to yours (but maybe bigger!).

Keep learning from others who’ve succeeded with email

I know that “email marketing” is a whole thing. I also know that half the tips that work for physical products don’t necessarily apply to digital products. Plus, each industry and audience is so different. That’s why it’s important to focus on list-building and then playing around with what resonates with your subscribers.

This is where working with a digital product coach or a copywriter who specializes in digital download products can help. They’ll show you opportunities you’ve been missing and work to improve things like open rate, click-throughs, and conversions.

Interested in learning more about freebies, increasing your reach, and building your email list? Make sure you subscribe to my YouTube channel, because I share even more tips on finding digital product shop success over there.