Every blogger dreams of an engaged readership. But in today’s online landscape, just publishing great content isn’t enough. You need to connect with your readers and build up a dedicated community. Email marketing is the perfect tool for this, which allows you to re-engage with your readers regularly, and further monetize your audience.
In this guide, we will show you how to use ConvertKit, a popular email marketing platform, to help grow your readership and make more money. We will cover everything from signing up to creating compelling newsletters.
Signing Up for ConvertKit
It’s easy to get started with ConvertKit. First, visit their website and click “Sign Up”. You’ll then be prompted to create an account, which requires an email and password. Once insider, ConvertKit will guide you through their onboarding process which will explain the platform’s core functionalities.
Installing ConvertKit on WordPress
If your blog (like many others) is on WordPress, then you’ll want to install ConvertKit’s WordPress plugin.
- Find the Plugin: Go to the WordPress dashboard and click “Plugins”, then “Add New.” Inside the search bar put the name “ConvertKit” and find the official plugin from ConvertKit.
- Install and Activate: Click on “Install Now” and then “Activate” the plugin.
- Connect Your Account: Once you’ve activated your account, go to “Settings” and then “ConvertKit” in WordPress admin settings. You should find an area that requests your ConvertKit API key. To find your API key, go bac to your ConvertKit account on their website, click on your profile picture in the top right corner, and select “Settings” and then “API”. Then copy the API key, and paste it into your WordPress settings.
Creating Popups and Forms to Capture Leads
Now that you’ve connected ConvertKit to your blog, let’s get to work and create some high-converting signup forms to turn your readers into subscribers. ConvertKit offers plenty of options to suit your tastes and preferences:
Pop-ups: Pop-ups are nonobtrusive windows that pop up over the website. If placed strategically, it can capture the readers’ attention at the right time and place. You can add anything you want there, including offers and sign-up forms. ConvertKit allows you to customize the design of popups, triggers, and delays.
Embedded Forms: Embedded forms go directly on your blog post or page, providing a more subtle signup option. You can embed forms in your sidebar, at the end of your blog posts, or even create specialized landing pages to gather leads. Embedded forms on a blog post convert less than a pop-up but are less annoying for the reader.
Crafting Eye-Catching Forms
The secret to a good signup form is in the design and content. Here are some tips to make your form compelling and get your readers to subscribe:
- Offer Value: Offer something of value to sign up, like an ebook or cheat sheet.
- Keep It Concise: Ask only for what you need, which in this case might be an email address and name.
- Clear Call to Action: Use strong verbs in a call-to-action button, such as “Subscribe” or “Get Your Free Guide.”
- Brand Consistency: Your form should look and feel like your blog.
ConvertKit allows you to customize any form with different layouts, colors, and text options. You can also preview your form before publishing it on your blog, to ensure it looks great without your readers catching your work-in-progress.
Building Your First Newsletter
Now that you have your signup forms in place, it’s time to create your first newsletter. ConvertKit has a great email builder with very intuitive drag-and-drop functionalities. Here’s how to craft an engaging newsletter:
Subject Line: Build your subject line in a way that appeals to your readers and motivates them to open your email. Make it brief and meaningful. I wouldn’t recommend any more than 10 words, and only add a maximum of one emoji.
Structure and Design: Give your newsletter a structure that is easy to read. Headings, subheadings, bullet points, and images are a great way to break up the text.
Personal Touch: Address the name of the reader whenever you have the chance to do so, and let your unique voice and style shine through.
Content Is King: Create valuable content that feels right for your blog’s niche, such as exclusive insights, tips, or behind-the-scenes glimpses of you and your brand.
A Call to Action: Let your readers know what they should do next, whether it’s visiting a new blog post, downloading a resource, or simply connecting with you on your favourite social media platform.
Conclusion
Email marketing can be a powerful tool for increasing revenue and growing your readership. By utilizing ConvertKit, and following your helpful tips, you can build an engaged community that will be invested in you and your content.
