Why Freelancers Need an Email List: Building a Marketing Channel You Own
Navigating the ever-changing world of social media can feel like trying to hit a moving target. One day, your posts are getting traction; the next, the algorithm changes, and you’re scrambling to figure out what works now. And let’s not even get started on the unpredictability of platform bans or shutdowns. Social media is powerful, yes, but it’s rented space. If you’re a freelancer, your business’s livelihood depends on the reliability of your marketing channels—and that’s why building an email list is essential.
This week, we’ll explore why you need an email list, how it benefits your freelance business, give you exclusive discounts and tools to get started and actionable tips on how to make your newsletter a standout marketing tool.
The Unpredictable Nature of Social Media
Social media platforms like Instagram, Facebook, and Twitter (now X) have become essential tools for freelancers to connect with potential clients, showcase their portfolios, and market their services. However, there’s a significant downside: you don’t control these platforms. Algorithms shift, engagement rates fluctuate, and policy changes can disrupt your visibility overnight. Any platform could be banned (looking at you TikTok), restricted, or even vanish, taking your hard-earned followers with it.
Relying solely on social media for your business communication is like building a house on someone else’s land. The foundation is shaky because you’re at the mercy of forces outside your control. This is where an email list comes in—a newsletter gives you a marketing channel you control entirely. It’s a direct line to your audience, without interference from algorithms or platform owners.
Why Do Freelancers Need a Newsletter?
The idea of adding another task to your already full plate might feel overwhelming. After all, managing client projects, marketing, and keeping up with industry trends is no small feat. But hear us out—having a newsletter can be a game-changer for your freelance business.
Direct and Personal Connection
A newsletter allows you to build a direct and personal connection with your audience. Unlike social media, where posts are fleeting and can easily get lost in the noise, an email lands directly in someone’s inbox. This direct access enables you to communicate your message clearly and engage your audience on a deeper level.
Showcase Your Expertise
A newsletter is an excellent platform for sharing your knowledge, insights, and updates. Whether it’s industry trends, tips, or case studies, you can regularly demonstrate your expertise to your subscribers. This not only positions you as an authority in your field but also keeps you top-of-mind when they need your services.
Nurture Leads and Generate Repeat Business
Building and maintaining a newsletter allows you to nurture leads over time. Potential clients who aren’t ready to buy right now might be more inclined to hire you after seeing your valuable content consistently show up in their inbox. Additionally, staying in touch with past clients through your newsletter increases the chances of repeat business and referrals.
Create a Lead Magnet
One of the biggest advantages of having a newsletter is the ability to create a lead magnet. By offering something of value—like an e-book, checklist, or exclusive content—you can attract new subscribers who are interested in your services. Once they’re on your list, you can nurture these leads and guide them through your sales funnel. We love Flodesk’s checkout feature for this, it makes it so easy to naturally nurture your leads.
How to Make Your Newsletter Great
Now that we’ve established why a newsletter is essential, let’s discuss how to make it genuinely great. After all, just having a newsletter isn’t enough—it needs to be valuable, engaging, and consistent to be effective.
Offer Quality Content
The content you deliver through your newsletter is the primary factor that will determine its success. Your goal should be to offer valuable, relevant information that resonates with your audience. This could include:
Industry Insights: Share the latest trends and developments in your niche to keep your audience informed.
Tips and Tricks: Offer actionable advice that your readers can implement in their own work.
Case Studies: Showcase your past work and highlight the value you’ve provided to other clients.
Quality content helps you build trust with your subscribers, positioning you as a reliable source of information and a go-to expert in your field.
Consistency is Key
Consistency is crucial when it comes to newsletters. Decide on a schedule—whether it’s weekly, bi-weekly, or monthly—and stick to it. Consistent delivery trains your audience to expect your emails, which can increase open rates and engagement.
However, there’s a fine line between consistency and spamming. Daily newsletters can overwhelm your subscribers and lead to high unsubscribe rates. Find a balance that works for both you and your audience, and always prioritize value over volume.
Personalization and Relevance
People are more likely to engage with content that feels tailored to their interests and needs. Use what you know about your audience to personalize your newsletters. For example, if you’re a freelance graphic designer, your subscribers are likely interested in design trends, tools, and techniques—so make sure your content speaks to those interests.
Personalization goes beyond just addressing your subscribers by name; it involves curating content that addresses their pain points and goals. Another important aspect is segmenting your email list based on subscriber behavior or interests can help you send more targeted, relevant content. Flodesk has made it really easy for me to easily segment my email list and see what works for my audience through their robust analytics.
Choosing the Right Tools for Your Newsletter
Creating great content is just one piece of the puzzle—you also need the right tools to make your newsletter shine. That’s why we’re so excited to be partnering with Flodesk to bring our Freelancing Females 50% off Flodesk simply use code ‘FFFLODESK’ at checkout to redeem.
User-Friendly Interface
Use software like Flodesk that offers an intuitive, user-friendly interface. As a freelancer, you probably don’t have time to spend hours figuring out how to design and send an email. Opt for tools that make it easy to create, edit, and manage your newsletters, even if you’re not tech-savvy. We love that you can create beautiful templates in Flodesk, which makes it really easy to start your email marketing journey, you can use our free template here to get you started.
Automation Features
Automation can save you a lot of time and ensure that your emails go out on schedule. Flodesk allows you to automate key tasks like sending welcome emails to new subscribers, scheduling regular newsletters, and segmenting your audience based on behavior or preferences.
Analytics and Reporting
To continually improve your newsletter, you need to know what’s working and what’s not. Good email marketing software like Flodesk offers robust analytics that tracks open rates, click-through rates, and subscriber behavior. Use this data to refine your content strategy and better serve your audience.
Customizable Templates
A professional-looking newsletter can make a big difference in how your content is perceived. Flodesk offers customizable templates, so you can create visually appealing emails that align with your brand. They are so easy to customize, so you can spend on crafting great content. You can even use our free template to get you started - yes it really is that easy.
Integration with Existing Tools
Your newsletter should fit seamlessly into your existing workflow. Ensure the software you choose integrates with other tools you’re already using, such as your CRM, social media platforms, or website. This will streamline your processes and make managing your newsletter less of a chore.
We love that you can easily integrate Flodesk with your website, add a link in your bio on socials and seamlessly integrate it with your existing CRM.
Strategies to Grow Your Email List
Once you have your content and tools in place, the next step is to grow your email list. After all, even the best newsletter won’t be effective if no one is reading it. Here are some strategies to attract subscribers:
Leverage Your Social Media
Your social media followers are already interested in your work, making them prime candidates for your email list. Use your platforms to promote your newsletter by sharing snippets of your content and including a compelling call-to-action (CTA). Make it clear why they should subscribe—whether it’s for exclusive content, industry insights, or special offers.
Offer Incentives
People are more likely to subscribe to your newsletter if they feel like they’re getting something in return. Offer incentives like downloadable resources, discounts, or access to exclusive content. Highlight these benefits prominently in your sign-up forms and promotional materials.
Collaborate with Others
Networking and collaboration can also help you grow your list. Partner with other freelancers or businesses in complementary niches to cross-promote each other’s newsletters. This strategy allows you to reach a wider audience and attract subscribers who are already interested in your industry.
Optimize Your Website
Your website is another valuable tool for growing your email list. Ensure your sign-up forms are easy to find and include compelling reasons to subscribe. Consider using pop-ups, slide-ins, or banners to capture visitors’ attention without being too intrusive.
Consistent Promotion
Promoting your newsletter should be an ongoing effort. Mention it in your blog posts, client communications, and even in your email signature. The more places you highlight your newsletter, the more opportunities you have to attract new subscribers.
In a world where social media platforms are unpredictable and ever-changing, an email list provides stability and control. For freelancers, it’s a powerful tool to build relationships, showcase expertise, and nurture leads. By offering valuable content, choosing the right tools, and consistently growing your list, you can create a newsletter that not only protects your business but helps it thrive.
Starting a newsletter might seem daunting at first, but with the right approach, it can become one of your most effective marketing channels. So, take that first step—move your followers off the platforms you don’t control and into a space you do. Your future self (and your business) will thank you. Don’t forget to tag us and Flodesk on IG if you create a cute new email!