9 Easy Steps How to Build an Email List for Affiliate Marketing

Are you finding it hard to get your affiliate marketing to work well? Do low sales and slow growth bother you?

Here’s a question for you: Have you made a strong email list for your business?

Having an email list is not just important, it changes the game. It’s a secret weapon that boosts your sales and success online. But, how do you start? What strategies and tips can make your email list bring amazing results?

In this article, I’ll show you 9 powerful steps to easily build an email list for affiliate marketing. You’ll learn everything from choosing the right offer to growing your conversions and revenue. I’ll share all the tools and methods you need.

So, are you ready to level up your affiliate marketing by creating an email list that shows your true potential? Let’s get started!

How to Build an Email List for Affiliate Marketing

  • Having an email list is key to thriving in affiliate marketing.
  • Follow the 9 steps described here to make an email list that really works and increases your sales.
  • Choose a good affiliate offer, make an attractive lead magnet, improve your opt-in forms, create a thank you page, and design a squeeze page.
  • Select the right email service provider, craft effective autoresponders, promote your email list, and place affiliate links smartly.
  • Begin making your email list today and see your affiliate earnings grow!

Step 1 – Pick Your Affiliate Offer

Choosing the right affiliate offer is vital for building a good email list. It hugely affects how well your email campaigns do and how much money you make from affiliate marketing. To up your chances of success, think carefully about what offer to pick.

Choosing the Right Affiliate Offer

Finding an offer that your audience will love is key. Research what they like, what problems they have, and what they want. This makes it easier to find products or services they’re likely to buy.

It’s also important to pick offers that are high-quality and valuable to your audience. Promoting bad products can hurt your reputation. Choose offers that are well-reviewed and respected in the industry.

Lastly, look at how much you can earn from an offer. Check the commission rates, how often you get paid, and what the average sale earns. Go for offers that pay well and have a history of making good money for affiliates.

Selecting Profitable Affiliate Products

Choosing profitable products is crucial. Look for products with lots of demand and many potential customers. Do your homework to find profitable niches and products that sell well.

Also, check out the sales page and marketing stuff the affiliate program gives you. A good sales page can really help you make more sales. It should be easy to understand, make people want to buy, and have clear steps on what to do next.

Don’t forget to consider how good the affiliate program is at tracking and reporting. It’s important to see accurate data about how many sales you made and how much commission you earned. Look for programs that give detailed reports and pay on time.

By thinking about these things and doing lots of research, you can find the perfect affiliate offer. It should meet your audience’s needs, offer good money-making potential, and help your email campaigns do well.

Factors to ConsiderImportance
Affiliate offer relevance to audienceHigh
Affiliate offer quality and valueHigh
Earning potential and commission structureHigh
Profitability of the product or serviceHigh
Optimized sales page and marketing materialsMedium
Tracking and reporting capabilitiesMedium

Step 2 – Create a Lead Magnet

A lead magnet is a tool that helps get people’s email addresses by offering something valuable in return. You can use it to grow your email list and talk directly to potential customers.

There are many kinds of lead magnets you can use to grab your audience’s interest. Here are some good ones:

  • A downloadable PDF guide that offers in-depth insights and solutions to common problems in your industry.
  • An instructional video that demonstrates how to overcome a specific challenge or achieve a desired outcome.
  • A free tool or software that simplifies a task or improves productivity for your audience.

It’s important for a lead magnet to be useful, clear about its value, and what it promises. It should help the subscriber right away by solving a problem they have. Also, it needs to look good and be easy to understand.

Using your lead magnet, show that you know your stuff. Offer content that proves you’re a trusted expert. This will help more people join your list and they’ll trust your brand more.

lead magnet ideas

Making a great lead magnet is key to growing your email list. By offering something valuable, you draw in people truly interested in what you have. Next, we’ll look at how to make opt-in forms work for you.

Step 3 – Create Opt-in Forms

Opt-in forms are key to getting email addresses from people visiting your site. You can put them in many places to get more sign-ups. Here are spots where they often go:

  • Pop-ups: These can pop up to get visitors’ attention, making them want to join your email list. You might see full-screen ones or regular ones, and each kind has its own success rate.
  • Inline forms: These are set in your web pages’ text, fitting in smoothly. They grab readers’ attention by being placed between paragraphs or sections.
  • Homepage opt-in forms: Putting these on your homepage is a smart move. It turns visitors into subscribers from the moment they arrive. Try to position it somewhere obvious, like the header or sidebar for easy visibility.
  • Sidebar opt-in forms: These are found in the sidebar and are seen on every page. This makes it simple for visitors to sign up without searching for a specific spot.

Remember these pointers when making your opt-in forms:

  • Only ask for what you really need: usually just an email address. More fields might make people give up on filling it out.
  • Use catchy headlines: Make people want to subscribe with interesting headlines. Show them the benefits they’ll get from joining your list.
  • Show the benefits: Tell subscribers clearly what’s in it for them. Highlight the great content, offers, or promotions they will enjoy.
  • Make it conversion-friendly: Use smart timing and setups. Try out various designs, colors, and places to see what gets the best results.

For great opt-in forms, OptinMonster has tools and customizable templates that fit your site’s look and feel.

Types of Opt-in Forms

There are different opt-in forms you can use to get email addresses from visitors:

TypeDescription
Lightbox pop-upThis type of pop-up covers the webpage with a darker shade to highlight the opt-in form. It captures visitors’ focus.
Slide-inThis one slides into view from a webpage’s corner or side as people scroll down, gently catching their attention.
Scroll matA full-page form that shows up over the website when visitors scroll to a certain point, encouraging them to subscribe.
Inline formThis form fits right into the content of a webpage, usually placed thoughtfully between paragraphs or sections.
Notification barA bar across the top or bottom of a webpage that shows a message and the opt-in form, staying visible.

Every opt-in form type has its benefits and success rates. Testing different ones can show you what your audience likes best.

Step 4 – Set Up a Thank You Page

After people sign up for your email list, you need to create a thank you page. This page is your chance to connect with new subscribers and boost conversions. By making your thank you page better and matching it with your lead magnet, sales can go up. You also get to build a good relationship with your audience.

Here are some ways to make a great thank you page:

1. Showcase Relevant Affiliate Products

On your thank you page, show affiliate products related to your lead magnet. This lets you introduce products early and grab their interest. Choose products that fit well with your lead magnet. This makes moving from signing up to buying easier.

2. Highlight the Benefits

Talk about why the affiliate products on your thank you page are good. Explain how they can fix a problem, meet a need, or make the subscriber’s experience better. By showing the benefits, you make it more likely they will buy.

3. Customize Based on Affiliate Offers

Make your thank you page fit the specific affiliate offers you have. If you are part of different affiliate programs, make separate thank you pages for each. This way, you can make content and suggestions that really speak to what your audience likes. This makes your thank you page work better.

Below is how you might set up a thank you page:

Affiliate OfferDescription
Optimize Thank You PagesXYZ Affiliate Program
Optimize Thank You PagesABC Affiliate Program

Step 5 – Create a Squeeze Page

Making a squeeze page is a key step in growing your email list for affiliate marketing. These pages are designed to get visitor contact info in return for a valuable lead magnet. They help turn website visitors into subscribers and possible customers.

To make your squeeze page work well, follow these best practices:

1. Eliminate Distractions

Make your squeeze page simple and distraction-free. Cut out unnecessary menus, sidebars, and other features that could take visitors away from signing up.

2. Use a Great Headline

Create a strong headline that catches your visitors’ eye and shows the value of your offer. It should be clear, brief, and show what benefit they will get by joining your email list.

3. Provide Concise Content about the Lead Magnet

Offer a short description of your lead magnet to make visitors want to give their contact info. Clearly describe how it will solve their issue or fulfill their need.

4. Use Quality Visuals and Trust Indicators

Add attractive images or videos that present your lead magnet. Use trust signs like testimonials, customer reviews, or trust seals to gain credibility and trust from your visitors.

5. Clearly Specify the Call-to-Action (CTA)

Have a clear and direct CTA that tells visitors what they need to do to subscribe. Use phrases like “Sign Up Now” or “Get Instant Access” to encourage them to act.

The main goal of a squeeze page is to get contact info, so focus on that and aim for more conversions. Always test and update your squeeze page to make it better over time.

benefits of squeeze pages

A well-made squeeze page can greatly grow your email list and help your affiliate marketing succeed.

Benefits of Squeeze Pages
Higher conversion rates compared to traditional opt-in forms
Clear and focused message for visitors
Increased control over visitor actions
Opportunity to highlight the value of your lead magnet
Effective tool for building targeted email lists

A squeeze page is an important part of your affiliate marketing plan. By using best practices and a strong offer, you can turn visitors into subscribers and increase your affiliate sales.

Step 6 – Choose an Email Service Provider

Selecting the right email service provider (ESP) is crucial for managing and growing your email list. An ESP helps you communicate with subscribers and succeed in your email campaigns. When choosing an ESP, think about these things:

  • Email Automation: An ESP with good automation features is helpful. It lets you send personalized emails based on subscriber behavior. This can save you time and increase engagement.
  • Fair Pricing: Look for an ESP that has fair prices based on your subscriber list size. Balancing cost with the needed features for your campaigns is key.
  • Integration Capabilities: It’s important that the ESP works well with other tools you use. Good integration helps your marketing to be more effective.
  • A/B Testing: An ESP that lets you test different emails is very useful. You can find out what works best for your audience.
  • User-Friendly Design: Choose an ESP that’s easy to use. This makes managing your email campaigns simpler.

Recommended Email Service Provider: Mailerlite

A good ESP for beginners is Mailerlite. It has a free plan for up to 1,000 subscribers. It’s easy to use, with features like a drag-and-drop editor and automation workflows. Mailerlite is also affiliate-marketing friendly.

While Mailerlite is great, looking at other options is wise. Compare features and prices to find what’s best for you. Here are some more ESPs to consider:

Email Service ProviderFeatures
Mailchimp
  • Email automation
  • Segmentation and personalization
  • Integration with popular marketing tools
  • Detailed reporting and analytics
AWeber
  • Drag-and-drop email builder
  • Automation and segmentation
  • Deliverability and list management
  • Robust analytics and split testing
ConvertKit
  • Subscriber tagging and segmentation
  • Automation and personalized messaging
  • Customizable opt-in forms and landing pages
  • Advanced reporting and integrations

Research and compare different ESPs before choosing. Each has its own strengths. Pick the one that fits your needs and goals the best.

Tools for Opt-in Forms and Pop-ups: OptinMonster and Kadence Conversions

Good opt-in forms and pop-ups are key for getting email addresses. Tools like OptinMonster and Kadence Conversions help increase conversions. OptinMonster offers many pop-up options. Kadence Conversions has great features for boosting conversions.

Choosing the right ESP and tools like OptinMonster and Kadence Conversions sets you up for success. They give you everything you need to build a strong email list for affiliate marketing.

Step 7 – Build Autoresponders

Autoresponders are key in email marketing. They’re automated emails sent at set times to keep subscribers interested. They also help you promote affiliate products wisely. To make good autoresponders, follow these steps:

1. Start with a Basic Autoresponder

First, set up a simple autoresponder. It should promote at least one product linked to your lead magnet. This first email series introduces the value you offer and starts your relationship with subscribers.

2. Craft Compelling Email Content

Your autoresponder emails need to be engaging. They should add value for your subscribers. Learn what issues your audience faces, and address these in your emails. Use stories, your own experiences, and helpful advice to catch their interest and spur them to act.

3. Experiment with Different Email Sequences

Test various autoresponder email types to see what your audience likes best. Common types include:

  • Welcome emails: These introduce subscribers to your brand, explain your lead magnet, and what to expect from future emails.
  • Gain emails: They share stories or case studies showing how your products help.
  • Logic emails: Here, you use logical arguments to convince subscribers to buy.
  • Fear emails: These address worries or concerns your audience might have and show how your products offer solutions.

4. Optimize and refine

Always check how your autoresponders are doing and make changes if needed. Look at open rates, click rates, and conversion rates to see where you can improve. Try different email subjects, lengths, and calls-to-action to better your autoresponder series and make them more effective.

5. Provide Value and Build Trust

Ensure each email is valuable to your subscribers. Skip too much promotion, and focus on earning trust and credibility. If you give value consistently, subscribers will likely trust your advice and buy through your affiliate links.

By thoughtfully making your autoresponder series and always optimizing, you can create effective emails that boost engagement and lead to more sales.

Step 8 – Promote Your Email List

Promoting your email list is essential for growing your audience. By using different channels and strategies, you can draw people to your sign-up forms. Here are some important ways to spread the word about your email list:

1. Utilize Google Ads for Targeted Traffic

Google Ads lets you aim at specific keywords and people. Set up ads that show why joining your email list is great. Make sure your ads have clear call-to-actions (CTAs) that prompt people to sign up.

2. Leverage Social Media Advertising

Social media sites like Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter are great for ads. Create campaigns that lead to your sign-up pages. Your ads should have eye-catching images and persuasive text that show the benefits of your email list.

3. Retargeting Campaigns for Increased Conversions

Retargeting reaches people who’ve visited your site before. Use it to remind them about the perks of your email list. Offer personalized messages and exclusive deals so they’re more likely to join.

4. Add Sharing Buttons for Content Sharing

Get your current subscribers to tell others about your list. Put sharing buttons on your emails and website to make sharing easy. This word-of-mouth approach can bring in new subscribers.

5. Strategic Use of Pop-ups and Slide-ins

Use pop-ups and slide-ins wisely on your site. Show them when someone is about to leave or after they’ve read something. Great headlines and offers can make more people sign up.

6. Offer Incentives like Quizzes and Giveaways

Draw people in with things like quizzes, giveaways, or special content. Make quizzes that end with an email signup. Run giveaways that give subscribers a chance to win something cool.

7. Leverage Social Proof and Display Subscriber Numbers

Showing how many people have signed up can build trust. It makes others want to join so they don’t miss out. Show your subscriber numbers clearly on sign-up pages.

Focusing on these strategies will help more people see your sign-up pages. It will increase your list and make your email campaigns more effective. A bigger list means more chances to turn people into dedicated customers.

Step 9 – Incorporate Affiliate Links in Emails

You have a solid email list, so it’s time to use affiliate links in your emails. This method helps you earn more from your affiliate efforts. It also boosts your total income.

To add affiliate links, keep things natural and real. Avoid too much promotion. Instead, share useful info. Suggest affiliate products that match what your subscribers like and need.

Talk about how the products can help them. Show how these items can fix a problem or make life better. Use what you know about your subscribers to personalize your suggestions.

Don’t go overboard with affiliate links. Have just a few, and focus on giving your subscribers value. This approach isn’t just about selling things.

Be honest about your affiliate links. Tell your subscribers these links are affiliate. This builds trust and keeps you in line with email marketing rules.

Pick affiliate programs that fit your niche and brand. This makes your emails feel more genuine. It also ensures your promotions resonate with your audience.

Use your email list to promote your affiliate links effectively. Create engaging emails. These should drive your subscribers to act and lead to sales.

Example:

Imagine you run a health blog and want to promote a quality dietary supplement. In an email, give healthy lifestyle tips. Mention how the supplement boosts well-being. Add an affiliate link to give easy access to the product. This way, you offer valuable info and a direct way to purchase.

Email marketing lets you smoothly add affiliate links and advance your affiliate strategies. Experiment and track your results. Continue improving your email strategies for the best outcome.

Conclusion

Building an email list is key for successful affiliate marketing. Follow the 9 steps shared here to make a great email list. This list will boost your affiliate sales and online success.

Every step is important in creating a successful email list. From choosing the right offer to promoting your emails with affiliate links. Make sure to give your subscribers valuable content and advice.

Always look for ways to make your email list better. Keep an eye on your performance, try new things, and improve your methods. This will help you get more conversions and make more money.

It takes work to build an email list, but it’s worth it. Start using these tips now and see your earnings increase!

FAQ

What is the first step in building an email list for affiliate marketing?

The first step is picking the right affiliate offer. It should align with your audience. Also, make sure it has a well-optimized sales page.

What is a lead magnet and why is it important?

A lead magnet is a valuable resource, given in exchange for contact info. It boosts opt-in rates. This encourages more people to join your email list.

How can I create effective opt-in forms?

To make opt-in forms that work well, only ask for needed info. Write catchy headlines. Be clear about the value people will get. Use tools like OptinMonster to help you.

How can I set up a thank you page to promote affiliate products?

Set up a thank you page that shows relevant affiliate products. Choose those that go well with your lead magnet. This can increase your sales and boost affiliate earnings.

What is a squeeze page and how can I create one?

A squeeze page is a special landing page for capturing contact info. To make one, remove distractions and use a strong headline. Offer clear content about the lead magnet. Make sure the call-to-action is obvious.

What should I consider when choosing an email service provider?

In choosing an email service provider, look at features like automation and pricing. Check their ability to integrate with other tools and if they allow A/B testing. The design should be easy to use. Mailerlite is a good start for beginners.

What are autoresponders and how can I build them?

Autoresponders are automated emails to keep subscribers interested. They help promote affiliate products. Start with a simple sequence that promotes a product tied to your lead magnet.

How can I promote my email list to grow my subscriber base?

Promote your email list via Google Ads, social media ads, and retargeting. Craft ads that show the value of joining your list. Use quizzes and giveaways to attract people.

How can I incorporate affiliate links in my emails?

Add affiliate links in your emails by sharing useful info. Recommend products naturally and talk about their benefits. Always be clear that you’re using affiliate links to keep trust.
Scroll to Top