How to convert your list to become paying clients

As we approach the new year, have you been thinking about your
goals for 2015?

If one of your goals is to sign on more clients and program participants,
then read on :).

We all know that we want to build our lists, and I definitely think that
should be a priority.

But I’m guessing what you really want isn’t a big list. You want more people signing up for your services and programs.

Today, I’m going to share how make this happen, by paying attention to
what happens after people join your list.

Staying in touch with your list, will allow them to come to trust you and
see you as an expert who they want to work with.

Once people opt-in for your free gift and join your list, the most effective
thing you can do to convert them to becoming paying clients is to send out high-quality content on a regular basis.

There are 3 key components to think about when it comes to sending out content to your list:

1. Frequency

How often should you send out a newsletter or ezine?

Ideally, you should send something out weekly to your list. If you’re not yet sending anything out or are on a monthly schedule, this may seem overwhelming.

You can start by sending your newsletter out every other week, and then ramp up to weekly.

The trick is to create time in your week to write. For example, I block out Friday mornings to write my newsletter for the following week. I have to hold this time as sacred, otherwise it would never get done!

The other trick is to make your newsletter simple, which I will cover more under #3 below.

2. Content

What should you write about?

The easiest way to come up with content that is (1) easy to write and (2) you know resonates with your ideal clients is to write about what is coming up during your sessions with current or prospective clients.

When I sit down to write my weekly content, I look at my calendar and think about the strategy sessions I had with clients earlier in the week and what we talked about.

3. Format

How should you format your newsletter?

You may be wondering if you should have a text only vs. html (with graphics) newsletter. Or whether you should have a short newsletter or a longer one with multiple sections.

When considering which email newsletter format will work best for you, think about the newsletters you receive. What do you like or dislike about them? Which ones do you open and read?

I also recommend you think about your ideal clients. Put yourself in their shoes and think about what they will enjoy most.

I generally recommend a short email newsletter with minimal graphics that has a short personal note, a teaser for an article, and then a link to the article on your blog.

What I like about this format is that it is easier to write each week, it is easy for your readers to read and digest, and it drives traffic to your blog, where people can comment and engage with you.

At the end of the day, I recommend you choose an email newsletter format that will be fun and easy for you to create on a regular basis.

The most important thing about your newsletter (aka “ezine”) is that it gets written and sent out :) .

Now I’d love to hear from you.
What are you doing now to stay in touch with your audience? What are your goals for 2015 when it comes to sending out content to your list? Please share your comments and questions below.