Here are a few guiding principles you should keep in mind that will help you utilize email marketing as a channel to promote your art.
Quality over quantity- I've stressed how important it is to send your email newsletters on a regular basis, but not at the expense of quality. Take the time to create compelling content. Quality over quantity applies to subscribers too. Don't obsess over the size of the list as much as the quality of your subscribers and how interested and engaged they are. Remember, you're trying to build a list of1,000 true fans. Not a list of 100,000 looky-loos.
Send Regularly- I recommend once a week, but at least once a month.
Use clear calls to action- email is a fast-paced medium. You have to tell people clearly what you want them to do.
Use only one call to action per email- Make each email read a personal message from you, andnotlike a slick newsletter with multiple articles (unless it's a curated article roundup).
Treat people like people, not "leads"-Your subscribers are real people, treat them with dignity and respect and not as simply a money machine.
Have I missed anything? What principles have worked for you with your email marketing?
Sincerely,
Clint Watson
FASO Founder, Software Craftsman, Art Fanatic
PS - To start your own email marketing program, if you're a FASO customer, we recommend you use the built-in ArtfulMail program. If you're not a FASO customer (or need more advanced features), we recommend ConvertKit. Help us keep bringing you great content by signing up for Convertkit with our affiliate link here.
