Growing an email list might seem overwhelming, especially if you’re just starting or looking to expand your online presence.
But don’t let the fear of starting from zero hold you back – the reward is well worth it.
According to HubSpot, email generates $38 for every $1 spent, equating to a whopping 3,800% return on investment.
Building an email list is like investing in a lifelong business asset.
It strengthens customer loyalty, enhances marketing ROI, and tailors the customer journey, ultimately driving sales and business growth.
So, what’s an email list, and why is it crucial for your business? Let’s break it down further for you.
What Is An Email List?
An email list is a collection of emails from people who want to hear from your business, whether it’s updates, discounts, or other news.
Why does this matter? Because email marketing can outshine social media. You’re 6 times more likely to get clicks from an email than a tweet. Besides, email is 40 times more effective at bringing in new customers than Facebook or Twitter.
Now, let’s see why building an email list is important.
Why Building an Email List is Important?
Building an email list is key to any successful marketing strategy. It’s your direct line to customers, helping you engage better.
Here’s why email lists are a must-have in 2025.
1. Your Email List Is A Business Asset
Think of your mailing list as a digital asset that can continually deliver value to your business. With some attention, your list grows with people who’ve already shown interest in what you offer.
Take an online food service, for example. After years of nurturing its email list, it can quickly announce new dishes, offer special deals, etc.
This ongoing connection turns subscribers into repeat customers and brand advocates who spread the word further.
2. You Are The Owner Of Your Email List
“The reason a mailing list is so compelling is that it is something you will always be in control of. Algorithms for Facebook and Amazon ads can change, but you decide what content you distribute via your mailing list” – BindingsAuthor on Reddit.
Unlike social media followers, you own your email list. Algorithms or platform changes do not control it, so you have full control over your communication.
For instance, if a bookstore’s social media reach drops due to algorithm changes, it can still connect directly with its audience through its email list, keeping communication strong.
3. It Is A Direct Connection Channel
Unlike mass advertising or crowded social media, your email list offers a direct, personal connection with your customers.
Imagine a specialty coffee shop using its email list to share personalized recommendations or behind-the-scenes stories.
These tailored, one-on-one interactions build loyalty and strengthen customer relationships, creating a genuine community around the brand.
4. You Are More Likely To Be Heard
Amid the noise of social media, your message can easily get lost. But with email marketing, your message lands directly in your subscriber’s inbox, increasing its chances of being seen.
For instance, a local bakery’s email about a limited-time cake is more likely to grab attention than a social media post that might get overlooked.
5. Has a Higher ROI than Other Marketing Channels
Email marketing often delivers a better ROI than other channels. It’s budget-friendly, reaches engaged prospects, and allows personalized, segmented campaigns.
For example, a travel agency could boost bookings by sending targeted discounts to subscribers interested in specific destinations.
This direct approach can lead to higher conversions and a strong return on investment.
6. Let’s You Personalize Your Message
Personalizing emails is a game-changer for engagement. Unlike generic social media posts or ads, emails can speak directly to recipients.
For example, a fitness center could send a tailored workout suggestion like, “John, try our Power Yoga class this week!”
This personal touch makes clients feel valued, boosting open rates.
7. Helps Build Trust
By sending regular, valuable content straight to your subscribers’ inboxes, you position your brand as a reliable source of information.
Over time, this consistency fosters familiarity and trust, making subscribers more likely to become customers.
For instance, a financial advisor sharing tips and insights via email can build a reputation as a trusted expert, increasing the likelihood that subscribers will turn to them when needed.
8. Email Subscribers Are Already Interested
Your mailing list is full of people who’ve actively chosen to hear from you. This means your marketing hits a receptive audience, increasing the chances of conversion rates.
For example, a clothing boutique can email loyal customers about new collections and exclusive deals, driving engagement.
9. Segmenting Your Audience Is Possible
Email lists aren’t one-size-fits-all; interests, behavior, or demographics can segment them. This segmentation means you can tailor your marketing.
For example, an online bookstore might divide its list into groups like fiction fans or non-fiction readers. By sending personalized book recommendations, they make subscribers feel valued and understood.
10. Lets You Create Email Sequences
Email marketing lets you craft automated sequences that engage your audience based on triggers or schedules. These sequences can nurture leads, onboard new customers, recover abandoned carts, and boost upsells.
For example, an e-commerce store might set up a welcome email with a discount, followed by styling tips and product highlights.
11. You Can Automate It
Automation lets you set up campaigns that run on autopilot, saving you time and keeping your communication consistent.
From welcome emails to promotional blasts, these tools handle the work while you focus on growing your business.
For example, a software company can automate free trial users’ emails, showcase product features, share tips, and offer upgrade discounts. This keeps users engaged with minimal effort on your part.
How To Build An Email List?
Hopefully, you now understand the importance of building an email list and why ignoring it is a huge mistake.
Let’s look at all the things you’ll need to build an email list.
Here are four things you need to build an email list:
- Using an email finder tool
- Websites and blogs.
- A service for e-mail marketing.
- An opt-in form that converts well.
All of them are fairly simple to set up, and none require programming expertise.
Wondering what’s a good email list size? Look at what this Reddit user has to say.
“The number is not the main thing.
How much are the people on the list actually interested in your project?
100 people that when out of their way to be notified of updates on your project is far more valuable than 10,000 people who were on some general RPG mailing list, or were bribed/tricked into signing up.” – Jwbjerk.
Doesn’t it make a lot of sense?
Check this video from Modern Millie and learn how to start and grow your email list from scratch.
How To Manage And Maintain Your Email List?
Want successful email campaigns? Keep your lists organized! If your subscribers aren’t opening your emails, your open rate will drop, and your results will be messed up.
Here’s how to keep your lists in check:
Segmentation
Segmentation is all about splitting your email list based on what your subscribers like. When people signed up, you might have asked them a few questions to get this info.
Also, according to a recent study, segmented emails can generate 18 times more revenue than general ones.
You can segment email list based on any details they shared, like:
- User demographics: Location, age, gender, etc.
- Email preferences: Discounts, event updates, newsletters
- Purchase history
Analyze Email List Data
Everything your subscribers do with your emails gets tracked. You can see it all if they click on links, open your email, or engage in any other way.
Keep an eye on your email data to create a powerful list and tailor your messages to what the stats show.
Re-Engage Old Contacts
Have a bunch of inactive subscribers? It’s time to send them a re-engagement email! They might just need a breather from your emails rather than hitting unsubscribe.
Plus, reviving old contacts is about 50% cheaper than getting new ones.
What Experts Are Saying About Building an Email List
Don’t just take our word for it—check out what top marketing experts are saying about email marketing!
“Out of all the channels I tested as a marketer, email continually outperforms most of them.”
– Neil Patel – Co-founder of KISSmetrics, CrazyEgg, and QuickSprout.
“Even if all of my search rankings disappeared tomorrow, I’d still be able to promote my blog to tens of thousands of people via email.”
– Ramsay Taplin – Founder of The Blog Tyrant.
“Getting an email address is the first critical step to figuring out who my reader is, and hopefully in the future, my customer of some sort.”
– Joe Pulizzi – Founder of Content Marketing Institute.
Many seasoned marketers say their top regret was not starting an email list early. Given everything we’ve covered, it’s clear building an email list is crucial for any business.
Let’s move to our last section and help you learn how hiring an email expert can simplify everything.
Conclusion: Hire an Email Marketing Expert
Email marketing isn’t as simple as it looks – it’s a blend of compelling copy, eye-catching design, targeted lists, and in-depth analysis.
If you’re short on time or expertise, consider hiring a full-service digital marketing agency like GrowMeOrganic. We can handle everything: setting up your email platform, crafting a strategy tailored to your goals, creating engaging content, and tracking your campaign’s success.
Plus, we ensure your emails comply with all the necessary laws.
So what are you waiting for?
Sign up for the Free Trial now!
FAQs
Q 1. Is Buying Email Lists Worth It?
Buying an email list isn’t recommended. It can lead to poor engagement rates and potential legal issues. Instead, focus on building your own list through opt-in forms for better results and compliance.
Q 2. What Are Email Lists Used For?
Businesses and individuals use email lists to send updates, newsletters, and promos to a targeted audience.
Q 3. How Do I Grow My Email List?
To grow your email list, offer valuable incentives like exclusive content or discounts to attract subscribers. Promote your signup form on your website, social media, and through partnerships. Regularly engage with your audience to keep them interested and encourage referrals.
Q 4. Can I Use A Free Email Marketing Service?
Yes, you can use a free email marketing service, but it often has limitations, like fewer features and higher restrictions on subscribers or emails. A paid service might be worthwhile for more advanced tools and better performance.
Q 5. How Often Should You Email Your List?
Sending emails two to three times a week is ideal. Sending less or more often may or may not perform well. The key is to find a rhythm that keeps your subscribers engaged.
Q 6. Is It Legal To Buy Email Lists?
There is no specific law prohibiting the buying of email lists. However, to avoid legal issues, ensure they are from a reputable source, check for data accuracy, and comply with privacy regulations.
Q 7. How Much Are Email Lists Worth?
Email lists are valuable because they give you a direct line to your target audience. Their value depends on how engaged and ready to buy your subscribers are. Check out GrowMeOrganic – get started with a free trial, and paid plans begin at just $39/month.
About Post Author
Anant Gupta
Growth Hacker, Marketing Automation Enthusiast & Founder of GrowMeOrganic