ConvertKit and Email Marketing for Beginners

If you’ve been following me for a while, you’ll know that I recently shared a blog post on the legal pages you’ll need to set up in order to remain in compliance for your blog. Now I’m back with another resource needed for your blog, which is an email marketing software called ConvertKit. In this post I break down what makes ConvertKit a great email marketing platform, the what, how, & why you should to start an email list, and my favorite ConvertKit features.

Disclosure: This blog post has affiliate links which means if you click and make a purchase I may earn a small commission at NO additional cost to you. These are my own personal suggestions based on products I love and use. Read the full disclosure here.

What is email marketing?

In a nutshell it’s a form of communication used to build relationships with people who sign up (subscribers) and give their permission to receive updates on items you sell, advertise, and promote with you guessed it, EMAIL. 

What is ConvertKit?

ConvertKit is an email marketing software that prides itself on being specifically for creators (i.e.; Bloggers, Podcasters, Youtubers etc.) and is generally recommended by most bloggers. ConvertKit is one of the leading email marketing platforms that offers features and products high in demand. 

The Best Email Marketing Provider to Use

The email marketing software that I personally use is you guessed it… ConvertKit. The reason I went with ConvertKit is because email marketing is instrumental to building your brand and connecting with your audience. Currently ConvertKit has a free trial if you’re on the fence and want to try out the features for yourself. I actually utilized the free trial before eventually signing up due to how easy it was to use the platform.  Additionally, ConvertKit contains great features such as: 

1. ConvertKit Community– This teaches you how to use ConvertKit with live workshops each month for FREE once you sign up for a free account. You can also unsubscribe at ANY time. In addition to the workshops, you can join groups, ask questions, and interact with fellow creators. 
2. Email Designer- ConvertKit makes writing and designing emails extremely easy. You can use Unsplash to have access to free stock photos, easy buttons to include for call to actions (CTA’s), and headers that you can personalize for your subscribers.
3. Integrations– This feature allows you to utilize other websites (e.g.; Shopify, Instagram, YouTube, Teachable), compatible with ConvertKit to use your own images, courses, and videos; utilizing Broadcasts, Landing Pages, or Forms to promote your products.
4. Segments & Tags– This is a great feature as it allows you to organize your subscribers into categories and only send information that you’ll know will benefit them based on what they subscribed for.

Here’s a video of the features included with the free plan:

If you’re still on the fence, try ConvertKit’s free trial to see if you’re a fan.

Why Start an Email List

You may be wondering why you should start an email list. It’s important to note that you own your email list, you can communicate with your subscribers personally, and you can tailor to your subscribers needs based on what they’ve signed up for utilizing opt-in forms (more on this below). 

How to Start an Email List

Now that we have the basics out of the way, you may be wondering how to start an email list. Once you have a self-hosted website, your email marketing software set up, and lastly people that need your assistance; you can use this to create an opt-in form that entices people to subscribe. For example when you subscribe to my site, I have a freebie that I offer which lists my favorite travel gift ideas. You can utilize surveys, discounts, e-books, or whatever you decide to attract subscribers. You can always decide later what you will use as an opt-in, and how often you will email your list. 

How to Utilize ConvertKit

1. Forms- I brought up my freebie that I use to attract subscribers. This particular freebie is a landing page, however; you can also utilize forms on your site. The difference between a landing page and a form, is that a form can be embedded anywhere on your site with a few different styles (e.g.; In-line, pop-up, slide in etc.), and a landing page has its own page hosted by ConvertKit. I have included an in-line embedded form below as an example. You can also subscribe with this form or the freebie form if you haven’t already☺. 

Subscribe

Powered By ConvertKit

2. Automations– This feature allows you to order the sequence you’d like to happen when someone subscribes to your list i.e.; 1) Email subscriber 🡪 2) Send to Freebie 🡪 3) Send to course etc. Automations allow you to set up content ahead of time to be sent out to your subscribers.
3. Broadcasts- A broadcast is an email that is sent out once to your subscribers. I use broadcasts to keep my subscribers up to date on what’s new with my blog. 
4. Sequences- A sequence is a chain of emails that you can schedule to be automatically sent to your subscribers over a period of days. An example of how a sequence can be used is for campaigns, or courses.
5. Subscriber List– This is where you’ll go to keep track of your subscribers. ConvertKit has a list of your subscribers in one place and you’ll have the option to filter your list according to the information you’d like them to see using the segments and tags feature mentioned earlier.

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Final Thoughts

Although this blog post is currently promoting the free trial, if you’re ready to sign up and want to know ConvertKit’s pricing click here to find out more. There are many email marketing platforms, however; I’m very satisfied with ConvertKit. Tip: You can also become a ConvertKit affiliate once you’ve tried the products for yourself and see how great they are.

Well that concludes my Email Marketing and ConvertKit resource. It’s time to start your own email list! Don’t forget to sign up for ConvertKit’s Free Trial to decide if it’s right for you. You can also create a free account with ConvertKit if you’re not ready to build your email list yet in order to qualify for the ConvertKit Community. 

Did you find this blog post helpful, or learn anything new? Which email marketing software do you use? Please comment below, and subscribe here. I’m on most social media, so let’s be friends! Click the icons located on the right side (desktop), and the bottom of the screen (mobile) to find me.

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Disclaimer

This blog post has affiliate links which means if you click and make a purchase I may earn a small commission at NO additional cost to you. These are my own personal suggestions based on products I love and use. Read the full disclosure here.