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 Kit (formerly ConvertKit). In this post I break down what makes Kit a great email marketing platform, the what, how, & why you should to start an email list, and my favorite Kit 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 Kit?
ConvertKit which is now Kit 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. Kit 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… Kit. The reason I went with Kit is because email marketing is instrumental to building your brand and connecting with your audience. Currently Kit 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 to the paid platform due to how easy it was to use the platform. Additionally, Kit contains great features such as:
- Sell Digital Products– This allows you to put your ideas into action while earning money.
- Email Designer- Kit 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.
- Integrations– This feature allows you to utilize other websites (e.g.; Shopify, Instagram, YouTube, Teachable), compatible with Kit to use your own images, courses, and videos; utilizing Broadcasts, Landing Pages, or Forms to promote your products.
- 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.
If you’re still on the fence, try Kit’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 (I use Bluehost), your email marketing software set up, and lastly people that need your assistance; you can 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 Kit
- 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 Kit. 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☺.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- Subscriber List– This is where you’ll go to keep track of your subscribers. Kit 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.
Found this blog post helpful? Any support is greatly appreciated 🙂
Buy me a coffeeFinal Thoughts
Although this blog post is currently promoting the free trial, if you’re ready to sign up and want to know Kit’s pricing click here to find out more. There are many email marketing platforms, however; I’m very satisfied with Kit. Tip: You can also become a Kit affiliate once you’ve tried the products for yourself and see how great they are.
Well that concludes my Email Marketing and Kit resource. It’s time to start your own email list! Don’t forget to sign up for Kit’s free trial to decide if it’s right for you. You can also create a free account with Kit if you’re not ready to build your email list yet.
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.
I just started digging into Convert Kit yesterday, and there’s so much there. Very impressive program!
I agree, it’s truly impressive and very easy to use!
Great overview! I signed up with ConvertKit a little while ago, but have not really got around to using it as I should, this will be the week! 🙂
Thank you! Glad you found it helpful.
Just started an email campaign but open to convertikit when I exhaust the free trial. Thanks for this post!
You’re welcome!
Such great suggestions! Email marketing can feel so overwhelming starting out. I’m still on the free version of ConvertKit and it’s been great to build my email list in just the first two months of blogging. Their customer service is not live, BUT they were super helping in following up with me on custom CSS! I’m about to switch to the paid version to begin my first sequences and automations!
Amazing, I love hearing success stories, building your email list doesn’t have to be overwhelming!
As a new blogger, I’ve been considering moving over to ConvertKit. After reading this blog, I will now! Thanks!
Yay! Glad to hear that. You will love it!
Email marketing is a sore spot in my blogging. I keep putting it to the side, even though I know it is important. Thank you for all the information and tips on how to establish and keep an email marketing system in place.
You’re welcome! And I completely understand, but once you get started it does get easier.
I currently use Mailerlite but Convertkit sounds like a switch I’m willing to make! I’ve heard a lot of blogger say good things about covertkit. Maybe it’s worth the switch.
Yes they do! Myself included. If you make the switch you won’t regret it.
As a new blogger, I am a little bit nervous about email marketing. However, I have heard a lot of things about ConvertKit so I may have to give it a try soon.
I understand where you’re coming from, but don’t worry! Once you get started, it’ll get easier.
I’ve heard some great things about ConvertKit. I am currently not using them, but I may look into it more after reading this post. Thanks for sharing!
You’re welcome, thanks for considering checking them out!
I have heard some really great things about Convertkit, but haven’t ventured into using them yet. I think this is something that will leverage us in our email marketing, and will refer back to this to this when I start using it. I love that you have included a video to help, some people are visual learners, and would find the video more helpful, as I find it conveys the message and instructions more clearly.
I’m a visual learner as well, so I try to accommodate everyone. Glad you found the post helpful!
Great post! I really want to try convertkit, and this post has been helpful. Thank you!
You’re welcome! You’ll love it.
Thanks so much for this!
I have convert kit but I’ve been struggling in how to get started using it.!
You’re welcome!
I’m such a beginner blogger that I have NO IDEA what to do with an email list. I might try this out!!! Thank you!!!
You’re welcome, the sooner you get started the better!
Thanks, Lenore! This is really helpful- I just signed up for ConvertKit last week so your insight is very timely. I think it’s new but they actually do have a completely free option now. It’s free up to 500 subscribers and it doesn’t have all of the features that the paid version has, but so far it’s working well for me! Is there a type of “freebie” that you think is more effective than others?
Glad it’s working well for you so far! As far as freebies go, it would really just depend on the website and what people are looking for. It’s difficult to say what would be more effective, context would come into play.
Oooh good to know for when I finally click ‘launch’! Thanks for the article!
That’s great you’re in the stages of launching. You’re welcome!
Thanks for sharing! I’m currently using a free service but maybe when my email list grows, I might switch to ConvertKit! 🙂
Sounds like a plan! 🙂
Thanks so much! I feel like these kind of blogs are so informative and important for new bloggers (like me)! I’ll be sure to take a look
You’re welcome, I’m glad you found it helpful!
I just started my blog a few weeks ago, and I’m already loving ConvertKit. I agree with you that’s it so easy to use, and I’m on my free trial as well, but as soon as I can get more subscribers then I’ll definitely sign up for more! Great post.
Yes! It’s such a great software. Glad you’re enjoying using it.
This is a quick and comprehensive overview. Sounds like a simple to use service. I’ve been on the fence as well. It’s good to know they have a free trial. Something to think about for sure.
Yes, definitely keep it in mind for the future when you’re ready.
Oh amazing! I have been struggling to set up my email list so this is so helpful! Thanks you 😁
You’re welcome. Glad you found it helpful!
Nice post! Great tips on email marketing.. saving this one
Thank you so much!
This was a much needed post today. Being a new blogger, I was looking for a detailed information about e mail marketing and here you are. I have pinned and saved it for my reference. Thank you 😊
I’m glad you found it helpful, thanks for reading!
love this! i’m on the fence between using mailerlite and switching to convertkit so thank you for sharing your point of view! great post!
Thank you so much! If you make the switch, you’ll love ConvertKit!
This is so useful! I’ve heard nothing but good things about ConvertKit. I just launched my blog last week and signed up for another email marketing company because it was free – so I’m not quite at the level where I will be spending monthly BUT I am definitely saving this for when I do! I appreciate the tips on how to get subscribers too!
Congratulations on launching your blog! The great part is that ConvertKit also has a free trial until you’re ready to sign up. Thanks for reading!