When you create an email list you’re probably thinking at first of just one list.
And, yes, you need to get started collecting your audience’s information sooner rather than later.
Creating a master list for your niche is a great way to get started.
There are literally hundreds of ways that you can slice and dice your list…
Basic facts about the different types of lists.
Leads vs. Customers
There are just two types of lists…
- People who have not bought
- People who have bought
But, there can be many segmented lists created from each of these.
A lead is someone who has not become a customer yet, they should be on a different list from someone who has purchased and is a customer.
The reason is that they need different messages.
Leads can also be moved to segments based on their behavior even if they have not purchased because some behavior signals that they’ll be good prospects.
For example, when someone opts in for one of my Lead Magnets, I “tag” them as having received that freebie.
It gives me an indication of what area they may need support and my subsequent emails to them can be about that topic.
If you want to ensure they’re getting the right messages it’s important to separate your list in this manner.
It’s how you’re going to get an email response that says, “You read my mind.”
Different types of lists are really just list segments that require specific types of messages.
When a lead becomes a customer, they should go on a different list based on what they purchased.
There are even more advanced segmenting strategies, that I won’t go into today. Rest assured…
Creating segments for your list will make all the difference.
