Start with "Who" - (The Secret to my 51% Email Open Rate)

Many internet gurus claim that the 'money is in the list'.
A prelude to 5-figure courses they promote -- that teach you how to blast affiliate links to an email list.
But, here's one thing they didn't reveal.
You can't make money if NO ONE opens your emails.
Yet, email marketing is instrumental to sustainable affiliate earnings -- but only if you have an engaged email list.
And the first step to engagement is to get subscribers to open the emails.
In my latest venture, I decided to focus on email marketing.
(I'm still at an early stage in this new venture, but I'm happy to share what I have done so far. )

Some background :

I joined WA in 2015, and I've built several websites over the years. While they are profitable at some points, websites are subjected to SEO and social media algorithms.

I sent qualified leads to Amazon and other private vendors. But once my site was hit by Google's algorithms update, I realized I had no one to market to.
In my latest attempt, I decided to start with an email list.
What I've Done?

I started a site that shares freelance and writing tips. I engaged with fellow freelancers and writers on social media.
Then, I offered a free eBook to build my email list. I set up an autoresponder to publish a series of emails about Upwork freelancing tips.
Here's my results so far.

The industry standard for email open rates is 21.5%. At the moment, mine stood at 51%.
Given that the first email is one that sends subscribers their eBook, it's fair to remove that from the average.

Even with that, most emails I sent got an open rate of 30%- 40%.

How I Did It?

If there's ONE THING I learned as an affiliate marketer and writer-- it's to know who you're writing for.
If you don't know your audience, you can't engage with them -- and you can't sell.
You can't start writing emails based on your assumptions without doing the actual fieldwork.
Visit social media groups, forums, and other platforms your subscribers frequent. Engage with them, show up, and strengthen your digital presence.
In a nutshell -- knowing your audience means
- Understanding their pain points.
- Learning the nuances and language styles they use.
- Be ready to render help/advice with no strings attached.
Start with WHO

It's important to know exactly who you want in your email list. For example, if you're promoting yoga courses, you want to attract yoga enthusiasts and not cat lovers.
The more focused your list is, the easier it is to brainstorm email topics that engage them.
Always remember that behind those email addresses are real humans like you and me.
Once you've got your target audience sorted out, plan your emails and schedule.
I sent one email daily for the first week before gradually pacing them out.
Write emails that they find useful.

• Avoid technical/jargon - don't try to be smart.
• Keep emails short and concise.
• Write as if you're conversing with them.
• Build trust, be helpful, sell later.
  

Let me know if you want more updates as I grow my latest venture.