Social media is amazing, AI is just wonderful. But don’t get side-tracked and ignore the power of building your email list. While having 10,000 followers on Instagram or TikTok might seem impressive, the best marketers know that an opt-in email list of just 1,000 subscribers is far more valuable. Why? This was inspired by a question Carlos Gil, Get Response brand ambassador, asked marketers at a recent event. See the LinkedIn post here.
Let’s break down the reasons.
Higher Engagement Rates with Email
Email marketing consistently outperforms social media when it comes to engagement. While social media posts might only reach a small fraction of your followers due to ever-changing algorithms, emails go directly to your subscribers’ inboxes. Studies show that the average open rate for email marketing is around 20-30%, while organic reach on social media can be as low as 1-2%.
When you send an email, your message has a much higher chance of being seen and interacted with. This means that even a smaller list of dedicated email subscribers can outperform a large social media following in terms of conversions and brand engagement.
You Own Your Email List
One of the biggest advantages of building an email list is ownership. Social media platforms can change their algorithms, shut down your account, or even go out of business, leaving you with no way to reach your audience. On the other hand, your email list is entirely yours. No matter what happens to social media trends or platforms, your list remains a reliable asset that you can nurture and leverage.
Getting Attention Is Harder on Social Media
Social media is crowded and noisy. Competing with memes, viral videos, and endless content can make it tough for your posts to stand out. Even when you manage to get followers, keeping their attention is another challenge entirely.
In contrast, emails land directly in your subscribers’ inboxes. While some may end up in the spam folder, the majority reach their destination, offering you a clear path to communicate directly with your audience without the distractions of social media.
Yes, Spam Exists – But Email Still Wins
Yes, spam filters do exist, and some of your messages may end up there. However, when you build a quality, opt-in list, you’re reaching people who genuinely want to hear from you. Plus, good email practices – like segmenting your list and providing valuable content – can help keep your messages out of the spam folder.
Building Deeper Connections
Email allows for a more personal touch. You can segment your audience, personalize messages, and even use automation to follow up in a way that feels authentic. Social media interactions tend to be quick, impersonal, and fleeting. Building a connection with your audience is much easier when your messages are crafted specifically for them and land directly in their inbox.
Final Thoughts
While social media can be a great tool for building awareness and engaging with a broad audience, the real power lies in your email list. By focusing on growing a list of 1,000 dedicated subscribers rather than chasing 10,000 followers, you’re investing in a marketing asset that you control and can count on.
Don’t fall for the social media numbers game. Instead, focus on building and nurturing your email list – it’s the most reliable way to maintain strong connections with your audience and consistently grow your business.
Related articles:
Converting Subscribers to Customers – The Rundown with Ramon(Opens in a new browser tab)
Is It Ok To Buy Social Media Followers?(Opens in a new browser tab)
Is it Time To Refresh Your Email Newsletter?(Opens in a new browser tab)
