Sending Your First Email Reply
S
o you've got your first subscriber.
Congrats!
This is where things really start to get exciting.
Now it's time to start the conversation.
Now, this next part is a little controversial, but stick with me for a minute.
You've already noticed that we really didn't setup Drip with any autoresponders.
So what do we do?
Step 1: Send them a personal, email from your email account.
Here's the thing.
Take a look at that email. (If you want a bigger version, it's in the .pdf)
That email reads like a real email. Because it is. It doesn't sound like I'm selling anything, because I'm not.
It also didn't go out seconds after they subscribed. I had to take time and type it up and think of what to say. You know. Like how real people email each other everyday. (Hint: In the future you can setup a delay in minutes via Drip. Test out the best delay. More on that in a little bit.)
The truth is, that most email series are blasted out by a computer, and subscribers know that. They're not fooled.
That's not gonna work well.
Imagine the parallel in the real world to see why this works at the deep, psychological level.
Somebody comes to visit your house.
They ring the doorbell, and instantly, in seconds, a pre-recorded message plays at your door. "Thanks for stopping by. We sure appreciate it. Did you know that we have this on sale today. Click here and buy now. Really. Ok, talk later. I really value you. Blah blah blah." :)
See what I mean?
Step 2: Wait for a reply.
Outlandish?
Isn't that the normal expectation of an email sent, that requested information?
What happens if I don't get a reply?
Well, what would you do in the real world with real people. (that's a bit of a joke, if you know what I mean) :)
You'd follow up after some time had passed. You wouldn't do it in a hour, or even a day. You've give it some time. People are busy. They have lives. Maybe this person has read the email but just hasn't had a chance to get around to replying.
And then what?
Well, in the real world, you'd probably just let it go and move on.
Step 3: Repeat Step 1 and Step 2 for every new subscriber.
Eventually, it happens.
If it doesn't happen on the first try, wait for the second, and the third. Keep sending out personal emails that are genuine and try to connect with them. These are just people, like you.
Eventually, you nail it.
You've got your first reply.
You now have the first tangible proof that you are really on your way to building a real audience with real people.
Frame that one, baby.
You'll look back on that first reply with so much happiness.
This is when it all changes.
Step 4: Keep the conversation going.
Don't overdue it.
Send an occasional email that contains a story, some tip, or something you found that is relevant and interesting.
But don't send it as a company would. Send it like a real person does.
If they already responded to your first email, you probably already have their name. Don't overcomplicate this. If it isn't fun and it feels like work, you're doing it wrong.
If the only thing you think about is how much money they can make you, you're doing it wrong.
If you're getting vibes they really don't want to talk to you, you're doing it wrong.
Just keep things simple, and lighthearted. And always try to interact.
Like this.
Step 5: Create something valuable to give away.
You've been having a conversation.
You're getting to know your audience.
At some point, you should have noticed some needs.
You should have picked up on some emotions.
Now it's time to meet some needs and provide real value.
You'll know what format works best. Sometimes it's a .pdf. Sometimes it's just a link to a really helpful resource online. Maybe it's a podcast you love or a book that is fantastic. It's something you can share and will be received with applause.
Create it. Then add more value. Then add even more value.
Then...
Step 6: Pivot.
Up until now, you've just been sending out personal replies to real people via email.
We aren't using any automation.
Basic Email 101.
At some point though, you need to pivot.
When that actually happens is up to you. It could be when you have 10 subscribers, or 50 or 3.
By pivot, I simply mean that we need to work on scaling the email replies for a larger audience, while still maintaining the relationship.
You're still going to keep the conversation up with these first individuals.
But you're going to send out your first email as a broadcast.
In other words, your sending an email to your audience, not just a single person. (Though it can still sound that way.)
Be careful here.
Don't overdue this part. Just tell a story, then tie it in to something you want them to take action on, then give them something to click.
See how easy that is?
Do you see how fun this can be too?
Do you know that really good feeling you have when you give someone a gift?
That feeling when they smile and say thanks, and mean it. (I personally love wrapping Christmas presents and dreaming about how my kids will react when they see what they get. The older I get, the more I think that is the funnest part of all.)
Ok, with me?
You better have that feeling before you hit SEND.
Because if you don't, it probably means your gut is telling you that either a) this isn't really that valuable to them or
b) you're just pitching them something for your future gain.
But, one thing I should point out.
Every Grandma who crochets can probably tell you about a time she made something for someone. Really put her time into it and made it with love and care. And got a tepid response at best, when she gave it away.
Maybe it was a bad day.
Maybe they didn't like the color, or the yarn, or the feel, or the size, or the style.
Maybe they're just ungrateful.
That'll happen.
But Grandma gave genuine value and did her best.
You really can't please everyone, even in the perfect audience.
But you can ALWAYS give value.
And you can do it by the boatload too.
What happens next is going to take you from having a few fans, to having an entire audience. They'll open and read your emails...and click to take action too.
It's time to BENEFIT.
Automation...
And when you see this, it'll blow your mind. :)
