Last Updated On March 10
Build Your Email List, Create Newsletters & Automate Marketing
Learn how to build an email list, create engaging newsletters, and implement marketing automation to boost your business success today!
Email marketing is still one of the best ways to connect with your audience.
Whether you run an online store, blog, or any kind of business, it helps you stay in touch with your customers, build trust, and drive those sales up.
But if you're wondering where to begin, you're in the right place! This article breaks down everything you need to know about building an email list, crafting engaging newsletters, and making the most of marketing automation, with GetResponse as your go-to solution.
What is GetResponse?
GetResponse is your all-in-one email marketing platform, packed with tools to help you build email lists, create eye-catching newsletters, and automate your marketing campaigns.
Whether you’re a small business or a larger enterprise, it’s designed to make your email marketing efforts smoother and more effective.
With features like advanced segmentation, automation workflows, and ready-to-use email templates, GetResponse is a favorite among marketers looking to really connect with their audience.
Why Choose GetResponse?
User-Friendly Interface: It's easy to navigate, so you can focus on what matters most—your marketing.
Customizable Email Templates: Create stunning emails that reflect your brand without needing design skills.
Advanced Automation Workflows: Set up automated campaigns that run in the background while you focus on other things.
Built-In Landing Pages and Forms: Capture leads effortlessly with tools that integrate seamlessly into your campaigns.
Affordable Pricing: GetResponse offers pricing plans that work for businesses of all sizes, so you don’t have to break the bank to get started.
GetResponse Dashboard
How to Build an Email List
Building an email list is the backbone of any successful email marketing campaign. Think of it as your community of loyal customers and interested prospects.
Here’s a straightforward, step-by-step guide to help you get started:
Step-by-Step Guide to Building an Email List
Create a Sign-Up Form
Use GetResponse’s user-friendly drag-and-drop form builder to design attractive sign-up forms.
For example, if you have an online clothing store, you could create a form that pops up offering a discount on the first purchase in exchange for their email.
Offer Incentives
Give visitors a reason to subscribe. This could be discounts, free eBooks, or exclusive content.
For instance, a fitness blog might offer a free workout guide to anyone who signs up for their newsletter.
Use Social Media
Promote your sign-up form on your social media channels. If you’re a baker, share delicious photos of your cakes on Instagram and include a link to your sign-up form for followers to receive a recipe booklet.
Segment Your List
Group your subscribers based on their interests and behaviors.
For example, if someone signs up for a travel newsletter, you could categorize them by their preferred travel style—adventure, luxury, or budget—so you can send tailored content.
Best Practices for Growing Your Subscriber Base
Provide Value
Make it clear what people will gain by signing up. Highlight benefits like special offers, helpful tips, or exclusive news.
For example, if you run a gardening store, let subscribers know they’ll get expert gardening tips and seasonal discounts.
Leverage Content
Use blog posts, videos, or webinars to attract subscribers. If you’re a cooking channel on YouTube, create a video on meal prep and encourage viewers to sign up for a newsletter with bonus recipes.
Keep Forms Simple
Avoid overwhelming potential subscribers with too many fields. Just ask for their name and email address to start. The simpler it is, the more likely they are to sign up!
Using GetResponse to Simplify List Building
GetResponse makes list building a breeze with features like pre-designed templates and customizable fields. For example, you can choose from various attractive templates for your sign-up forms, which means you don’t have to worry about design skills.
Plus, its integration with platforms like Facebook and WordPress means you can easily capture leads directly from your social media pages or website.
Creating Engaging Newsletters
The main goal of a newsletter is to keep your audience informed, entertained, and engaged. But how do you create one that people actually want to read?
Let’s break it down step by step.
How to Write Newsletters That People Actually Read
Keep It Personal
Address your readers by name and tailor your content to their interests. For example, if you have a pet supply store, you might start your newsletter with, “Hi Sarah!
We know how much you love your furry friends.” This personal touch makes readers feel valued.
Provide Valuable Content
Share useful tips, industry news, or product updates that your audience cares about.
If you run a health and wellness blog, you could include articles on nutrition tips, exercise routines, or the latest health trends.
Create Curiosity
Use intriguing subject lines to entice readers to open your email. For instance, instead of “October Newsletter,” try “Discover the Secret to Stress-Free Holidays!”
This sparks curiosity and encourages opens.
Best Design Practices for Newsletters
Use a Clean Layout
Keep your design simple and organized to avoid clutter. A clean layout helps readers focus on the content.
Think of a layout similar to a magazine, where each section is clearly defined.
Mobile-First
Optimize your newsletter for mobile users since most people check their emails on their phones.
Test how your newsletter looks on a mobile device to ensure it’s easy to read and navigate.
Add Visuals
Incorporate images, videos, or infographics to make your newsletters more engaging.
For example, if you’re sharing a recipe, include a photo of the finished dish to entice your readers.
Examples of Successful Newsletters
Some brands have truly mastered the art of creating engaging newsletters. For instance, Spotify sends out personalized playlists and music recommendations based on users' listening habits.
This keeps subscribers interested and excited about what’s coming next.
Similarly, Airbnb shares inspiring travel stories and unique accommodations tailored to subscribers' preferences. Their newsletters feature beautiful visuals and helpful travel tips, making them a joy to read.
Marketing Automation: A Game Changer
Marketing automation can really elevate your email marketing game. Just imagine sending the right message to the right person at exactly the right time—without lifting a finger!
What is Marketing Automation?
Marketing automation is the use of software to automate various marketing tasks. This includes things like sending emails, segmenting your audience based on their interests, and tracking how customers interact with your content.
Think of it as your virtual marketing assistant that works around the clock.
Why You Should Care About Marketing Automation
Here are some compelling reasons to embrace marketing automation:
Save Time
Automating repetitive tasks means you can focus on more strategic aspects of your marketing.
For instance, instead of manually sending welcome emails to every new subscriber, you can set up an automated welcome series that sends out the emails for you.
Imagine you own a fitness studio; you could automatically send a series of emails to new members introducing them to classes, trainers, and special offers.
Increase Engagement
With automation, you can send personalized messages based on user behavior. For example, if someone clicks on a link about healthy recipes in your newsletter, you can automatically follow up with an email offering more related content, like a meal plan.
This level of personalization keeps your audience engaged and coming back for more.
Improve Efficiency and Consistency
Automation helps ensure that your campaigns run smoothly and consistently.
If you have a seasonal sale, you can set up automated reminders to go out to your subscribers leading up to the event.
For instance, if you own an online clothing store, you could schedule emails reminding customers about a holiday sale—first a month in advance, then a week before, and finally a day before the sale starts.
How to Set Up Marketing Automation Using GetResponse
Setting up marketing automation with GetResponse is a breeze! With just a few steps, you can create automated email campaigns that engage your audience and boost sales.
Here’s a quick guide to help you get started.
Step-by-Step Guide to Automating Your Email Campaigns
Create a Workflow
Begin by designing a workflow based on customer behavior.
For instance, if a new customer signs up for your newsletter, you can set up a workflow to send them a series of welcome emails over the next few days, introducing them to your brand and offerings.
Add Triggers
Triggers are specific actions that start your automated responses. For example, you can use triggers like “purchase completed” or “email opened” to kick off follow-up emails.
If a customer buys a pair of running shoes, you could trigger an email recommending complementary products, like socks or shoe care.
Set Conditions
Conditions allow you to define when certain emails should be sent. For instance, you might want to send a special discount email only if a subscriber clicks on a link in your previous email.
Let’s say you run a beauty subscription service; if a subscriber clicks on a link about skincare, you could send them a follow-up email offering 15% off their next purchase of skincare products.
Automating Welcome Emails, Birthday Deals, and More
With GetResponse, you can easily automate common email types that boost customer loyalty:
Welcome Emails
Send a warm welcome email to new subscribers as soon as they sign up. This sets the tone for your relationship and lets them know what to expect from your emails.
Birthday Deals
Use automation to send personalized birthday discounts. For example, if you own a local bakery, you could send a special coupon to customers on their birthdays, encouraging them to celebrate with a cake or pastries.
Post-Purchase Follow-Ups
After a customer makes a purchase, automate follow-up emails to thank them and suggest related products.
If someone buys a fitness tracker from your online store, send a follow-up email with tips on how to get the most out of their new device, along with links to accessories.
GetResponse Worklow Automation Editor
Marketing Automation Strategy
To truly benefit from marketing automation, having a solid strategy is essential.
Here’s how to create an effective automation strategy that works for your business.
How to Develop an Effective Automation Strategy
Know Your Audience
Understanding your audience’s behavior and preferences is key to sending relevant content. For example, if you run an online bookstore, analyze which genres your subscribers prefer.
If you notice that many customers love mystery novels, tailor your emails to highlight new releases in that genre, author interviews, or exclusive discounts on mystery titles.
Set Clear Goals
Define specific goals for your campaigns, whether it’s increasing sales, boosting engagement, or growing your subscriber list.
For instance, if your goal is to boost sales, you might aim for a 20% increase in sales during a holiday promotion. Having clear goals helps you measure success and adjust your strategy as needed.
Test and Optimize
Continuously test different elements of your automation to see what works best. This could include experimenting with subject lines, call-to-action buttons, or the timing of your emails.
For example, if you find that emails sent on Tuesday mornings get higher open rates than those sent on Friday afternoons, adjust your schedule accordingly.
Key Metrics to Track for Automation Success
To evaluate the success of your marketing automation efforts, keep an eye on these key metrics:
Open Rates
This measures how many people open your emails. A higher open rate means your subject lines and timing are effective.
For example, if you notice a 30% open rate on your emails, it’s a good sign that your audience is interested in what you have to say.
Click-Through Rates
Track how many people click on the links in your emails. If you send out a newsletter with links to your latest blog posts, a high click-through rate indicates that your content resonates with readers.
For instance, if 15% of your subscribers click on a link to a blog post about “5 Tips for Successful Gardening,” you know it’s a topic they care about.
Conversion Rates
Assess how many people take the desired action, such as making a purchase or signing up for a webinar.
If you send out a promotional email with a special discount code and notice a 10% conversion rate, that’s a solid indicator that your email was effective in driving sales.
Marketing Automation Examples
Marketing automation can streamline your communication and enhance customer relationships.
Here are some effective examples of how you can use automation to your advantage:
Automated Welcome Sequences
An automated welcome sequence is a series of emails sent automatically to new subscribers. This helps introduce your brand and set expectations for what they can look forward to in your emails.
Real-Life Example: Imagine you run an online fitness coaching business. When someone signs up for your newsletter, they automatically receive a welcome email thanking them for joining.
Over the next week, they might get additional emails with valuable content, like workout tips, nutrition guides, and a special discount for their first coaching session. This helps establish a connection and keeps them engaged right from the start.
Abandoned Cart Email Campaigns
Abandoned cart email campaigns remind potential customers about items they left in their shopping carts, encouraging them to complete their purchase.
Real-Life Example: Let’s say you operate an online clothing store. If a customer adds a pair of shoes to their cart but doesn’t check out, you can automatically send them an email a few hours later.
The email could say, “Hey! You left these awesome shoes in your cart. Complete your purchase now and enjoy 10% off!” This gentle nudge can significantly increase your chances of recovering lost sales.
Post-Purchase Follow-Ups
Post-purchase follow-ups are a fantastic way to thank customers for their purchase, offer related products, or request feedback.
Real-Life Example: If you own a local bakery and a customer orders a cake for a special occasion, you can set up an automated follow-up email to be sent a few days later. This email could thank them for their order and include a request for feedback on the cake.
You might also suggest they try some of your other products, like cookies or pastries, with a special discount for their next order. This not only builds loyalty but also encourages repeat business.
Why GetResponse is the Best Tool for Email Marketing Automation
When it comes to email marketing automation, GetResponse stands out for several reasons.
Here’s a look at its key features and some real-life success stories.
Key Features That Set GetResponse Apart
Email Templates
GetResponse offers a wide range of customizable and professional email templates. This makes it easy for anyone—whether you're a small business owner or a seasoned marketer—to create stunning emails that capture attention.
Real-Life Example: Imagine you run a flower shop. With GetResponse, you can quickly choose a beautiful template that showcases your seasonal bouquets, customize it with your branding, and send it out in no time.
This helps ensure that your emails look polished and engaging without needing design skills.
Advanced Automation
GetResponse simplifies complex workflows with its intuitive automation tools. You can easily set up automated email sequences based on customer behavior, saving you time and effort.
Real-Life Example: If you own an online bookstore, you can create a welcome series that automatically sends new subscribers a set of emails over the next week. For example, they might receive an email introducing your bestsellers on day one, followed by a coupon for 10% off their first purchase on day three.
This automation keeps your audience engaged without you needing to send each email manually.
Comprehensive Analytics
GetResponse provides detailed reports so you can track your campaign’s performance. You can see how many people opened your emails, clicked on links, and ultimately made a purchase.
Real-Life Example: Let’s say you run a local gym. After sending out a monthly newsletter, you can check the analytics to see which articles were most popular and how many new sign-ups resulted from the email.
If you find that workout tips attracted a lot of clicks, you can include more of that content in future newsletters to keep your audience engaged.
GetResponse’s User Testimonials
Reading reviews and testimonials from other users can really help you get a feel for what it’s like to use GetResponse. Hearing about other people’s experiences can make it easier to figure out if the platform is a good fit for you.
Since everyone’s experience is different, it’s always a good idea to look at a variety of opinions to get a balanced view before making your decision.
Here are some reviews from GetResponse users:
"I use GetResponse for building my list and keeping in touch with them. Since I started using it till now, I have had little or no issues with any of the features I use. What's most important for me is that my mails get to my contact's inbox and GetResponse makes sure of that. I do feel there are more features now on the app than I need and it is quite very good. I can easily clean my list and remove contacts that no longer respond or open my mails. The landing page builder and the website builders are good though I rarely use them."
This user loves GetResponse’s reliable email deliverability, which is key for marketers. They also find the list management easy to handle and appreciate having so many features, even if they don’t use all of them. It gives them a lot of flexibility.
"Simple automation and customization of multistep trips based on participant actions could send a series of onboarding emails to new sign-ups, for example, or cart abandonment emails if the purchase is not completed. Workflows customize and improve the effectiveness of marketing."
This user points out how powerful the automation tools are. GetResponse lets marketers create custom workflows, like onboarding or cart abandonment emails, which makes it a great way to boost customer engagement.
"Cost Limitations with segmenting the email lists. Inability to connect directly with our website. Very poor customer service."
This user mentions a few common frustrations: the high cost of advanced features like segmentation, challenges with website integration, and disappointing customer service. For businesses that rely on these specific functions, these could be deal-breakers.
"Poor execution of new features – Poor user interface – VERY POOR transitions between versions of the platform: features break, processes you build might break as well. Poor coding and testing: if you use it professionally, you know that you can't rely on it. (Ex: draft emails break, email templates break, fonts break, text size breaks, etc.). VERY BAD when it comes to RESPONSIVE emails. HORRIBLE customer service: they're all NON-Native English Speakers and don't understand what you tell them. They assume every customer they have is a newbie or a grandma who has never sent any newsletter. It's very frustrating."
This user is really frustrated with the platform’s technical stability, especially when new features are introduced. They also mention poor customer support, citing language barriers and a lack of advanced knowledge as major issues. For professional marketers who need reliable tools, these problems can be a serious drawback.
"My overall experience has been great with GetResponse. I've used them for many, many years. I've never had any issue with the system, and they always update me about any updates or any issues that may arise in the future."
As a long-time user, they really appreciate the platform’s stability and the way it keeps them informed about updates, helping their business stay ready for any changes.
"I absolutely love GetResponse, and I use it daily. I easily design my marketing campaigns and even get customers to my landing page with the built-in advert creator for Facebook and Google. My business cannot run without GetResponse."
For this user, GetResponse is a crucial part of their daily workflow. The ad creation tools and landing page features make it easy to manage marketing efforts across platforms like Facebook and Google, helping them run more effective campaigns.
If you want to dive deeper into reviews of GetResponse, check out Capterra. It’s a well-known platform where you can find detailed feedback from users about GetResponse and other software products.
It’s a great place to get more insights and see what people are saying. Remember that everyone's experiences unique, so I recommend you trying it out the software if you're really interested.
They offer a free plan, so you can dive in and explore the platform to see how it fits your business needs.
By testing it firsthand, you’ll get a true sense of its features, how customizable it is, and how easy it is to use—all without the pressure of committing to a paid plan upfront. It’s a great way to see if GetResponse is the right match for your marketing goals.
Conclusion
In today's digital landscape, email marketing and automation are essential for businesses that want to grow.
Whether you’re building an email list, creating engaging newsletters, or automating your marketing efforts, GetResponse has everything you need to succeed.
If you haven't started using GetResponse yet, now is the perfect time! Its powerful features and easy-to-use interface make it an ideal choice for businesses of all sizes.
You’ll find that it simplifies your marketing processes, allowing you to focus more on what matters—growing your business.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS (FAQ)
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Email marketing is about sending emails to your subscribers, while marketing automation involves using software to send personalized emails based on customer actions.
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Yes, GetResponse offers a free plan with basic features that are great for small businesses starting with email marketing.
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It depends on your needs, but most users can set up a basic automation workflow within a few hours.
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A newsletter is effective when it provides valuable content, has a clean design, and is personalized for the reader.
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A newsletter is effective when it provides valuable content, has a clean design, and is personalized for the reader.
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Track metrics like open rates, click-through rates, and conversion rates to gauge the success of your campaigns.
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