Growing your email list is a constant focus for smart online business owners. You’ve set up your opt-in forms, created your lead magnets, and you’re consistently delivering value—but what if there was a way to accelerate your growth using the subscribers you already have? Good news: there absolutely is!
In this third article of our email marketing series, I’ll show you how to leverage your existing subscribers to bring new people to your list, plus share strategies for crafting subject lines that get your emails opened every time. Let’s dive in!
The Power of Subscriber Referrals
Think about it—your current subscribers already know, like, and trust you enough to welcome you into their inbox regularly. And guess what? Many of them know other people who would benefit from your content just as much as they do.
The secret to exponential list growth isn’t always about reaching brand new audiences yourself—it’s about encouraging your existing audience to share your message with their circles. Here’s why this approach is so powerful:
- People trust recommendations from friends more than any advertising
- Your message reaches people you might never find on your own
- Referred subscribers often arrive pre-sold on your value
- This strategy costs nothing but can deliver tremendous results
Building the Foundation for Referrals
Before asking your subscribers to spread the word, make sure you’ve established a solid relationship with them. Your content needs to be so valuable that they’re genuinely excited to share it.
Focus on:
- Delivering content that solves real problems
- Being consistent and reliable in your communication
- Creating memorable, unique experiences in your emails
- Treating your subscribers with respect and appreciation
When your subscribers become true fans, they’ll be eager to share your content—all you need to do is ask!
Simple Ways to Encourage Sharing
Here are three effective approaches to turn your subscribers into ambassadors:
1. The Direct Forward Request At the end of particularly valuable emails, include a simple call to action like: “Know someone who’s struggling with [problem you just solved]? Forward this email to help them out!” Remember to include subscription information for new readers who receive the forwarded message.
2. The Personal Recommendation Approach Occasionally ask subscribers to personally recommend your newsletter to specific friends who might benefit. For example: “If you’re finding these weekly marketing tips helpful, would you take a moment to tell one business owner friend about this newsletter? They can subscribe at [your link].”
3. The Social Media Method Share valuable snippets from your emails on social media with a link to subscribe. Then ask your subscribers to comment on and share these posts with their networks. This creates social proof while expanding your reach.
Crafting Subject Lines That Get Opened
Even the most brilliant email won’t work if nobody opens it! Your subject line is the gateway to your message, and mastering this skill can dramatically improve your results. Here are strategies that consistently drive higher open rates:
Create Curiosity Gaps Pique interest without giving everything away:
- “The unexpected way I doubled my productivity last week…”
- “I was shocked when I discovered this about email marketing”
- “The 5-minute habit that changed everything for my business”
Use Personal, Conversational Language Make it feel like a message from a friend:
- “Quick question about your marketing strategy”
- “Thought you might find this useful”
- “Can I get your opinion on this?”
Add Urgency (When Authentic) Create a reason to open now rather than later:
- “Last day to access this free training”
- “Only 3 spots left for tomorrow’s masterclass”
- “This marketing strategy is working now (but won’t forever)”
Leverage FOMO (Fear of Missing Out) Highlight what they might miss:
- “What most business owners are getting wrong about social media”
- “The simple strategy my top clients are using this month”
- “Behind-the-scenes: How we generated 500 leads in 24 hours”
Be Ultra-Specific Show exactly what value awaits inside:
- “3 email templates that generated $27K in sales last week”
- “The exact funnel that’s converting at 32% right now”
- “7-minute workout routine for busy entrepreneurs”
Subject Line Don’ts:
- Avoid ALL CAPS and excessive punctuation!!!
- Don’t use clickbait that doesn’t deliver
- Steer clear of spam trigger words (“free,” “guarantee,” “no risk”)
- Never mislead subscribers about your content
Test, Measure, and Improve
The most effective subject lines for your audience might surprise you! Implement A/B testing by:
- Creating two different subject lines for the same email
- Sending each version to a small percentage of your list
- Sending the winning version to the remainder of your list
Over time, you’ll develop an intuitive understanding of what makes your specific audience click.
Putting It All Together
Now, let’s combine these strategies for maximum impact:
- Create truly valuable content your subscribers will want to share
- Craft compelling subject lines that get your emails opened
- Periodically and authentically ask subscribers to share your content
- Make it easy for new referrals to subscribe
- Track which sharing strategies work best for your audience
By implementing these approaches consistently, you’ll leverage the network effect to grow your list faster than ever before, all while deepening relationships with your existing subscribers.
Your Next Steps
This week, try these two simple actions:
- Write down 10 potential subject lines using the strategies above
- Include a simple sharing request at the end of your next valuable email
Remember, the best time to start encouraging referrals isn’t when you desperately need list growth—it’s when you’re consistently delivering such amazing value that your subscribers naturally want to share it.