Reconnecting After Email Hiatus: Bounce Back Tips

Learn how to rebuild connections with your email list after months or even years of silence. Practical advice included.

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Do subscribers expect to hear from you regularly?

Opening: Recognizing that subscribers expect communication can motivate consistent emailing. Quote:

These people asked to hear from you, right? When they opt in, they opt in. That's giving their consent. They want to hear more.

Takeaway:
  • Subscribers signed up to receive your content; fulfilling that is essential.
  • Regular emails honor the trust and interest they've placed in you.
  • Consistent communication meets subscriber expectations and fosters loyalty.

How does email consistency lead to success?

Opening: Consistency in emailing isn't just about staying in touch; it's a pathway to real success. Quote:

Email did that. Nothing else. I mean, obviously email and my commitment and consistency. So if you're serious about growing your list, you're serious about helping... you have to stay top of mind. And in order to stay top of mind, you have to email.

Takeaway:
  • Regular emailing keeps you top of mind, leading to better engagement and opportunities.
  • Commitment and consistency are key drivers of success in email marketing.
  • Emulate successful practices by prioritizing your email communication.

Why focus on new subscribers over old ones?

Opening: Re-engaging old subscribers can be less effective than finding new, interested ones. Quote:

Your efforts will be better spent instead of trying to come up with this, you know, complicated strategy on how to get people to open, get people to click that haven't opened or clicked in years... Your energy would be better spent just finding new people that give a crap right now.

Takeaway:
  • Invest time in strategies to attract new subscribers who are more likely to engage.
  • Avoid overcomplicating re-engagement tactics for long-inactive subscribers.
  • New subscribers can bring fresh energy to your list and campaigns.

Should you delete inactive subscribers?

Opening: Maintaining a healthy email list sometimes means removing inactive subscribers. Quote:

But if they don't open the emails, just delete them. Really anybody, just delete the people that don't open in the next couple months... your energy would be better spent just finding new people that give a crap right now.

Takeaway:
  • Don't hesitate to remove subscribers who remain unengaged after re-engagement efforts.
  • A smaller, engaged list is more valuable than a larger, inactive one.
  • Focus your efforts on attracting new, interested subscribers.

Why is consistent emailing crucial?

Opening: Consistency in emailing is vital for maintaining engagement and driving business success. Quote:

Stop ghosting your list. If you want to take your business seriously, if you want to take your revenue seriously, and you actually give a crap about the people that consented to your emails, commit to sending these newsletters.

Takeaway:
  • Regular emails keep you top of mind with your audience.
  • Consistency builds trust and shows professionalism.
  • Committed emailing can lead to increased revenue and business growth.

How soon should you email after re-engaging?

Opening: Timing is key when re-engaging subscribers; sending emails promptly shows commitment. Quote:

We're going to send out 1 or 2 more emails in the next 7 to 10 days. Yes, we don't want to wait around. 10 days is pushing it. I personally would send them out like email 1 on Monday, email 2 Wednesday, email 3, maybe Thursday or Friday.

Takeaway:
  • Send follow-up emails promptly to re-establish a routine.
  • Consistent communication helps rebuild engagement and trust.
  • Adjust the pace based on your audience's comfort level but avoid long gaps.

What is the post ghost sequence?

Opening: A post ghost sequence can help you reconnect with your email list after a prolonged absence. Quote:

In this post ghost strategy, we are going to again, set those expectations, tell them what's coming. Hey, we're going to do this. I'm going to teach that. I'm going to offer you this kind of help and these paid and free resources.

Takeaway:
  • Set clear expectations about future content to re-engage subscribers.
  • Outline the value they can expect, including free and paid resources.
  • Communicate your plans to rebuild trust and interest.

How to re-engage your list after six months?

Opening: If you've been away for over six months, reintroducing yourself can help re-establish connection with your subscribers. Quote:

Now, if it's been more than 6 months, basically we're just going to put them through the welcome emails again. So whatever your welcome emails are... we're gonna use up those welcome emails, change them up to be instead of hey, welcome to a hey reintroduction type of thing.

Takeaway:
  • Repurpose your welcome sequence as a re-engagement series to refresh subscribers' memory.
  • Include your freebie again to provide immediate value.
  • Remind them who you are and share your personality to rebuild the relationship.

Should you apologize to your list after a break?

Opening: It's tempting to apologize when you've been absent, but is it really necessary? Quote:

But for the love of all that is holy in the inbox, don't you dare apologize. Don't say, oh my gosh, I'm sorry I haven't emailed you in a few months. Nobody cares. Say it with love, nobody cares. Don't apologize.

Takeaway:
  • Avoid starting emails with apologies; focus on providing value instead.
  • Your subscribers may not have noticed your absence; draw attention to new content.
  • Maintain a positive tone and move forward without dwelling on past lapses.

How to restart emailing after a short break?

Opening: Restarting communication with your subscribers after a break can be awkward, but it's crucial for maintaining engagement. Quote:

So if it's just been a few months since you emailed and you were mostly regular before that, just pick up where you left off, just start emailing. Nobody cares. Nobody's really noticed, and you can act like nothing has happened.

Takeaway:
  • Emailing regularly is important, but a short break isn't detrimental—just resume as usual.
  • Avoid drawing attention to your absence; simply provide value as before.
  • Don't apologize for the break; focus on delivering quality content instead.

Episode Info:

Title:
Episode 63: Ghosted! How to Come Back After Not Emailing For a While
Episode Link:
Keywords:
email marketing, reengagement, nurture sequences
Episode Air Date:
December 11, 2024

Podcast info:

Show Name:
The Email Sound Booth
Author:
Liz Wilcox
Owner:
Liz Wilcox
Category:
Business

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