Experienced marketers will advise you to start building a list prior to launching. Why? Because they know that an email list is a gold and that building an audience will take time, so might as well you start doing as from day one.
EarlyParrot managed to collect 600 emails prior to having an MVP to show off and over a 1,000 emails by the time we launched our BETA program. So, if are thinking about whether it is worth it to start asking for emails think again!
Hotjar managed to build a 60,000 email list prior to launching is yet another example of why you should focus on building an email list.
Creating a waiting list landing page is a good start but it is not enough!
Most stop there. They build an awesome page, maybe throw in an explainer video and capture emails. Once someone inputs their email, they will find a dead end and will have to wait indefinitely until the time is ripe for the founders to launch.
But it should not be the case. Those who took the step and gave you consent to notify them about your launch are truly interested in what you are baking. They want to be involved, want to know more about how they can help out. Building a wall and hold these raving fans on the other side, with no visibility on what is being created is foolish, to say the least.
With a marketing automation platform, like SendPulse, at your disposal, you can build a landing page for your waitlist as well as set up a lead capture through a subscription form or even a preferred chatbot (Facebook, Instagram, WhatsApp, Telegram). Manage your customer data in a CRM and keep your leads warm with an occasional drip email campaign or a personalized message from your chatbot.
Turn their energy in your favour…
How likely is it that these early adopters are:
- well connected?
- willing to share on social media?
- in contact with someone who will be interested in what you are doing?
- future business partners who already see the potential in your company?
- willing to write about what you are doing as part of their job?
The opportunities are endless and by just letting them wait endlessly, you are simply fighting off the momentum you are working very hard to build. Offering an easy way for your early adopters to share the news about your business within their network is the add-on that each and every waiting list launch page should have.
This is referral marketing and you can achieve that by integrating a referral marketing platform
I can already hear your questions why this cannot be done. I keep answering these questions during our free referral marketing consultation calls
Why would anyone refer my business which is yet to launch?
Reasons can vary. People feel smart when they are among the first to know about something new. Early adopters also feel great if they can recommend a solution to someone’s problem. On top of that, people love to try out new things and share new ideas, let alone if you are giving that extra incentive (a reward) for sharing your business.
I haven’t launched yet, what can I give out as a reward?
Very easy! You will be amazed by how your early adopters will appreciate minute rewards such as early access/priority access, VIP status when you launch or simply go on a call and ask them for their feedback. You can lock a lifetime discount too if you already have a plan on how much you will charge for your new product or service.
I don’t have time to handle a referral program
You shouldn’t. Your time is best spent getting feedback and building an MVP. We will help you handle referrals.
How many will share my business? Is it worth it?
Like everything else, there is a conversion rate. Not everyone will be interested in sharing on social media and not everyone will send email invites to their friends. You experience 10%-12% of your early adopters to recommend at least 3-4 new subscribers. These are averages – some do better some do worst!