Setting Up Your Writing Routine to Attract a Large Audience

"What's the most valuable writing advice you've ever received?" is a question I encounter frequently. While various tips spring to mind—such as crafting catchy headlines, writing engaging introductions, or streamlining the writing process—there's one particular piece of wisdom that has significantly influenced my writing journey.

This advice is memorable not just for its importance but also for its unexpectedness. It was both amusing and seemingly misguided at first glance, which is precisely why it turned out to be a treasure. The key insight is: it's often the things you aren't aware of that can make the biggest impact.

Let me share the crucial advice my writing mentor imparted early in my career: Start building your email list immediately.

Platforms like Medium and LinkedIn are subject to change, but email addresses remain a steadfast online identity. When your readers sign up for your email list, you gain the ability to connect with them directly, free from algorithm constraints.

Even if you've only published a few pieces, urging your readers to join your email list is vital. Here’s how you can accomplish this swiftly.

Quick Steps to Set Up Your Email List in Just 20 Minutes

Remember, done is better than perfect. You don't have to compare every mailing tool available, nor do you need to know exactly what you’ll share with subscribers right away. You can always export your list and decide on a topic later. At this stage in your writing career, focus on creating a minimal viable version.

Here’s a simple three-step process to establish your email list in about twenty minutes:

1. Select an Email Service Provider and Register (5 minutes)

   The variety of mailing providers can be overwhelming. I spent a lot of time testing different tools, but it’s essential to seek a solution that’s adequate rather than perfect. I tried options like Mailchimp and Substack, but ultimately settled on ConvertKit due to its user-friendly email templates, strong community support, and extensive tutorials. Plus, it’s free for your first 2,000 subscribers. You can create your ConvertKit account [here](#).

2. Choose a Pre-Designed Landing Page on ConvertKit (10 minutes)

   It’s easy to get sidetracked by design and branding, but remember: the more time spent on design, the less you write. Focus on creating a landing page to gather email addresses. You don’t need to specify how often you’ll send newsletters or fret about your content just yet. Initially, you can even keep your message to something as simple as "Want to keep in touch? Subscribe for free!"

3. Add a Call-to-Action at the End of Each Article (5 minutes)

   Although you might not see immediate results, this step is crucial. If your article gains traction without a call-to-action (CTA) directing readers to your email sign-up page, you’ll miss a significant opportunity for growth. My initial CTA was straightforward: "Want to connect? Subscribe to my email list." If readers appreciate your content, they will likely subscribe.

Additional Considerations

Platforms evolve, but email remains constant. Many writers overlook the importance of building an email list early on. They miss out on valuable subscribers when they finally achieve growth. Don’t be one of those writers; prioritize your email list from day one.

Follow these steps to set it up quickly:

• Register with ConvertKit
• Select a landing page
• Add a call-to-action at the end of each article

Don’t procrastinate. Even if it feels counterintuitive, establish your email list today.

Are you ready to enhance your writing journey and cultivate an online audience?

Subscribe for a free 5-day course on how to set up this essential tool that many writers often forget, all while investing only 20 minutes of your time.

Chapter 1: The Importance of Email Lists

Building your email list is a crucial step for any writer. It not only allows you to reach out to your audience directly but also helps you maintain a connection that algorithms can't disrupt.

In this video, Heather Parady discusses strategies for creating engaging short-form content that can enhance your audience's connection.

Section 1.1: Quick Setup Guide

Establishing your email list doesn’t have to be complicated. By following the steps outlined above, you can have a functional list ready in no time.

This video covers eight essential strategies for growing your audience from scratch—perfect for new writers seeking to make an impact.