How to Re-Engage Your Email List (If You’ve Ghosted It!)

How to Rekindle the Spark with Your Email List After a Break (Unintended or Not!)

Confession time: Have you ever ghosted your own email list?

You built your list with your very best lead magnet, got people to download it, and then… went radio silent. 🙈

If this sounds familiar, you’re not alone.

We’ve all been there, doing the “grow your list” thing that all the marketers talk about but then not actually emailing said list because what-the-heck-do-I-say….???!!

Yet, the thought of sliding back into their inboxes after a long absence feels as awkward as showing up unannounced at a dinner party.

But it doesn’t have to be this way.

Here are seven tips to gracefully re-engage your list and make your return feel not just welcomed, but celebrated:

Step 1: Break the silence with grace

Pop back into their inbox with a breezy, “Hello, it’s been a minute!”

Admitting you’ve been off the radar sets the stage for genuine reconnection.

Think of it as bumping into an old friend at a café—start with a smile and a small confession that it’s been too long. 😉

Step 2: Bring a Little Gift

Make your return memorable by offering something incredibly valuable.

This could be an insightful guide, a handy template, or exclusive access to content that they can’t get anywhere else.

Here’s what you might consider, depending on who’s on the receiving end:

• Health Coach: Offer a free eBook titled “5 Simple Detox Recipes for More Energy.”
• Graphic Design Educator: Share a video tutorial on “Creating Logos that Stand Out.”
• Virtual Assistant Coach: Provide a checklist of “10 Must-Have Tools for Every Efficient Virtual Assistant.”
• Photography Educator: Give away a guide called “Lighting Techniques for Captivating Portraits.”
• Copywriter: Create an exclusive PDF, “10 Copywriting Quick Wins to Boost Your Conversions.”

This approach shows you’re back and better than ever, with goodies they’ll actually use.

Step 3: Tell Them Where You’ve Been

Got caught up in a whirlwind of projects?

Tell them about it by sharing a slice of your life.

For example, if you’re a copywriter, you might say:

“I’ve been tucked away in my writing nook, working on projects from sunrise to sunset. I’ve picked up a few tricks along the way—can’t wait to share more soon!”

Most importantly: You’re emailing other humans, so speak to them like you would in person…

Just. Be. Real. Your subscribers will appreciate the honesty, making your relationship feel more authentic.

Step 4: Keep It Simple with a Template

Steer clear of overthinking your comeback. Use the K.I.S.S. method with a breezy template that includes your hello, your gift, and a snippet of your story. It’s like writing a catch-up letter to a good friend.

Step 5: Send When They’re Sipping Their Coffee

Timing is everything. Try sending your email around 7 AM, just as they’re sipping their morning coffee. But, keep an eye on those open rates through your email platform’s analytics to find the sweet spot for your specific audience.

Step 6: If They Say Goodbye, Let Them Go with Love

It’s natural for some people to unsubscribe after a break. I’ve done it. You’ve probably done it before too.

And that’s perfectly fine!

Sprinkle in a little note in your email like, “P.S. If you’re not resonating with my content anymore or simply don’t need help with [what you do] at the moment, no hard feelings at all. I completely understand the feeling of wanting inbox zero! You’re welcome back anytime!”

Step 7: Make Consistency Your New Best Friend

Now that you’ve dusted off the cobwebs, don’t be a stranger. Stick to a schedule that keeps you in their thoughts—whether that’s Tip Tuesday or Fun Fact Friday.

Whatever you choose, just make a promise to yourself that you’ll do it, and stick to it. Your connections (and sales) will thank you, promise.

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