Columnists

Creative Connecting: Tips for Building Your Email Subscriber Database

ColumnistsJun 22, 2021

Creative Connecting: Tips for Building Your Email Subscriber Database

Email marketing remains a top tool for attracting and retaining customers. Here’s how to up your inbox game.

2021_JCW-Duvall-Header.jpg
Duvall O’Steen, left, and Jen Cullen Williams are independent communications strategists and senior consultants for the Luxury Brand Group. They can be reached at DuvallOsteenNYC@gmail.com or Jen@JenCullenWilliams.com.
According to the latest research, email marketing is the single most reliable channel for nurturing leads and the second most effective tool for sales conversion (second only to in-person events).

For both B2C and B2B jewelry companies, email marketing is one of the most powerful tools for content distribution, and that’s why building your email subscriber database should be a primary goal for jewelry brands and retailers alike.

According to WordPress website hosting provider Kinsta.com, more than 4 billion people used email in 2020. Tapping into that audience with targeted emails to opt-in subscribers can effectively enhance your customer relationships, converting leads to buyers and promoting frequency of purchase among existing customers.

Here are some tips for growing your subscriber database. Put them to use now for the best results in the all-important fourth quarter.

Website Data Capture
If your marketing and social media are doing a good job of driving traffic to your website, make sure to capture those customers and keep in touch with them.

Build easy and efficient opt-in tools for customers to sign up for your email marketing.

Many brands have pop-up boxes that appear on the home page asking visitors to sign up for their blog or email campaigns. E-commerce sites also regularly have opt-in buttons or defaults that grant you permission to keep in touch with new customers.

Kathleen Cutler, luxury sales expert and founder of The High-End Sales Society, suggests inviting customers into your inner world. 

And when you do, “be sure to share what is in it for them. Do they get behind-the-scenes looks, invitations to exclusive events?”  

She also suggests that you never stop promoting the benefits of being a brand follower. 

“Always promote your email list! Make sure you are looking for opportunities to sprinkle mentions of the perks of being on your email list in your social media posts and in all of your marketing. Spell out how potential customers can join and why they should.”

“If your content resolves your most frequently asked questions or showcases features that may need more education, your followers are more likely to open those emails.”— Kathleen Cutler, The High-End Sales Society 

Extending Reach/Finding New Customers
According to digital marketing expert Laryssa Wirstiuk of Joy Joya, great content is essential. She encourages all brands and retailers to create content that readers will want to pass along.

And be sure to make your email campaigns shareable.

“Include a link at the bottom of your emails to share/forward the email to a friend,” she said. “Hopefully, the email will make such a positive impression that the other person will sign up for your emails too.”

Wirstiuk also suggests implementing a refer-a-friend program.

Providing customers with referral incentives can drive new traffic to your website. With email opt-ins on your site, you can capture their data and potentially convert them to a new customer. 

“Even if the referred friend doesn’t buy on a first visit, they will likely sign up for your email campaign to learn more and follow your brand,” Wirstiuk said.

Promotions & Lead Magnets
Promotions are another way to find new leads and gain access to new customers who will potentially opt in to your email list. 

Wirstiuk suggests hosting cross-promotional activities and events, like giveaways with other brands and businesses. 

“Find businesses that aren’t direct competitors but share your target customer base. Then, join forces to give away something compelling. Require entrants to provide their email addresses in order to enter the giveaway.”

Further, she suggests creating lead magnets. 

“The term lead magnet refers to anything that prompts a target customer to give you their information, usually in exchange for something. For jewelry brands, that could be a style guide download or even a freebie like a ring sizer or polishing cloth,” Wirstiuk said.

“If you can promise something that offers value but that doesn’t eat into your bottom line, then you can potentially gain many new email addresses.”
Content Quality, Frequency & Segmenting
Many brands struggle with the question of frequency. How much is too much when it comes to email marketing? 

According to the experts we consulted, developing exceptional content is crucial because it allows you to communicate more often. 

Cutler advises emailing your list regularly and creating content that solves problems or answers questions. 

“One of our clients added $1.3 million last year by regularly showing up in her collectors’ inboxes,” she said. 

“If your content resolves your most frequently asked questions or showcases features that may need more education, such as how to care for specific stones or how to style your pieces, your followers are more likely to open those emails and enjoy them and share them with their contacts.” 

Segmenting your email lists can also create success and further refine your content. 

When capturing consumer data, request demographic information and personal preferences that allow you to send targeted emails based on the customer’s specific interests. 

 Related stories will be right here … 

According to MailChimp.com, segmented emails appear to perform significantly better than mass emails.

As an example, if you have captured customer birthdates, you can segment your audience and send special birthstone messaging to customers whose birthdays fall in a specific month.

Also, think about special events, occasions, or topics that might be of interest to your consumers.

When capturing their email address, offer subjects that the customer can select by preference. Think along the lines of styling advice, gemstone information, wedding planning, sales/discounts/promotions, etc.

Then, when related content comes up in your editorial calendar, you can make sure those who selected that topic(s) receive the email.

For those who worry about overdoing it with email marketing, this type of strategy effectively reduces the amount of emails received by any given customer as your content is highly targeted by their preferences.

Every business needs to connect and build relationships with their customers, and an effective email marketing strategy begins with building your database.

For additional ideas on enhancing your subscriber database, listen to Wirstiuk’s recent podcast on the topic or download Yieldify’s free guide to list-building strategies.

Jen Cullen Williamsis an independent communications strategist and senior consultant for the Luxury Brand Group.
Duvall O'Steenis an independent communications strategist and senior consultant for the Luxury Brand Group.

The Latest

Lightbox x Roséate Light Wand pendants
Lab-GrownDec 01, 2023
Lightbox Teams Up With Brand Founded by Former Tiffany Exec

The lab-grown diamond brand also collaborated with the website The Future Rocks on a collection launching today.

Lila Moss Calvin Klein campaign
FinancialsDec 01, 2023
Movado Lowers Guidance Again After Q3 Sales Dip

The company said it is facing a “challenging retail environment” but is prepared for the holiday season.

Muzo emerald and argyle pink diamond necklace
CollectionsDec 01, 2023
Piece of the Week: Muzo’s Emerald and Argyle Pink Diamond Necklace

It’s the hero piece of the newest "Green Jewel" collection, a collaborative offering from the two mines.

Platinum  Guild International Diamond Rings
Brought to you by
If It’s Custom, Make It Platinum

With holiday proposals right around the corner, encourage your customers to go for platinum when making the big purchase.

Pink Supreme Diamond
AuctionsNov 30, 2023
This Pink Diamond Reigned Supreme in Hong Kong

The 15.48-carat fancy intense “Pink Supreme” topped Christie’s fall jewelry auction in Asia, while a Patek Philippe led the watch sale.

Weekly QuizNov 30, 2023
This Week’s Quiz
Test your jewelry news knowledge with this short test.
Take the Quiz
Claire’s CFO COO Chris Cramer
MajorsNov 30, 2023
Claire’s Hires Former Bath & Body Works Exec as CFO, COO

Chris Cramer, who also spent time at Gen Z intimates brand Parade, will take on the dual role.

133 carat yellow diamond
AuctionsNov 30, 2023
Sotheby’s To Auction 133-Carat Yellow Diamond

The stone headlining the upcoming sale could fetch up to $5 million.

IGI-BTYB-103023.jpg
Brought to you by
Did You Know? The Vital Role of IGI: The International Gemological Institute

In a world where the sparkle of a gemstone is only as brilliant as the trust behind it, IGI's purpose is truly invaluable.

Kwiat diamonds
IndependentsNov 30, 2023
Frank Adams Rolls Out Kwiat’s ‘Mine to Shine’ Program

The retail offering lets customers track their diamond’s journey.

Diamond development hub in Angola
SourcingNov 29, 2023
Largest New Diamond Mine of the Decade Coming Online in Angola

The Luele mine is expected to eventually make the country the world’s third-largest diamond producer.

Holiday shoppers holding bags
SurveysNov 29, 2023
Holiday Shoppers Broke a Record This Weekend, Says NRF

From Thanksgiving through Cyber Monday, 200.4 million consumers shopped online and in stores.

Cast StyleBar Nordstrom
MajorsNov 29, 2023
Cast Debuts at Nordstrom, Closes on More VC Funding

The growing company also plans to open more of its own boutiques.

20180509_Buffett-header.jpg
EditorsNov 29, 2023
Warren Buffett on Success, Mistakes and Betting on America

The best quotes from the Oracle of Omaha and his right-hand man Charlie Munger from the 2018 Berkshire Hathaway shareholders meeting.

J. Dostie Jewelers
IndependentsNov 28, 2023
Maine Jeweler to Relocate After 76 Years

J. Dostie Jewelers will move from Lewiston to Yarmouth this spring.

Finks Jewelers new store
IndependentsNov 28, 2023
Fink’s Jewelers Opens 10th Store

It’s the company’s second location in Tennessee.

Mary Tyler Moore and a pair of Elsa Peretti Bone Cuffs
AuctionsNov 28, 2023
Mary Tyler Moore’s Jewelry Is Up For Auction

You can have this jewelry, why don’t you take it?

Original Miami Beach Antique Show 2024
Events & AwardsNov 28, 2023
The Original Miami Beach Antique Show Is Celebrating 60 Years

Next year’s milestone show will be full of educational programming and collaborations.

De Beers Metamorphosis high jewelry earrings
EditorsNov 27, 2023
10 Tips for Selling Diamonds This Holiday Season

Sales experts and a diamantaire share their best advice on how to send customers home with diamond jewelry.

Platinum Born new collection
CollectionsNov 27, 2023
See the New ‘Platinum Born’ Jewelry

The brand has released five new collections.

Frank Adams Jewelers
IndependentsNov 27, 2023
Frank Adams Jewelers Named ‘Family Business of the Year’

The Albany Business Review recently honored the 100-year-old company.

GIA Dr. John W. Valley
GradingNov 27, 2023
Dr. John W. Valley Retires from GIA Board of Governors

To honor his legacy, GIA has set up a scholarship in his name.

Stock image of police car with its lights on
CrimeNov 22, 2023
JSA Warns of Surge in Attacks on Jewelers on the Road

There have been eight attacks in the last month, spanning from a jewelry store parking lot in Rhode Island to highways in California.

Buddha Mama citrine bangle
TrendsNov 22, 2023
Amanda’s Style File: November Glow

These 15 pieces of jewelry celebrate November babies and the hues of citrine and topaz that reflect the colors of the season.

Columbia Gem House fundraiser
SourcingNov 22, 2023
Columbia Gem House Raises $12K for Wildlife

The money will help a nonprofit rehabilitate sea turtles.

Facet Barcelona factory opening
MajorsNov 22, 2023
Facet Barcelona Opens New Factory in Spain

The jewelry manufacturer said it can now better serve the North American market.

David Yurman holiday campaign
TechnologyNov 21, 2023
See David Yurman’s New High-Tech Holiday Campaign

The jewelry brand takes viewers through a virtual winter wonderland set in New York City.

2023 Rock the Jewels Awards winners
Events & AwardsNov 21, 2023
Here Are the Winners of BIJC’s Inaugural ‘Rock the Jewels’ Awards

The organization recognized outstanding industry players at its celebratory event.

×

This site uses cookies to give you the best online experience. By continuing to use & browse this site, we assume you agree to our Privacy Policy