Where did the circle start? That’s often the hardest part of any undertaking, isn’t it? Simply getting down and starting. How to start email marketing is no different. Like a baby learning to walk, at some point, you’ve got to stand up and fall down a lot.

1. Topic.

You need to figure out what you’ll be writing email about.

If you’re already in business for yourself, one way to do this is to sit and think. What kinds of conversations you’ve had with customers?

Pick one! That’ll be your first topic.

For example: if you’re a plumber, you have many customers over the years.

What common errors do you remember?

I mean, for me, personally, having a pipe burst inside at 2am for no reason was a dramatic experience. An emergency plumber turned the water off – and returned to fix it later.

A tip for homeowners might be as simple as how to turn the water off to the house. And what you need to know and have to be ready to do it.

If you’re just getting started: don’t worry.

You're just like baby learning to walk. You can learn to start from scratch.

Expect to fall down and get back up. You won’t fail unless you stop getting back up.

Starting with no existing business means you’ve got to figure out what you know and are interested in. Plus what part of that people are spending money on now.

That’s just a matter of research and experimenting. You’ll find an overlap area between money flowing and interest showing.

2. Product.

You need stuff to sell.

If you’re already in business, you may have products or services. Some may sell online.

Or? You may simply be seeking to show your credibility.

For example: a real estate professional has many clients.

Why do Realtors stay in touch? It can mean the difference between a single sale and a lifetime of referrals and personal sales.

Think about common questions people have once they own a home. Maybe things people don’t think about, like how often to clean the windows on the outside and tips to make the experience less exhausting.

Or the curb appeal from the street and trimming back bushes. These types of tips along with recent statistics about homes sold and for sale in the neighborhood can be turned into an email marketing campaign.

You can stay in touch and keep top of mind as the solution to real estate problems.

If you’re just getting started: you may want to create your own products.

Don’t panic! I mean create an imperfect teeny tiny information product that actually solves a problem.

Then and go from there to wherever your value online feels like a best fit for you. Help people and have fun!

Once you’ve got your topic, you can do research to find out common problems that you know how to solve. During your research you may find products you like that you can offer as a distributor or marketing affiliate.

Anything that can be sold can be a product.

3. Software.

You need a place to keep track of your email. You need your email sent. You need your list updated whenever someone says, "Hey! Add Me!" or, "Hey! Let Me Outta Here!"

That way you can take your topic and your chosen products and services and share a story over time.

Email marketing is about relationships. Over time, you’ll build a group of people who trust you, like your advice and buy from you.

The details of your list are best left to your software. A special software called an autoresponder, which you will eventually need, though perhaps not for a while.

When you're ready? Go back to research mode.

Because there are a lot of software tools available to help you get results with email marketing! I tried some, myself and chose one that fits me well.

There are many ways to start email marketing! How to start email marketing for you is to start taking action and finding out what fits you well.