For anyone selling on Etsy, this is always the internal battle we fight. We watch the emails roll in order after order, but not land on our list.
We think to ourselves,
If only there was a way to use my past customers emails to jump start my list!
But since the beginning, Etsy has NOT allowed this to happen. That is, until now!
Etsy and Aweber have announced a little quick up date that changes all of this!
**Note, you will need to have an Aweber account for this to work : You can sign up here!
Why Etsy integrates with only aweber.
Aweber is an email software that is in the integration tab of Etsy. The reason that Etsy uses Aweber is because they require their subscribers to "double opt in." This means when they subscribe to your email list, instead of being instantly added, they instead receive an email asking for them to "opt in." Only then, will they be added to your list. This is something Etsy loves because it helps prevent anyone from just sneaking names on a list and mass spamming. Etsy is protective of their buyers information and because of this, trust awebers system.
Etsy Email Update that lets you import past buyers.
When integrating Etsy to Aweber there is now an option that lets you import customers emails from the last 12 months. This means from the time you import you can get up to a years worth of customers data! However, there is a small issue. Those past customers will still have to opt in through Awebers double opt in system. So instead of them instantly jumping on your list, they will need to consistent that they want to be.
This update is huge for Etsy sellers, but its going to take some marketing techniques to get them to join. Lets first break down how to set this up
How to set up your aweber to get past customers
1. Create a list you want your past customers to join.
You will then select that list under "list automations."
** Note- If you have Aweber pro (click here if you want it!) you can add tags to your buyers so you know what items they are buying. This is perfect if you offer a handful of different items and want to specifically lock down on those who buy certain items
2. Edit the confirmation message
Within the "listing settings" you can edit the confirmation message that will be sent to your past customers. This part is important because for some customers, it will be the first time they have heard from you in months! Be sure to use this space to announce something "new or exciting!" Have a great little offer as well to help sweet the pot and bring these buyers back.
My advise would is to be generous at this part. Because you need to win them back be sure to offer something that would be a no brainer. You can announce new products and offer a step discount if they sign up for you list.
* Note - This is for only when you are emailing your past customers. Once you set this up and the email goes out, you can change this confirmation email to just be a normal opt in email. The first time you send it, its going to past customers who are a bit cooler. However after its sent, then it will only be going to new customers who are fresh off from your brand.
I would also recommend requesting a new subject line. That subject line is not very exciting.
3. Have Aweber confirm and finish setting up your work
Something AMAZING about Aweber is their customer service. After you go through these steps, you will want to jump on a call with Aweber and have them confirm everything is good and hit the switch for you! Here is the link that takes you to their live (real human) support
Start crushing the email game on etsy!
One of the hardest parts about creating an email list is when you are talking to no one. This system will allow you to jump start your email list and get a bucket of subscribers instantly to your list!
If you want to learn more about this all you can listen in on the podcast "Grow My Etsy Shop"