Congratulations! You've taken the first step towards building your startup by setting up a landing page and gathering a list of waiting list users. Now, the challenge is to keep these potential customers engaged while you develop your Minimum Viable Product (MVP). One of the most effective ways to do this is through email marketing. Here's a step-by-step guide on how to use an email marketing tool to keep your waiting list warm.

1. Choose an Email Marketing Tool: There are various email marketing tools available, such as Mailchimp, SendGrid, and MailerLite. These tools allow you to send emails to a list of people, track the performance of your emails, and more. Choose a tool that suits your needs and budget. 

   

2. We recommend using MailerLite, its cost effective for startups and has all the features you will need.

3. Import Your Waiting List into MailerLite: import the list of users who signed up to your waiting list. This can be done by uploading a CSV file or integrating with your landing page platform. If you are using the Million Labs Landing Page product then this can automatically add the user into MailerLite.

4. Create a Welcome Email: Send a welcome email to your waiting list as soon as they sign up. This email should thank them for their interest, give them an idea of what to expect from your emails, and set the tone for your future communications.

5. Send Regular Updates: Keep your waiting list engaged by sending regular updates on the progress of your MVP. Share behind-the-scenes content, such as photos or videos of your team working on the product, and ask for feedback. This will make your users feel like they are part of the journey and increase their anticipation for your product.

6. Offer Exclusive Content: Offer exclusive content or early access to your MVP to your waiting list. This will make them feel valued and increase their likelihood of becoming paying customers once your product is launched.

7. Analyze and Optimize: Use the analytics provided by your email marketing tool to track the performance of your emails. Look at metrics such as open rates, click-through rates, and unsubscribe rates. Use this data to optimize your future emails.

By following these steps, you can effectively use an email marketing tool to keep your waiting list engaged and excited about your product while you build your MVP. Remember to be authentic and transparent in your communications, and always provide value to your users. Good luck!