How to Create an Audience in Mailchimp (11 Easy Steps)

Creating an audience in Mailchimp is the first step to enjoying all the features of the platform.

It helps you build a loyal community of subscribers eager to hear from you.

But, let’s be real, for beginners, this task can feel like tackling a complex puzzle without a picture on the box.

The struggle lies in navigating a new platform, figuring out what all those features do, and wondering if you’re getting it right.

Get ready to unlock the power of Mailchimp and connect with your audience effortlessly.

First, let’s take a closer look at the pros and cons and pricing of Mailchimp:

Here are the 11 steps on how to create an audience in Mailchimp:

Step #1. Begin with Logging In

To get started, log in to your Mailchimp account. If you don’t have one yet, just sign up – it’s as easy as creating any other online account.

Step #2. Find the Audience Dashboard

Once you’re inside Mailchimp, click on the “Audience” tab at the top. Think of it as your starting point for all things audience-related.

Step #3. To Choose or Create

If you’ve been using Mailchimp and already have some audiences set up, you can choose one. But if you’re starting fresh, click on “View audiences,” and then select “Create Audience.”

Step #4. Give Your Audience a Name

This is where the fun begins. Name your audience. Think of it like naming your favorite playlist – it helps you find it later.

Step #5. Audience Settings

Now, decide the type of audience you want. Mailchimp offers “Regular” and “Automated” options. It’s like choosing the playlist theme – party, chill, or work mode.

Step #6. Customize Details

Time to fill in some contact info. Add your business address and a permission reminder. It’s all about being transparent and keeping things legit.

Step #7. Your Signup Preferences

Customize your signup form settings. If you’re not sure about all the options, don’t sweat it; you can always come back and adjust them later.

Step #8. Optional Segmentation

Feeling organized? You can segment your audience by creating tags, groups, or custom fields. It’s like categorizing your wardrobe – shoes, clothes, and accessories.

Step #9. Add Subscribers

Now comes the fun part. You can invite people to join your audience. Import contacts from a file or add them one by one. It’s like sending out invites to your email party.

Step #10. Audience Defaults

Set up your “From” name, email address, and the subject line for your campaigns.

Think of it as putting on your best outfit for a special occasion – first impressions matter.

Step #11. Confirmation and Creation

Check everything one last time. When you’re sure it’s all good, click “Save” or “Create Audience.” It’s like hitting ‘send’ on an important email.

You’ve just created your Mailchimp audience. Now, you’re ready to start adding and removing subscribers, creating segments, and sending awesome, targeted email campaigns.

Key Features of Mailchimp

What features make Mailchimp one of the best email marketing providers? Let’s find out:

1. Email Campaigns

Creating email campaigns with Mailchimp feels like being a chef crafting a masterpiece. You pick a template, customize it to your heart’s content, and create a beautiful email.

Use this for launching newsletters that’ll make your audience feel like they’re receiving a handwritten letter from a friend.

2. Audience Management

Managing your audience in Mailchimp is like holding the keys to a VIP event.

You can add and remove subscribers, segment your list, and track their behavior. Imagine the joy of welcoming and nurturing your subscribers just like guests at a party.

3. Signup Forms

Crafting signup forms in Mailchimp is like creating the perfect welcome mat for your digital doorstep.

You can design forms to fit your brand, making it inviting and seamless for visitors to join your audience. Use this to gather interested participants for your webinars or workshops.

4. Marketing Automation

With Mailchimp’s automation, it’s like having a dedicated assistant working 24/7. You can set up automated email journeys, triggered by subscriber actions.

Say you want to nurture leads; Mailchimp can send a series of emails that’ll turn potential clients into loyal customers.

5. Templates and Design

The templates and design features in Mailchimp are like an artist’s canvas.

They offer a wide array of templates and an easy-to-use design tool, allowing you to create visually stunning emails.

Use this to send out engaging event invitations that leave a lasting impression.

6. Analytics and Reporting

Mailchimp’s analytics and reporting are like a crystal ball for your campaigns. You can track opens, clicks, and audience engagement.

It’s like having your own personal fortune teller, predicting the success of your campaigns.

Use this to refine your future strategies, ensuring each email you send is even more impactful.

Mailchimp Use Cases and Real-World Examples

1. E-Commerce: The Fashion Boutique

An online fashion boutique can use Mailchimp to send out personalized product recommendations to their subscribers based on their browsing and purchase history.

This boosts customer engagement and drives sales by bringing back shoppers for another stylish visit.

Case Study: GlamifyMe Boutique

GlamifyMe Boutique, an online fashion retailer, implemented Mailchimp to re-engage with its customers.

They sent personalized product recommendations to subscribers, leading to a 20% increase in click-through rates and a 15% boost in overall sales. 

Mailchimp’s segmentation and automation features allowed GlamifyMe to nurture their customer relationships and saw a significant ROI.

2. Nonprofit Organization: The Charity

A nonprofit organization working to make the world a better place utilizes Mailchimp to send heartwarming newsletters and updates to donors.

These emails share success stories, donation impact, and upcoming events, effectively nurturing relationships and encouraging continued support.

Case Study: Helping Hands Foundation

The Helping Hands Foundation, a charity dedicated to improving children’s lives, used Mailchimp to connect with their donors.

Through heartfelt newsletters and compelling impact stories, they increased donor retention by 30%. 

Their emails effectively conveyed the value of donations and kept supporters engaged in their mission.

3. Restaurant: The Cozy Diner

A diner in town could benefit from using Mailchimp to inform their loyal customers about daily specials, weekend brunches, and promotions.

Regular email campaigns keep their diner top-of-mind for locals, attracting food enthusiasts looking for a delightful dining experience.

Case Study: Savory Delights Diner

Savory Delights Diner, a small local restaurant, leveraged Mailchimp to bring diners through their doors. 

This diner sent out mouthwatering emails about daily specials and exclusive promotions, and achieved a 25% increase in foot traffic. 

Savory Delights Diner demonstrated that even a cozy eatery can benefit from the power of email marketing.

4. Event Management: The Webinar Host

Hosting webinars on a variety of topics is a popular business model. Mailchimp assists by sending out event invitations, reminders, and post-event follow-ups.

This keeps participants engaged and ensures that the host’s webinars are well-attended and appreciated.

Case Study: Webinar Mastery Institute

Webinar Mastery Institute, a company specializing in webinars, used Mailchimp to enhance event attendance. 

Sending out pre-event reminders and post-event thank-you emails regularly helped the business to see a 40% increase in webinar attendance rates. Mailchimp’s automated campaigns ensured their webinars had high participation and engagement.

5. Freelancer: The Creative Designer

A freelance graphic designer can use Mailchimp to showcase their portfolio and share project updates with clients.

Newsletters filled with beautiful visuals and design insights give clients a glimpse into the designer’s world. This keeps them coming back for new projects and fresh creativity.

Case Study: Design Expressions Studio

Design Expressions Studio, a freelance graphic design agency, showcased their portfolio and engaged clients with Mailchimp. 

By sending regular newsletters filled with visually appealing design work and insights, they maintained a 90% client retention rate. Mailchimp helped the freelancer foster lasting relationships and repeat business.

The versatility of Mailchimp empowers these real businesses to connect and engage effectively with their audiences.

Final thoughts

Establishing your Mailchimp audience is the essential first stride towards harnessing the power of email marketing.

While it might appear daunting to newcomers, our step-by-step guide is here to streamline the journey.

With your audience ready, you’re poised to engage, inspire, and forge meaningful connections with your subscribers.

So, take those initial strides and see your email marketing efforts thrive.