Are you a content creator, podcaster, or live streamer looking to take your community-building game to the next level?
In today’s digital world, having an email list isn’t just a nice-to-have, it’s a must-have. Whether you’re just starting out or you’ve been creating for years, building an email list is a game-changer for establishing authentic connections with your audience and owning your space in the content creation landscape.
Why Email Marketing is a Creator’s Secret Weapon
It’s simple: social media platforms are rented space, but email is YOUR space. While algorithms and platform changes can disrupt your reach on social media, email offers a direct line to your audience. With email, you’re not just shouting into the void—you’re engaging with real people who want to hear from you.
As Paul Gowder, email marketing expert and founder of powwows.com, explained, “Your email list is the cornerstone of your business. It’s where you engage with your audience the best.” Paul has built a thriving community of over 100,000 subscribers by focusing on relationships and delivering value. And the results? Incredible engagement and a massive, vibrant community.
How to Get Started: Build First, Then Create
One of the biggest misconceptions among creators is waiting until they have a large audience to start their email list. Don’t wait! Paul advises, “Even if you don’t have anything to sell yet, start building your email list now. If your first video or podcast goes viral, you’ll already have a system in place to capture and connect with your audience.”
If you’re just starting out, here are three simple steps to launch your email list:
- Set up a basic email capture form or landing page.
- Make your email list the focus of your call-to-action in videos, podcasts, or livestreams.
- Offer something valuable, like a checklist or a mini-guide, to entice people to subscribe.
Remember, your first email doesn’t need to be perfect. “Just start sending emails,” Paul says. “Even if it’s just a quick update or a personal story, the key is being authentic and consistent.”
What Makes Emails Stand Out?
Here’s the golden rule: emails are not just about selling, they’re about connecting. Most people associate email with spammy sales pitches, but Paul sets the record straight: “What works is delivering value and building relationships.”
Here are Paul’s top tips for creating engaging emails:
- Be conversational: Write like you’re talking to a friend. Share personal stories, ask questions, and invite replies.
- Use sequences: Create serialized content around specific topics. For example, Paul uses email sequences to share Native American book recommendations, travel tips, and crafting ideas with his audience.
- Optimize subject lines: Your subject line is your hook. Make it intriguing, fun, or even a little quirky. (Paul’s favorite example? “Can I have $9?”)
- Engage your audience: Add interactive elements like polls, surveys, or questions to encourage replies. This not only builds connections but also improves email deliverability.
Repurposing Content for Email
One of the easiest ways to maintain consistency in email is by repurposing your existing content. Whether it’s a podcast episode, YouTube video, or blog post, you likely already have valuable content that can be reshaped into email sequences or newsletters.
Paul’s approach to repurposing looks like this:
- Create themed sequences: For example, a “Throwback Thursday” email that resurfaces your most popular content.
- Highlight evergreen content: Direct people to your top-performing podcast episodes, YouTube videos, or articles.
- Use short-form content: Embed quick video clips into your emails to add a personal touch.
Overcoming Common Email Myths
Many creators hesitate to start an email list because they think they need a perfectly polished strategy or a large audience. Here’s the truth:
- You don’t need a huge list. Even starting with one subscriber allows you to build relationships and grow over time.
- You don’t need a fancy lead magnet. A simple text-based guide or checklist can be just as effective as a flashy PDF.
- Email isn’t just for selling. Use it to build community, share stories, and drive engagement with your existing content.
Pro Tip: Start Today
If there’s one takeaway from this conversation with Paul, it’s this: just start. Start with a simple email, start with a small audience, start with what you have. As Paul says, “Your email list is your space to engage authentically and build relationships. Don’t overthink it, just click send!”
Ready to Level Up?
If you’re ready to dive into email marketing and transform how you connect with your audience, check out Paul’s resources at paulgowder.com/emailtools. He’ll show you how to grow your list and engage your subscribers like a pro.
Let’s Hear From You
What’s holding you back from starting or growing your email list? Drop your thoughts in the comments below, or better yet, send us an email! Let’s build something amazing together.
