From Zero to Pro: How to Start, Grow, and Monetize Your Email List
Let me guess—you’re hustling on social media, posting daily, engaging like crazy, and still feeling like your audience just isn’t converting. You’ve got people watching, maybe even liking and commenting, but when it comes to actually making money? Crickets. The truth is, social media is great, but it’s also unpredictable. You don’t own your followers, you’re on borrowed real estate. Algorithms change. Platforms die (RIP Vine). But you know what doesn’t? Your email list.
And before you roll your eyes and think, Ugh, email is so old school, let me tell you—it’s still one of the most powerful tools in your business. In fact, for every $1 spent on email marketing, the average return is $42. That’s a 4,200% ROI. Try getting that from Instagram.
So, if you’re ready to finally start, grow, and monetize your email list, buckle up. We’re diving deep into why you need one, how to build it, and exactly how to monetize it from the start.
Why You Need an Email List (Like, Yesterday)
Still on the fence? Here are five unapologetic reasons why having an email list is non-negotiable for any serious influencer or content creator.
It’s a Platform YOU Own
You don’t own Instagram. You don’t own TikTok. You don’t own YouTube. And if those platforms decide to shut down your account tomorrow, guess what? You’ve got nothing. Your email list is different. You own it. No algorithm changes. No account bans. Just direct access to your audience, on your terms.
It’s Another Way to Monetize Your Brand
With an email list, you can sell digital products, courses, memberships, templates—literally anything. And because your email subscribers are warm leads (aka, they already like and trust you), they’re much more likely to buy than a random follower on Instagram. It’s also another opportunity to incorporate affiliate links and sponsorships. Hot tip: in-text affiliate links in emails perform the best for us.
It’s More Personal Than Any Other Platform
Social media is noisy. Your email list is intimate. When someone gives you their email, they’re inviting you into their inbox, which is a big deal. That’s your chance to build deeper relationships, share personal stories, and create content that actually connects—without competing with a million other distractions.
It’s a Cost-Effective Way of Marketing
Forget throwing money at ads with no clear return. Email marketing is one of the most budget-friendly (and effective) ways to grow your brand. Platforms like FloDesk (which I swear by) let you send beautifully designed emails without breaking the bank.
It Has the Power to Increase Engagement on Other Platforms
Think of your email list as the control center for your brand. You can use it to drive traffic to your latest blog post, get more views on your YouTube videos, promote your Instagram giveaways—basically, whatever you want people to see, your email list helps make it happen.
How to Start Your Email List (Step-by-Step Guide)
Now that you’re fully convinced (I hope), let’s break down exactly how to start your email list, even if you have zero subscribers right now.
Step 1: Pick Your Email Platform (FloDesk for the Win)
Before you can start collecting emails, you need an email marketing platform. There are a ton out there—ConvertKit, Mailchimp, ActiveCampaign—but my ride-or-die is FloDesk. It’s user-friendly, has gorgeous templates, and doesn’t charge you more as your list grows. If you’re serious about email marketing, invest in a platform that makes it easy.
Step 2: Build a Killer Template
Your emails should look as good as your Instagram feed. That’s where a strong email template comes in. Your welcome email (the first email new subscribers get) sets the tone for your entire list. Make it personal, make it valuable, and make it clear what they can expect from you.
Step 3: Start Building Your Subscriber List
You don’t need thousands of followers to start growing your email list. Here are some actual ways to get subscribers:
Add an opt-in form to your website or blog.
Offer a freebie (think: templates, checklists, mini-guides) in exchange for an email.
Mention your newsletter in your social media captions and bios.
Drop a signup link in your TikTok bio, Instagram stories, and YouTube descriptions.
Promote it often but don’t over do it. Find a way to seamlessly plug it in your social calendars at least 1x weekly.
Step 4: Generate Content That’s Exclusive to Your Newsletter
Nobody’s signing up for your email list just to get the same content they see on Instagram. Make it worth their while. Share personal stories, behind-the-scenes looks, bonus tips, early access to sales—whatever makes them excited to open your emails.
Monetizing Your Email List (Yes, Even If You’re Just Starting Out)
Once you’ve got subscribers, the next step is to monetize it. Here’s how:
1. Sell Digital Products
E-books, presets, templates, guides—digital products are the easiest way to monetize an email list. You create them once, and they sell forever.
2. Offer a Paid Membership
If you have valuable content, people will pay for exclusive access. Memberships work great for influencer coaching, private communities, or premium content.
3. Promote Affiliate Links
Your email list is the perfect place to share your affiliate links. Just make sure you’re only recommending products you actually use and love.
4. Sell Courses or Coaching Services
Teaching what you know is one of the most lucrative ways to monetize your email list. Whether it’s a full-on course or 1:1 coaching, your list is full of potential clients.
5. Partner with Brands for Sponsored Emails
Brands will pay for placement in your email if your list is engaged. Once you have a solid open rate (aim for at least 30%), and about 3,000 subscribers, start pitching brands for paid email placements.
Ready to Build Your Email Empire? We’ve Got You.
If you’re serious about turning your email list into a money-making machine, it’s time to go all in. That’s exactly why we created How to Start, Grow, and Monetize an Email List inside Good Influence(r)—a no-fluff course that walks you through everything from setting up your list to making money from it.
Inside, we break down:
The exact strategies top influencers use to grow their email lists
How to write emails people actually want to open
Monetization strategies that work—even with a small list
And so much more
If you’re tired of relying on social media algorithms and want a marketing strategy that actually puts you in control, this is your next step.
Join Good Influence(r) today and take the first step toward building an email list that works for you—even while you sleep.
