Why Your Podcast Needs an Email List

You’re building a podcast, but you’re not building an email list. My question is, why? How are you building a community around your podcast?

Because, as podcasters, we put so much time into recording, editing, writing show notes, creating audiograms, and posting on social media… yet we’re not building a community!

If you haven’t started building a community around your podcast, it’s okay. I am here to help. Because I also didn’t start building a community around my podcast in the beginning, either. The first year of my podcast was focused on finding guests and building consistency! 

Today, I want to talk about why your podcast needs an email list, how to create one, examples of lead magnets you can offer, and the best email list providers to get started.

If you’re serious about growing your show and turning it into a long-term asset, your podcast needs an email list. 

Graphic that says why your podcast needs an email list.

1. You Don’t Own Social Media

I’ve said it multiple times before, social media is borrowed online real estate. 

You don’t own your Instagram, or TikTok, and especially not Facebook.

Algorithms change. Accounts get hacked. Platforms shut down. Visibility drops overnight.

But your email list?
That’s yours.

No algorithm decides whether your audience sees your message.

When you hit send, it lands directly in their inbox. How much more in your face can you get with your audience than by emailing them?

2. Email Converts Better Than Social Media

Email marketing consistently outperforms social media when it comes to:

Why?

Because the people on your list chose to hear from you. They gave you their email address; they didn’t just scroll past your content. They raised their hand.

And when someone raises their hand, that’s powerful. 

I never take for granted those on my email list! 

3. Your Email List Deepens the Relationship

Podcasting builds intimacy.
Email nurtures it.

On your podcast, people hear your voice once a week.
Through email, you stay connected between episodes.

You can:

This is how listeners become a community.
And community becomes clients, customers, and brand advocates.

I love providing my email list with even more podcasting tips that are different from what I share on my podcast. It provides more value to my audience. 

How to Create an Email List for Your Podcast

If this feels overwhelming, I promise it’s simpler than you think.

Step 1: Choose an Email Marketing Provider

You need a platform that stores emails, sends newsletters, and allows automation.

Here are some popular options for podcasters and creators:

  1. Flodesk – Beautiful design templates, flat monthly fee.
  2. ConvertKit – Great for creators, easy automation tools.
  3. Mailchimp – Beginner-friendly with a free tier.
  4. MailerLite – Affordable and simple to use.
  5. ActiveCampaign – Advanced automation and segmentation.

If you’re just starting, you don’t need anything complicated. Pick one. Start simple. You can always upgrade later.

My creator friend, George, shared why he chose Beehiivv for his newsletter. 

I have a Substack for my immigration podcast, where I share each episode and also exclusive content with my paid subscribers. But for my podcast mentorship newsletter, where I send podcasting tips every Wednesday, I use Mailchimp. 

Step 2: Create a Lead Magnet

A lead magnet is something valuable you give away for free in exchange for someone’s email address.

This should be directly connected to your podcast and your niche.

Here are lead magnet ideas for podcasters:

Business & Podcasting Niches

Personal Development Podcasts

Immigrant or Storytelling Podcasts

Health & Wellness Podcasts

Your lead magnet should solve one specific problem quickly.

Not overwhelm.
Not be 50 pages.
Just helpful and actionable.

You can check out my freebies in my Stan Store. 

Step 3: Create a Landing Page

Inside your email provider, you can build a simple landing page that includes:

Example headline:

“Launch Your Podcast with Confidence: Download the Free Podcast Starter Checklist”

Keep it clear. Focus on the result.

You may like: 3 Reasons Why Small Business Owners Should Have an Email List

Step 4: Promote It on Your Podcast

This is where many podcasters drop the ball. Don’t just say, “Link in the show notes.” Be specific.

Example:

“If you’re thinking about starting a podcast but feel overwhelmed, I created a free Podcast Launch Checklist that walks you through the exact steps. Go to [yourwebsite.com/checklist] to download it.”

Repeat this in:

Your podcast is your best marketing tool for your email list.

What to Send Once They Join

This is important. Don’t collect emails and disappear.

Here’s a simple structure:

1. Welcome Email

2. Weekly or Biweekly Newsletter

You can:

Consistency builds trust. Trust builds revenue.

You may also enjoy: Five Ways to Market Your Podcast

Final Thoughts: Your Podcast Is a Business Asset, Which is Why It Needs an Email List

If you want your podcast to:

Then you need to treat it like a business. And every business needs an owned audience.

Your email list is not “extra.” It’s infrastructure.

Start small.
Create one lead magnet.
Set up one landing page.
Send one email per week.

You don’t need to be perfect.

You just need to start.

And your future self, and your future podcast revenue, will thank you for it. Now, go start your podcast email list! ?

With Love, Heidy

P.S. Do you know what is actually holding you back from starting your podcast? Take the quiz and find out!

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