Branded Bull Podcast Ep. 92 – How To Use Email to Fill Your Schedule (Without Paying for Ads)
Host: Adam Fullerton
Date: March 24, 2026

Episode Overview

This episode focuses on practical strategies for small business owners—especially those in the green industry (lawn care, landscaping, etc.)—to leverage email marketing as a tool for filling their schedules without the ongoing costs and unpredictability of paid ads or social media algorithms. Host Adam Fullerton delivers a no-fluff playbook for building and using an email list to reach customers directly, increase bookings during slow periods, and consistently promote services.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

The Power of Email Marketing

• Direct Access to Customers:
  Adam emphasizes that, unlike social media, your email list is an asset you own.

  “Your email list, that is yours, you own it. ... Instead of hoping someone finds you, you can go straight to them.” (01:50)

• Reliability Over Algorithms:
  Platforms like Instagram, Facebook, and Google are described as “rented space” subject to algorithm changes and increasing ad costs—email avoids this instability.

Three Ways Email Drives Revenue

1. Seasonal Promotions

   • Proactive reminders for time-sensitive services (spring cleanups, fertilization, leaf removal, etc.).
   • Subject lines like Now booking fall cleanups, limited spots available can have immediate impact.

   • “These are all time-sensitive services and instead of waiting for customers to remember, you go out and proactively remind them.” (03:04)

2. Seasonal Awareness

   • Use email to educate customers about your full range of offerings. Many only know you for one or two services.
   • Example: A mowing customer may not know you also handle landscape installs or irrigation.

3. Filling Schedule Gaps

   • Target slow weeks with timely offers:
     • “Hey, we have a few openings this week. Book now and get 10% off.”
   • “Immediate action that can make people pick up the phone and call you right away.” (04:03)

Getting Started: Keeping Email Simple

1. Choose an Email Platform

   • Recommends Mailchimp for its affordability and beginner-friendly setup.
   • “It’s what we use here at Branded Bull.” (05:20)

2. Collecting Emails

   • Gather emails during every interaction: service agreements, quotes, invoices, website forms, onboarding, etc.

   • “Even if someone's talking to you now and they don't sign up for service this moment, get them on a list and then maybe in a year, who knows, they're still interested.” (05:52)

3. List Organization (Segmentation)

   • Separate current customers, past customers, and leads.
   • “Even basic organization helps… segmentation lets you send more relevant messages.” (06:22)

4. What to Send

   • Focus on:
     • Seasonal reminders
     • Service promotions
     • Limited-time offers
     • Schedule openings
     • Quick tips or business updates
   • Keep messages short, targeted, and actionable.
     • Example: “Now scheduling spring cleanups. Reply to this email and get on the list.” (06:45)

   • “You don’t need long emails. You just need simple, short, effective emails.” (06:58)

What NOT To Do

• Don’t Add People Without Permission

  • Only email those who want to be on your list. Unsolicited emails = high unsubscribe rates and possible legal trouble.

  • “If someone feels like they’re being spammed, they're going to unsubscribe. And you can actually get fined if you continue to email people when they've asked to be taken off your list.” (07:08)

• Don’t Send Irrelevant Emails

  • Every message must answer, “Why does this matter to the recipient right now?”

  • “If you’re emailing people just to email them, they're going to unsubscribe. That doesn't help you.” (07:20)

  • Consistency is good, but relevance is everything.

Bottom Line Takeaway

• Email provides control over customer communications.
• It can be the most reliable tool in your marketing toolbox for generating business without expensive ads.
• Start immediately, keep systems simple, and always focus on relevance and consent.

“Simple system, big impact.” (07:34)

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• On Algorithm Instability:
  “Algorithms change, costs go up, visibility drops. We’ve all seen that.” (01:34)

• On Email Ownership:
  “Your email list, that is yours, you own it.” (01:50)

• On Practicality:
  “You do not need to do anything fancy, I should say, right? Keep it simple. Stupid. KISS. I'm sure you guys have heard that acronym before.” (05:05)

• On Building a List:
  “Every customer you work with should be an opportunity to build your list.” (05:32)

• Real-World Example:
  “Now scheduling spring cleanups. Reply to this email and get on the list. That’s it. Short, clear, actionable.” (06:45)

Timestamps for Important Segments

• 01:34 – The problem with relying on social media for visibility
• 03:04 – Types of email promotions that drive revenue
• 05:05 – Getting started: choosing a platform and collecting emails
• 06:22 – Organizing your list and examples of what to send
• 07:08 – Big mistakes to avoid with email marketing
• 07:34 – Summary, call-to-action, and closing remarks

Overall Tone & Style

Adam’s delivery is practical, direct, and made for busy business owners. The advice is clear, jargon-free, and framed around quick wins for small business growth. He emphasizes action over theory, simplicity over complexity, and always puts the business owner’s perspective first.

For anyone in the green industry looking to gain consistent and affordable business growth, this episode offers a straightforward, actionable guide to launching and using email marketing effectively—no ads or complicated tech required.