Grow The Show Podcast - Episode 206 Summary: "Why Every Podcast Needs an Email List"
Host: Kevin Chemidlin
Release Date: January 6, 2025
Title: Why Every Podcast Needs an Email List
Introduction
In Episode 206 of Grow The Show, host Kevin Chemidlin delves into the profound impact of building and leveraging an email list for podcast growth and monetization. Drawing from his personal journey and extensive experience coaching over 450 entrepreneurs, Kevin elucidates why integrating email strategies is indispensable for podcasters aiming to scale their audience and revenue effectively.
Kevin's Personal Journey with Email Lists
Kevin begins by sharing his initial oversight regarding email marketing. Despite podcasting since 2018, he neglected email strategies for the first four years. It wasn't until December 2021, when his coaching business, Grow The Show, was averaging $50,000 monthly revenue with just one offer and three employees, that he recognized the untapped potential of his accumulated email list.
“I had this list of emails that I wasn't really ever emailing... I was sitting on tons of revenue on that email list.”
— Kevin Chemidlin [02:15]
A pivotal conversation with a mentor illuminated the power of email marketing for him. Committing to a weekly email strategy in February 2022 led to a staggering 226% increase in revenue within four months, elevating his average monthly earnings to approximately $107,800 without any additional expenditures.
Three Reasons Every Podcast Needs an Email List
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Increased Revenue
Kevin emphasizes that email calls-to-action (CTAs) are more effective than podcast CTAs in driving sales and leads. Emails provide a direct line to engaged listeners who are more inclined to take action, such as purchasing a product or booking a consultation.
“People are more likely to buy something or book a call from an email CTA than a podcast CTA for reasons we've already described.”
— Kevin Chemidlin [04:27] -
Boosted Podcast Downloads
Utilizing an email list can significantly increase podcast downloads. Kevin explains that many listeners who enjoyed past episodes may forget about the podcast over time. Regular email reminders about new episodes can rekindle interest and drive consistent downloads.
“Email allows us to remind people that our podcast exists. It allows us to retarget them.”
— Kevin Chemidlin [10:45] -
Reduced Reliance on Social Media
Relying solely on social media platforms for audience engagement and growth is precarious due to ever-changing algorithms and platform policies. Email remains a stable and reliable channel, ensuring that podcasters maintain control over their audience communication.
“Email doesn't change that much. Email's kind of been the same as it was for the last 20 years... It's much easier to correct for.”
— Kevin Chemidlin [12:30]
Effective Strategies to Build and Utilize Your Email List
Kevin outlines actionable strategies to capture and nurture email subscribers:
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Offer Lead Magnets: Provide valuable free resources, such as email courses or masterclasses, in exchange for listeners' email addresses.
“Every single episode of your podcast should offer your audience something in exchange for their email address.”
— Kevin Chemidlin [14:10] -
Launch a Newsletter: Repurpose podcast content into a weekly newsletter, offering additional value and keeping your audience engaged.
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Transition CTAs When Guesting: Instead of solely directing new listeners to your podcast when guesting on other shows, encourage them to join your email list. This approach provides multiple touchpoints to convert listeners into active subscribers and eventually loyal listeners.
“When I'm a guest on other podcasts... my main call to action... I will say, you should take my email course.”
— Kevin Chemidlin [16:00]
Conclusion and Final Thoughts
Kevin wraps up the episode by reinforcing the significance of an email list in amplifying podcast success. He highlights that integrating email strategies not only enhances monetization and audience growth but also provides a buffer against the unpredictability of social media platforms.
“If you've ever listened to Grow the Show before, you know that a great way to grow a podcast is by collaborating with other podcasts. But what's more impactful is getting those people onto your email list.”
— Kevin Chemidlin [17:20]
Kevin invites listeners to implement these email strategies and offers his expertise through the Grow The Show Academy and Grow The Show Accelerator programs for those seeking personalized guidance.
Key Takeaways:
- Email Marketing is Crucial: Building and maintaining an email list is essential for podcast growth and revenue.
- Higher Conversion Rates: Email CTAs outperform podcast CTAs in driving sales and engagement.
- Consistent Audience Engagement: Regular emails remind listeners of your podcast, leading to increased downloads.
- Stability Over Social Media: Email provides a reliable communication channel, mitigating risks associated with social media algorithm changes.
- Actionable Strategies: Utilize lead magnets, newsletters, and strategic CTAs during guest appearances to grow your email list effectively.
By integrating these insights, podcasters can transform their email lists into powerful assets, driving sustained growth and profitability.