I’m Brett Johnson, My Podcast Guy®, and I’m joined by Tonnisha English-Amamoo of TJE Communications—an expert with a real passion for empowering small businesses through digital marketing. We’re talking all about one of the most consistently powerful tools for podcasters: email marketing.

If you’ve ever thought of email as “old news” or overlooked it in favor of flashier social media campaigns, think again. Tonnisha breaks down why email marketing remains the backbone of good audience engagement. She explains that, unlike social platforms (where only a fraction of your followers see your posts), email gives you direct access to your listeners—an audience you truly own.

We touch on defining what email marketing really is, spotlighting the valuable analytics these platforms provide. From seeing exactly who opens your messages and which links get clicked, to understanding audience behavior, email platforms give you the data to tailor your messaging for better results. Tonnisha even shares examples of how to make emails more engaging and fun, including personalized messages and creative automations.

Starting from scratch? Don’t worry—we talk through actionable steps for building your first email list, like offering valuable resources or exclusive content in exchange for sign-ups, and encouraging subscribers to forward your messages. We also discuss how to make your newsletter more than just new episode notifications. Think curated content, timely stories, and conversation starters that offer real value and keep your list engaged.

If you want to grow your podcast audience, keep your content front-of-mind, and truly connect with your listeners, this episode is packed with practical strategies. Tonnisha and I also hint at a deeper follow-up on tools, terminology, and advanced tactics—so stay tuned!

Moments

00:00 Email Marketing Insights and Benefits

06:09 Engaging Newsletter Reminders

09:00 Building Podcast Audience with Freebies

12:16 Revamped Newsletter Boosts Engagement

13:37 Top 21st Century Movies Survey

19:26 "Future Episode Topics and Follow-Up"

Here’s what you’ll learn in this episode:

What IS email marketing, really?

Get a clear definition of email marketing (hint: it’s way more than just sending out a few announcements).

Why does email marketing matter for podcasters?

Learn why relying on social platforms alone isn’t enough—and how your email list keeps you connected to your audience, no matter what happens on TikTok or Instagram.

How can you start an email list from scratch?

Actionable ideas for building your database—even if you have zero subscribers right now.

Ways to make your email campaigns fun and engaging:

Tonnisha shares creative examples, like using playful subject lines and GIFs to boost click rates and connect with your listeners.

How email analytics can help you podcast smarter:

Discover how to use open rates, click maps, and other data to fine-tune your content and know what your listeners really care about.

TJE Communication’s mission is to empower and educate small women-owned businesses and equip them with digital solutions to level the playing field.

IG - @tjecomm

TW - @tjecomm

LI - https://www.linkedin.com/in/tonnishaenglish/

FB - https://www.facebook.com/tjecomm

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Each week, one of The Circle of Experts talks about critical aspects of growing your podcast. We focus on marketing, social media, monetization, website design, and implementation of all of these to help you make the best podcast possible.

Have a question or an idea for one of our episodes? Send us an email at podcasts@circle270media.com.

The Circle of Experts are:

Yasmine Robles from Rebel Marketing

Tonnisha English-Amamoo of TJE Communications

Don The Idea Guy

Brett Johnson, My Podcast Guy®, from Circle 270 Media® Podcast Consultants

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Why Email Marketing Remains Essential for Podcast Growth