Podcast Summary: The Side Hustle Show Episode 681 – "15 List Building Tactics that Actually Work"

Release Date: July 10, 2025
Host: Nick Loper
Guest: Chanel Basilio of GrowthInReverse.com

In Episode 681 of The Side Hustle Show, host Nick Loper delves into effective email list-building strategies with guest Chanel Basilio from GrowthInReverse.com and the Growth in Reverse podcast. As the digital landscape evolves, building a robust email list remains crucial for entrepreneurs and side hustlers. This episode unveils 15 actionable tactics to grow your subscriber base, supported by real-world examples and expert insights.

1. One Click Unlock

[00:30]
Chanel introduces the One Click Unlock strategy inspired by Justin Moore of Creator Wizard. This referral program incentivizes subscribers to refer others by offering exclusive sponsorship research in return.

Chanel Basilio: "He’s essentially giving you free sponsorship opportunities... If you refer one person every week in that email, you won’t see that box anymore. You’ll see the contact info for those brands."

Nick highlights the effectiveness of this low-barrier approach, noting that Justin garnered 5,000 new subscribers solely through this tactic.

[02:18]
Chanel explains the technical setup using ConvertKit's Liquid code, allowing conditional content based on referral actions. This seamless integration ensures the referral incentive remains a consistent nudge for subscribers to share the newsletter.

2. Recommendations and Referral Platforms

[05:17]
The discussion shifts to utilizing built-in referral systems on platforms like Kit, Substack, and Beehive. These platforms allow creators to recommend each other, fostering a networked growth environment.

Chanel Basilio: "He would actually just ask these creators to get on a phone call... the conversion rate was practically a hundred percent."

Chanel emphasizes the importance of genuine relationships, ensuring recommendations are relevant and beneficial for both audiences.

3. Facebook Group to Email List Integration

[15:00]
Chanel shares her success with integrating Facebook groups into her email list using Group Leads, a browser extension that captures member information through targeted questions.

Chanel Basilio: "I think it's a really low cost browser extension that you can ask people questions when they join your group... Some people do that."

This approach has allowed Chanel to add approximately 5,000 to 7,000 subscribers over several years by converting engaged group members into email subscribers.

4. Free Content Offers (Google Docs & Perma Free on Amazon)

[17:27]
Chanel discusses leveraging free, high-value content to attract subscribers. She cites Ali Richards’ strategy of offering a comprehensive 118-page Google Doc sharing insights from his successful business.

Chanel Basilio: "He ended up getting like 18,000 subscribers from this thing... Because people just want to consume it and subscribe for more."

Nick adds his Perma Free on Amazon strategy, where making a book permanently free on platforms like Kindle serves as a continual lead magnet, capturing thousands of subscribers with minimal effort.

5. Participating in Bundle Sales

[40:06]
Nick introduces the concept of bundle sales, where multiple creators contribute digital products to a single, attractive offer. Subscribers gain access to a suite of resources by providing their email addresses.

Nick Loper: "So it's like, access to this broader audience. And hopefully some people come back and claim your product and become a part of your world."

Chanel notes that this method not only collects subscribers but also exposes them to various creators, enhancing overall list quality.

6. Collaborations and Cross-Promotions

[35:17]
The conversation highlights the power of collaborations, such as cross-promotions and guest posts. Chanel shares examples like Alex Garcia’s cross-promotion with Pat Walls’ Starter Story, resulting in substantial subscriber gains.

Chanel Basilio: "Alex came out, filmed the video of Pat like talking about his business and his newsletter... Alex shared that he had gotten like 5,000 to 10,000 subscribers from that video."

Nick likens this to traditional media collaborations, emphasizing that mutual exposure can significantly boost subscriber numbers.

7. Interactive Social Media Posts (LinkedIn Growth Hacks)

[34:24]
Chanel recounts Tom Orbach’s approach on LinkedIn, where he invites followers to drop their website URLs for personalized growth hacks, resulting in 400 subscribers from quick, engaging posts.

Chanel Basilio: "So yeah, 650. Just from two posts and sharing some time."

This tactic leverages direct engagement to offer value, enticing participants to subscribe for more insights.

8. Virtual Workshops and Guest Content Creation

[27:00]
Chanel describes hosting virtual workshops tailored to specific niches, such as Abby Ashley’s Virtual Assistant Training, where providing free educational content positions her as an authority and attracts subscribers.

Chanel Basilio: "It's a powerful, powerful place where a lot of people are still spending some time."

Nick underscores the dual benefits of authority building and audience expansion through these workshops.

9. Guest Posts and Content Syndication

[24:32]
Highlighting CJ Gustafson’s strategy, Chanel explains how writing guest posts for established companies not only earns payments but also directs their audiences back to his own newsletter, fostering further subscriptions.

Chanel Basilio: "He’s getting paid twice for some of these."

This method showcases expertise while tapping into existing audiences.

10. Operational Tactics and Subscriber Quality

[07:40]
Chanel stresses the importance of maintaining subscriber quality by customizing welcome emails based on the subscription source. This ensures new subscribers understand their entry point and remain engaged.

Chanel Basilio: "I want to all OpenPhone customers to have five stars only."

This personalized approach reduces unsubscribe rates and fosters a loyal subscriber base.

11. Perseverance and Experimentation

[52:33]
As the episode wraps up, Chanel shares her top tip: Experimentation. She encourages side hustlers to try various tactics without being discouraged by initial low numbers, emphasizing that persistence often leads to discovering effective strategies.

Chanel Basilio: "Just keep going."

Nick reinforces this by referencing Cliff Ravenscraft’s advice to remove the word "only" from your vocabulary, fostering a positive mindset towards subscriber growth.

12. Leveraging Analytic Tools and AI

Throughout the discussion, both Chanel and Nick touch upon the use of tools like OpenPhone and AI agents to streamline communication and manage subscriber interactions, ensuring efficient list management and enhanced user experience.

13. Building Unique and Valuable Content

Chanel and Nick agree that producing unique, high-quality content is fundamental. Chanel cites Growth in Reverse’s in-depth case studies as an example of content that stands out and compels sharing, thereby driving organic subscriber growth.

Chanel Basilio: "If you have really good stuff, it's just going to make everything we just talked about work so much better."

14. Utilizing Existing Networks and Relationships

The episode emphasizes the importance of leveraging existing networks, whether through personal connections or established platforms, to amplify list-building efforts. Collaborations and reciprocal promotions with trusted partners can exponentially increase reach.

15. Continuous Learning and Adaptation

Finally, Chanel reveals her plans to launch a comprehensive course and vault of list-building ideas, aiming to provide step-by-step guidance for entrepreneurs seeking to implement these tactics effectively.

Chanel Basilio: "I'm gonna put out a course slash vault of these ideas here soon with some videos and step by step of how to do each one."

Key Takeaways

• Referral Programs like One Click Unlock can significantly boost subscriber counts with minimal effort.
• Collaborations and Cross-Promotions leverage mutual audiences for exponential growth.
• High-Value Free Content attracts quality subscribers and establishes authority.
• Interactive and Personalized Welcome Emails enhance subscriber retention and engagement.
• Perseverance and Experimentation are crucial for discovering the most effective tactics.
• Utilizing Tools and AI can streamline the list-building process and improve efficiency.
• Unique, Valuable Content is the cornerstone of successful list building.

Notable Quotes

• Chanel Basilio [00:41]: "He’s essentially giving you free sponsorship opportunities."
• Chanel Basilio [02:18]: "If you refer one person every week in that email, you won’t see that box anymore."
• Chanel Basilio [07:40]: "I want all OpenPhone customers to have five stars only."
• Chanel Basilio [52:33]: "Just keep going."
• Nick Loper [35:04]: "Wow. So yeah, 650. Just from two posts and sharing some time."

Conclusion

Episode 681 of The Side Hustle Show offers a treasure trove of practical list-building strategies tailored for entrepreneurs and side hustlers. From referral programs and content offers to collaborations and interactive social media tactics, Chanel Basilio provides actionable insights backed by successful case studies. The emphasis on experimentation, quality content, and leveraging existing networks serves as a guiding framework for those aiming to expand their email lists and grow their businesses effectively.

For a comprehensive list-building cheat sheet mentioned by Nick Loper, listeners can visit the show notes associated with this episode.