Stop Winging It: How to Grow and Monetize an Email List (Without Crying in the Shower)

Picture of Written By: Carla Gardiner

Written By: Carla Gardiner

This post may include affiliate links. If you purchase through them, I may earn a commission at no additional cost to you. I only endorse products I believe in. All opinions are my own.

Grow & Monetize Your List Without Losing It

So, you’ve heard email is dead? Cute. That little myth’s been circulating longer than expired mayo in the back of your fridge … and just as wrong. Let me hit you with the truth:

📧 Email marketing is not only alive, it’s thriving.

Why? Because social platforms crash, algorithms throw tantrums, and “likes” don’t pay your bills. But email? Email is yours. And if you’re not growing an email list (from scratch or otherwise), friend, you’re missing the entire pie while licking the crust.

Let’s break it down, shall we?

How to Write a Marketing Email That Doesn’t Suck

Newsflash: Your audience doesn’t wake up craving your email. So if you’re writing marketing emails that sound like your high school principal’s morning announcements, stop it.

Here’s how to fix it:

  • Write like a human (yes, contractions, jokes, and side-eye welcome)
  • Hook them with a subject line that begs to be opened (no more “Newsletter #6” snoozefests)
  • Get to the point … fast. Your reader is one toddler meltdown away from unsubscribing.
  • Add value like you mean it. Inspire, teach, entertain… then sell.
  • CTA it up: Tell them what to do next like the boss you are.

Email Marketing Without Needing a Degree in Witchcraft

Think of email marketing as relationship-building. It’s not about blasting promo codes, it’s about becoming the person they trust for help, hope, and how-to’s.

To do email marketing right:

  • Set up an autoresponder sequence that tells your story and sells your offer (without feeling like a late-night infomercial)
  • Show up consistently (no ghosting … we’re not dating)
  • Give more than you take
  • Test, tweak, and track, data is your friend

And please, for the love of open rates … ditch the wall of text. We scan, not study.

Here's How to Get an Email List for Marketing (That Isn’t Your Aunt Linda)

No offense to Linda, but we’re building a business, not a family reunion.

Here’s how to get the right people on your list:

  • Create a lead magnet that’s not generic garbage (think: “Checklist,” “Toolkit,” or “Secrets” that solve a real problem)
  • Put that baby on a landing page and share it like your mortgage depends on it (because it might)
  • Use social media, blog posts, and even your email signature to spread the word
  • Join communities and leave value bombs, make them want to stalk your links

How to Grow an Email List From Scratch (AKA The Bootstrap Hustle)

You don’t need a big budget, you need a big brain and a little scrappiness.

Proven ways to grow your email list:

  • 💡 Host a free challenge (people love a good start-and-finish)
  • 🎙 Be a podcast guest or speaker (visibility = leads)
  • 📹 Make short videos that tease your lead magnet
  • 🛒 Offer a freebie at checkout or opt-in on your blog
  • 🤝 Collaborate with someone whose audience overlaps with yours

From 0 to 1,000? Doable. But consistency beats speed. (Unless you’ve got ads, in which case…)

How Long Does It Take to Grow an Email List With Ads?

Ah, the million-dollar question. With paid ads, you’re buying time … and hopefully, qualified leads.

Results depend on:

  • The budget you are working within (no, $3/day won’t cut it)
  • Your audience targeting (stalking level: expert)
  • Your offer quality (would you sign up for that?)

In general, with $10–$20/day and a killer lead magnet? Expect steady growth and some leads within 7–10 days. Scale from there.

Niche-Specific Tips: Authors & Bloggers, You’re Up!

Grow your email list as an author:

  • Offer a free chapter or novella
  • Create a quiz tied to your book’s theme
  • Run giveaways (readers are freebie lovers)

Turn Blog Readers into Email Subscribers:

  • Add opt-ins at the end of every blog post
  • Use content upgrades (PDFs, worksheets, templates)
  • Cross-promote your list in Facebook groups or Pinterest

And Now, the Payoff: How to Grow an Email List and Actually Make Money

Let’s talk cash, baby. Growing a list is cute, but monetizing it? That’s where the magic happens.

Here’s how to grow and monetize an email list:

  • Send weekly emails that mix value with offers
  • Promote affiliate products you use and trust (hello, passive income)
  • Launch your own low-ticket or mid-ticket product
  • Use tripwire offers right after sign-up for quick wins
  • Segment your list so you’re not sending protein bars to vegans (you feel me?)

Bottom Line? Stop Chasing Followers—Grow Your List Like a Pro

The everyday entrepreneur doesn’t need to go viral to be profitable. You need a list of people who care. And then you need to care enough to email them like they matter … because they do.

  •  Start small.
  • Grow smart.
  • Monetize with integrity.

And when in doubt? Ask yourself: “Would Carla Gardiner send this email?” If not, hit delete and try again.

💥 Want to see the exact tools I use to grow and monetize my list—without tech tears or spammy tactics?
👉 [Grab my free Fast Track to Tools That Work right here.]

You don’t need a team, a funnel fairy, or a trust fund.

You just need the right tools … and the right guide (hi, that’s me).

Share this with love

Facebook
X
LinkedIn
Pinterest

Tag

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Latest

Get weekly marketing insights, exclusive product recommendations, and proven strategies delivered straight to your inbox.

Related Post

There’s something special about stepping into a new season of life … especially when it’s marked by good

So, you’ve heard email is dead? Cute. That little myth’s been circulating longer than expired mayo in the

If you’re a new affiliate marketer, let me save you from a costly, time-sucking mistake that too many