The Truth About Email Marketing (And Why It’s More Profitable Than Social Media)
Stop Overthinking It – Here’s How to Get Started
Let’s talk email lists. What comes to mind when you hear those two words? Maybe excitement, connection, and the potential for sales. Or maybe you feel completely overwhelmed, like it’s just another thing to add to your already overloaded to-do list. Either way, you need to hear this: an email list is the most powerful tool you can have in your business.
And I don’t just say that lightly. Nearly 100% of my business revenue—over $140,000 a year—comes from my email list. And guess what? My list is only about 7,000 people. No six-figure following, no massive team, no elaborate product catalog. Just me, my list, and a well-crafted email strategy.
So, let’s break this down. What exactly is an email list? Why does it work? And why should you care?
What is Email Marketing?
Email marketing is simply sending emails to your audience from your business email address using an actual email marketing platform (not your personal Gmail). It takes effort, yes, but the return is absolutely worth it.
But here’s the thing—emailing people just for the sake of emailing them isn’t going to get you results. You need a strategy. Just like you wouldn’t post on social media or write a blog without a plan, you can’t just send random emails and expect them to convert into sales.
When done right, email marketing does a few powerful things for your business:
It builds a direct relationship with your audience. No algorithms, no middlemen.
It keeps you top of mind so when people are ready to buy, they think of you first.
It trains your audience to take action, whether it’s clicking a link, signing up for something, or making a purchase.
It guides people through the customer journey, helping them go from “I have a problem” to “I trust you to help solve it.”
And most importantly—it gives you control over your business.
The Danger of Relying on Platforms You Don’t Own
Let’s take a little trip down memory lane. Remember when:
Facebook pages were gold and organic reach was amazing? Then, in 2013, Facebook changed the game and businesses suddenly had to pay just to reach their own followers.
Instagram feeds were chronological until 2016, when the algorithm decided what people should see, cutting organic reach in half.
Vine was a thing and influencers built massive audiences—until Vine shut down in 2016 and those creators lost everything overnight?
SEO was predictable—until Google updated their algorithm (again and again), and people who once had tons of website traffic suddenly saw it vanish?
If any of those stories sound familiar, you already know what I’m getting at: putting all your trust in platforms you don’t own is a mistake. They can change the rules at any time, and you’ll be left scrambling.
But your email list? That’s your digital home. You own it, you control it, and no one can take it away from you.
How Does Email Marketing Work?
I break email marketing into four stages, and figuring out where you are in the process will help you know what to focus on next. Let’s go through them:
Stage 1: Getting Set Up
You’re here if you don’t have an email list yet. The first step? Sign up for an email marketing platform. You legally can’t send mass marketing emails through your personal email, and it won’t work at scale anyway.
Some popular platforms include ConvertKit, ActiveCampaign, Mailchimp, and FloDesk. Just pick one. You can always switch later. The goal is to start collecting email addresses ASAP.
Stage 2: Growing Your List
You’re here if you have a platform but not many subscribers. Your focus? Creating a lead magnet—something valuable your audience wants in exchange for their email.
This could be:
A checklist or cheat sheet
A free webinar or mini-course
An exclusive PDF guide
A private community or challenge
Promote it everywhere—your website, social media, podcast, and even in person at events.
Stage 3: Communicating With Your List
You’re here if you have a list but rarely email them. You need to create a consistent email strategy.
Your emails should be valuable, entertaining, and engaging. Think about:
What your audience struggles with
How you can help them
What insights or tips you can share
And most importantly, don’t let perfection hold you back. A simple, helpful email is better than no email at all.
Stage 4: Automating and Selling
You’re here if you’re emailing regularly but not making consistent sales. This is where automations come in.
A well-structured email funnel can move people from “I just found you” to “I need to buy from you.” You can set up automated sequences to:
Welcome new subscribers and introduce them to your brand.
Educate them on their problem and how you solve it.
Make strategic offers when they’re ready to buy.
This is how you create passive income on autopilot.
Email Marketing Success Stories
Still not convinced? Here’s how email marketing has worked for me:
1. Connecting With My Audience
People regularly email me saying things like, “Your emails feel like you’re reading my mind!” That’s the kind of relationship you want with your audience.
2. Making Affiliate Sales
Before I even had my own products, I made over $10,000 in a year just by recommending tools I loved through my email list.
3. Black Friday Wins
One email promotion for a membership I ran brought in $1,300 in one day. Years later, another Black Friday campaign pulled in $60,000 in a single month.
4. Evergreen Income
By setting up an automated webinar funnel, I’ve generated over $640,000 in just two years—without having to launch constantly.
Final Thoughts: Should You Start an Email List?
Absolutely. Whether you’re brand new or years into your business, email marketing is your most powerful, future-proof asset.
It builds trust.
It drives sales.
It puts you in control.
If you’re ready to take action, start by signing up for an email platform and setting up a simple opt-in form. From there, start growing, communicating, and selling.
The sooner you start, the sooner you can create consistent, recurring revenue in your business. So go build your list!