5 Ways to Grow Your Email List That Actually Work (Even If You’re Not Posting Every Day)
Let’s talk about list growth, because you hear it all the time, right?
“Build your list.” “Your list is your business.” “No audience = no clients.”
Cool. (Kinda) But… how, exactly?
Especially when you’re already juggling your offer, your content, your energy, your actual life and maybe still wondering if this whole thing is going to work.
Here’s what I know: You don’t need to grow your list by doing everything everywhere all the time.You’re actually going to get one or two list growth methods under your belt and expand when you’re ready and able.
You need 1-2 strategic approaches that actually fit where you are right now, and get you in front of the right people.
So today, I’m giving you 5 list growth methods that work and how to decide which one is right for your coaching business right now.
1. List Growth Events (Bundles, Summits, Giveaways, and Collabs)
If I had to pick one favorite way to grow your list steadily when you don’t have an ads budget, this is it.
These kinds of events drop you right into someone else’s already-warm audience, so you're not starting from zero trying to build trust.
What’s working right now:
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Niche bundle giveaway
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Email-based summits
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Private podcast collabs
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Newsletter collaborations
Why it works:
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You’re instantly visible to 100s (or 1000s) of aligned leads
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You grow without needing a big social following
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You learn fast what content or offer gets traction (which is an added bonus!)
Tip: Your freebie needs to speak to a specific problem you know your people already have. AND they know they have.
2. Newsletter Sponsorships or Swaps
This one’s still underrated and very doable.
Instead of paying for ads, look for newsletter swaps or sponsorships where someone with a similar audience features your freebie or tool.
It’s a smart way to reach a warm, curated list without posting on social media all day.
You can:
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Swap with someone at your same stage
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Sponsor a larger newsletter (even with $50–$200)
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Offer your free tool in someone’s welcome sequence or PS
Platforms to explore:
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Beehiiv (great for sponsorships and “boosts”. (I’ve just started this with my Beehiiv-based newsletter and I have about 40 new leads at $1.75 each. And I can set it so I only spend $50 a month if I want. Great for budgeting!)
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ConvertKit Creator Network (opt-in swaps)
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SparkLoop (for growth loops with incentives)
Tip: Make it super clear what someone will walk away with by downloading your freebie. Specific results = higher conversions.
3. Podcast Guesting or Promo Spots
This is super effective if you have a strong POV or a personal story that connects with your work.
Being a guest on someone’s podcast builds trust quickly. People hear your voice. Your values. Your style. And they remember you.
Use this when:
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You’ve got a method, process, or shift to share (or a book!)
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You’re comfortable speaking more than writing
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You want warmer leads without creating constant content
How to leverage it:
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Pitch with a strong topic tied to your offer
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Create a free tool aligned with your episode (so listeners have a reason to opt in)
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Make the opt-in link easy to say out loud (like freeabc.com)
Tip: Ask to be featured in their show notes or post-interview emails. That’s prime opt-in real estate.
4. Create a Freebie That Solves a Real Problem
Before you promote it, make sure your freebie actually helps your person do something specific. Not “learn more.” Not “get inspired.” Solve. A. Real. Problem.
Examples of micro-win freebies:
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“3 Questions to Clarify Your Coaching Niche”
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“The 15-Minute Offer Check-Up Worksheet”
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“How to Write a Better Bio (in 10 Minutes or Less)”
And now with AI? You can create a high-quality freebie faster than ever.
Here’s how coaches are doing it:
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Using ChatGPT to help brainstorm, write, and format workbooks
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Creating a custom GPT that acts like a quiz or tool
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Using tools like DeepAgent to auto-generate an interactive quiz
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Turn a training into a 3-part mini-course. (These do well for me.)
Tip: Don’t start with what sounds cool. Start with what your people are struggling with and build a quick solution that gives a win. It can be a small problem, like “How to sell in an email without feeling pushy”.
5. Strategic Paid Ads (Only If Your Funnel and Offer Are Ready)
This is last for a reason.
Running ads can work really well, but only if your funnel is ready and your offer is validated.
Otherwise? You’re throwing money at traffic that doesn’t convert. And for early-stage coaches, that’s a fast way to drain your energy and your bank account.
Paid ads work best when:
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You have a clear freebie → nurture → offer path
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Your audience is cold, but your message is strong and proven
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You know your numbers (cost per lead, conversion rate, etc.)
If you're ready for this: Start small. Test copy and ad creative. Optimize based on data. And never spend what you can’t afford to lose.
Tip: Focus on one ad, one audience, one outcome. Simplicity scales faster than complexity.
And Hey… You Don’t Need All Five!
You just need the one that fits where you are, your energy, and your offer path.
The last thing I want you to do is run off and try to do all of these. That will end in a lot of frustration. Choose what you can do right now. “Can do” means what you can learn, build, test, and fund (if you’re using a paid strategy).
Start with simple. Create one stream of new leads and list growth, then add another.
When you 5 or more list growth strategies working really well, your business will be in high-growth mode!
And if you’re ready to stay consistent with this stuff (not just think about it), get on the waitlist for Coach Growth Lab. We'll be working on list growth and a whole lot more.
We launch in July. Go read more about it.
Your list is the heart of how your business grows.
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Michelle Sera
Michelle Sera is a Coaching Business Growth Specialist who’s worked behind the scenes of 4 multi-million dollar coaching brands, learning what truly works to grow a thriving coaching business. As a Certified Happiness & Manifesting Coach and founder of ElevatedMind®, she guides coaches to consistent growth with strategic simplicity and energy alignment.
Disclaimer:
All content, coaching, programs, products, and services offered through ElevatedMind® and Michelle Sera (including but not limited to mindset coaching, business strategy, manifesting guidance, personal development tools, trainings, or digital products) are for educational and informatio
nal purposes only. Nothing shared is intended to be — or should be considered — medical, psychological, legal, financial, or tax advice. Please consult the appropriate licensed professional for those needs.
By participating in any ElevatedMind® offerings, you agree that you are fully responsible for your own decisions, actions, and results. While I’m here to support and guide you, your results are ultimately your own.
All offerings are designed to support your growth, reconnect you to your inner clarity, and help you create aligned, sustainable momentum — not to diagnose, treat, or guarantee specific outcomes.
nal purposes only. Nothing shared is intended to be — or should be considered — medical, psychological, legal, financial, or tax advice. Please consult the appropriate licensed professional for those needs.
By participating in any ElevatedMind® offerings, you agree that you are fully responsible for your own decisions, actions, and results. While I’m here to support and guide you, your results are ultimately your own.
All offerings are designed to support your growth, reconnect you to your inner clarity, and help you create aligned, sustainable momentum — not to diagnose, treat, or guarantee specific outcomes.
©2022 Vermilion Marketing, LLC - ElevatedMind® All Rights Reserved
©2022 Vermilion Marketing, LLC - ElevatedMind® All Rights Reserved