Hello Reader,

We hear it all the time: Build your email list!

Heck, even I say it. Unfortunately, an email list by nature is a one-sided conversation with you talking to countless faceless names. Just like I'm doing here!

But what if you could transform that list into a dynamic, living community?

That's exactly what Jill, my client of over 10 years, recently did. After 25+ years of building and nurturing her email list, and after a year of planning and development, she launched her online community.

And watched as many of those once faceless, anonymous subscribers came to life! No longer just names on a list, but real people she can now interact with and get to know.

A community turned a one-way conversation into budding relationships. A place where interaction, support, and collaboration can happen.

This not only enriches the experience for her audience but also supports and complements her larger courses and trainings offered on her website.

So, continue building your list, but also consider the next step — transforming it into a welcoming community where everyone can contribute, connect, and grow together.

Where do you start, you ask? Let's break it down into actionable steps:

Pre-Work for Your List

Before you dive into building a community, lay the groundwork with your email list.

Nurture your list over time: Start with nurturing your list and consistently delivering value. This builds trust and keeps your subscribers engaged.

Give it away: Share your knowledge and wisdom freely. Give a lot away for free. Generosity builds goodwill and establishes you as an authority in your field.

Clarify your message: Get crystal clear on your values, mission, and audience. Help your subscribers understand who you are, what you offer, and why they should stick around. A clear message attracts the right people and sets the tone for your community.

Building Your Community

Once you've prepared your list, you're ready to start building your community. Here are some key steps to guide you:

Start with a core group: Identify your most engaged subscribers and invite them to be founding members. A small, passionate group helps set the tone and energy for the community.

Facilitate conversations: Don’t just broadcast — spark discussions and interactions. Encourage members to connect with each other, not just with you. This fosters a sense of belonging and encourages active participation.

Offer ongoing value: Regularly create opportunities for learning, growth, and collaboration in your community. Think events, challenges, group calls, or new resources tailored to their needs. Continuous value keeps your community engaged and thriving.

How are you nurturing your email list? Have you considered building a community? Reply to this email to share your thoughts.

Recommended Reads 📚

Ever wondered why some online communities thrive while others flop? Justine & Olivia Moore share insights into why most fail and what you can do to build a truly engaging one. Why most online communities fail — and how to build a better one!​

Explore the step-by-step guide that helped Femke van Schoonhoven build an engaged email list of 25,000 designers in just five years. A step-by-step guide to growing your email list.​

Tooltips 📷

Since we're discussing communities and email lists, let's explore some recommended platforms!

Recommended Community Platforms:

1. ​Heartbeat​
2. ​Circle​
3. ​Fluent Community (for WordPress websites)
4. ​Mighty Networks​

Recommended Email List Apps:

​ConvertKit and Beehiiv: These are excellent for general email marketing needs, offering a range of features from automation to analytics.

​Substack: Ideal for creators who don’t have a website and want a simple, all-in-one solution for publishing newsletters and managing subscriptions.

Finally, the big announcement 🎉 📢

A few months ago, I shared about my new partnership with social media expert Chava Scheinowitz. Well, that offering is now ready!

If you're looking to elevate your social media presence and drive more traffic to your website, Chava is here to help.

Check out the Elevate Your Social Media Presence landing page for all the details.

On a personal note, yesterday was my birthday. 🎉🎂✨🍰🥳

Funny how age really does make us wiser. Like, I rarely worry about things anymore because I've learned that things either work out or they don't, but worrying has zero impact on the outcome!

Here's to a life free from worry, instead embracing joy and living with a light heart.

Until next month,

Yael

I ❤️ LOVE REFERRALS

It's my favorite way of getting new clients.
So anyone you know needing a website or brand revamp.
Please send them my way.
In appreciation.