The Power of Email Lists: Why Your Community Deserves Consistent Connection

As entrepreneurs, we often overlook one of our most valuable assets—our email list. It’s easy to get caught up in the allure of social media or the latest digital marketing trends, but there's something timeless and powerful about an email community. It’s not just about sending newsletters or promotions; it's about nurturing relationships with the people who have already shown interest in your work. Let’s explore how you can leverage your email list to grow your coaching practice and why it's critical not to take this community for granted.

Why Your Email List Matters

Your email list consists of people who once saw value in what you offer—they are your warm leads. These are the individuals who might have signed up for a webinar, downloaded a free resource, or even clients you've worked with in the past. And guess what? They want to hear from you! Many coaches and entrepreneurs believe that if they don’t have anything “big” to share, their emails aren't worth sending. But the truth is, your audience is interested in your journey, the behind-the-scenes, and your authentic self.

Start Where You Are: Building or Reviving Your List

If you're starting from scratch or trying to revive an old list, don’t worry—you’re not alone. Even I found myself starting a fresh list for my coaching practice while balancing a more established one for my therapy practice. Here’s the thing: starting small is okay. If you have even just 5 or 10 emails, you have a starting point.

Here’s a simple strategy to kickstart your email community:

1. Export Existing Contacts: Gather emails from your booking system or past clients. Even a few contacts can be the foundation of your new list.
2. Choose Your CRM Wisely: Tools like MailChimp or Constant Contact offer user-friendly, free versions. Select a CRM that fits your needs, try it out, and see how it feels to create and send emails.
3. Craft Your First Emails: Start with three key emails—a welcome message, a quick survey, and a brief introduction about who you are and how you can help. Schedule these first few emails to go out over a short period to establish a connection.

Keeping It Simple: The 12-Email Plan

A common fear is feeling overwhelmed by the idea of regularly emailing your list. A great starting point is to write just 12 emails—one for each month. This way, you maintain consistent contact without feeling pressured to write constantly. Think of it as setting up your communication on autopilot for a year. Once your list grows, you can always send additional emails as needed, whether it’s a holiday greeting, a quick tip, or a personal note.

Know Your Audience: Write with Them in Mind

Before you draft those emails, take time to define your ideal client. Who are they? What are their struggles and aspirations? For example, I have a clear vision of “Talia,” my ideal coaching client—a single mom who’s balancing her job at an agency while dreaming of private practice. I know what stresses her out, what keeps her up at night, and the types of support she needs to thrive.

When you write directly to your ideal client, your emails become more personal and impactful. And here’s the magic: your clients will feel like you’re speaking directly to them, and you’ll hear things like, “That email was right on time!” or “It’s like you read my mind.”

Be Authentically You: Inject Your Personality

One of the best pieces of advice I can offer is this: let your personality shine through in your emails. It’s tempting to adopt a formal, polished tone, especially if you come from a professional background where that's the norm. But today’s marketplace values authenticity. People want to connect with real humans, not faceless brands. Whether it’s a “Hey sis” greeting or a candid story, your personality is what makes your communication unique and relatable.

Final Thoughts: Your Community Needs You

Remember, those email subscribers are more than just names on a list—they’re part of your community. They are people who are looking for your insights, your expertise, and your authenticity. Don’t take them for granted, and don’t let that list gather digital dust. Start small, be consistent, and watch as your efforts pay off.

Now, I challenge you—take a few minutes today to export those emails, sign up for a CRM, and start drafting those first messages. Your future clients are waiting to hear from you, and they deserve the value you bring.