Why Every YouTuber Needs an Email List
So, you’ve got your channel, you’ve got subscribers, and you’re putting out content, but how do you keep that audience engaged, especially with all the wild YouTube algorithm shifts?
Let me tell you—the key to leveling up your creator game lies in something shockingly simple: an email list.
Yep, even as a YouTuber, building an email list is one of the best steps to create a long-lasting, direct connection with your audience.
Think of it this way: while YouTube owns your subscribers and has ultimate control over what they see, an email list is yours.
Studies reveal that over 70% of people prefer receiving promotional content through email rather than social media, and with an email list, you’ve got a straight line to your most loyal fans.
Now, let’s get into the data and some tips for building your list without breaking a sweat.
70% of people prefer receiving promotional content through email rather than social media
The Power of Email Marketing 📈
It might surprise you, but email marketing consistently outperforms social media for engagement and conversion.
According to the Data & Marketing Association, the average ROI for email marketing is a staggering $42 for every $1 spent.
Compare that to the click-through rates on YouTube and other social media platforms, which can be as low as 1-2%. Plus, having direct contact with your audience means you don’t need to rely on algorithms to reach them.
And that’s not all—email lists help build a sense of exclusivity.
Psychologist Dr. Robert Cialdini talks about this in his research on “commitment and consistency.” When someone subscribes to your email list, they’re already more committed to you and your content, making them far more likely to support you through merch, courses, or affiliate links.
Mailinglist subscribers are already more committed to you and your content, making them far more likely to support you
How Email Lists Can Drive Affiliate Sales
When it comes to affiliate marketing, your email list can be a total game-changer.
Your audience trusts you, and when you recommend a product via email, it’s like a friendly tip from a friend—not an ad.
Stats show that 66% of online consumers have made a purchase directly from an email, whereas social media conversion rates are often lower.
Even better, an email list allows you to tailor your affiliate recommendations to match your audience’s interests directly.
For instance, if you’re a travel YouTuber, you can send exclusive links to booking deals or travel gear that’s relevant to your audience’s needs.
Affiliate Links in Email vs. YouTube
- Email List: Average open rates for creator emails sit around 25%, and click-through rates range from 2.5% to 5%. That’s a lot of potential for affiliate sales, especially if you personalize recommendations.
- YouTube Description Links: Click-through rates can drop to 0.5%, and there’s no guarantee viewers will scroll down to find your links, especially on mobile devices.
Building Your List from Scratch
Starting an email list might feel intimidating, but here’s the truth: you don’t need a full-fledged website, a degree in tech, or even a budget to make it happen.
Here’s a rundown of some of the most popular free tools that are perfect for creators like us:
Mailchimp: This classic is great for beginners and has a free plan for up to 500 subscribers. Drag-and-drop design, easy templates—think of it as making a YouTube thumbnail but for email.
MailerLite: Known for simplicity and clean design, it’s free up to 1,000 subscribers. You get a smooth, intuitive interface that won’t have you pulling your hair out.
ConvertKit: Creator’s favorite! Tailor-made for YouTubers, bloggers, and artists, ConvertKit’s free plan lets you work with 1,000 subscribers and offers powerful automation, making it easier to grow over time.
Ali Abdaal, a successful YouTuber, swears by ConvertKit, which helped him grow his list to over 100k subscribers. According to Ali, “An email list is a direct relationship with your audience. It’s priceless.”
An email list is a direct relationship with your audience. It’s priceless.
Growing Your Email List: Tips for YouTubers 🎬
Getting sign-ups can be easy if you tap into what makes your audience tick. Here are some tried-and-true strategies to help you start building momentum:
Create a Lead Magnet: Offer something valuable in exchange for their email. This could be a downloadable guide, an exclusive video, or even early access to your latest content. A solid lead magnet can boost your sign-up rate by 20-30%, as people feel they’re getting something special.
Add CTAs in Your Videos: Simple but effective—remind viewers why joining your email list is valuable. Whether it’s exclusive updates, secret tips, or personal insights, make them feel like they’re getting a behind-the-scenes look. Psychologically, this fosters a sense of community, triggering what psychologists call “reciprocity”—when people feel they’re getting more, they’re more likely to support you back.
Promote on Social Media: Don’t have a website? No problem! Platforms like ConvertKit allow you to create beautiful landing pages to share on Instagram bios, Twitter profiles, or even your YouTube channel’s “About” section.
Smart Signup Form Placements
Without a blog or website, your signup form can live in multiple places. Here’s where you can add it:
YouTube Descriptions: A no-brainer. Drop your link in every video description, and if there’s a video related to your lead magnet, that’s even better.
Pinned Comments: Not everyone checks the description, but pinned comments can be a reminder. They’re visible right away and encourage viewers to take action.
Social Media Bios: For Instagram, Twitter, or TikTok, your bio is prime real estate for your sign-up link. ConvertKit’s landing pages are clean and professional, making it easy to redirect followers.
Success Stories: How Creators Are Using Email Lists
Take Pat Flynn, creator of Smart Passive Income. He grew his brand by prioritizing his email list, even before he became a YouTube sensation. He attributes his financial success to his list, which he used to share exclusive insights, build a community, and, of course, sell his products.
As Flynn says, “Social media can change at any moment, but your email list is yours. It’s a safe place to build a community that isn’t going anywhere.”
And it’s not just mega-creators who benefit.
Marie Poulin, a Notion YouTuber, built a $50k revenue stream solely by leveraging her email list to sell courses and consulting sessions. She shared, “My list is filled with people who genuinely want to learn from me—it’s the most direct and reliable way I can communicate and sell my services.”
Social media can change at any moment, but your email list is yours.
My list is filled with people who genuinely want to learn from me—it’s the most direct and reliable way I can communicate and sell my services.
Building Sustainable Growth, One Email at a Time
Starting an email list might feel like adding another task to the to-do list, but it’s one of the best ways to build a sustainable and profitable creator career.
With email, you’re in charge, and that’s a massive power move. You’re not just creating another way to share content—you’re building a community.
So, pick a tool, create a simple sign-up page, and start small.
And remember, you’re not alone on this journey. Growing an email list is like inviting your most loyal fans to a VIP party every week, and with every email you send, you’re reinforcing the bond between you and your audience.
Ready to start? Take a deep breath, pour yourself a coffee, and start your email list today. 🎉 The rewards are just an email away.
