Growing your email list is no longer optional—it’s a non-negotiable strategy for business success in 2024 and into 2025.
Sound old school?
Well, it’s NEVER really gone away. This has ALWAYS been the real money-maker for businesses who know how to leverage it effectively!
Why? Unlike social media platforms, where algorithms and external ownership dictate your reach, your email list is an asset you control and own.
Even with low open rates of 20% – you are 4 times more visible to your audience than on social where – on a good day – MAYBE 5% of your FOLLOWERS see your stuff!
But to build a thriving email list, you need to step up your game in 2025!
Here are three underutilized strategies to build your email list and supercharge your email marketing efforts.
1. Leverage Pinterest for List Building
When you think of Pinterest, you might picture boards filled with recipes and interior design inspiration.
But did you know it’s also one of the most powerful search engines to drive website traffic and grow your email list?
Pinterest is a discovery platform, meaning users actively search for solutions and ideas, making it a goldmine for businesses offering lead magnets.
How to Use Pinterest to Build Your Email List:
- Pin Your Lead Magnet Landing Pages: Tools like Tailwind can help you schedule pins consistently, ensuring your lead magnet landing pages stay in front of your target audience.
- SEO-Optimized Blog Posts: Write engaging, SEO-friendly blog posts that solve problems for your audience. Include opt-ins strategically throughout the post, then create visually appealing pins linking back to those articles.
- Focus on Visual Appeal: High-quality, eye-catching graphics with compelling copy can significantly boost pin clicks.
Why Pinterest Works for Email Marketing:
- Over 450 million people use Pinterest monthly, and 85% of users say they turn to the platform when starting a new project.
- Pinterest pins have a lifespan of 3+ months, compared to 24-48 hours for social media posts.
- By driving Pinterest traffic to an opt-in page or blog post with an embedded email capture, you’re funneling interested users directly into your list.
2. Use Social Media Welcome Messages
A personal touch can make all the difference when connecting with your social media followers.
If you’re not already using welcome messages to nurture new connections, you’re missing a simple yet highly effective way to grow your email list.
How to Implement Welcome Messages:
- Send a Friendly Greeting: Whenever you get a new follower on Instagram, LinkedIn, or other platforms, send them a quick, personalized message thanking them for the follow.
- Offer a Free Resource: Mention your lead magnet—a free guide, checklist, or template—and ask if they’d like access.
- Collect Emails: If they’re interested, either ask for their email address directly or provide a link to your opt-in page.
Why This Strategy Works:
- Direct Engagement: Personal messages stand out and build trust. They show followers you’re genuinely interested in helping them.
- High Conversion Potential: Social media users who already engage with your content are more likely to opt into your list.
3. Collaborate with Other People’s Audiences
One of the fastest ways to grow your email list is by tapping into audiences that already exist.
Partnering with complementary businesses or individuals allows you to get your lead magnet in front of new potential subscribers who trust the source recommending you.
Ways to Leverage Other People’s Audiences:
- Podcast Guesting: Appear as a guest on relevant podcasts and promote your lead magnet as a resource for listeners. This positions you as an expert while driving traffic to your opt-in.
- Email Newsletter Swaps: Partner with someone whose audience aligns with yours. They highlight your opt-in to their list, and you do the same for theirs. This cross-promotion builds both lists.
- Joint Live Streams: Co-host a live stream on platforms like Instagram, Facebook, or YouTube and promote each other’s opt-ins.
Why Collaboration is Effective:
- Trusted Endorsements: Being recommended by someone your audience already trusts increases the likelihood they’ll engage with your offer.
- Broader Reach: Partnerships expand your visibility to audiences you wouldn’t otherwise reach.
Why Building Your Email List is Non-Negotiable in 2025
Relying solely on social media for your marketing is risky.
Social platforms are owned by companies that can change algorithms, restrict your account, or even shut it down entirely.
Your email list, on the other hand, is data you own and control—making it your most valuable marketing asset.
When nurtured well – your email list should be full of RAVING fans. Your insiders. The people who have raised their hands and said they are interested in what you have – which means, generally speaking, their buying intent is higher!
Not convinced yet?
Check out these stats!
Eye-Opening Email Marketing Stats:
- Email click-through rates average 2.9%, compared to 1.4% for social media.
- Email conversion rates are 8%, significantly higher than 3% for social media.
- Email marketing ROI is a staggering 3600%, compared to social media’s 180%.
- An email address is worth approximately $47 on average to a business.
Building your email list not only ensures a direct line of communication with your audience but also maximizes your marketing ROI.
Aka… it’s worth the time, effort, and investment!
Bonus Tips to Optimize Your Email List Growth
- Optimize Every Social Media Bio: Include a link to your lead magnet in all your profiles to capture interested visitors.
- Use Multiple Opt-In Formats: Test different types of lead magnets, direct to newsletter ads, eBooks, or video series, to appeal to diverse audiences.
- Measure and Iterate: Use tools like Google Analytics or your email service provider to track conversion rates and refine your strategies.
Final Thoughts
Growing your email list isn’t just a marketing tactic—it’s the foundation of a sustainable business.
Platforms like Pinterest, personal touches like social media welcome messages, and collaborations with other creators can set you apart in 2024.
The key is to approach email list building with intention, consistency, and creativity.
Want help creating an email marketing strategy tailored to your business?
Book a call with us today to see how we can build, nurture and convert your email list, consistently!
Want our free guide to optimize your email list for conversion?
Click below for the three email sequences every business needs to drive engagement and sales!