Episode 40: How to Re-Engage Cold Email Subscribers Using Your Podcast
How to Use Your Podcast to Re-Engage Cold Email Subscribers
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If you’ve been growing an email list for a while, you know the inevitable truth: subscribers go cold. It’s not because you’ve done something wrong, and it’s not because they don’t care about your content. Life simply gets busy, inboxes get crowded, and emails start to go unopened.
But here’s the good news—your podcast can be one of the most powerful tools to revive those subscribers and bring them back into your world. In this episode of Podcast Growth Tools, I’m walking you through exactly how to create a re-engagement campaign using your podcast as the anchor. This isn’t just about saving money on your email platform—it’s about reconnecting with the very people who once raised their hand and said, Yes, I want to learn from you.
What You’ll Learn in This Episode
Why email subscribers naturally go cold (and what to do about it)
How to use your podcast as the “warm touchpoint” to reignite interest
The exact structure of a re-engagement sequence (including timing and emails)
Why tracking subscriber inactivity at 90 days is critical
How to create value-packed, front-facing content to win subscribers back
The role of consistency and personalization in building long-term loyalty
Timestamps:
1:20 - Importance of re-engagement campaigns
2:45 - What makes a subscriber "cold"
4:10 - Strategies for re-engaging subscribers
5:35 - Making re-engagement emails feel like a gift rather than a chore
7:00 - Technical tips for tracking subscriber inactivity
9:50 - The reality of losing subscribers and the benefits of focusing on engaged ones
11:15 - Using your podcast as a bridge to reconnect with cold subscribers
The Truth About Cold Subscribers
Marketers often define someone as “cold” after 90 days of no email engagement. By 120 days, if they still haven’t opened or clicked, it’s usually best to remove them. Not because they’re not valuable, but because it’s expensive and ineffective to keep paying for subscribers who don’t want to be there.
But don’t write them off too quickly. In many cases, people went cold simply because life got in the way. They did want to hear from you, and your podcast is the perfect bridge to remind them of the value you bring.
How to Structure a Re-Engagement Campaign
A smart re-engagement campaign has two main phases:
Days 75–90: The Warm-Up Phase
Before subscribers hit the 90-day cold mark, send 2–3 of your highest-performing emails. These are like lifelines—content you know resonates. Pull from past newsletters with high open and click-through rates, or even engaging podcast-related freebies that have done well. This primes your audience and can win back engagement before they hit the official re-engagement campaign.
Days 90–120: The Re-Engagement Sequence
If subscribers still haven’t engaged, it’s time to move them into a 4–5 email sequence:
We Miss You – Here’s What’s New
Share a valuable piece of content like a podcast playlist, a freebie, or a new resource. Give it to them front-facing—no opt-in required.Update Your Preferences
Allow subscribers to decide what they want to hear from you—podcast updates, weekly newsletters, or resources. This reduces unsubscribes and keeps them in your world.Here to Help
Provide supportive resources or podcast episodes that deliver a quick win. The goal is to remind them why they joined your list in the first place.Last Chance to Stay Subscribed
Be direct: do they still want to hear from you? These emails often spark surprising re-engagement.Goodbye (But Come Back Anytime)
If they still haven’t engaged, remove them—but leave the door open. Remind them they can always return through your podcast, website, or social channels.
Why Podcasts Work So Well for Re-Engagement
Unlike another “we miss you” email, your podcast is alive, dynamic, and personal. When cold subscribers are invited back into your world through episodes, playlists, or quizzes, it doesn’t feel like a marketing ploy—it feels like a genuine invitation. That warmth and connection can transform them into loyal listeners and, often, paying customers.
Key Takeaway
Not every subscriber will re-engage, and that’s okay. But by weaving your podcast into a thoughtful, intentional re-engagement campaign, you’ll revive a percentage of subscribers who will become even more loyal than before. Think of it as building a safety net—one that not only saves your list health but strengthens your podcast’s role as a central growth engine in your business.
Your Next Steps
Join my weekly newsletter for tips on podcast growth, email marketing, monetization strategies, and behind-the-scenes support for growing your audience and business.
Resources & Links
Free PDF: Re-Engagement Campaign Guide
Join my weekly newsletter:PodcastMarketingHub.com/subscribe
Let’s Connect!
Share your favorite trend from this episode or ask questions by DMing me on Instagram at @thepodcastmarketinghub.
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