Episode 44: Email Marketing for Podcasters to Boost Your Open Rate & Episode Plays
Listen on Apple Podcast | Listen on Spotify | Watch on YouTube
Did you know that email marketing delivers, on average, a $42 return for every $1 spent? That’s a 4,200% ROI — and newsletters are one of the most effective ways to build trust, drive traffic, and keep your podcast top of mind.
But here’s the thing: most podcasters aren’t using their newsletters to their full potential. Too often, they’re sending one-line emails that simply say, “Hey, there’s a new episode!” and calling it a day.
In this episode of Podcast Growth Tools, I’m sharing how to create weekly or monthly podcast newsletters that your audience actually wants to read. These emails build connection, spark curiosity, and consistently drive listeners back to your show — while nurturing them into loyal fans and customers.
What You’ll Learn in This Episode
The three types of podcast newsletters that perform best
How to write a story-based email that keeps your audience hooked
What to include in your lifestyle-style roundup to add value and personality
How to repurpose your podcast content into a monthly newsletter if you’re short on time
The best days and times to send your newsletter for higher open rates
Small personalization tweaks that make a big difference in engagement
Timestamps:
03:02 – How your newsletter is a podcast growth tool
06:40 – Finding a sustainable rhythm between podcast + newsletter
10:55 – Using newsletter to highlight podcast episodes
14:30 – Driving traffic between your podcast and email list
19:45 – Quick ideas for writing podcast-aligned newsletter content
Why Your Newsletter Matters for Podcast Growth
Newsletters aren’t just about promotion — they’re about connection. Unlike social media, email gives you direct access to your listeners’ inboxes, helping you build long-term relationships. Every email you send is a chance to show up as a trusted voice, reinforce your authority, and keep your audience engaged between episodes
When done right, your newsletter becomes the bridge between your podcast and your offers. It’s where your audience learns to trust your voice, anticipate your episodes, and take the next step — whether that’s tuning in, sharing your show, or joining your list of paying clients.
The 3 Newsletter Formats I Recommend
1. The Podcast Recap Email
This is the simplest style — and still effective when done right. Start with a short story or insight from your week that connects to your latest episode. For example, maybe you had a chaotic week balancing client work and family life, and it reminded you of the topic you covered on your show.
Then, transition naturally into the podcast. Explain what the episode covers, share two or three takeaways, and close with a clear call to action to listen. The key is making the email feel like a conversation, not just a broadcast
2. The Lifestyle Roundup Newsletter
This is my personal favorite. It’s part podcast update, part personal letter, and part curated resource list — giving readers more reasons to open and engage week after week.
In this format, you might include:
What you’re loving right now (a tool, product, or book)
An industry update or trend your audience should know
Behind-the-scenes insights into your business or creative process
A section called “On the Podcast This Week” — where you highlight the latest episode
This type of email positions you as a thought leader, not just another podcaster promoting content. It builds credibility and keeps your readers excited to hear from you
3. The Monthly Roundup Newsletter
If sending a weekly newsletter feels overwhelming, try a monthly format. This allows you to stay top of mind without the pressure of constant output.
You can either:
Create a simple “episodes this month” list with clickable titles and short descriptions, or
Combine the lifestyle format above with a monthly roundup of your podcast episodes
This structure lets you batch your email content, stay consistent, and still nurture your audience effectively — especially if you’re balancing multiple roles in your business
Personalization and Send-Time Tips
A few simple tweaks can dramatically increase engagement. Always collect first names when people join your email list so you can personalize your subject lines and greetings. It adds warmth and familiarity to your communication.
As for send times, skip the Friday night drop. Most people won’t save your email for the weekend — they read in the moment. Instead, aim to send your newsletter when your audience is most likely to engage. For me, that’s Tuesday, because it aligns with my podcast release and boosts my episode downloads simultaneously
Quick Recap
Email marketing remains one of the highest-ROI tools in your business.
Storytelling beats promotion — every time.
The best newsletters blend value, connection, and consistency.
Weekly or monthly, what matters most is showing up.
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
Want to see how I structure my own weekly podcast newsletter? Sign up at podcastmarketinghub.com/subscribe to get my latest tips, templates, and strategies for turning your podcast listeners into loyal subscribers.
Let’s Connect!
Share your favorite trend from this episode or ask questions by DMing me on Instagram at @thepodcastmarketinghub.
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