Episode #7: 10 Email List Growth Strategies for Podcasters
10 Proven Strategies to Grow Your Podcast and Email List Simultaneously
Listen on Apple Podcast | Listen on Spotify | Watch on YouTube
I have a tough question for you…
How many of your podcast listeners are actually on your email list?
If you’re cringing, thinking, “Ah, none, Kylee!”—just know you’re not alone.
Maybe it’s because I came up in the world of Amy Porterfield (aka the queen of list building), but if you’re not actively moving your podcast listeners onto your email list, you’re missing a huge opportunity to serve them and share all the incredible resources you have to offer.
Here’s a juicy fact…
I recently had a fascinating conversation with a big-name podcaster—someone consistently ranking in the top five of their category—who shared a surprising secret: they didn’t really have an email list.
My jaw dropped.
Now, they’re eager and ready to build their list. And given the size of their audience, it should be smooth sailing.
But here’s the lesson in this:
No matter where you are in your podcasting journey—whether you’re just starting out or already hitting 20,000 downloads per episode—the best time to start growing your email list is right now.
If you’re relying only on podcast downloads as a success metric, you’re missing out. You don’t own your podcast listeners—but you do own your email list. And when you intentionally connect the two, you create a powerful cycle that keeps your audience engaged, drives more listeners, and increases conversions.
In this episode, I’m breaking down 10 proven strategies to help you convert podcast listeners into email subscribers and use your email list to drive more podcast downloads.
Here’s a glance at this episode:
00:00 Podcast Growth Secrets Unveiled
04:06 Podcast-Email List Integration Strategy
08:35 Podcast Ad Tracking & Management
11:18 Utilize High-Traffic Pages Strategically
14:24 LinkedIn Newsletter Migration Guide
17:11 Streamlined Collaboration for Conversions
22:26 Promote Your Podcast through Email
24:00 Boost Podcast Engagement Strategies
What You’ll Learn in This Blog:
Why podcast downloads alone won’t grow your business
How to run podcast ads that grow your email list
Using LinkedIn newsletters to drive podcast traffic
How to leverage other podcast audiences
The power of quizzes in email list growth
How giveaways can skyrocket your podcast and email growth
Why Podcast Downloads Aren’t Enough
Podcast downloads don’t give you direct access to your listeners. They’re great for tracking trends, but they don’t help you build lasting relationships or drive conversions.
Here’s what really matters:
Direct audience access – You don’t "own" your podcast listeners, but you do own your email list.
Engagement over numbers – A small, engaged audience is far more valuable than thousands of passive listeners.
Long-term relationships – Email lets you nurture leads, promote offers, and keep your audience coming back.
If you’re serious about podcast growth, your podcast and email list need to work together. Here’s how to do it.
1. Run Dynamic or Baked-In Ads for Your Lead Magnet
Running podcast ads that promote a freebie, checklist, or guide is one of the easiest ways to drive email sign-ups.
How to Do It Right:
Align your freebie with the content of your episode.
Track conversions using a unique landing page for podcast listeners.
If using baked-in ads, document which episodes contain which promotions and at what timestamps.
Pro Tip: Run a lead magnet ad for a full month, track the performance, and tweak as needed.
2. Create Lead Magnet Bundles from Your Best Episodes
Take your top-performing podcast episodes and bundle them into a free resource that listeners can download in exchange for their email.
How to Make It Work:
Identify your top 5–10 most downloaded episodes and create a content bundle.
Promote it on your website using pop-ups or banners on high-traffic pages.
Test different versions using Instagram ManyChat funnels.
3. Start a LinkedIn Newsletter to Drive Downloads
A LinkedIn newsletter helps repurpose podcast content and drives new email sign-ups.
How to Use It:
Share your weekly or monthly podcast newsletter on LinkedIn.
Include a call-to-action directing readers to your email list and podcast.
Offer an exclusive freebie to encourage LinkedIn subscribers to opt in to your email list.
4. Share Freebies When Guesting on Other Podcasts
When you appear on another podcast, offer a freebie to capture new email subscribers.
How to Do It Right:
Always ask the host first before promoting a lead magnet.
Use a custom landing page so you can track sign-ups.
Make sure the lead magnet is directly related to the interview topic.
Positioning it as an exclusive resource for their audience increases conversions.
5. Do a Newsletter Swap with a Creator in Your Niche
A newsletter swap is where two creators cross-promote each other’s email lists and podcasts.
How to Execute It:
Find a creator in your niche with a similar audience.
Create done-for-you content (copy, graphics, and links) to make it easy for them.
Track conversions with a custom landing page to measure the effectiveness.
If you make it easy for them to share, they’ll be more likely to say yes.
6. Create a Podcast-Centric Quiz
A quiz is a powerful way to drive engagement and email sign-ups.
Why It Works:
It’s interactive and encourages people to take action.
It segments your audience for personalized podcast recommendations.
It creates a seamless pathway from your quiz to your email list.
Pro Tip:Run paid ads to the quiz—quizzes often convert at lower costs than traditional lead magnets.
7. Leverage Your Existing Social Audience
Many people follow you on Instagram or Facebook but aren’t subscribed to your email list or podcast.
How to Fix That:
Regularly remind them to subscribe and follow your podcast.
Offer a free resource as an incentive to join your email list.
Use ManyChat funnels to automate email sign-ups.
Pro Tip: Record a short video showing them exactly how to follow your podcast on Apple or Spotify.
8. Direct Message New Followers on Instagram or LinkedIn
Smaller podcasters have a unique advantage—they can personally engage with new followers.
How to Use This Strategy:
When someone follows you, start a conversation.
Ask them what content they need most, then recommend specific podcast episodes.
Offer a freebie or newsletter link if it aligns with their interests.
This strategy builds relationships and engagement, leading to more subscribers.
9. Build Your Podcast Into Your Email Welcome Sequence
Most email lists have a welcome sequence, but does yours mention your podcast?
What to Include in Your Welcome Email:
Your top 3 podcast episodes to start with.
Clear instructions on how to subscribe and follow.
An Apple deep link for one-click podcast following.
Make it easy for new subscribers to find and engage with your podcast.
10. Run a Giveaway with Another Podcaster
Partner with another podcaster in your niche to co-host a giveaway that grows both of your audiences.
How to Structure It:
Require entries to subscribe to both podcasts & email lists.
Use Typeform or Google Forms to collect sign-ups.
Offer a high-value prize (strategy session, mini-course, or exclusive content).
Collaboration is one of the fastest ways to scale your podcast and email list.
Your Next Steps
Want to implement these strategies? Download my free Podcast & Email List Growth Playbook → PodcastMarketingHub.com/playbook
📩 Get Weekly Podcast Growth Tips → PodcastMarketingHub.com/subscribe >> Subscribe for new email marketing & podcast growth strategies every week.
Subscribe & Review
If you loved this episode, don’t forget to hit subscribe and leave a review! Reviews help more podcasters like you discover this show.
