Are Your Emails Helping or Hurting Your Side Hustle?
Let’s be honest for a second. When it comes to your email list, are you acting like a good friend or that one annoying cousin? You know the one—they only show up at the family reunion to pitch you on a pyramid scheme or ask for a job.
Or are you the great friend? The one who checks in, shares funny stories, and is just genuinely there for people. The person people are actually happy to hear from.
If you’ve got an email list for your business, it’s time to decide which one you want to be. For anyone who is , your email list is one of your most valuable assets. But too many people let those leads go cold, only reaching out when they have something to sell. By staying in touch regularly, your audience will be far more receptive when you do have an offer. It's a core part of any good strategy.
Finding Your Rhythm with Email
So, how often should you be emailing? I’m a big believer in daily emails. I know that sounds intense, but think of it like a quick, daily check-in with a friend. It helps build and nurture the relationship. Once you get in the habit, it becomes second nature, and you start seeing stories for your emails everywhere in your daily life.
When I’m not in the middle of a launch, my emails follow a simple, repeatable format. It’s a structure that can work for any , from an to a consulting gig.
Here’s the basic flow:
The emails don't have to be long. They're just small moments from my life that I use to connect with my audience and share something of value. For example, I once told a story about a clerk at a conference hotel who loudly announced my room number to a packed lobby. Instead of getting upset, I made a joke, and it turned into a great networking moment. The lesson? You never know who's watching, so always be your authentic self.
If daily feels like too much, start with three times a week. If that’s still a stretch, aim for once a week. The most important thing is consistency. Just like in any friendship, you have to show up regularly to build trust.
A Simple Strategy for a Quick Sales Boost
Sometimes you need to generate revenue quickly. Instead of just running another discount, there’s a more effective way to drive action: the "Credit Email."
Rather than offering a percentage off, you give your existing customers a specific credit—like $27 or $47—to use on your products or services. It works incredibly well because it feels like found money, not just another promotion. This tactic is perfect for looking to convert one-time clients into repeat customers. A coaching client of mine even used his birthday as an excuse to send a credit email and generated thousands of dollars in a single day.
Here’s how to craft your own:
- Get straight to the point and mention the credit.
- Tell them why they’re receiving this credit (e.g., as a thank you for being a customer).
- Clearly explain what products or services they can apply it to.
- Create urgency by giving them a week or less to use it.
Just be sure not to overuse this strategy. Sending a credit email once every six months keeps it feeling special and effective.
Think Like Disney's VIP Service
Have you ever heard of Disney’s VIP guided tours? They let you skip lines and get access to secret back doors. You get to experience more in one day than most people do in a week. Some people complain about the price, but they’re the same ones stuck waiting in endless lines. They don't see the incredible value that comes from a premium investment.
This is a perfect analogy for email marketing. Many people running a look for the cheapest, easiest route. They fire off emails without much thought and then wonder why their open rates are terrible.
Your customers’ inboxes are flooded. To stand out, you can't be sloppy. You need to invest the time to create a plan with clear goals. Once you start emailing, you need to be consistent. If you disappear for a few weeks, people will forget you. But if you consistently provide value, they’ll pay attention. This is how you transition your operation from a .
There is no free pass to the front of the line. If you want your emails to be the first ones your customers open, you have to make them worthy of their attention. For , a well-managed email list is the engine for growth.
Ultimately, a strong email strategy for your boils down to a few core ideas. Write like you're talking to a real person, not a faceless crowd. Use your subject lines to create intrigue, not just to promote. And always, always be testing. Figure out what your audience responds to and give them more of it.
