DON'T JUST BUILD FOLLOWERS, BUILD A COMMUNITY: WHY YOU NEED AN EMAIL LIST

etchedinmark
Jul 1
3 min read

If social media disappeared tomorrow, would your audience still know where to find you?

It's a bold question, but one that more creators and small business owners are starting to ask. Social media platforms are incredible for building visibility. They give you reach, engagement, and the chance to grow your brand in real time. But there's one major catch: you don't own your follower list; the algorithm does, the platform does.

That is why building an email list is no longer optional, it is essential. Let's break down why that is the case.

What Is An Email List (and Why It Matters)

An email list is a collection of contacts who've chosen to hear from you — outside of any algorithm. It is your direct connection to an audience that actually wants your updates, offers, content, and insights.

Think of it this way:

Your social media following is rented space
Your email list is owned real estate

With an email list, you're not competing with platform trends or limited by changing reach. You have full control over when, how, and what you share, and that control is powerful.

Why You Can't Rely on Social Media Alone

Here is the hard truth: social media platforms are unpredictable.

Algorithms shift constantly, and not always in your favour.
Your account could be hacked or suspended.
Organic reach is steadily declining.
Entire platforms can go offline.
Trends shift, and people stop showing up

If your only connection to your audience exists on someone else's platform, your business could be at risk of your audience disappearing overnight, without any way of reaching them.

The Benefits of Building an Email List

When you build an email list, you're not just collecting names, you are building a stronger, more stable relationship with your audience.

Why it works:

Ownership — You control the platform, not a third-party.
Higher Engagement — People read email more intentionally than they scroll.
Better Conversations — Email subscribers are more likely to buy.
Personalization — You can segment your list and tailor your message.
Long-Term Growth — Email builds loyalty, not just likes.

Your content doesn't just get seen, it gets read, saved, and acted on.

How to Start Growing Your List

You don't need a massive list to start, just a smart way to invite people in. Here is how to get going:

Offer something valuable
- A free resource (checklist, guide, template)
- A discount code
- Early access to something exciting
Make it easy to sign up
- Add your link to your Instagram bio
- Share it on stories
- Include it in your website footer or a pop-up
- Mention it at the end of blog posts or videos
Use beginner-friendly tools
- Try platforms like MailChimp or FloDesk to design, send, and automate emails with ease

From Subscribers to Community

An email list is more than a marketing tool, it's a relationship builder.

Welcome new subscribers with a friendly intro sequence.
Show up with helpful tips, behind-the-scenes stories, and thoughtful insights.
Be consistent, but don't spam.
Lead with value before asking for anything in return.

The best email lists feel personal, like a direct line between you and your people.

Final Thoughts: Start Now, Not Later

Social media is amazing for discovery, but email is where the connection deepens. If you're building a brand, launching offers, or trying to grow a loyal audience, you need a space you own. And that space is your inbox.

You don't need thousands of subscribers to start, just the willingness to show up, be helpful, and create value. Because at the end of the day, followers might come and go... but your email list? That's yours to keep.