The Creative Juice Podcast

Hey there, I'm Meg!

I’ve built a thriving illustration business in small pockets of time, and now I help artists, makers and creatives grow their business with sustainable systems and intentional strategy.

6 \/\/ How to Start and Grow Your Email List (Without Feeling Overwhelmed)

First Published: June 17th 2025

This week we’re tackling one of the most quietly powerful, business-changing systems you can build: your email list.

If you’ve ever felt like you’re "not ready" for email marketing because you don’t have a big enough audience yet - I promise you, this episode will flip that belief completely. I’m sharing exactly how to start your list from zero, why email still matters (even in a world full of TikTok trends), and how to create a simple lead magnet that actually attracts your dream audience.

I’ll also give you a little peek into what happens after people join your list - with a gentle intro to email funnels, so you can see how this one small system can quietly serve your creative business for years to come.

And don’t worry - if you're feeling overwhelmed, we’re keeping it simple, actionable, and totally doable. This is the exact approach I would give to myself if I could rewind time and start my business all over again.


What We Cover in This Episode:

Why you don’t need a huge audience to start your email list

The real reason email is STILL the most powerful marketing tool (yes, even in 2025)

How to get your first or next 50 subscribers 

What to create as your first lead magnet (without overthinking it)

Real examples of simple opt-ins that work for creative businesses

A gentle introduction to funnels and automations (and how they can serve you later

The biggest mindset blocks that stop creatives from starting their list (and how to move through them)


Key Takeaways:

Your email list grows with you, it doesn’t require you to be "ready" first.

Simple, helpful freebies convert better than fancy, complicated ones.

Staying present in your audience’s inbox keeps you top of mind for when they’re ready to buy.

Small lists can be incredibly profitable - it's all about trust.


Mentioned in this Episode:

Speed up growth with my 1:1 coaching. Please fill out an application form ⁠here


Links & Resources:

My Creative Hub

(the all-in-one dashboard that helps you price for profit, stay organised, and run your creative business with confidence)

Systeme*

(My favourite marketing platform: email provider, website builder, online course builder, automations, funnels & more.)

Community

(Subscribe to my Substack to read articles about growing your Creative Business and join the conversation)


Subscribe & Review:

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  2. Your support means the world and helps other creatives find us.

  1. *Some links are affiliate links, but I only recommend tools I genuinely use and trust.

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