If you’re starting a business, one of the most powerful tools you can have is an email list. Why? Because no matter what kind of business you’re building, your email list becomes the backbone of your communication and sales strategy.

This is true whether you’re running a brick and mortar shop, selling printables, coaching, affiliate marketing, or creating digital products. For online businesses especially, where you don’t meet your customers face-to-face, building and nurturing an email list is crucial.

It’s your direct line to connect with your audience, share your heart, and turn casual readers into loyal customers. Without it, your business is left at the mercy of algorithms or fleeting social media trends.

Let’s break down why an email list is essential for your business and how you can start building one today.

1. Direct Communication with Your Audience

Social media is a great tool, but it’s not always reliable. Algorithms decide who sees your posts, and platforms can shut down or change overnight. I’ve often heard of friends getting banned and not even knowing the reason. One freelance writing coach I know was locked out of her own Facebook group for months on end.

An email list, on the other hand, gives you a direct, reliable way to communicate with people who care about your message, ensuring your voice isn’t drowned out.

Imagine sharing a story about how faith guides your business. On social media, it might reach a fraction of your audience. With email, it reaches every single subscriber, creating stronger connections. Of course it’s true that some email goes unready, but with social media, you have no guarantee it will even come across your followers’ feed.

2. Build Deeper Relationships

Emails feel personal, almost like a letter to a friend or a chat in a coffee shop. This allows you to share more about your journey, inspire your audience with faith-based encouragement, and build trust.

3. Higher Conversion Rates

Did you know email marketing has one of the highest conversion rates compared to other channels? People on your list have already shown interest in what you offer, making them more likely to take action.

If you’re promoting a course or selling digital products, your email list will often outperform social media in driving sales.

4. Ownership and Control

Unlike social media, you own your email list. It’s a business asset that grows with you and provides stability no matter how online trends shift. Subscribers may come and go, but if you are sharing valuable information and building connections, many will stay with you long term.

5. Share Your Faith More Freely

If you want to build Kingdom connections, email is a private space where you can confidently share scripture, encouragement, and how God is working in your life and business. With the option to reply privately, instead of in a public space where comments sections can become toxic, your readers will often feel more connected to you.

Starting an email list might feel overwhelming, but it doesn’t have to be! With the right steps, you can quickly create a system to attract subscribers, build trust, and grow your audience. Here’s a simple, actionable plan to get started today.

1. Choose an Email Marketing Platform

Select a platform that’s easy to use, like ConvertKit or MailerLite. One of my favourites is Systeme.io an amazing all-in-one tool that you can use for your website, sales funnels, and your email marketing. These tools help you design signup forms, manage subscribers, and send emails effortlessly.

2. Create a Free Lead Magnet

Offer something valuable that aligns with your audience’s needs. For example, you may have signed up to my email list through my “50 Online Business Ideas for Christian Mamapreneurs.”

A life coach may promote a downloadable guide called “5 Steps to Finding Balance as a Christian Mom.” If you sell printables, you might give away a free 7-day gratitude journal. You get the idea.

3. Add Opt-In Forms Everywhere

Your lead magnet needs visibility. Place opt-in forms on your blog, social media bio, and even within your Pinterest pins to capture as many subscribers as possible. Promote your freebie on YouTube or Tiktok. Create Instagram posts, stories, or even a blog post explaining the value your lead magnet provides.

4. Share Your Lead Magnet Regularly

Don’t be afraid to promote your freebie consistently. Think about your audience and the platforms they use the most. That’s where you should talk about your freebie item. Many people also use paid ads to promote their lead magnet. Your lead magnet isn’t going to pay for the ads right away, but it will help bring awareness to your business and get people to opt in, so you’ll be able to sell your offers through your email list.

5. Send Value-Packed Emails

Focus on serving your audience with helpful tips, faith-based encouragement, and personal stories, rather than on making a quick buck. For example, share lessons you’ve learned from balancing motherhood and business. The value you provide will help build relationships and trust which will lead to purchases in the long run.

6. Engage with a Community

Want guidance as you grow your list and build your business? Surround yourself with other Christian mompreneurs for encouragement and accountability.

The Digital Creators in Christ course and community are designed for Christian women like you who want to build impactful online businesses while keeping faith at the center.

You’ll learn how to grow an email list, create digital products, and market your business effectively—all while connecting with like-minded women who encourage and pray for each other. Plus, the weekly Zoom calls provide invaluable support and guidance as you grow.

Don’t wait to start building the business—and the life—you’ve been dreaming of. Click here to join Digital Creators in Christ today!

Your email list is more than a business tool; it’s a way to serve others, glorify God, and create a flexible income that blesses your family. Start building it today, and watch your impact and business grow!