7 Email Explosion Ideas to Grow Your List Fast

If your email list growth has been a little “meh” lately, this episode is your sign to shake things up!

In today’s episode of Creatives on Fire, I’m sharing 7 proven strategies to help you grow your email list fast—without needing complicated tech or paid ads. Whether you’re just getting started or ready to scale, these ideas will spark fresh inspiration for getting more subscribers today.

https://creativesonfirepodcast.com/episode200

1. Swap Freebies with a Biz Bestie

Partner with someone in your niche (or a complementary one!) and promote each other’s freebies to your email lists. It’s a win-win way to grow your audience with warm leads who already trust the person sharing you.

Try this at least once a quarter!

2. Join a Bundle, Blog Hop, or Online Event

Group events like seasonal blog hops or digital bundles can put your opt-in in front of hundreds—if not thousands—of new people. I’ve grown my list by tens of thousands this way over the years!

Keep your freebie super simple and easy to access (no multi-step signups, please).

3. Automate a Keyword on Social Media

Set up a simple automation using tools like Instachamp or Minichat and invite your followers to comment a keyword like “connect” or “email” to get your freebie.

Use this in both your posts and stories—set a reminder to do this weekly.

4. Create a Fun Quiz

Everyone loves a good quiz! Whether it’s “What’s Your Crafting Personality?” or “Which Business Model Fits You Best?”—use a quiz to deliver personalized results via email.

This strategy converts really well because it’s engaging and tailored to the reader.

5. Host a Giveaway (But Do It Smart)

Run a giveaway and require an email opt-in to enter. Make the prize digital—like an Amazon gift card or downloadable bundle—to keep it simple.

Pro tip: Host the giveaway on your blog to drive traffic and collect subscribers.

6. Offer Bonus Content in a Private Group or Channel

Whether it’s a weekly message, tutorial, or just encouragement—give your email subscribers access to a private Facebook group or broadcast channel.

It builds loyalty and community fast.

7. Turn Your Top Blog Post Into a Freebie

Check your Google Analytics to find your best-performing post and add a relevant, useful opt-in right to that page.

Think: checklist, printable, or mini tutorial based on the post topic.

Bonus Action Tip:

Don’t try to do all of these at once. Choose 1–2 ideas and schedule them on your calendar each month. Consistency, not overwhelm, is what will grow your list fast.

Mentioned in this episode:

• My upcoming book: Creatives on Fire: 71 Secrets to Making Money Online – coming soon!

If this episode lit a fire under you, be sure to subscribe to the podcast and share it with a friend who needs a little email growth inspo too.

Until next time—stay creative and keep building that list. You've got this! creative. from you! next time, stay creative.

Links Mentioned in the Episode:

• 5 Best Email Marketing Solutions for a Creative Business
• 55 | Email Marketing for Beginners with Melanie Ferguson
• 46 | Email Marketing on Autopilot with Matt Molen
• 120 | Making Money Through Email Marketing with Lesli Peterson
• FUEL Mastermind is HERE
• Free Guide: Start Your Blog Today
• You can GO HERE to subscribe and review (On mobile, scroll down past the episodes to "Ratings & Reviews" section, tap the stars, then scroll down to "Write a Review")
• 2025 Content Planner for Content Creators

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I am honored to share a new Blogging Creative on Fire each week on the podcast to bring you inspiration, behind-the-scenes secrets, and quality tips. I hope it is truly helpful for you. One of the best ways you can bless me in return is to subscribe to the show and leave a review. By subscribing, you allow each episode to be downloaded straight to your phone which helps the download numbers and ensures you never miss an episode. And when you leave a review, you help show others the value of what we provide! You can GO HERE to subscribe and review (On mobile, scroll down past the episodes to "Ratings & Reviews" section, tap the stars, then scroll down to "Write a Review")