The Secret to Growing Your Email List: Insights from Flodesk Co-Founder Rebecca Shostak

If you’re an online entrepreneur, coach, or blogger, you’ve likely been told that email marketing is key to growing your business. The saying is true, "The money is in your list!" Yet, the complexities of setting up email systems and crafting campaigns can feel daunting.

In my newest episode of The Blogger Genius Podcast, I interviewed Rebecca Shostak, co-founder of Flodesk (affiliate), a platform revolutionizing email marketing for small businesses. Rebecca shared her journey from designing merchandise for top music acts like Rihanna and Linkin Park to co-founding Flodesk, a tool designed to make email marketing simple, beautiful, and accessible.

In this post, we’ll unpack strategies for growing your business, simplifying your processes, and using tools like Flodesk and MiloTree to make your efforts easy, effective, and profitable.

Show Notes:

• MiloTree
• Flodesk (affiliate)
• 6 Purchasing Triggers Download
• The 3 AI Prompts You Need to Create a Freebie Cheatsheet
• Join The Blogger Genius Newsletter
• Become a Blogger Genius Facebook Group

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Why Email Marketing is Critical in 2025

Email marketing has evolved from a "nice-to-have" to an essential pillar of a successful online business. Here’s why:

• Higher Engagement Rates: While social media posts have a 3-5% visibility rate, email open rates range from 30-80% for engaged audiences.
• Unmatched ROI: For every dollar spent on email marketing, businesses see an average return of $40.
• Ownership of Your Audience: Social media algorithms are unpredictable, but with email, you own your subscriber list, ensuring direct communication with your audience.

If you’re not already building an email list, now is the time to start. Luckily, tools like Flodesk and MiloTree make this process seamless and free.

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How Simplicity Drives Success

In business, complexity can be the enemy of progress. Rebecca Shostak, co-founder of Flodesk, and my recent guest on The Blogger Genius Podcast, shared her philosophy: “Less is more.” This mindset applies to email design, business strategy, and the way you communicate with your audience.

Here’s how simplicity can transform your efforts:

1. Simplify Email Design

• Stick to 1-2 Fonts: Consistent typography creates a polished, professional look.
• Use Ample White Space: Break up content to make it visually appealing and easy to read.
• Focus on One Message: Avoid cramming multiple ideas into a single email. Instead, send shorter, more frequent emails.

2. Streamline Your Business Strategy

• Focus on Core Problems: Identify the single biggest problem you solve for your audience and build your messaging around it.
• Reduce Overwhelm: Avoid overloading your audience with information. Offer one solution at a time.
• Leverage Simple Tools: MiloTree integrates seamlessly with major email platforms like Flodesk, allowing you to grow your list and sell digital products effortlessly.

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How to Transition Social Media Followers into Email Subscribers

Social media is great for visibility, but it’s not where sales happen. Rebecca described email as the “intimate conversation” stage of the customer relationship. Here are actionable tips to transition your social followers into engaged email subscribers:

Offer a Valuable Freebie

A freebie (also known as a lead magnet) is an excellent way to incentivize followers to join your list. Ideas include:

• Cheat sheets
• Mini-courses
• Discount codes
• Free shipping
• Exclusive content (e.g., recipes, travel guides, templates)

With MiloTree’s Free Plan, you can create an AI-generated opt-in page, upload your freebie, and deliver it to subscribers automatically—all for free.

Optimize Your Link in Bio

Rebecca highlighted Flodesk's Link in Bio tool, which prioritizes your email opt-in form at the top. Pair this with a strong call-to-action like:

• “Grab your free cheat sheet now!”
• “Get 10% off your first purchase—subscribe today!”

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How to Use Email to Grow Your Business

Your email list isn’t just a communication channel—it’s your most powerful revenue generator. Use it strategically to:

• Drive Traffic to Your Blog or Website: Send short, snappy emails teasing new content.
• Sell Digital Products: Whether it’s an ebook, course, or membership, email lets you connect directly with your audience to promote and sell.
• Build Trust: Share personal updates or behind-the-scenes insights to foster a deeper connection with your subscribers.

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How MiloTree Makes Selling Digital Products Easy

At MiloTree, we believe in empowering entrepreneurs to monetize their expertise without the tech headache. Here’s why MiloTree is the perfect solution for selling digital products:

1. Hassle-Free Setup

• Set up your product, opt-in page, or freebie in under 5 minutes.
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• No tech skills required—MiloTree’s AI tools handle the heavy lifting.

2. Affordable Plans

• Start for free, no credit card required.
• Scale up with plans that grow with your business.

3. All-in-One Platform

• Sell digital products, offer unlimited freebies, and grow your email list—all from one platform.

4. Build Relationships

Unlike faceless marketplaces, MiloTree helps you establish a direct connection with your audience, fostering loyalty and repeat sales.

👉 Ready to grow your audience and sell with ease? Sign up for MiloTree and start creating beautiful opt-ins and digital products today—it's simple, affordable, and effective. Sign up

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Why Flodesk is Such a Powerful Email Tool

Flodesk is not just another email service provider—it’s a tool built with simplicity and beauty in mind. If you’re looking for an affordable, user-friendly platform to create stunning emails, Flodesk is an excellent choice.

• Simple Design Features: Gorgeous templates and intuitive tools make designing emails a breeze.
• Flat Pricing: Unlike many other email platforms, Flowdesk charges the same rate no matter how big your list grows—no surprises, just simplicity.
• Built for Small Businesses: Whether you’re a coach, blogger, or online entrepreneur, Flowdesk makes email marketing accessible and effective.

Pro Tips for Maximizing Your Email Strategy

1. Engage Regularly: Aim to email your subscribers at least once a week to keep your list warm.
2. Use Clear CTAs: Every email should have one clear call-to-action, whether it’s to read a blog post, download a freebie, or purchase a product.
3. Experiment and Analyze: Test different freebies, subject lines, and email designs to see what resonates most with your audience.

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Take the First Step Today

Ready to grow your business? Start with these simple steps:

1. Download Free AI Prompts: Get three freebie prompts to create an irresistible lead magnet. Grab them here.
2. Sign Up for the MiloTree Free Plan: Set up your opt-in page, upload your freebie, and start collecting emails today.
3. Share Everywhere: Promote your opt-in link on social media, in your blog posts, and even in your email signature.

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Final Thoughts

Simplicity isn’t just a design choice—it’s a business strategy. By focusing on what truly matters, cutting out the noise, and using user-friendly tools like MiloTree and Flodesk, you can reduce overwhelm and grow your business with ease.

The time to start is now. Your future self (and your email subscribers) will thank you.

Other Related Blogger Genius Podcast episodes You’ll Enjoy:

• How to Simplifying Your Sales Funnel: ✨Meet MiloTree✨
• The Rise of Personality-Driven Content: How to Stand Out Online with Bjork Ostrom
• Why Freebies Are the Secret Sauce to Email List Success with Jillian Leslie