Grow to 200K Subscribers Using Email and SMS - with Jesse Kay

In this episode of the eCommerce Marketing Podcast, host Arlen Robinson chats with Jesse Kay, founder and CEO of Vyber Media, about the proven strategies behind building, scaling, and monetizing an email and SMS list to over 200,000 subscribers. Jesse shares how he launched his first podcast at 16, built his agency from the ground up, and now helps 8- and 9-figure brands achieve profitable digital growth. The conversation dives deep into common mistakes brands make with list-building, how to implement self-liquidating funnels, and a real-world case study where a welcome series alone drove over $400K in revenue. Key Episode Takeaways: Jesse Kay started his entrepreneurial journey by launching a podcast at 16 and now runs a successful performance marketing agency. Email and SMS remain highly profitable channels—especially when properly integrated. Many brands, even large ones, fail at basic setup steps like correct form integrations and automation triggers. Using a multi-step popup form can significantly increase opt-ins. Segmenting your list by engagement and product interest dramatically improves deliverability and conversions. Automations like welcome series, cart abandonment, and post-purchase flows can drive 40%+ of email revenue. Brands can build a 200K+ list cost-effectively without relying heavily on paid ads. Consistent email sends—especially to your most engaged subscribers—are critical for staying top-of-mind. SMS should be used in sync with email to create a cohesive customer experience. Jesse's case study: Grew a sporting goods brand's list to 146K subscribers and $400K+ in welcome flow revenue using Facebook lead ads and smart automations. For show transcript highlights, past guests, and more, visit: https://www.ecommercemarketingpodcast.com Or on YouTube at: https://www.youtube.com/@ecommercemarketingpodcast  Twitter: https://x.com/emarketpodcast  Facebook:  https://www.facebook.com/ecommercemarktingpodcast  Instagram:  https://www.instagram.com/emarketingpodcast/  Past guests on the ecommerce marketing podcast include Neil Patel, Nemo Chu, Luke Lintz, Luke Carthy, Amber Armstrong, Kris Ruby and many more. Thanks for listening. Be sure to subscribe and leave a review.