Happy Subscribers

Episode Summary: 100% email traffic growth. In one year. That's what happened for Liz Della Croce of The Lemon Bowl after 15 years of sending nothing but RSS emails — and it's exactly why I wanted her on the podcast. I just started personal training — and I went from finding out about the gym to having my first session on the calendar in under a week. There's something about committing to the right kind of help — and actually getting it scheduled — that makes all the difference between "I should do this" and actually doing it. I think this happens in business too: we know something needs to change, but we stall on the whole plan before taking the first step. My guest today, Liz Della Croce of The Lemon Bowl, knew her email marketing needed an overhaul — and just like me at that gym, she committed to getting the right help before she had everything figured out. Liz has been building The Lemon Bowl since 2010 — a healthy food and travel blog with a loyal community of readers drawn to seasonal, globally-inspired recipes, including the Syrian and Jewish dishes from her childhood. She also hosts Fresh Air Retreat, intimate brand-and-blogger events she's now run 15 times. In this episode — week 2 of the Foodie Email Series — she's walking us through exactly how she got here. In this episode, you'll learn about: Why Liz sent RSS-only emails for 15 years — and the SEO pivot that made them not-so-useful overnight The email calendar system behind sending 4 to 5 emails a week — and why giving your email person clear direction changes the quality of everything (including your peace of mind) Why she got the Email Strategy Playbook BEFORE hiring an email assistant — and how having a roadmap first changed the way she now delegates What she stopped creating for her email list, why she made those calls, and how she figured out what actually got more engagement The result: 100% email traffic growth in one year  Check out this episode's blog post   Connect with Liz Della Cruce: The Lemon Bowl Fresh Air Retreat Episode Resources: Kit Book a FREE Discovery Call  Free Duett Resources Join the Duett newsletter Instagram @alleagrummert    

Episode Summary: The most valuable audience isn't your biggest one — it's your most connected one. Welcome to the first episode in our Foodie Email Series — where we're diving into how food creators are turning attention into something more meaningful… and more sustainable. Because, yes — You can have a growing audience. You can have viral posts. You can have a lot of eyeballs on your content… …and still feel unsure how that actually turns into revenue beyond ad traffic. That's exactly why I wanted to bring my friend Melissa from Design Eat Repeat onto the podcast. Melissa creates food content that does convert — and she's spent a lot of time and investment in her audience in order to get sales on her cookbook and membership. Not overnight, but with time and consistency on social platforms and monthly baking challenges. Her content leads to connection, which leads to sales — because her list had learned to trust her. In this conversation, we talk about how she's used email to: Build relationships with her readers long before asking for the sale Turn engaged followers into subscribers (and subscribers into customers) Test ideas with her audience before fully committing to them Support multiple offers — like her memberships and self-published cookbook — without overwhelming her list Check out this episode's blog post   Connect with Melissa: www.designeatrepeat.com One Crafty Pan Cookbook Crafty Baker's Club Instagram Episode Resources: Free Duett Resources Other Resources: Join the Duett newsletter Check out Duett Services Book a FREE Discovery Call  Instagram @alleagrummert  

Episode Summary: You're getting Pinterest traffic. People are clicking, landing on your blog, and then bouncing — no email opt-in, no capture, just visits that disappear. Eep, that's a wasted opportunity!! In this episode, I'm joined by Kayla Watkins, Pinterest strategist and agency owner. Kayla and her team help bloggers grow their revenue by repurposing their content on Pinterest — and today she's walking us through the data-driven side of Pinterest most bloggers never touch. In this episode: Why Pinterest is a search engine, not social media — and what that one mindset shift changes about everything How to see what your audience is searching before peak content-search seasons How to find what Pinterest already knows you're an expert on — and use that data to build lead magnets that are practically pre-approved Why your most-visited blog posts are basically free lead magnet ideas staring you in the face What organic Pinterest strategy actually looks like when you're paying attention to momentum instead of just posting and hoping Check out this episode's blog post   Connect with Kayla Watkins: KaylaWatkins.com Connect with Kayla on Instagram & TikTok Pinterest Trends  Duett Resources: Join the Duett newsletter Check out Duett Services Book a FREE Discovery Call  Free Duett Resources Instagram @alleagrummert  

Episode Summary: Yeah, I hear it. Me wrapping up work most days by 3pm might sound a little braggy. Maybe it is. A little. But I'm telling you about why I'm able to do this because how I got here has everything to do with where YOUR best energy needs to be going too — and I'd be doing you a disservice if I didn't explain. I just know that if you're the one doing everything, all day, your best brain hours are going to tasks that don't actually need your particular voice, taste, or expertise. And eventually, your best self isn't showing up anywhere — not in your emails, not in your content, maybe not even in your life outside of work hours. 😬 In this episode, I'm telling you how I got to shortened work days, including: What had to change about who did what work in my business (aka, it couldn't all be ME forever) The lessons I had to learn the hard way about training and trusting a new hire (including one night on my bathroom floor) My realization of my own limitations — even as an extrovert — and my need for rest and support How prioritizing certain parts of my work allow me to work less (though just as hard) What actually changes about your emails — and your creativity — when you protect the parts of your work that are purely yours Why all of this matters for creators and service providers who want to be in business for a very long time Check out this episode's blog post Episode Resources: Free Duett Resources Join the Duett newsletter Check out Duett Services Book a FREE Discovery Call  Instagram @alleagrummert duett.co/hire (job boards, what's worked, + fractional COO referral) Clariti  If you enjoyed this episode, you can show your support by leaving a review, subscribing, or sharing your biggest takeaways on your Instagram story! Just remember to tag me @alleagrummert so I can see it.

Episode Summary: If you've been running an online business for any amount of time, you know that every few years, something comes along that shifts everything. The way we create content, connect with our audience, run our businesses — it all gets reshuffled, and we find ourselves recalibrating all over again. AI is that thing right now. And if you've felt the pressure to figure it out, use it more, use it better, or at least stop feeling behind — so have I. But here's what I keep coming back to: even as the tools change, people are still craving real human connection. And I think that's actually the opportunity — using AI to simplify the work that drains us so we can show up more fully for the parts that actually build relationships. That's exactly what this conversation with Andrew Wilder is about. Andrew is the founder of NerdPress, a Certified B Corporation that handles WordPress support and maintenance for bloggers and content creators. He's been in this space a long time, and when AI started shifting things, he didn't just jump in — he got intentional about it. In this episode, we dig into what that actually looks like in practice. In this episode: How AI tools work as a "subsidy" for your content — and what that means for long-term sustainability Where AI genuinely falls short (and why its confidence is part of the problem) The "verbal crutches" of AI-generated content — and how to spot them in your own work Data privacy with AI tools — what you should never share, even with paid accounts Why "staying in your lane" and leaning into your human perspective is the real competitive advantage right now Connect with Andrew Wilder: NerdPress EPISODE RESOURCES: Join the Duett newsletter Check out Duett Services Book a FREE Discovery Call  Instagram @alleagrummert Check out this episode's blog post If you enjoyed this episode, you can show your support by leaving a review, subscribing, or sharing your biggest takeaways on your Instagram story! Just remember to tag me @alleagrummert so I can see it.

How many emails should you be sending? It's a question I hear from content creators all the time, and the honest answer is: it depends. What I've noticed is that when I encourage people to send more than a few emails a week, there's often a little hesitation — a worry that it's too many, that it'll feel like too much, that their audience will get annoyed and start unsubscribing. But then there are creators on the other end of the spectrum sending daily or even twice-daily emails without batting an eye. With such a wide range of what's possible, how do you actually know what's worth your time and energy — without burning bridges with the subscribers you've already worked hard to build? That's exactly what I wanted to dig into with Ned Adams of Dutch Oven Daddy. When Ned shifted to sending daily emails to his list of ~4,500 subscribers, his site traffic doubled. His open rate hit 50%. His click rate jumped to 6.5%. And his unsubscribes? Barely moved. In this episode, Ned and I dig into what his email strategy actually looks like, why it works, and how his "what do I have to lose?" approach might just be the most honest email philosophy I've heard in a while. In this episode: What Ned's email strategy looked like before daily sends — and the one permission slip he got at Tastemaker that changed everything The ultra-simple email format driving all that traffic (one image, 5–10 links, and zero bullet points (!!)) Why duplicating old emails and tweaking them is not lazy — it's actually smart How Ned uses AI to batch subject line options so he always has something strong to send Why his "what do I have to lose?" philosophy might be the most underrated email strategy out there  Check out this episode's blog post   Connect with Ned Adams (Dutch Oven Daddy): Instagram Website Episode Resources:  Kit (email platform Ned uses) Free Duett Resources Join the Duett newsletter Check out Duett Services Instagram @alleagrummert If you enjoyed this episode, you can show your support by leaving a review, subscribing, or sharing your biggest takeaways on your Instagram story! Just remember to tag me @alleagrummert so I can see it.

Episode Summary: Today's episode is a little different — I'm sharing a guest appearance I made within the Food Blogger Pro membership, where Bjork Ostrom had their members submit email questions ahead of time. And y'all, food bloggers ask good questions. We covered a lot of ground: how often you should actually be sending emails, what makes a welcome sequence worth the setup, the surprisingly freeing practice of list cleaning, and what's really behind a subject line that gets opened. Here are the key questions we dive into: How often should you actually be sending emails? Why should you spend time on a welcome sequence, and what does it actually do? What is list cleaning, and why does it feel scary to remove cold subscribers? What helps improve email open rates? How can you get the most out of their existing content without creating something new for email? Check out this episode's blog post  Episode Resources:  Book a FREE Discovery Call  Free Duett Resources Join the Duett newsletter Instagram @alleagrummert Food Blogger Pro  If you enjoyed this episode, you can show your support by leaving a review, subscribing, or sharing your biggest takeaways on your Instagram story! Just remember to tag me @alleagrummert so I can see it.

Episode Summary: It's never been easier to create content. And somehow… it's never been harder to stand out. In this episode, I'm joined by Dorie Clark to talk about how to build a reputation that actually makes you known — even when everyone online (ahem, AI) sounds the same. Not only is she a bestselling author, keynote speaker, and one of the top business thinkers in the world, she can help us practically think about what it takes to stand out in a crowded online space. So what does it actually take to become known for your work? Not just visible. Not just posting consistently. But trusted… remembered… chosen, when there are a LOT of choices out there? Here's the good news: She said that becoming a recognized expert isn't about doing more. 🙌 We talk about the three core elements she's identified after years and years of research and experience and how they work together to build real authority (not just surface-level visibility). And of course, we zoom in on email — because while it may not be the flashiest marketing channel, it is one of the most powerful tools for building trust and deepening relationships with the people who matter most. In this episode, you'll learn about: You feel like you're "doing all the things" online, but not seeing the traction you want You're wondering how to stand out without constantly publishing on yet another platform You want your email list to be more than just a place to send updates You're thinking long-term about your business, your voice, and your reputation Fortunately, becoming known for your work isn't about going viral (because who can plan that?). Instead, it's about being remembered — and trusted — over time. Check out this episode's blog post   Connect with Dorie Clark: Recognized Expert ToolKit Recognized Expert Course Instagram Website Episode Resources: Free Duett Resources Other Resources: Join the Duett newsletter Check out Duett Services Book a FREE Discovery Call  Instagram @alleagrummert  

Episode Summary: Segmentation might sound really "techy," and while it is and there are technical elements, ultimately it's an opportunity for you to organize your subscribers based on HOW they want to hear from you and WHAT they want to hear from you.  By segmenting your email list, you're creating a happier environment for your subscribers to thrive in — giving them the content they want and excluding the content that they don't want.  Not only does this make you look like a really compassionate creator, it will also benefit you with higher engagement (open and click rates), because people getting your emails are the people who want to get those emails. A win-win! In this episode, you'll learn about: How to think about segmentation like you think of your own friendships (this makes it way easier to understand!)   A few strategies on how you can segment your list   A real-life example of how Pinch of Yum has segmented their list specifically for beginner home cooks Want to learn HOW to segment your list? Get my on-demand workshop replay — whether you use Kit, Flodesk or MailerLite — to help you set up your own segmentation system in only 50 minutes: duett.co/trainings Check out this episode's blog post   Episode Resources: On-Demand Segmentation Workshop ReplayFree Duett Resources Other Resources:Join the Duett newsletter Check out Duett Services Book a FREE Discovery Call  Instagram @alleagrummert  

Episode Summary: What do you do when the world around your work feels out of your control? When the blogging landscape shifts…
Algorithms change…
Goals you used to chase don't feel as motivating anymore…
You're also… tired? In this episode of Happy Subscribers, I'm joined by Danielle McGeough, Ph.D. — mom, professor, and women-centered coach who helps women in high-pressure jobs pursue bold goals without losing themselves. I asked her about burnout, what causes it, and some solid ways to prevent (and intervene, if you're already in it) so we can keep building our businesses and feel connected to our work in a meaningful way. If you're an ambitious creator, influencer, or business owner, come learn about: Why more habits isn't always the answer to doing work or life well The lost art of commuting to destress (and what works instead) Purposefully transitioning from role to role (like that 9am shift from stay-at-home cat mom to business owner… who me?) What can be automated, and what shouldn't be How to build a ritual of "presence" to keep you connected to your work Tune in as Danielle shares with us small edits that will help your work feel steady, intentional, and sustainable — even if the digital (or physical) landscape has you feeling shaky. Check out this episode's blog post   Connect with Danielle:Instagram Stuck Assessment Episode Resources: Free Duett Resources Book a FREE Discovery Call  Other Resources:Join the Duett newsletter Check out Duett Services Instagram @alleagrummert  

Episode Summary: Curious how to grow your list, boost conversions with simple shifts, and use AI without losing your connection with your audience? Today's episode is a little different — I'm sharing a guest interview where I joined Tracy Beaver on her podcast, Create Online Business Success. Tracy was a guest on Happy Subscribers in 2025, and this time we flipped the roles. We talk honestly about what's shifting in the online space, how AI can support (not replace) your voice, and the simple adjustments that can make a big difference in your list growth and conversions. If you're thinking about how to stay human while navigating AI — this one's for you. In this episode, you'll learn about: The most effective ways to grow your list in the age of AI How to make more money by improving subscriber experience Simple ways to turn subscribers into loyal fans and buyers Episode Resources: Free Duett Resources Other Resources: Join the Duett newsletter Check out Duett Services Book a FREE Discovery Call  Instagram @alleagrummert  

Episode Summary: Most people don't come to me simply asking for "more emails." Clients often come to me because they don't know what's actually happening inside their email marketing — and that's kind of stressful. Like walking around in the dark without a flashlight. You want to know it's working — and you want a better plan going forward. Like, a real plan, a what-I-need-for-my-business email strategy. In this solo episode of Happy Subscribers, I'm sharing all of the details of what it's like to work with me and my team. Specifically, the "Duett Process" that started this business (literally).  If you've ever wondered how an agency could nail your voice, know what to send your audience, or really incorporate your business goals — for sales, traffic and audience connection — into your ongoing email strategy… I'm about to tell you how.  We do follow this process all the time. This is the Duett Process — the system I've refined since 2019 — and the reason our welcome sequences average 9%+ click rates. My goal has always been to make it easy on my clients, give them the emails they want (that sound like them!), and a tech system setup they didn't have to figure out and set up themselves. If you've ever been curious what it actually looks like to hire help for your email strategy, copywriting, and email setup, this episode is your behind-the-scenes look at how we "Duett." (Sorry, couldn't help myself.)  Check out this episode's blog post Episode Resources: Free Duett Resources Join the Duett newsletter Check out Duett Services Book a FREE Discovery Call  Instagram @alleagrummert  

Episode Summary: It's not every day that I get to rave about getting to listen to a lawyer talk about affiliate disclosures, accessibility compliance, and privacy policies. And yet… here we are. Excited! In this episode of Happy Subscribers, I'm joined by creator lawyer Brittany Ratelle (aka the Fine Printcess) to talk about something most of us would rather ignore: the legal blind spots in our online businesses. What started as me wanting to get clear on affiliate disclosures in emails… became a LOT more.  Because the truth is: We don't know what we don't know. And unfortunately, "blissful ignorance" is not a great legal strategy. Brittany walks us through the foundational pieces every online business owner needs — from LLC setup to contracts, privacy policies, website accessibility, and the very real lawsuits happening right now around tracking pixels and SMS marketing. She shares what she's actually seeing in the wild (yes, horror stories included), how small businesses are being targeted, and what you can do now to protect your business, your income, and your peace. In this episode, you'll learn about: Why setting up an LLC isn't enough if you're not actually using it correctly. What needs to be in your email footer. The rules on affiliate disclosures in 2026. What website accessibility really means (and why "having a plugin" isn't a guarantee). The difference between being legally "fine"… and being legally legit.  Check out this episode's blog post   Connect with Brittany:Instagram Website Episode Resources: Mike Zielonka's Happy Subscribers Episode Duett Free Resources Duett Services: Email Strategy Playbook - A fresh set of eyes and insight into your current email marketing The Duett Debut - Done for you email copywrting & automation setup  Ready, Set, EMAIL - Quick & custom email setup to grow and send your newsletter fast Book a FREE Discovery Call  Instagram @alleagrummert  

Episode Summary: Freebies are supposed to help grow your business but too often, they just collect downloads… and dust. In this episode, I'm joined by brand strategist, former Disney storyteller, and author Annie Franceschi to unpack why so many lead magnets fail and what actually makes a freebie work. Annie shares her Smart Freebie Formula: a simple, thoughtful framework for creating lead magnets that don't just grow your list, but attract the right people — the ones who are most likely to become paying clients. This conversation is especially for creators and service providers who: Feel like they've "given everything away" for free Have lead magnets that grow subscriberS but not sales Want to feel proud of what they're offering and confident sharing it We talk honestly about over teaching, being "helpful vs. hireable," and how to design freebies that respect your audience and your expertise. If you've ever wondered whether your freebie is doing too much… or not enough — this episode will change how you think about lead magnets and help you build ones that actually support your business goals, not just your list size. Check out this episode's blog post   Connect with Annie:The Referral Message Creator Freebie Establish Yourself Podcast Instagram Episode Resources: Duett Free Resources Duett Services: Email Strategy Playbook - A fresh set of eyes and insight into your current email marketing The Duett Debut - Done for you email copywrting & automation setup  Ready, Set, EMAIL - Quick & custom email setup to grow and send your newsletter fast Book a FREE Discovery Call  Instagram @alleagrummert  

Episode Summary: "If you can't explain why someone should choose you, your marketing has to work twice as hard." - Rich Brooks Most creators don't need MORE marketing ideas. They need a clearer answer to one question: "Why should someone choose me?" In this episode, I'm joined by Rich Brooks (founder of Flight New Media and host of The Agents of Change podcast) to talk about how to differentiate your business online especially now, when AI makes it easier than ever to sound like everyone else. Rich shares his Remarkability Formula: four practical "lenses" you can use to uncover what already makes you stand out (or what you can build) so your marketing gets simpler, your message gets sharper, and your audience knows exactly why YOU matter to THEM. And yes — we bring it back to email, because once you know what makes you remarkable, writing emails (and creating content) gets a whole lot easier. In this episode, you'll learn about: Why your marketing feels harder than it needs to be. How your most powerful differentiator is probably something you're already doing — you just haven't named it yet. Why narrowing your focus doesn't limit your business — it makes you easier to remember (and easier to choose). That you don't need a new offer to stand out (sometimes you need a better way to frame what you already do.) How when your positioning is clear, writing emails stops feeling like a guessing game. Check out this episode's blog post   Connect with Rich: The Remarkability Formula Workbook Agents of Change LinkedIn  Episode Resources: Duett Free Resources Duett Services: Email Strategy Playbook - A fresh set of eyes and insight into your current email marketing The Duett Debut - Done for you email copywrting & automation setup  Ready, Set, EMAIL - Quick & custom email setup to grow and send your newsletter fast Book a FREE Discovery Call  Instagram @alleagrummert  

Episode Summary: When I launched my podcast, I used Instagram, LinkedIn, and relationships with my peers in the online space to get the word out. You know what I never considered using?  Pinterest. Thanks to Andi Smiley, the podcast coach behind Friendly Podcast Guide, I got to learn about how to do this correctly, in a really sustainable way. Andi proves that Pinterest is a great way to get more listeners (and therefore more clients) when you have a podcast — but in very little time each month. Yay! Andi relies on Pinterest and email marketing to grow her listenership — and in this interview with her, we dive into how she's been using email (almost exclusively) to sell her latest offer.  BONUS: I coached Andi on how to use email marketing and copywriting strategies to fill her last two spots for her new done-for-you offer. She didn't see that coming, nor did I, but it was fun for both of us! In this episode, you'll learn about: How Pinterest can quietly boost your podcast downloads over time Why Andi relies on email marketing more than social media to sell her offers The email strategy shifts that Allea suggested to help Andi fill her last two DFY client spots 🎁 Check out this episode's blog post   Connect with Andi:"Is Pinterest Right for Me?" Checklist Threads Pinterest Podcast Episode Resources: Free Duett Resources Duett Services: Email Strategy Playbook - A fresh set of eyes and insight into your current email marketing The Duett Debut - Done for you email copywrting & automation setup  Ready, Set, EMAIL - Quick & custom email setup to grow and send your newsletter fast Book a FREE Discovery Call  Instagram @alleagrummert  

Episode Summary: Most creators are sitting on years of valuable content — blog posts, emails, social captions, podcast episodes — but rarely stop to ask: "What content of mine deserves more attention?" "How could I package my ideas into a new revenue stream?" That's exactly why I invited workshop strategist Jake Wysocki from Intention Craft onto the podcast. This episode isn't just about "how to run a workshop." It's about something bigger: how to identify the content your audience is already engaged with, validate what they actually want (and could pay for), and use live connection to deepen trust. Jake brings a thoughtful, human-centered approach — along with the data of your email stats and engagement — to help identify what your audience will remember (and respond to) in a live workshop event. Tune in to this episode — even if workshops aren't even on your radar — because you'll learn how to: Mine your existing content (blog posts, emails, podcast episodes) for topics your audience would actually pay attention to. Validate ideas with your list before you invest time creating anything (whether free or paid) Use live connection (even in simple, low-ticket formats) to build deeper relationships with readers Choose ideas that support your bigger business goals — not distract from them Create a small, paid or free workshop that builds relationships with readers in a way a blog post or Reel just can't. Check out this episode's blog post   Connect with Jake:Book a FREE 1:1 45 minute session with Jake Episode Resources: John Meese's Interview with Allea The ONE Thing: The Surprisingly Simple Truth About Extraordinary Results by Gary Keller & Jay Papasan Duett Services: Email Strategy Playbook - A fresh set of eyes and insight into your current email marketing The Duett Debut - Done for you email copywrting & automation setup  Ready, Set, EMAIL - Quick & custom email setup to grow and send your newsletter fast Book a FREE Discovery Call  Instagram @alleagrummert  

Episode Summary: Amy Reid has cracked the reader-relationship code with her subscribers — and you better bet that I dug in when I got her on the Happy Subscribers podcast this week! As a baking recipe blogger, Amy has locked in on what her readers want, engaged with them 1:1 through email replies, and prioritizes email marketing as her favorite way to connect with her audience. (Dawwww! ❤️) In Fall of 2025, Amy didn't just launch a cookbook — she found out how truly engaged (and willing to spend their hard-earned money) her email community is. Her first pre-order email generated 300+ sales in 24 hours… all because she's been nurturing her list long before she asked for the sale (what she calls "the plea" 😂) Amy proves that strong relationships + thoughtful email strategy = real results. Not overnight. Not from a viral reel. But from genuine connection, built over time. Tune in to hear how she does it — and what you can borrow for your own email strategy. In this episode, you'll learn about: How her readers helped her find the vision (and topic) for writing her first cookbook What's in her welcome sequence that connects with new subscribers so deeply, so fast How she organized, assigned recipes, and got feedback from the 300 recipe testers on her email list The heartbreak of doing a cold subscriber clean-up (and whether it's worth it) How Amy's using AI to support her writing — while also keeping email personal by sharing anecdotes with her recipes Check out this episode's blog post   Connect with Amy:Instagram Scottish Bakes Cookbook Join Amy's Newsletter  Episode Resources: Duett Free Resources Join the Duett Newsletter Duett Services: Email Strategy Playbook - A fresh set of eyes and insight into your current email marketing The Duett Debut - Done for you email copywrting & automation setup  Ready, Set, EMAIL - Quick & custom email setup to grow and send your newsletter fast Book a FREE Discovery Call  Instagram @alleagrummert  

Episode Summary: This is officially a must-listen interview on the podcast.  Mike Nelson — co-founder of Really Good Emails — has nearly two decades of email experience (the kind I seriously envy). In this episode, we cover so much good stuff, including: How many touches (aka emails) it really takes to build trust with new subscribers The KPIs that actually matter when measuring email success The highly underrated engagement metric you can automate The psychology behind effective email marketing — from the "mere exposure effect" to "reciprocity" — and why sending more emails or asking for more sales isn't always the best long-term strategy Mike brings a rare mix of data-driven insight, years of email experience, and creative empathy to the conversation — converting them into clear, actionable takeaways for creators like us — about what matters, what doesn't, and how to send really good emails that resonate.   Check out this episode's blog post   Connect with Mike:Really Good Emails LinkedIn Episode Resources: Duett Content Calendar Airtable Template Join the Duett Newsletter  Duett Services: Email Strategy Playbook - A fresh set of eyes and insight into your current email marketing The Duett Debut - Done for you email copywrting & automation setup  Ready, Set, EMAIL - Quick & custom email setup to grow and send your newsletter fast Book a FREE Discovery Call  Instagram @alleagrummert  

Episode Summary: Email has spent years sitting on the backburner. A "just in case" channel.
A safety net.
A maybe I'll deal with this later strategy. But in 2026? That changes. In this solo episode, I'm sharing what I see coming next for email marketing — not from trend forecasts or hot takes, but from years inside creator inboxes, email platforms, and real subscriber behavior. Because hitting "send" on anything isn't enough anymore.
 Sending more emails won't fix a weak strategy.
 And hoping email magically performs without intention? That era is over.  This episode is about what will work — and what creators need to rethink if they want email to actually support their business in 2026. In this episode, you'll hear: Why relationship-driven creators will outperform everyone else next year What it really means to earn and retain permission in someone's inbox Why email is moving from "nice to have" to a core business asset How trust is being rebuilt in email — even as everything else online feels shaky Why your existing content is one of your biggest advantages going into 2026 How creators will redefine success beyond open rates and list size What it looks like when email becomes a revenue channel — not just a traffic tool This isn't about doing more. It's about doing email on purpose. If email has felt heavy, unclear, or like something you should be doing but aren't sure how to use well — this episode will help you reset your expectations and your strategy. Check out this episode's blog post Episode Resources: Book a FREE Discovery Call Duett Free Resources Instagram @alleagrummert Duett Services: Email Strategy Playbook - A fresh set of eyes and insight into your current email marketing The Duett Debut - Done for you email copywrting & automation setup  Ready, Set, EMAIL - Quick & custom email setup to grow and send your newsletter fast    

Episode Summary: When it's the end of the year, it's that time to reflect back on your year and take stock of what the last 11+ months held… I love a good moment to record what happened, asking: "What did I learn? What made this year significant?" For me, that looked like writing out a list of 10 (which quickly became 15) of my top moments or wins from the year.  And I'm sharing 7 of those in this week's podcast.  Tune in to hear what's shaped me the most this year.  If you need a touch of humanity in this AI-crazed, "bigger must always be better" world — let me be the one to give you the encouragement (and reality) you need to set new metrics for what the "best of" could look like for your life and business. In this episode, I'm sharing: What I did to actually achieve margin and rest the first half of this year How I'm reviving my own brand story going into 2026 What changes I made to my travel days to fill my heart and make traveling for work even better The ways stretching yourself can have a ripple effect (and what that's looked like for me this year) Check out this episode's blog post Episode Resources: Duett Free Resources Duett Services: Email Strategy Playbook - A fresh set of eyes and insight into your current email marketing The Duett Debut - Done for you email copywrting & automation setup  Ready, Set, EMAIL - Quick & custom email setup to grow and send your newsletter fast Book a FREE Discovery Call  Instagram @alleagrummert  

Episode Summary: My conversation with Paul Gowder, founder of PowWows.com, might be one of my favorite episodes yet on Happy Subscribers. Paul started PowWows.com nearly 30 years ago as a side hustle and today, it's grown into the leading online hub for celebrating Native culture and one of the most engaged email communities I've ever heard of. He gets dozens of replies with each email he sends!! Paul isn't just a creator... he's a community-builder. Whether you're a blogger, a content creator, or someone looking to build a more engaged community, tune in to learn from Paul about how he attracts the right people, welcomes them with generous resources, and strives to send more personalized content to his list. In this episode, you'll hear us talk about: How handing off his newsletter replies completely transformed his inbox (and his peace of mind) The opt-ins he uses to attract thousands of happy subscribers in his unique niche How he segments his list by interest in Native American history, artists, books, and more Why he chooses to promote opt-in email sequences instead of static PDF guides The tech tools helping him grow his list — especially through Facebook groups Check out this episode's blog post   Connect with Paul:Website Email Tools  Episode Resources: Duett Free Resources Duett Services: Email Strategy Playbook - A fresh set of eyes and insight into your current email marketing The Duett Debut - Done for you email copywrting & automation setup  Ready, Set, EMAIL - Quick & custom email setup to grow and send your newsletter fast Book a FREE Discovery Call  Instagram @alleagrummert  

Episode Summary: "Going viral is not a business strategy." - Katie Brinkley In this week's episode, I'm joined by social media strategist Katie Brinkley, author of The Social Shift and host of two podcasts: Rocky Mountain Marketing and Marketing Trends Now. Katie helps entrepreneurs simplify their social media strategy so you can spend less time creating social content and more time connecting (which is where real change happens).  Katie shared her "what's working now" strategies — the ones she's tested and tried herself — so you know where to put your energy when using social media for your business. In this episode, you'll learn about: How to approach social media and show up with more purpose Katie's 4-post strategy for creating content that actually connects  Why she calls LinkedIn newsletters "your secret email list" and how to leverage yours, even in ADDITION to a regular email newsletter How engagement (not volume) helped her hit her best sales months Why copying and pasting content across platforms doesn't work Check out this episode's blog post   Connect with Katie:Website LinkedIn Episode Resources: Agorapulse Duett Free Resources Duett Services:Email Strategy Playbook - A fresh set of eyes and insight into your current email marketing The Duett Debut - Done for you email copywrting & automation setup  Ready, Set, EMAIL - Quick & custom email setup to grow and send your newsletter fast Book a FREE Discovery Call Instagram @alleagrummert  

Episode Summary: "AI can predict the next word in a sentence but it can't make meaning. That's our job." - Dan Cumberland This episode of Happy Subscribers features my friend Dan Cumberland, founder of Dan Cumberland Labs.  And while we're still new to the landscape of AI and it sometimes feels like a foreign language, Dan helps creators use it to improve their work and expand their impact in the world. One could even say he's an expert at using AI with soul. Listen in to my conversation with Dan and engage with it yourself by DMing me on Instagram or submitting a question here — as we dive into what inspires true connection with each other online. In this episode, you'll learn about: Balancing efficiency and empathy as online creators Using AI to save time and still be creative How AI should be your "sous-chef," not your replacement as the head of the kitchen A peek into the multiple AI tools he uses and how each works differently The ethics of AI (yes, we went there!) Check out this episode's blog post   Connect with Dan: Website Free Resource: AI Training Guide LinkedIn Resources: Duett Free Resources Duett Services: Email Strategy Playbook - A fresh set of eyes and insight into your current email marketing The Duett Debut - Done for you email copywrting & automation setup  Ready, Set, EMAIL - Quick & custom email setup to grow and send your newsletter fast Book a FREE Discovery Call  Instagram @alleagrummert  

Episode Summary: Is blogging dead? That might be a spicy question but it's exactly where Mike Zielonka and I started in this week's episode of Happy Subscribers. Mike helps online creators get seen, get clicks, and get paid — and he's got strong opinions on why many creators are still following outdated strategies… and what to do instead.  Whether you're writing newsletters, publishing recipes, or promoting digital products, this episode is a reminder that your content strategy needs to evolve with how people behave online and that includes how they interact with your emails. If you're feeling stuck in "blogger" mode, and you know you need to level up how you think about your business, this is your nudge to think and act like a creator — one who's willing to try new things, track what's working, and show up with a renewed purpose. In this episode, you'll learn about: Why the "just blog and pray" strategy doesn't work anymore How email fits into your content flywheel and what it looks like when done right Why email is where the magic happens for building trust, engagement, and revenue What AI tools can help with and where they fall short (with examples) The importance of a hook and how to make your content more scroll-stopping online Check out this episode's blog post   Connect with Mike:Instagram Website Episode Resources: Grok by xAI Gemini  TypingMind Duett Free Resources Duett Services: Email Strategy Playbook - A fresh set of eyes and insight into your current email marketing The Duett Debut - Done for you email copywrting & automation setup  Ready, Set, EMAIL - Quick & custom email setup to grow and send your newsletter fast Book a FREE Discovery Call  Instagram @alleagrummert  

Episode Summary: When you think about trying something new with your email marketing, does it stress you out? If it feels techy or outside your wheelhouse, maybe your first instinct is to bury your head in the sand. (Honestly, that can feel easier than possibly messing up, right?) But what if "messing up" wasn't the enemy? What if it was actually your best way to gather data, learn about your audience, and test things little by little to see what sticks? This week's guest, Nikki McKnight, is here to talk about her "FAFO" approach — yes, that stands for F** around and find out. It's about taking action even before you feel ready, and letting clarity show up in the process. This episode will give you permission to run small experiments, learn what works, and build confidence along the way. In this episode, you'll learn: How to find clarity as you build and grow and change your marketing What questions to ask (and when) as you make decisions The role "tolerance for uncertainty" plays in personal and professional growth Check out this episode's blog post   Connect with Nikki:FAFO Newsletter (Nikki's bi-weekly-ish business experiment for founders) Instagram First Dates & Soulmates Podcast (Nikki's romance podcast with Meg Casebolt) Episode Resources: Book a FREE Discovery Call  Other FREE Duett Resources Duett Services:Email Strategy Playbook - A fresh set of eyes and insight into your current email marketing The Duett Debut - Done for you email copywrting & automation setup  Ready, Set, EMAIL - Quick & custom email setup to grow and send your newsletter fast Instagram @alleagrummert  

Episode Summary: Ever been tempted to "set it and forget it" with your email marketing? Or thought "I'll let this run and go focus on other things?" That mindset (or neglect) of your email potential is costing you traffic, connection, and revenue. Real dollars for your real business. In today's Happy Subscribers episode, I'm breaking down why email isn't meant to run on autopilot forever — and yes, that's coming from an Email Automation Junkie. I want you to have a strategy that's simple, sustainable and sends as much love to your list and traffic to your site as possible. In this episode, you'll learn about: The three core parts of a healthy email strategy — the fundamentals you can grow from What happens if you're missing one or more of these strategies Why automations can't be your entire "strategy" (though wouldn't that be nice?) What I recommend for staying the most connected to your list in real time A simple way to get clarity on what's working in your current setup Check out this episode's blog post Episode Resources:  Book a FREE Discovery Call  Duett Services: Email Strategy Playbook - A fresh set of eyes and insight into your current email marketing The Duett Debut - Done for you email copywrting & automation setup  Ready, Set, EMAIL - Quick & custom email setup to grow and send your newsletter fast Instagram @alleagrummert  

Episode Summary: What is "community," really? We toss that word around a lot, but this conversation with Faith Clarke, organizational health & inclusive teams specialist, autism activist, and author, made it click... community isn't a parasocial vibe we hope our subscribers feel. It's something we design together. Community matters for email because people buy when they trust you. And trust comes from you being a person, not from perfect messaging or sending on the "best" day of the week.  This is how your emails shift from being simply one way broadcasts into two way, mutually-beneficial relationships. So how do you show up as a whole person, create a community that benefits everyone in it, and invite your audience to participate? In this episode, you'll learn about: Why real community = communal care + protection + shared need-fulfillment (not just "engagement") How to "read the room" online when our usual in-person cues are missing What it looks like to reimagine email as dialogue, not a monologue—and why frameworks beat formulas Check out this episode's blog post   Connect with Faith:Website Instagram  Episode Resources: Book a FREE Discovery Call  Duett Services:Email Strategy Playbook - A fresh set of eyes and insight into your current email marketing The Duett Debut - Done for you email copywrting & automation setup  Ready, Set, EMAIL - Quick & custom email setup to grow and send your newsletter fast Instagram @alleagrummert  

Episode Summary: You don't need 100 blog posts to see big results on Pinterest and drive massive traffic to your site. I know this because Nadalie Bardo got 1 million views on Pinterest in her first month with only 10 posts. In this episode we dive into all things Pinterest like: How she leverages trends, design templates, and Pinterest's natural clickability to boost her content's visibility and drive traffic to her blog How she was able to organically grow her email list to 24K subscribers How she's converted those subscribers into 1000s of happy customers  And the best part? She doesn't even use ads! It's all organic growth. In this episode, Nadalie also shares: The Pinterest strategies she teaches her students How to capture seasonal traffic and "stack" it year after year The #1 type of lead magnet that brought in 15k subs  Where to start if you want Pinterest to send you traffic on repeat Check out this episode's blog post  Connect with Nadalie: Website Instagram Resources Mentioned: Book a FREE Discovery Call Email Strategy Playbook - A fresh set of eyes and insight into your current email marketing Duett Services:The Duett Debut - Done for you email copywrting & automation setup  Ready, Set, EMAIL - Quick & custom email setup to grow and send your newsletter fast Instagram @alleagrummert  

Episode Summary: Hey, food bloggers: your Instagram traffic doesn't have to get stuck on Instagram. What if every comment on your Reel could send followers straight to your blog (and your ads)? What if they could save recipes to their email or even shop the recipe with one click? Enter: Grocers List. Ben, the founder of this amazing tool, is on the podcast to share how his food-blogger-specific platform has helped over 1000 of the top food creators drive more traffic, grow their email list and unlock new ways of earning revenue from Instagram followers. I'd been looking forward to this conversation for months, and I'm so excited to give you a behind-the-scenes look at this amazing tool that everyone has been raving about. Learn more about Grocers List and get 100% off your first month when you use the code PODCAST. Create your account here to get set up in minutes! In this episode, Ben shares: Why he created Grocers List when tools like ManyChat and LinkDM already existed The different money-making features that Grocers List has like Comment for recipe, Save to email, and Shop the Recipe How the tool actually works and why people rave about how easy and time-saving it can be The different ways you can use Grocers List, the bare bones traffic-boosting strategy, plus ways you can level it up (like how Pinch of Yum uses it!) for email list growth Check out this episode's blog post  Connect with Ben: Instagram Grocers List (use code: PODCAST) Resources Mentioned: Book a FREE Discovery Call  Pinch of Yum Happy Subscribers Episode  Coaching Programs & Services: Email Strategy Playbook - A fresh set of eyes and insight into your current email marketing The Duett Debut - Done for you email copywrting & automation setup  Ready, Set, EMAIL - Quick & custom email setup to grow and send your newsletter fast Instagram @alleagrummert  

Episode Summary: This doesn't usually show up in email marketing conversations… but might be the real reason your email strategy isn't moving forward… Not time. Not tools. Not templates. But trust. In this episode of Happy Subscribers, I'm sharing how I went from doing everything myself as a freelancer — email strategy, copywriting, tech setup, copyediting, project manager, you name it — to leading a team of 9+ incredible subcontractors who now run the day to day of Duett. But for years, I held on tight to every little thing. Even after hiring amazing people, I didn't let go (and project timelines got stretched). And you know what that made me? The bottleneck.  You know, the place where things get STUCK. I had to LEARN some things. About myself, about working with others… So today, I'm taking you behind the scenes of how I moved from overwhelmed solopreneur to a CEO of a team that's excited to support creators with email marketing and what this story of *trust* could mean for you, too. If email marketing has ever felt like a weight on your shoulders or a to-do list that never gets done, this episode might just help you see what's possible when you have a team behind you that you can trust.  In this episode, you'll learn about: How I knew it was time to hire help and why email felt so hard to outsource at first What we do to ensure every client project is strategic, thoughtful, and tailored (honestly, the work got better when I stopped doing it all myself!) What it really looks and feels like to train and trust a team with your business and your voice How strong systems give you more room for creativity, not less 3 big lessons I learned stepping into leadership (and why being "the boss" didn't come naturally) Why handing off your email doesn't mean losing your voice — it means finally having the space and clarity to use it really well Check out this episode's blog post  Coaching Programs & Services: Email Strategy Playbook - A fresh set of eyes and insight into your current email marketing The Duett Debut - Done for you email copywrting & automation setup  Ready, Set, EMAIL - Quick & custom email setup to grow and send your newsletter fast Book a FREE Discovery Call  Instagram @alleagrummert  

Episode Summary: In this episode, you get to meet my friend Ally Anderson of Akari Digital and she is a freaking WHIZ. I mean that with all of the air in my chest. I learned so much on this call with her that I cannot wait for you to hear and learn about it too!   Whether you're a content creator, blogger, course creator or service provider, join us as we go deep into the stats and numbers of email marketing!    Once you have better data, you'll be able to use your time and energy on the strategies that work BEST for reaching your audience. We love saving time and getting better outcomes, don't we? In this episode, Ally shares: Examples of KPIs for different platforms, different goals and different types of creators Her honest opinion on using the double opt-in as you grow your list The one really important tech factor that could be keeping your emails from being seen Practical strategies for how to track your activity and engagement from email What tracking tool you need to set up ASAP Check out this episode's blog post  Connect with Ally:https://akaridigital.ca/start/ Episode Resources: Book a FREE Discovery Call  Coaching Programs & Services: The Duett Debut - Done for you email copywrting & automation setup  Email Strategy Playbook - A fresh set of eyes and insight into your current email marketing Ready, Set, EMAIL - Quick & custom email setup to grow and send your newsletter fast Instagram @alleagrummert  

Episode Summary: Today kicks off part one of a two-part series all about defining and creating your personal brand — not just on your website, but in your emails, too.  Because in a world of content overload (and AI!), your brand is what makes you recognizable, relatable, and worth remembering. Establishing a clear brand helps you differentiate yourself online — for your audience and for yourself. In this episode, you'll learn about: The difference between a "pretty logo" and a true brand strategy (and why skipping the strategy step will come back to bite you) The "waterfall effect" of branding: how strategy flows into visuals, messaging, and your email subscriber experience The role of brand values in how you show up online and how they help you attract the right audience How showing up as your real self (quirks and all) creates stronger human connection than polished perfection A simple gut-check you can use to see if your brand still feels on point or if it's time for a refresh 👉 And don't forget — this is just part one! Next week on The Vine Podcast (go ahead and subscribe now), Madison interviews me about the next step: weaving your brand into email with a welcome sequence that helps new subscribers get to know you right from the start. Check out this episode's blog post  Connect with Madison: The Vine Podcast Grace + Vine Studios Website Grace + Vine Studios Instagram Joyfully Mad Food Blog Joyfully Mad Instagram Episode Resources:FREE Duett's Your First Welcome Sequence Duett Services: The Duett Debut - Done for you email copywriting & automation setup  Email Strategy Playbook - A fresh set of eyes and insight into your current email marketing Ready, Set, EMAIL - Quick & custom email setup to grow and send your newsletter fast Book a FREE Discovery Call  Instagram @alleagrummert  

Episode Summary: The way this episode SURPRISED me… 😮 Kayla Burton — food blogger, food blog coach, and kind-hearted tech tutorial queen — joined me on Happy Subscribers, and y'all, I've got to spill the beans: She nurtured her email list weekly for two years with massively helpful, no-fluff content helping other food bloggers. Then she launched her first webinar… and ended up with THIRTY new coaching clients. (Yes, THIR-TY!) If you want a real life example of a two year commitment to value, consistency and connection — this conversation with Kayla will give you practical tips for your own journey with email marketing. My favorite takeaway? When you genuinely care about your audience and help solve their real problems (with consistency and generosity) the results show up in relationships and revenue. Kayla's story is proof that thoughtful, helpful emails don't just build trust… they build a loyal, engaged community that's excited to learn from you. In this episode, Kayla shares: What she's learned from sending newsletters for 2+ years including 6 of her favorite personal lessons Why she was nervous to send emails at first and what's changed to boost her confidence in a way that makes it easier How she's used her newsletter to find her voice and confidence as a thought leader in the food blogging industry How community building actually happens through email marketing Why you don't need anything fancy to grow a thriving, newsletter list of dedicated fans Check out this episode's blog post  Episode Resources:Free 5-Day Food Blog Foundations Email Course Email Strategy Playbook  Connect with Kayla: Instagram Coaching Programs & Services: Maximize Your Marketing - For those who need an in-house CMO (Chief Marketing Officer) to help you build sustainable email and promotional strategies, engage your subscribers, and grow your business and bottom line that otherwise is untapped potential. The Duett Debut - Done for you email copywrting & automation setup  Ready, Set, EMAIL - Quick & custom email setup to grow and send your newsletter fast Book a FREE Discovery Call  Instagram @alleagrummert  

Episode Summary: Q4 is like the Super Bowl for most content creators.  Shopping deals, food, holiday decor, food, entertainment ideas, FOOD. Tis the season for more site traffic! Yay!   When I think of people visiting to your site in droves — coming in HOT from Google and Pinterest — my immediate thought is: How do we turn those page visits into email subscribers?  In this week's episode of Happy Subscribers, I'm sharing all sorts of ways to do this — and ways to make it simple to "turn up" what you're currently doing or what you've done in the past to: • Drive more email list sign-ups • Boost site traffic from email (both with new subscribers AND your existing ones) • Make your seasonal emails stand out and feel purposeful • Keep your subscribers happy in a busy inbox season • Make more money from sales and promotions  Check out this episode's blog post  Episode Resources: Spotlight Subscribe (Grow) Book a FREE Discovery Call  Coaching Programs & Services: Maximize Your Marketing - For those who need an in-house CMO (Chief Marketing Officer) to help you build sustainable email and promotional strategies, engage your subscribers, and grow your business and bottom line that otherwise is untapped potential. The Duett Debut - Done for you email copywrting & automation setup  Ready, Set, EMAIL - Quick & custom email setup to grow and send your newsletter fast Instagram @alleagrummert  

Episode Summary: Being a publisher is HARD WORK. There are ways to make it easier, but the reality is: Your to-do list will never be done Your content will never be perfect A new social platform will pop up (will you join it?!) But it's also WORTH IT.  In this episode, I'm joined by Colin Devroe of NerdPress for the permission slip you didn't know you needed to embrace the ever-changing landscape of the online space. To keep showing up. To differentiate yourself. And to and to enjoy the journey, even when the path feels messy or uncertain. Whether it's life, growing a garden, or raising kids, things are always in flux.  So what does this mean when your JOB as a publisher is "always changing, always flowing?" (cue Pocahontas) "Be okay with a constant state of change… Be okay with the chaos. Be okay with a to-do list that may never be done." Your role as a publisher online is VERY important. To your audience, to the world, but also to your own sense of autonomy and creativity, and my conversation with Colin will give you more of what you need to keep the fire alive… even when things feel weighty. Check out this episode's blog post  Connect with Colin:Website Hubbub Coaching Programs & Services: Maximize Your Marketing - For those who need an in-house CMO (Chief Marketing Officer) to help you build sustainable email and promotional strategies, engage your subscribers, and grow your business and bottom line that otherwise is untapped potential. The Duett Debut - Done for you email copywrting & automation setup  Ready, Set, EMAIL - Quick & custom email setup to grow and send your newsletter fast Book a FREE Discovery Call  Instagram @alleagrummert  

Episode Summary: Two things need your attention right now: 1. Your relationship with caffeine... who, me? 2. The way you write and send emails Because while you may be sending emails… are you actually building relationships? In this episode, Matthew Smith — founder of Really Good Emails and Wimp Decaf Coffee Company — is here to challenge our thinking on both fronts. And let me tell you… he's convincing. 😂 Matthew says that how we speak to our customers through email shapes how they feel about us especially in a time of AI overload (I'm sensing a theme here…). "Email is relationship delivered." In this episode, you'll learn about: The narcissistic nature of most email copy and why that turns readers off Using "empathy guesses" to make your emails feel more personal and your readers more understood How to be "programmatically relational" (yes, even in automations!) to better serve your readers and your bottom line Defeating decision fatigue with ONE clear offer for new subscribers Why educating your audience about their purchase and your brand builds real trust Connect with Matthew:Website (Use code: HAPPY SUBS for 20% off!)Instagram  Episode Resources: The Challenger Sale by Matthew Dixon and Brent Adamson Beefree Email Template Builder Term mentioned: Non-violent communication framework  Check out this episode's blog post  Coaching Programs & Services: Maximize Your Marketing - For those who need an in-house CMO (Chief Marketing Officer) to help you build sustainable email and promotional strategies, engage your subscribers, and grow your business and bottom line that otherwise is untapped potential. The Duett Debut - Done for you email copywrting & automation setup  Ready, Set, EMAIL - Quick & custom email setup to grow and send your newsletter fast Book a FREE Discovery Call  Instagram @alleagrummert  

Episode Summary: This one feature from Kit has helped 44% of my email list find me... no pop-ups, paid ads, or consistent social promos required. And it's so promising (and proving) results for creators that even big name bloggers are switching platforms just to access it.  If you're already a Kit user, I want to help you leverage the Creator Network to recommend (and be recommended) to potential subscribers. And if you're not a Kit user (yet), you may want to consider the switch! Maybe you've heard about the Creator Network but haven't dug into it yourself. I get it, it can be a lot to wrap your mind around but tune in to this episode to learn more Hot take: This list growth engine is powerful enough to consider moving to Kit. It's seriously one of the best features of Kit... AND once it's set up, it grows your list for you on autopilot. Trust me, whether you're a Kit user (yet) or not, tune in to see what's possible when you use the Creator Network to grow your list! In this episode, you'll learn about: What the Creator Network is and how it works How to recommend creators your audience will love Tips for setting up your profile to attract great-fit subscribers How to keep your list healthy as it grows The tech setup you need to make sure your new subscribers get your welcome emails Answering specific Duett subscriber questions that YOU might be wondering about too! Check out this episode's blog post  Episode Resources: Apply for a free mini coaching call Kit (affiliate link) Kit's Creator Network (affiliate link) Duett Creator Network profile  Coaching Programs & Services: Maximize Your Marketing - For those who need an in-house CMO (Chief Marketing Officer) to help you build sustainable email and promotional strategies, engage your subscribers, and grow your business and bottom line that otherwise is untapped potential. The Duett Debut - Done for you email copywrting & automation setup  Ready, Set, EMAIL - Quick & custom email setup to grow and send your newsletter fast Book a FREE Discovery Call  Instagram @alleagrummert  

Episode Summary: With SEO algorithm changes impacting website traffic and social media reach feeling unpredictable, it's more important than ever to build parts of your business you truly own.  In this episode, I'm joined by copywriter and marketing strategist Emily Baksa, who helps food bloggers turn what they already have into profitable digital products. Emily guides clients through simple, strategic launches... no big rebrands, no expensive new course builds, just low-cost, high-value products that solve real problems and generate real income for creators. We dig into the strategy behind small (but mighty offers), the tech and email setups that make selling seamless, and the mindset shifts you need to start charging for your expertise with confidence. If you've been wondering whether creating a digital product is worth it, or how to do it without scaring off your audience, this conversation will give you the clarity (and courage) to take that next step. In this episode, you'll learn about: How to identify a profitable product idea using content you already have Ways to test what your audience actually wants (and will pay for!) How to price low-ticket offers for maximum reach and impact Mindset shifts to overcome discomfort around selling Why building an email list and creating your own products gives you long-term stability  Check out this episode's blog post  Connect with Emily: Emily's free resources Instagram Resources Mentioned:Free mini coaching call  Coaching Programs & Services: Maximize Your Marketing - For those who need an in-house CMO (Chief Marketing Officer) to help you build sustainable email and promotional strategies, engage your subscribers, and grow your business and bottom line that otherwise is untapped potential. The Duett Debut - Done for you email copywrting & automation setup  Ready, Set, EMAIL - Quick & custom email setup to grow and send your newsletter fast Book a FREE Discovery Call  Instagram @alleagrummert  

Episode Summary: If you've ever felt like paying for ads is the only way to grow your audience, this episode is your permission slip to stop handing your money over to The Big Guys. Because there's another way — a more reliable, personable, and profitable way — and Tracy Beavers joined me on Happy Subscribers to talk us through it. I'm thankful she did because I learned a LOT about what's possible for growing my reach and somehow she makes it all seem so dang achievable. If you haven't met Tracy yet, she's an organic growth expert, educator, and coach with 20 years of corporate sales experience who's helping business owners grow their list and boost visibility without a giant ad budget.  And her secret weapon? Conversations. Specifically: conversations in the DMs with real people, like the real person you are. Not just any DMs. But conversations that lead to: New subscribers because you're resourceful and helpful with lead magnets to share New collaborations because you know your niche and can show up in others' spaces Less stress around finding "the next lead" (thanks to a system and strategy that puts *people* first) In this episode, you'll learn about: How to get replies in the DMs (and what I likely did wrong when I tried it… oops!) Tracy's launch strategy (refined over 10 launches and counting!!) The mindset shifts you need to DM strangers without feeling icky Check out this episode's blog post  Connect with Tracy: Create Online Business Success Podcast Her FREE Facebook Group  Resources Mentioned: Book a FREE Discovery Call  Coaching Programs & Services: Maximize Your Marketing - For those who need an in-house CMO (Chief Marketing Officer) to help you build sustainable email and promotional strategies, engage your subscribers, and grow your business and bottom line that otherwise is untapped potential. The Duett Debut - Done for you email copywrting & automation setup  Ready, Set, EMAIL - Quick & custom email setup to grow and send your newsletter fast Instagram @alleagrummert  

Episode Summary: Most food bloggers try to monetize with ads and affiliates.
 Adam built a system that pays him before the traffic even shows up.
 Now he uses his blog as a funnel to sell cooking classes, grow a thriving membership, and support a mission he genuinely believes in — and his email list is doing a lot of the heavy lifting. In this episode, Adam Sobel, award-winning vegan chef and founder of The Cinnamon Snail, shares how he flipped the traditional food blog model on its head by focusing on evergreen funnels, email automation, and intentional content strategy. His approach isn't just strategic, it's deeply purposeful. After closing his beloved NYC food truck during the pandemic, he started teaching cooking online… and quickly became obsessed with optimizing funnels, email strategy, and the subscriber experience. (A man after my own heart.) I can't wait for you to go down these email and product funnel rabbit holes with us. You'll learn so much from Adam! In this episode, you'll learn about: Why Adam treats his food blog as top-of-funnel and not the final product that relies on traffic solely for ad revenue How he grows his list by 1000 subscribers each month (without paying out of pocket, thanks to strategic tripwires and product offers that cover his Facebook ad spend) The systems he's built to turn page views into free class sign ups, purchases with order bumps, and new membership sign ups The strategies he uses to engage with subscribers in a way that honors their experience with his brand so far (aka, personalization!) How he uses Kit tags, liquid content, and super smart email automations to test what's working within his web of funnels The mindset shift he believes every content creator needs to hear (and should make) that will change how you think about your revenue and impact  Check out this episode's blog post  Connect with Adam: Adam's website & classes Episode Resources: Countdown Hero Mighty Network Kit SamCart Thrivecart (alternative one-time purchase) Coaching Programs & Services: Maximize Your Marketing - For those who need an in-house CMO (Chief Marketing Officer) to help you build sustainable email and promotional strategies, engage your subscribers, and grow your business and bottom line that otherwise is untapped potential. The Duett Debut - Done for you email copywrting & automation setup  Ready, Set, EMAIL - Quick & custom email setup to grow and send your newsletter fast Book a FREE Discovery Call  Instagram @alleagrummert  

Episode Summary: Feeling like marketing your business means doing all the things, all the time?  In this episode, I'm joined by friend and client Tayler Cusick Hollman — marketing strategist, founder of Enji, and longtime business owner with marketing WISDOM to share! She and I talk about how to make marketing feel less overwhelming and more effective… especially when you don't have time to waste. Tayler breaks down the biggest mistakes she sees small businesses make when it comes to marketing and how to get clearer on where to focus your time and energy. We talk about how knowing your audience inside and out makes every other marketing decision easier from what kind of content to create, to which platforms to prioritize, to how to sell without feeling salesy.  In this episode, you'll learn about: Why "just post on Instagram" isn't a great marketing strategy (and what to do instead)

 What questions you need to answer in order to create *a strategy that actually works for your business* Tayler's multiple life cycle marketing sequences and how you can use a similar strategy for your subscriber journey Why your to-dos should directly align with your goals (and what tasks are more than okay to get rid of) Ways you can learn more about what your audience really, really wants and how to incorporate this into your email strategy Check out this episode's blog post  Connect with Tayler: Follow Enji on Instagram Episode Resources: How to create a simple marketing strategy for your small business Check out Enji – Tayler's software that helps small business owners plan and execute a simple marketing strategy  BDOW! List building tool Your First Welcome Sequence Freebie Coaching Programs & Services: Maximize Your Marketing - For those who need an in-house CMO (Chief Marketing Officer) to help you build sustainable email and promotional strategies, engage your subscribers, and grow your business and bottom line that otherwise is untapped potential. The Duett Debut - Done for you email copywrting & automation setup  Ready, Set, EMAIL - Quick & custom email setup to grow and send your newsletter fast Book a FREE Discovery Call  Instagram @alleagrummert  

Episode Summary: In this episode, I'm joined by Elli Runkles — business strategist, mindset coach, and co-founder of Supported CEO, to talk about what it actually takes to turn new subscribers into loyal readers (and buyers). From evergreen emails to intentional post purchase onboarding, Elli shares the system she's built to warm up cold leads, make emails easier to send, and let an automated nurture sequence do half the heavy lifting.  You'll also get a peek into her email based membership — a low-cost, high value offer that delivers content to members on autopilot plus her take on using AI to write emails without sounding like a robot. In this episode, you'll learn about: A peek inside Elli's paid, email based membership and how it runs on autopilot each week Why growing your list through Facebook ads or social media isn't enough if you don't have a plan to nurture them

 How weekly evergreen emails can keep cold leads engaged and promote your offers over time

 The key connection between your free content and what subscribers do after they spend "their first dollar" with you

 Why real life conversations with your audience are your best email content ideas How she uses AI as a second draft editor to organize written content without losing her voice Check out this episode's blog post  Connect with Elli: Supported CEO CEO Journal Club  The Recalibration Journal  Instagram Episode Resources: Book a FREE Discovery Call  Coaching Programs & Services: Maximize Your Marketing - For those who need an in-house CMO (Chief Marketing Officer) to help you build sustainable email and promotional strategies, engage your subscribers, and grow your business and bottom line that otherwise is untapped potential. The Duett Debut - Done for you email copywrting & automation setup  Ready, Set, EMAIL - Quick & custom email setup to grow and send your newsletter fast Instagram @alleagrummert  

Episode Summary: In this episode, I'm chatting with a Duett client and absolutely inspiring creator. Everyone, meet Christine McMichael — founder of Jar Of Lemons, a food blog that's all about helping busy women create healthy, delicious meals without the overwhelm. Christine started blogging back in 2015, but it wasn't until 2022 — motivated by a drop in search traffic — that she began showing up more intentionally through her email list. And, let the record show, she has the results to prove how it's paid off for her — with more subscribers, a deeper connection with readers, an approachable personal brand, and how she's become someone her audience trusts (and wants to buy from!). If you're not sure *how* to show up as a personal brand to your audience — and create a consistent connection with your list — then you'll want to tune in to hear how Christine made this shift in her own approach. In this episode, you'll learn about: What caused Christine to focus on email (after 7 years of blogging) and what strategies she put in place right away Her Instagram opt-in strategy that grows her list by 200–500 subscribers every week What automations she uses to help readers get familiar with her brand and get even more value from her content How she's incorporating sales into regular weekly emails (and seeing it pay off!) The surprising mindset shifts allow Christine to create a list of more happy, connected email subscribers Check out this episode's blog post  Connect with Christine: Website  Instagram TikTok Resources Mentioned: Email Strategy Playbook Coaching Programs & Services: Maximize Your Marketing - For those who need an in-house CMO (Chief Marketing Officer) to help you build sustainable email and promotional strategies, engage your subscribers, and grow your business and bottom line that otherwise is untapped potential. The Duett Debut - Done for you email copywrting & automation setup  Ready, Set, EMAIL - Quick & custom email setup to grow and send your newsletter fast Book a FREE Discovery Call  Instagram @alleagrummert  

Episode Summary: What started as a way to reconnect with her German heritage and share authentic recipes from her home country has turned into a thriving blog, product suite, and soon-to-be-published cookbook. In this episode of Happy Subscribers, I'm joined by Sophie Sadler, German food blogger and creator of dirndl kitchen, who shares her journey of growing her blog, her email list, and her business one lovely, energizing experiment at a time. Sophie shares how she slowly built her audience (even after ignoring email marketing for seven years!), but how she's finally prioritizing email to connect with readers beyond social media algorithms. PLUS, we have a full-on coaching chat about selling to her audience, using an evergreen nurture sequence in Flodesk, and ways she can make more money from her email list. You don't need to have email all figured out before you start. Sophie's experience is proof that you can create an email strategy that grows with your business — even 3 kids, 1 cookbook, multiple courses, a membership, and hundreds of recipes later. In this episode, you'll learn about: Why Sophie ignored email marketing for years — and what finally changed her mind about giving it the time of day How experimenting with new content, opt-ins, and email strategies keeps her audience engaged (and herself excited about her work!) The technical how-tos to finally start your own long-term nurture sequence in Flodesk Strategies for selling to your list and what you can include in EVERY email to make sure they know how to buy from you How hiring help felt scarier when traffic dropped — and what she's doing to diversify her income Check out this episode's blog post  Connect with Sophie: Sophie's Website 3-Day Eat Like a German Email Challenge  Sophie's Instagram Resources Mentioned: Free Mini Coaching Call Application Coaching Programs & Services: Maximize Your Marketing - For those who need an in-house CMO (Chief Marketing Officer) to help you build sustainable email and promotional strategies, engage your subscribers, and grow your business and bottom line that otherwise is untapped potential. The Duett Debut - Done for you email copywrting & automation setup  Ready, Set, EMAIL - Quick & custom email setup to grow and send your newsletter fast Book a FREE Discovery Call  Instagram @alleagrummert  

Episode Summary: "What do you actually want your email list to do for you and how do you want to show up for them?" - Becky Mollenkamp Let's be real: choosing an email platform can feel like a techy tug-of-war. Do you pick a platform built for list growth and discoverability (like Substack)? Or do you stick with a tool designed for long-term sales and automation (like Kit)? In this episode of Happy Subscribers, I'm joined by feminist business coach and serial podcaster Becky Mollenkamp, who uses both Substack and Kit to help you think more strategically about which platform actually works for you, your audience, and your business goals. Tune in to get a true "inside look" at the what and why between these two competing platforms! In this episode, you'll learn about: Why Becky left Kit for Substack and why she came back to Kit later The hidden downside of paid newsletter models (and what no one's really telling you) What makes Substack feel more like social media than email marketing Why you don't have to use every bell and whistle of an email platform to "make it worth" the cost How to define success for your email list (no matter which platform you choose) based on the content and goals of your business Check out this episode's blog post  Connect with Becky: Becky's Website & Email List Feminist Founders on Substack Assigned Reading on Substack Feminist Podcasters Collective Episode Resources: Email Strategy Playbook Book a FREE call with Allea Coaching Programs & Services: Maximize Your Marketing - For those who need an in-house CMO (Chief Marketing Officer) to help you build sustainable email and promotional strategies, engage your subscribers, and grow your business and bottom line that otherwise is untapped potential. The Duett Debut - Done for you email copywrting & automation setup  Ready, Set, EMAIL - Quick & custom email setup to grow and send your newsletter fast Instagram @alleagrummert  

Episode Summary: If you've been sitting on a list of subscribers for a while but feel like your email strategy is still a bit… chaotic? Or non-existent? Or stuck in 2019? You're not alone. In this episode, I'm sharing five specific reasons email can feel harder than it should — even when you know it matters and what to focus on instead to finally feel confident (and even excited!) about how you're showing up in your subscribers' inboxes. This episode was inspired by a conversation with my client Jean — a busy mom, blogger, and creator who was stuck in the "I should be doing more with email…" loop. But here's the thing — she didn't need more content or better intentions. She needed a system that actually worked for her. So if it's been a while since you checked your automations, sent a newsletter you were proud of, or felt clear on what's actually happening when someone joins your list — this episode will help you take the right next step, with way less friction. In this episode, you'll learn about: Why email feels heavy (even when you're motivated to make it work) What broken systems and decision fatigue are really costing you How to build trust with subscribers without having to "be on" all the time What actually makes automation work and why it doesn't have to feel robotic Five practical shifts to make email easier, more sustainable and way more fun  Check out this episode's blog post  Episode Resources: Email Strategy Playbook Book a FREE Discovery Call Coaching Programs & Services: Maximize Your Marketing - For those who need an in-house CMO (Chief Marketing Officer) to help you build sustainable email and promotional strategies, engage your subscribers, and grow your business and bottom line that otherwise is untapped potential. The Duett Debut - Done for you email copywrting & automation setup  Ready, Set, EMAIL - Quick & custom email setup to grow and send your newsletter fast Instagram @alleagrummert  

Episode Summary: "If you're only writing the kind of emails you'd want to read, you're leaving money on the table." - Allison Hardy Writing sales emails is a CRAFT, but it also needs to generate RESULTS, right? Thing is: not everyone buys for the same reasons, so if you want to sell more confidently (and serve more people), you need to write for what your different types of buyers actually need to hear and what they'll respond to.  In this episode of Happy Subscribers, I'm joined by fellow email marketing strategist Allison Hardy, creator of the Six Figure Secrets Podcast, to unpack the seven emails every sales sequence needs and how to align each one to a different buyer type on your list. We break down what motivates different buyers to take action, how to address their specific questions or hesitations, and why your sales sequence should never speak to just one kind of buyer. In this episode, you'll learn about: The 7 buyer types on your email list and how to write emails that speak to each one Why telling simple, relatable client stories builds trust with skeptical buyers How to make your emails feel personal and approachable without oversharing The role of a lead magnet in attracting the right people Allison's two primary suggestions for list growth leading up to a launch Check out this episode's blog post  Connect with Allison: Allison's Six Figure Secrets Podcast  Allison's Instagram Allison's $80k Email Template Coaching Programs & Services: Maximize Your Marketing - For those who need an in-house CMO (Chief Marketing Officer) to help you build sustainable email and promotional strategies, engage your subscribers, and grow your business and bottom line that otherwise is untapped potential. The Duett Debut - Done for you email copywrting & automation setup  Ready, Set, EMAIL - Quick & custom email setup to grow and send your newsletter fast Book a FREE Discovery Call  Instagram @alleagrummert  

Episode Summary: In this episode of Happy Subscribers, I'm joined by Bree Pair — creator coach, founder of Thrive, and email marketing fangirl — to talk all things email list growth, mindset, visibility, and the role data plays in making smarter decisions AND how it actually allows us to be more creative.  We explore how creators can find stability (and financial freedom!) in email marketing, what numbers to pay attention to, and how to avoid the cycle of constant creation that leads to burnout. Whether you're a blogger, influencer, coach, or online educator — Bree's insights will help you use your email list more strategically while still showing up as your true self to connect authentically with your subscribers. In this episode, you'll learn about: What data actually matters when it comes to growing your email list (hint: it's not just your conversion rate) The definition of "leading" and "lagging" KPIs (key performance indicators) — and how knowing the difference will change your outlook on growth Why obsessing over open rates and click-throughs can kill your creative momentum — and what to obsess over instead  The mindset shifts creators need to show up confidently in their emails and get SEEN Why storytelling — even short and simple mentions of personal details — builds trust and connection with your audience (guys, Bree gives us examples!!) Check out this episode's blog post  Connect with Bree:Thrive Together WebsiteThe Thrive Podcast for Content Creators The Visibility Marketing Game  Episode Resources: We Need Your Art by Jenni Marie  Free Mini Coaching Call Application  Coaching Programs & Services: Maximize Your Marketing - For those who need an in-house CMO (Chief Marketing Officer) to help you build sustainable email and promotional strategies, engage your subscribers, and grow your business and bottom line that otherwise is untapped potential. The Duett Debut - Done for you email copywrting & automation setup  Ready, Set, EMAIL - Quick & custom email setup to grow and send your newsletter fast Book a FREE Discovery Call  Instagram @alleagrummert  

Episode Summary: Travel blogging isn't dead — and neither is blogging in general. It's still a more-than-viable way to make money online while doing something you love! In this episode, I want you to meet Laura Peters of Mike & Laura Travel. Laura is a travel blogger — and she's also a blogging expert committed to helping other travel bloggers transform their passion into sustainable businesses that captivate readers while also providing a pathway to true freedom and adventure. And how does she love to do this most? EMAIL, BABY. We talk about the exact ways Laura uses her email list today (she's managing multiple!) to connect with readers, build a stable, income-generating business, and help her audiences thrive by sharing super valuable content through weekly emails. And perhaps my favorite takeaways are what I learned from Laura about doing things your own way — like her LIVE (not-evergreen!) weekly webinar, her SLO (self-liquidating offer) funnel setup, and how she keeps everything simple to avoid burning out. In this episode, you'll learn about: How Laura went from "no traffic" to full-time travel blogging income (and six figures!) in under 18 months Why she shows up LIVE for her webinar every single week — and how that improved her conversion rates vs. going evergreen How Laura has built a massively successful business while not relying on social media The difference between being a travel blogger and an influencer (and where they overlap) Creative ways to earn more money from your email list, including the exact funnel Laura uses to grow her list and make sales — even if you're not in a "business" niche Check out this episode's blog post  Episode Resources: Scale Your Travel Blog course Laura's email archive (great for research or inspiration!) Connect with Laura: Website Instagram Travel Blogging Coaching Coaching Programs & Services: Maximize Your Marketing - For those who need an in-house CMO (Chief Marketing Officer) to help you build sustainable email and promotional strategies, engage your subscribers, and grow your business and bottom line that otherwise is untapped potential. The Duett Debut - Done for you email copywrting & automation setup  Ready, Set, EMAIL - Quick & custom email setup to grow and send your newsletter fast Book a FREE Discovery Call  Instagram @alleagrummert