@Kevin Hall Just sent it over!

@Zena Ryder haha yes - welcome to modern email marketing 😅🙃 Open rates got messy, and yes, some bot/security filters can trigger clicks too (depending on the provider), which is exactly why I always say data need context. Replies are SUCH a strong signal because they show actual human engagement 💛 But I still look at the bigger picture too: - Clicks (as a trend / pattern ie. this email content resonated way more or this offer got way more interest than offer B last month) - conversions (did the email actually do its job?) - unsubscribes / spam complaints - and the general “is this creating conversations / sales / action?” vibe Replies are gold… but they’re not the only gold 😉

@Tara Orfani You definitely don’t need a traditional freebie to grow your list! A few ideas beyond book recs: - Exclusive bonus content A deleted scene, character backstory, alternate ending, author notes, playlists inspired by your book, behind-the-scenes writing updates. - A reader club / insider list Instead of “download this,” make the invitation about belonging. Example: Join my early reader / book lover list for sneak peeks, updates, and exclusive extras. - Simple hand-raiser / waitlist style opt-in Something like:“Want to be the first to know when my book is out?” “Join the behind-the-scenes journey as I write.” And honestly? No-freebie list building is absolutely a thing. Relationships, collaborations, guest speaking, podcast interviews, communities, and direct invitations can grow your list beautifully - you can even just have them opt into your newsletter if there is a reason why they'd want to be there. I actually have a full training on no-freebie list building - I'll drop it into Email Marketing Skool if it would be helpful (I know you're in there - just let me know!)

@Zena Ryder my thoughts lovely: https://www.loom.com/share/37568d707e924a1796f987f376f69fcc

@Des Dreckett Just letting you know I'll be here through the weekend if you have any questions Des - just post them here: https://www.skool.com/skool-100/email-questions-drop-them-here

@Mary Wilmer

@Ruth aka Grace Rose oh this has made my day!!! I’d love to have you in my community but more than that, email can be easy, especially when it’s built on relationships!

@Zena Ryder I love this discussion and yes, where the list comes from matters so much! A lot of people don’t talk about that - meta ads are cold traffic so while I believe you could have warmed them up, it takes a loooong time (definitely fast tracked when they get to know you in a community though - that’s totally different and worked well for me too!) I teach relationship based marketing - so summits, bundles, freebie swaps, podcast guests, networking, PR… literally wherever there is already trust from the host that you can leverage and will partially transfer to you. Can’t wait to share more!!