Why the TikTok Ban Is Your Wake-Up Call: Start Your Newsletter Now
That (Brief) TikTok Ban was Eye Opening!
It’s wild out there. Even though Tiktok was only banned for a few hours this past weekend, it’s clear that social media is shifting, platforms are unpredictable, and people are left wondering how to stay relevant. I knew friends and fellow creators that were panicked but I never did. Here’s why:
A long time ago, I learned a critical lesson: building a business on borrowed ground is a gamble.
Social media is borrowed ground. Platforms can change overnight, algorithms can tank your reach, and accounts can be deleted for reasons you can’t control. If you’re relying on social media alone to run your business, it’s like building a house on sand. But your email list? That’s solid ground—it’s yours, forever.
Why Your Email List Is Your Greatest Asset
Your email list is the one piece of your audience you truly own. It’s not subject to algorithm updates, platform shutdowns, or arbitrary rule changes. It’s direct, personal, and timeless.
Social media is great for discovery, but email is where relationships are built, offers are made, and magic happens.
When you own your audience, you own your future. You’re not waiting for permission to connect, pitch, or grow—you’re creating those opportunities on your terms.
My most consistent marketing efforts are focused on email marketing to my clients and I stay booked out 6-8 weeks in advance.
Let This be Your Wake-Up Call
If you were freaking out about losing TikTok, I get it. But let this be the push you need to build a business that doesn’t rely on what’s trending. Here’s what to do:
📧 Start your email list today. It’s never too early—or too late—to begin. ✨ Create offers that aren’t tied to algorithms. Build products and services that you can market directly to your audience. 🎯 Invest in what you can control. Your email list is your safety net and your launchpad.
Why You Need a Monthly Newsletter
A monthly newsletter is more than a tool—it’s your secret weapon. Here’s why:
It keeps you top of mind. Regular emails remind your audience who you are and what you offer.
It nurtures trust. Sharing valuable insights, stories, or tips builds a genuine connection with your audience.
It drives sales. Your newsletter is the perfect place to share offers, promote launches, and direct readers to your services.
It’s your owned media. Unlike social media, no one can take it away from you.
Social media is unpredictable. Your email list is not. Starting today ensures you’re building a business that’s future-proof, sustainable, and entirely yours.
Because platforms come and go, but your email list will always be yours. Your future self will thank you—I promise.
Take the first step today. Start your email list, build your newsletter, and create something that’s authentically yours.
Here are 5 Simple Steps to help you Start and stay consistent with a Newsletter
1. Choose a Clear Purpose for Your Newsletter
Decide what you want to accomplish with your newsletter:
Build trust with your audience?
Share valuable insights or tips?
Promote your products or services?
A clear purpose will help you create content that resonates.
2. Make It Valuable
Your audience needs a reason to open your emails. Focus on providing value that solves their problems or inspires them. Ideas for what to include:
Actionable Tips: Practical advice they can use immediately.
Personal Stories: Share your experiences to build connection.
Exclusive Content: Offer insights, tools, or discounts they won’t find elsewhere.
Calls to Action: Direct readers to your website, product pages, or other resources.
Pro Tip: Use a simple structure—start with a short story or update, provide a tip or resource, and end with a call-to-action (CTA).
3. Start Small and Be Consistent
You don’t need to send long, elaborate emails to make an impact. A quick, valuable newsletter once a month can be powerful.
Consistency is key. Choose a schedule (monthly, bi-weekly) and stick to it.
Example: Send your newsletter on the first Tuesday of every month to start their month with inspiration.
4. Pick an Email Marketing Tool
Use tools that make designing and sending emails easy. Popular options include:
Mailchimp: Great for beginners with user-friendly templates.
ConvertKit: Perfect for creators and solopreneurs who want to grow their list.
Flodesk: Known for its beautiful, customizable designs.
5. Start Building Your List
Invite your audience to subscribe:
Share your newsletter on social media with a compelling reason to join.
Create a free resource (lead magnet) like a checklist, guide, or template to encourage signups.
You can also do a giveaway to get email subscribers.
Add a signup form to your website.
Final thoughts
The magic happens when you stop thinking about your newsletter as just another marketing task and start seeing it as your way of showing up for your community. Keep it real, keep it valuable, and most importantly, keep it uniquely you.
My Portrait Studio email goes out to my portrait clients on the first Tuesday of every month. It is laid out in Flodesk in this order:
Section One: Inspiring quote and message,
Section Two: monthly blog
Section Three: portrait services/client highlight or a highlight of my current campaign/ promotion
Section Four: a social media highlight
Section Five: I end with a client testimonial.
I keep it on-point with my brand and I repurpose my content. This makes it simple and easy to stay consistent with it. If you can afford a Virtual Assistant, your bog and monthly newsletter would be a great task for them to do. Plan your content months in advance to make your life easier.