Email Marketing for Women in Business: How to Build, Grow, and Engage Your List
For years, I ignored my email list.
It felt clunky, outdated, and too much effort for too little reward. Social media was faster. Prettier. Easier to keep up with - or so I thought.
But when the algorithm changed (again), and I found myself craving a deeper, more direct connection with my audience, email suddenly became the one space I could actually own. No likes. No scrolling. Just honest, intentional communication.
If you’ve ever felt overwhelmed or unsure where to start, this is for you.
Because the truth is - email isn’t dead. It just needs a little love. And with the right tools and mindset, it can become one of the most powerful (and peaceful) ways to grow.
This guide walks you through everything - from building your first list to sending emails that actually get read.
Let’s simplify, strengthen, and reimagine your strategy, together.
Why email marketing still works - especially for small businesses
Unlike social media, where content can vanish overnight, email lands directly in your subscriber’s inbox. It offers:
Consistency – Stay top of mind with the people who want to hear from you
Ownership – You control the content, the audience, and the message
Conversion power – Email subscribers spend an average of 130% more than non-subscribers
If you’ve been ignoring your list, this is your sign to give it some love.
Step 1: Choose the right email marketing platform
Before you build your list, choose where to host it. Your platform should reflect your goals - whether that’s simplicity, automation, or visual storytelling.
Option 1: Start simple with built-in tools
Perfect if you're just starting or want everything in one place.
Squarespace Email Campaigns – Professional templates, automations, and seamless integration
Shopify Email – Great for product-based businesses just starting out
Wix Email Marketing – Basic but functional (best if you're already on Wix)
MailPoet (WordPress plugin) – Lightweight and native, but best for the earliest stages
Best for: Solopreneurs, creatives, or service providers who want minimal setup and easy workflows.
Option 2: Use a dedicated email marketing platform
When you’re ready to scale or want more advanced features like automation and segmentation:
ConvertKit – Designed for creators, coaches, and service-based founders. Simple to use with powerful tagging and automation features.
Klaviyo – The go-to for eCommerce and product-based businesses. Deep integration with Shopify and advanced automation tools (like abandoned cart and customer flows).
Flodesk – Built for visual brands. Unlimited subscribers, beautiful templates, and perfect for storytelling-led businesses.
MailerLite – Affordable and easy to use with built-in GDPR tools. Great for small businesses and early-stage founders who want clean design and simplicity.
Brevo (formerly Sendinblue) – Ideal for scaling businesses with UK/EU audiences. Strong segmentation, SMS/email combos, and consent management features built in.
Need automation without overwhelm? Start with ConvertKit or Flodesk.
Running a product-based business? Klaviyo is your best bet.
Serving UK or EU audiences? Brevo and MailerLite are GDPR-safe and growth-ready.
Skip Mailchimp - it’s clunky, overpriced, and not as intuitive as newer platforms.
Step 2: Grow an engaged, aligned audience
A big list is great. But a list full of aligned subscribers? That’s powerful.
Create a lead magnet worth signing up for
Offer something valuable in exchange for an email.
Examples include:
A discount or early-bird code
A downloadable guide, checklist, or template
A mini-course or private resource
Early access to launches or limited-edition offers
Tip: Align it with your audience’s goals. A copywriter might offer “30 high-converting subject lines,” while a beauty brand could share “Your Perfect Skin Routine Cheat Sheet.”
Optimise your sign-up forms
Make subscribing simple. Place forms:
On your homepage
Below blog posts
In your Instagram bio
During checkout or after purchase
Less is more - name and email is usually enough to get started.
Promote your list organically
Add a CTA in your Stories: “Grab the freebie I made for you - link in bio!”
Feature it in your pinned LinkedIn post
Collaborate with a complementary founder to share each other’s lead magnets
Step 3: What to send (and why it matters)
The best email strategies mix consistency with personality. Here’s your starter pack:
1. The welcome email
This is your first impression - make it matter.
Include:
A quick intro to you and your brand
The lead magnet or offer they signed up for
What to expect from future emails
Example subject line: “Here’s your free guide (and a little hello) 💌”
2. The value email
Build connection without always “selling.”
Try:
Behind-the-scenes of your latest launch
A mindset shift that helped you grow
Productivity tips or client spotlights
Short, heartfelt pep talks
Example subject line: “The advice I needed last year (you might too)”
3. The conversion email
Ask for the sale - softly, strategically, and clearly.
Ideas include:
A launch countdown
Limited-time offers
Product bundles or waitlist access
Seasonal exclusives
Example subject line: “Your founder freebie expires in 24 hours ⏳”
Step 4: Up-level your email marketing strategy
Segment your audience
Not every subscriber needs the same email.
New leads? Send a nurture sequence
Past clients? Invite them to join something new
Inactive readers? Re-engage with something personal
Test and refine
Small changes can lead to big impact.
Test:
Subject lines
Button text
Send times
Story-led vs. list-style formats
Automate the essentials
Start with:
Welcome email flow
Abandoned cart emails (for product businesses)
Birthday or milestone notes
Seasonal campaigns
Final thoughts
Email is not just about sales. It’s about sustainable visibility. It’s your chance to build trust, share value, and connect - without relying on algorithms or being “on” 24/7.
Start simple. Stay consistent. Let it reflect your voice, your mission, and your energy.
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