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If you’ve ever stared at your email list wondering why it’s not growing or if you’re not even sure where to start, this coaching session is going to light a fire under you.
Shilpi Zalani is a high-performance coach who helps women break through limiting beliefs, get financially independent, and finally create a business that actually fits their lives. She has started, scaled, and exited multiple six-figure ventures, generating over $1M in revenue across her businesses.
And she’s done it all while navigating motherhood, cultural expectations, and the highs and lows of entrepreneurship… making her uniquely qualified to guide other women toward that same freedom.
In today’s coaching session, we’re diving into one of the most valuable assets in business: your email list. We’re talking about how to grow it when you don’t have a big audience, how to create lead magnets that convert, and most importantly, how to actually sell without feeling pushy or salesy.
If you’ve been spinning your wheels chasing the algorithm and you’re craving a system that works behind the scenes to grow your business, this episode is for you!
And hey, if you’re ready to grow your list, serve your audience, and maximize your impact without feeling like you’re stuck on the content hamster wheel, sign up for my FREE class here!
Not only will I teach you how to start and grow your email list, I’ll pull back the curtain on the metrics that show off email’s superpowers when compared to social media.
Click here to save your seat for my FREE email list-building class!
Now let’s dive into my conversation with Shilpi!
Get Crystal Clear on Your Niche (and Why It Matters More Than Ever)
One of the biggest mindset blocks for entrepreneurs—especially women—is wanting to speak to everyone so no one feels left out. But if your message is too broad, it won’t land with anyone.
The truth? Specificity breeds action.
You don’t need a massive audience, you need the right people, and clarity is what helps them take action.
In my coaching session with Shilpi, I shared how even a small survey to your current audience (no matter the size!) can help you write like you’re speaking to one person instead of trying to impress the masses.
Create a Lead Magnet That Converts
Shilpi asked the million-dollar question: what kind of freebie actually grows your list?
Here’s what I’ve learned works best when it comes to converting leads to your list:
- Use an emotional hook to get the click.
- Deliver a quick, tangible win inside to build trust.
- Focus on hyper-specific content in a lo-fi format (think: Google Docs over pretty PDFs).
- Avoid over-complicating your opt-in. It doesn’t need to be a 20-page workbook!
I also shared my “ruler test”: if someone can’t clearly measure the value they got from your freebie, they’ll create their own ruler (which might not be favorable). Be specific in the promise you make and clear on what they’ll walk away with.
Grow Your List Without Relying on the Algorithm
Shilpi’s next question is one I hear ALL the time: how can I grow my list without posting every day?
Spoiler: You don’t need a massive following or constant content to see results.
Instead, pull these higher-leverage levers:
- Leverage Pinterest and podcasts for longevity
- Focus on high-touch, low-volume business models
- Show up in rooms and on platforms that work while you sleep
- Build relationships through your email list; your first 25 subscribers can be more powerful than 25,000 followers if you serve them deeply
How to Sell Without Feeling Salesy
If the idea of selling through your email list gives you the ick, listen up.
Think of your email as a conversation, not a conversion tool. You’re not writing a second version of your sales page. You’re selling the click: getting your subscriber to visit your sales page where the true conversion happens.
Shift your mindset from convincing to inviting. Show them what’s possible, help them imagine a different future, and then provide the next step to get there.
Bonus tip: When you invite your subscribers to reply, you’ll not only increase your deliverability, you’ll build real relationships and get better insights for future content.
Automate Like a Boss (and Reclaim Your Time)
Whether you’re a mom, a multi-passionate creator, or just trying to do less with more impact, email automations are your best friend.
Here are two easy ways to build email automations:
- Week-by-week automation: Treat your next few newsletters as the start of your welcome sequence and build as you go.
- Batch automation: Write your emails for the entire month and load them into your system at once to create rhythm and balance.
Start simple with a three-part welcome sequence:
- Deliver the freebie
- Serve with a relevant tip
- Invite them to take the next step
Once you write it once, it can serve your business for months (even years) to come.
Final Thoughts
You don’t need a huge following or constant content to grow your business. You need clarity, intention, and systems that do the heavy lifting. Whether you’re just starting out or looking to reconnect with your list, this episode is your reminder that email marketing isn’t dead—it’s your most reliable tool for long-term success.
In the class, I’ll walk you through exactly how to build and nurture your list in a way that feels aligned and authentic.
Let’s ditch the algorithm and build something that works for you 24/7!
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