Tired of creating endless freebies on Canva that attract the wrong people? A member of my Social Search Club asked the question 'how can I grow an email list without a lead magnet?' and I HAD to dive into this.

In this episode I'm sharing five ways to grow an engaged, high-quality email list without relying on lead magnets. From VIP list invitations and waitlists to “soft” content upgrades, I’ll show you how to attract subscribers who actually want what you offer.

If you’re ready to ditch the freebie-chasing crowd, this episode is packed with practical ideas grounded in social digital marketing and authentic connection. Perfect for business owners looking for smarter ways to stay visible and sell.

Highlights

• Directly inviting people to join a VIP email list can build quality leads without freebies.
• Waitlists for upcoming products or programs provide anticipation and exclusivity to grow your list.
• Content upgrades or “soft freebies” embedded in content offer value without heavy lead magnet creation.
• Conversational call-to-actions placed naturally in content drive authentic email sign-ups.
• Avoid calling your email list a “newsletter” to reduce spam associations; rename it creatively.
• Position your email list as a VIP club or exclusive group to attract genuinely interested subscribers.
• Utilise multiple platforms (TikTok, blog, YouTube, Pinterest) to gently funnel engaged audiences to your email list.

Resources

Access the ⁠Free Biz Beyond the Gram Telegram Community⁠ for free audio trainings and resources

Join the ⁠Social Search Club⁠ monthly membership for fresh social search templates, mentorship and accountability every month!

About This Podcast

Want to market your business without chasing trends or burning out on Instagram? Biz Beyond the Gram is your no-fluff guide to social search marketing, Pinterest, YouTube, TikTok, and sustainable online growth using search-friendly platforms.

Hosted by search marketing strategist Hannah Brown, this podcast is for online business owners ready to tap into the power of social digital marketing — without sacrificing their sanity. Whether you’re wondering "Should I delete Instagram?" or simply craving search-first strategies that actually work, you're in the right place.

Each episode blends actionable tips, behind-the-scenes stories, and honest conversations about building a business that values freedom over the feed.

It’s time to grow smarter — and build a business without Instagram.