How many emails should you be sending?

It's a question I hear from content creators all the time, and the honest answer is: it depends.

What I've noticed is that when I encourage people to send more than a few emails a week, there's often a little hesitation — a worry that it's too many, that it'll feel like too much, that their audience will get annoyed and start unsubscribing. But then there are creators on the other end of the spectrum sending daily or even twice-daily emails without batting an eye. With such a wide range of what's possible, how do you actually know what's worth your time and energy — without burning bridges with the subscribers you've already worked hard to build?

That's exactly what I wanted to dig into with Ned Adams of Dutch Oven Daddy.

When Ned shifted to sending daily emails to his list of ~4,500 subscribers, his site traffic doubled. His open rate hit 50%. His click rate jumped to 6.5%. And his unsubscribes? Barely moved.

In this episode, Ned and I dig into what his email strategy actually looks like, why it works, and how his "what do I have to lose?" approach might just be the most honest email philosophy I've heard in a while.

In this episode:

• What Ned's email strategy looked like before daily sends — and the one permission slip he got at Tastemaker that changed everything
• The ultra-simple email format driving all that traffic (one image, 5–10 links, and zero bullet points (!!))
• Why duplicating old emails and tweaking them is not lazy — it's actually smart
• How Ned uses AI to batch subject line options so he always has something strong to send
• Why his "what do I have to lose?" philosophy might be the most underrated email strategy out there

Check out this episode's blog post Connect with Ned Adams (Dutch Oven Daddy):

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Episode Summary:

Today's episode is a little different — I'm sharing a guest appearance I made within the Food Blogger Pro membership, where Bjork Ostrom had their members submit email questions ahead of time. And y'all, food bloggers ask good questions.

We covered a lot of ground: how often you should actually be sending emails, what makes a welcome sequence worth the setup, the surprisingly freeing practice of list cleaning, and what's really behind a subject line that gets opened.

Here are the key questions we dive into:

• How often should you actually be sending emails?
• Why should you spend time on a welcome sequence, and what does it actually do?
• What is list cleaning, and why does it feel scary to remove cold subscribers?
• What helps improve email open rates?
• How can you get the most out of their existing content without creating something new for email?

Check out this episode's blog post

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Food Blogger Pro

If you enjoyed this episode, you can show your support by leaving a review, subscribing, or sharing your biggest takeaways on your Instagram story! Just remember to tag me @alleagrummert so I can see it.

Episode Summary:

It's never been easier to create content. And somehow… it's never been harder to stand out.

In this episode, I'm joined by Dorie Clark to talk about how to build a reputation that actually makes you known — even when everyone online (ahem, AI) sounds the same. Not only is she a bestselling author, keynote speaker, and one of the top business thinkers in the world, she can help us practically think about what it takes to stand out in a crowded online space.

So what does it actually take to become known for your work?

Not just visible. Not just posting consistently. But trusted… remembered… chosen, when there are a LOT of choices out there?

Here's the good news:

She said that becoming a recognized expert isn't about doing more. 🙌

We talk about the three core elements she's identified after years and years of research and experience and how they work together to build real authority (not just surface-level visibility).

And of course, we zoom in on email — because while it may not be the flashiest marketing channel, it is one of the most powerful tools for building trust and deepening relationships with the people who matter most.

In this episode, you'll learn about:

• You feel like you're "doing all the things" online, but not seeing the traction you want
• You're wondering how to stand out without constantly publishing on yet another platform
• You want your email list to be more than just a place to send updates
• You're thinking long-term about your business, your voice, and your reputation

Fortunately, becoming known for your work isn't about going viral (because who can plan that?).

Instead, it's about being remembered — and trusted — over time.

Check out this episode's blog post Connect with Dorie Clark:

Recognized Expert ToolKit

Recognized Expert Course

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Episode Summary:

Segmentation might sound really "techy," and while it is and there are technical elements, ultimately it's an opportunity for you to organize your subscribers based on HOW they want to hear from you and WHAT they want to hear from you.

By segmenting your email list, you're creating a happier environment for your subscribers to thrive in — giving them the content they want and excluding the content that they don't want.

Not only does this make you look like a really compassionate creator, it will also benefit you with higher engagement (open and click rates), because people getting your emails are the people who want to get those emails. A win-win!

In this episode, you'll learn about:

• How to think about segmentation like you think of your own friendships (this makes it way easier to understand!)

• A few strategies on how you can segment your list

• A real-life example of how Pinch of Yum has segmented their list specifically for beginner home cooks

Want to learn HOW to segment your list? Get my on-demand workshop replay — whether you use Kit, Flodesk or MailerLite — to help you set up your own segmentation system in only 50 minutes: duett.co/trainings

Check out this episode's blog post Episode Resources: On-Demand Segmentation Workshop ReplayFree Duett Resources Other Resources:Join the Duett newsletter Check out Duett Services Book a FREE Discovery Call

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Episode Summary:

What do you do when the world around your work feels out of your control? When the blogging landscape shifts… Algorithms change… Goals you used to chase don't feel as motivating anymore… You're also… tired? In this episode of Happy Subscribers, I'm joined by Danielle McGeough, Ph.D. — mom, professor, and women-centered coach who helps women in high-pressure jobs pursue bold goals without losing themselves. I asked her about burnout, what causes it, and some solid ways to prevent (and intervene, if you're already in it) so we can keep building our businesses and feel connected to our work in a meaningful way. If you're an ambitious creator, influencer, or business owner, come learn about:

• Why more habits isn't always the answer to doing work or life well
• The lost art of commuting to destress (and what works instead)
• Purposefully transitioning from role to role (like that 9am shift from stay-at-home cat mom to business owner… who me?)
• What can be automated, and what shouldn't be
• How to build a ritual of "presence" to keep you connected to your work

Tune in as Danielle shares with us small edits that will help your work feel steady, intentional, and sustainable — even if the digital (or physical) landscape has you feeling shaky.

Check out this episode's blog post Connect with Danielle:Instagram Stuck Assessment Episode Resources: Free Duett Resources Book a FREE Discovery Call Other Resources:Join the Duett newsletter Check out Duett Services Instagram @alleagrummert

Episode Summary:

Curious how to grow your list, boost conversions with simple shifts, and use AI without losing your connection with your audience?

Today's episode is a little different — I'm sharing a guest interview where I joined Tracy Beaver on her podcast, Create Online Business Success.

Tracy was a guest on Happy Subscribers in 2025, and this time we flipped the roles.

We talk honestly about what's shifting in the online space, how AI can support (not replace) your voice, and the simple adjustments that can make a big difference in your list growth and conversions.

If you're thinking about how to stay human while navigating AI — this one's for you.

In this episode, you'll learn about:

• The most effective ways to grow your list in the age of AI
• How to make more money by improving subscriber experience
• Simple ways to turn subscribers into loyal fans and buyers

Episode Resources: Free Duett Resources Other Resources:

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Episode Summary:

Most people don't come to me simply asking for "more emails." Clients often come to me because they don't know what's actually happening inside their email marketing — and that's kind of stressful. Like walking around in the dark without a flashlight. You want to know it's working — and you want a better plan going forward. Like, a real plan, a what-I-need-for-my-business email strategy. In this solo episode of Happy Subscribers, I'm sharing all of the details of what it's like to work with me and my team. Specifically, the "Duett Process" that started this business (literally). If you've ever wondered how an agency could nail your voice, know what to send your audience, or really incorporate your business goals — for sales, traffic and audience connection — into your ongoing email strategy… I'm about to tell you how. We do follow this process all the time. This is the Duett Process — the system I've refined since 2019 — and the reason our welcome sequences average 9%+ click rates. My goal has always been to make it easy on my clients, give them the emails they want (that sound like them!), and a tech system setup they didn't have to figure out and set up themselves. If you've ever been curious what it actually looks like to hire help for your email strategy, copywriting, and email setup, this episode is your behind-the-scenes look at how we "Duett." (Sorry, couldn't help myself.)

Check out this episode's blog post Episode Resources: Free Duett Resources Join the Duett newsletter Check out Duett Services Book a FREE Discovery Call Instagram @alleagrummert

Episode Summary:

It's not every day that I get to rave about getting to listen to a lawyer talk about affiliate disclosures, accessibility compliance, and privacy policies.

And yet… here we are. Excited!

In this episode of Happy Subscribers, I'm joined by creator lawyer Brittany Ratelle (aka the Fine Printcess) to talk about something most of us would rather ignore: the legal blind spots in our online businesses.

What started as me wanting to get clear on affiliate disclosures in emails… became a LOT more.

Because the truth is:

We don't know what we don't know.

And unfortunately, "blissful ignorance" is not a great legal strategy.

Brittany walks us through the foundational pieces every online business owner needs — from LLC setup to contracts, privacy policies, website accessibility, and the very real lawsuits happening right now around tracking pixels and SMS marketing.

She shares what she's actually seeing in the wild (yes, horror stories included), how small businesses are being targeted, and what you can do now to protect your business, your income, and your peace.

In this episode, you'll learn about:

• Why setting up an LLC isn't enough if you're not actually using it correctly.
• What needs to be in your email footer.
• The rules on affiliate disclosures in 2026.
• What website accessibility really means (and why "having a plugin" isn't a guarantee).
• The difference between being legally "fine"… and being legally legit.

Check out this episode's blog post Connect with Brittany:Instagram Website Episode Resources: Mike Zielonka's Happy Subscribers Episode Duett Free Resources

Duett Services:

Email Strategy Playbook - A fresh set of eyes and insight into your current email marketing The Duett Debut - Done for you email copywrting & automation setup Ready, Set, EMAIL - Quick & custom email setup to grow and send your newsletter fast Book a FREE Discovery Call

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Episode Summary:

Freebies are supposed to help grow your business but too often, they just collect downloads… and dust.

In this episode, I'm joined by brand strategist, former Disney storyteller, and author Annie Franceschi to unpack why so many lead magnets fail and what actually makes a freebie work.

Annie shares her Smart Freebie Formula: a simple, thoughtful framework for creating lead magnets that don't just grow your list, but attract the right people — the ones who are most likely to become paying clients.

This conversation is especially for creators and service providers who:

• Feel like they've "given everything away" for free
• Have lead magnets that grow subscriberS but not sales
• Want to feel proud of what they're offering and confident sharing it

We talk honestly about over teaching, being "helpful vs. hireable," and how to design freebies that respect your audience and your expertise.

If you've ever wondered whether your freebie is doing too much… or not enough — this episode will change how you think about lead magnets and help you build ones that actually support your business goals, not just your list size.

Check out this episode's blog post Connect with Annie:The Referral Message Creator Freebie Establish Yourself Podcast Instagram Episode Resources: Duett Free Resources

Duett Services:

Email Strategy Playbook - A fresh set of eyes and insight into your current email marketing

The Duett Debut - Done for you email copywrting & automation setup

Ready, Set, EMAIL - Quick & custom email setup to grow and send your newsletter fast

Book a FREE Discovery Call

Instagram @alleagrummert

Episode Summary:

"If you can't explain why someone should choose you, your marketing has to work twice as hard." - Rich Brooks

Most creators don't need MORE marketing ideas.

They need a clearer answer to one question: "Why should someone choose me?"

In this episode, I'm joined by Rich Brooks (founder of Flight New Media and host of The Agents of Change podcast) to talk about how to differentiate your business online especially now, when AI makes it easier than ever to sound like everyone else.

Rich shares his Remarkability Formula: four practical "lenses" you can use to uncover what already makes you stand out (or what you can build) so your marketing gets simpler, your message gets sharper, and your audience knows exactly why YOU matter to THEM.

And yes — we bring it back to email, because once you know what makes you remarkable, writing emails (and creating content) gets a whole lot easier.

In this episode, you'll learn about:

• Why your marketing feels harder than it needs to be.
• How your most powerful differentiator is probably something you're already doing — you just haven't named it yet.
• Why narrowing your focus doesn't limit your business — it makes you easier to remember (and easier to choose).
• That you don't need a new offer to stand out (sometimes you need a better way to frame what you already do.)
• How when your positioning is clear, writing emails stops feeling like a guessing game.

Check out this episode's blog post Connect with Rich: The Remarkability Formula Workbook Agents of Change LinkedIn Episode Resources: Duett Free Resources

Duett Services:

Email Strategy Playbook - A fresh set of eyes and insight into your current email marketing

The Duett Debut - Done for you email copywrting & automation setup

Ready, Set, EMAIL - Quick & custom email setup to grow and send your newsletter fast

Book a FREE Discovery Call

Instagram @alleagrummert