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The #1 Thing I Wish I Did Before Creating My Online Course Business

If you’ve been following me on the Not Just Momma Podcast, you know the past few weeks have been all about the real, raw parts of motherhood. And while I absolutely love talking about the beautiful chaos of mom life, in this post, I want to shift gears and talk about your business—or the one you’ve been dreaming about starting.

Maybe you’re a mom who wants more flexibility, more time with your kids, and a way to turn your passion into purpose and profit. Maybe you’ve been toying with the idea of creating an online course. If that sounds like you, this post is going to give you the one thing I wish I had done before I ever created my first course—and how doing this one thing can save you a ton of time, energy, and frustration.

Starting Out: Overwhelmed and Unsure

When I first entered the world of online business, I was completely overwhelmed. The amount of information out there—YouTube tutorials, webinars, mini courses, Facebook groups, random Instagram advice—it felt like drinking from a firehose. And coming from my small business within a hair salon that I had for 15 years, the online space felt like an entirely different ballgame.

But after 5 years of trial and error in this online space, I’ve learned that there’s no one right way to build an online business. Everyone does it differently, and that’s okay because that’s what makes you stand out. But if I could go back and change just one thing, this would be it:

I wish I had built my email list before creating my course.

Yep. Not a fancy website. Not an Instagram following. Not a perfect launch plan. Just a solid, value-driven email list.

Let’s talk about why this matters—especially if you’re a beginner course creator or mompreneur building a business from scratch.

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5 Powerful Reasons to Build an Email List Before You Launch Anything

1. Your Email List Is a Direct Line to Your Audience

Unlike social media, where you’re battling algorithms and constantly guessing when to post, email lands right in your subscriber’s inbox. It’s one of the most intimate, consistent ways to connect with someone who actually wants to hear from you.

2. People on your list chose to be there.

They opted in. They raised their hand and said, “hey, I want more from you.” That alone makes them way more likely to engage, listen, and eventually buy. You’re not interrupting their scroll—you’re showing up in a space they’ve invited you into.

3. You Own Your Email List

This is huge. You don’t own Instagram. You don’t own Facebook. If those platforms disappear tomorrow, so does your audience… and you would have to completely start from scratch to gain them all back. But your email list? That’s yours. Forever. No one can take it from you. It’s your most secure business asset!

4. It Lets You Nurture Deeper Relationships

Emails allow you to share your voice, your values, and your story in a more meaningful way. It’s where people get to know you. And when they know you, they trust you. And when they trust you… they buy.

5. Email Drives Sales—Faster

The people who have been hearing from you consistently via email are far more likely to purchase your offer (such as an online course) when it’s ready. Cold traffic takes time to warm up, but your email subscribers are already halfway there.

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So, How Do You Build an Email List From Scratch?

Step 1: Create a Simple Lead Magnet

A lead magnet is just a fancy name for a freebie—something valuable that solves a small problem for your audience in exchange for their email address.

Here are a few ideas:

• A printable checklist
• A short eBook or PDF guide
• A quick video tutorial
• A free mini challenge
• A simple template

Ask yourself: What does my ideal audience need help with right now? What quick win can I help them get today?

Step 2: Promote It Using What You Already Have

You don’t need a giant following to get started. Talk about your freebie on Instagram Stories, mention it in your podcast episodes or blog posts, or even share it in Facebook groups where your ideal audience hangs out. The key is consistency.

And if you’re feeling ready and have the financial capacity, you can run a low-budget ad (as little as $5/day) to start growing your list faster.

Step 3: Keep It Simple If You Don’t Have a Lead Magnet Yet

You can still invite people to join your list! Offer something like:

“Get on my list to receive exclusive updates, behind-the-scenes content, or early access to new offers.”

The main thing? Give your audience a clear reason to join, because simply saying, “get on my list” is not a good enough incentive. They’re going to want something in return for their precious email.

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Start With Your Audience, Not Just Your Idea

Before you create your online business or course, before you stress over branding, and before you start worrying about tech—start by building your audience. That way, when you’re ready to launch your offer or online course, you’re not speaking into a void. You’re speaking to people who already know, like, and trust you.

Building your email list may take some time, but it’s absolutely worth it. It’s a long-term strategy that pays off again and again—and helps you grow a business that lasts.

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Ready to Take Action?

Here’s your next step:

✅ Create a simple lead magnet
✅ Share it consistently
✅ Start nurturing the audience that’s saying “yes” to hearing more from you

And if you need a little help getting started or want encouragement along the way, be sure to join my email list. You’ll get updates, behind-the-scenes insight, and first access to resources I don’t share anywhere else.

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This blog post is taken from an episode on my podcast listen to it HERE

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