Why You Don’t Need 1,000 Email Subscribers
Why Big Numbers Don’t Equal Big Wins
Everyone talks about “growing your list to 1,000+ subscribers.” But here’s the reality:
A big list of people who don’t care = dead weight.
A small list of people who care = sales, feedback, and momentum.
Your focus isn’t “How do I get more?” — it’s “How do I make the most of what I have?”
Define Who’s Worth Having on Your List
Write down exactly who you want to attract. Think less about age or location, more about:
What they want
What they struggle with
Why they’d care about hearing from you
Example: For BBallPlaybook, I’m not trying to get all basketball coaches. I want high school coaches who need fast, ready-to-use plays because they’re short on practice time. That’s specific — and it makes the right people lean in.
Give Your Small List a Big Reason to Listen
If you only have 25 subscribers, make those 25 feel like they joined something special. That means:
Sending useful tips or strategies they can use right away
Sharing stories that make them feel connected to you
Delivering things they can’t just Google in 10 seconds
Make an Offer Early (Don’t Wait for 1,000)
If you believe your thing helps people, offer it — even if your list is small.
Offer a low-cost product or resource
Invite them to a short call or Q&A
Use their feedback to improve
Example: On LaxPlaybook, I had 73 people on my list. I sent them a $27 mini playbook. 12 bought. That’s 16% — try getting that with 1,000 random names.
Build Relationships, Not Just a List
Email isn’t a billboard. It’s a conversation.
Ask questions in your emails (“What’s your biggest challenge with ___?”)
Reply personally to anyone who responds
Reference past conversations in future emails
The Takeaway You Can Use Today
Stop waiting for a “big enough” list.
Pick one small group you can help.
Send them something useful today.
Offer them something tomorrow.
Repeat.
Your “1,000” will come — but you won’t need it to start winning.
