AI Email Marketing: How I Grew a 10k Subscriber List in 30 Days (Without Spamming)

AI Email Marketing: How I Grew a 10k Subscriber List in 30 Days (Without Spamming)

Introduction

"I used to think email marketing meant blasting ‘BUY NOW!’ messages into the void. My open rate? A sad 8%. My unsubscribe rate? Let’s just say my mom finally stopped asking, ‘Why am I getting your emails?’  

Then I discovered AI tools that write personalized emails, predict the best send times, and even turn strangers into subscribers. Today, I’ll show you how I grew a 10,000-subscriber list in 30 days—without sounding like a robot or spamming. Grab your inbox; it’s about to get fun."

Body

The Cold Outreach Disaster That Changed Everything

- My Fail: Sent 1,000 generic emails → 3 replies, 2 unsubscribes, and 1 angry GIF.  

- AI Fix: Used ChatGPT to rewrite my script with hyper-personalization.  

- Result: 50% open rate, 20% reply rate. 

Step 1: How I Built a Laser-Targeted List with AI 

(Tools: Apollo.io + Warmer.ai)

- Process:  

  1. Apollo.io: Scraped LinkedIn for ideal customers (e.g., “pet bloggers with 1k+ followers”).  

  2. Warmer.ai: Personalized connection requests:  

     “Hi [Name], Loved your post on golden retriever training! My corgi mix could use your tips 😅”

  3. Lead Magnet: Offered a free AI-generated pet art template in exchange for emails.  

- Conversion: 1,200 subscribers in Week 1.  

Step 2: Writing Emails That Don’t Sound Like a Robot 

(Tools: ChatGPT + Lavender) 

- My AI Workflow:  

  1. ChatGPT Prompt:  

     “Write a welcome email for pet bloggers. Sound excited, mention their recent post, and tease a freebie.” 

  2. Lavender.ai: Analyzed draft for “robotic” phrases and suggested edits:  

     - Original: “We’re thrilled to have you.”  

     - Revised: “Your corgi meme had me snort-laughing—welcome to the pack!”  

  3. A/B Tested: AI-generated subject lines vs. human-written → AI won by 25%. 

Step 3: The “Set-and-Forget” AI Drip Campaign 

(Tools: ConvertKit + Optimove)

- Strategy:  

  1. ConvertKit AI: Automated email sequences based on subscriber behavior.  

     - Example: If they download AI pet art templates, send a follow-up:  

       “Need help customizing? Here’s a video tutorial (featuring my dog’s bloopers 🐾).” 

  2. Optimove: Used AI to predict best send times for each subscriber.  

  3. Result: 40% click-through rate on nurture sequences.  

Step 4: Turning Subscribers into Raving Fans (Ethically!) 

(AI-Powered Engagement Hacks)

1. AI-Generated Surveys:  

   - Used Typeform AI to ask: “What’s your #1 pet art struggle? (My answer: Drawing paws that don’t look like potatoes 🥔)”  

   - 80% reply rate → Tailored content to their pain points.  

2. Birthday Surprises:  

   - Zapier + ChatGPT: Auto-send personalized birthday emails with AI-generated pet poems.  

   - Example: “Roses are red, your cat’s judging you… Here’s 50% off art they’ll (maybe) approve!

Conclusion 

(Encouraging + Transparent)

Growing an email list with AI isn’t about replacing humanity—it’s about scaling your authenticity. Start small: Personalize 10 cold emails, test one AI tool, and watch your tribe grow.  

Challenge: Use ChatGPT to rewrite one boring email today. Share it in the comments—I’ll help you spice it up!"  

Next Post

Coming Up: “AI Ads on Steroids: How I Scaled to $50k/Month with ChatGPT-Generated Video Scripts”