I’ve heard for years that I should be using email marketing in my business, but to be honest, I hated every minute of it. Platforms felt complicated, and as I added more people to my list, they just became more expensive. Not to mention how to even get people on the list in the first place! Even though I knew I *should* be using email marketing, it was always the last thing on my list and I just ended up avoiding it entirely.

When Flodesk came on the market a few years ago, everything changed. Not only could you send beautiful emails, but the platform was so easy to use! I’m huge on user experience – if I don’t like logging in and using a software, I just won’t do it. But I love logging in to Flodesk. It’s super simple to use, and you can actually create beautiful emails that catch your audiences’ attention in their inbox.

Launch Your List Easily

My favorite thing about Flodesk is how easy they make it to start and grow an email list. As an educator for photographers, I see so many photographers spending weeks perfecting perfect email opt-ins. I’ve been there! Of course we want something we’re proud to share–but in the process we end up wasting so much time on something that may not even work.

With Flodesk, you can use their Forms feature to build an email list starting now. No need to create a cute opt-in in Canva. Create a form, and start sending people there to build your waitlist, get a discount, or join your newsletter.

Building a Waitlist with Flodesk

My favorite way to use forms to build my email list is with a waitlist. Every year, I shoot headshot and brand photography mini sessions. I only offer these once or twice a year, and my goal is to sell out a full day of mini sessions. I do this by building my waitlist throughout the year.

I create a form in Flodesk (they have amazing templates that I can update with my own branding), and then share to social media or with current clients.

Building a waitlist is a gold mine for your photography business because these are people who have said, Yes, I want to work with you! Then, when I release mini sessions, I open to the waitlist first. My goal is to fill half the spots with people from my waitlist. By the time I post to social media, I can create true urgency because half the spots are gone–which makes it easier for me to sell them!

Promote your List with Link in Bio

Flodesk is constantly releasing new features, and one of the latest is Link in Bio. You can create a Link in Bio form that includes information about you and links to your form, making it easy for you to grow your list without even needing to talk about it. Update your Instagram bio to include a call to action, and include the Flodesk Link in Bio form link in your bio. Now when people visit your profile, they’ll be able to see how they can work with you and take the next step.

Dynamic Forms

One of the features I’m excited to try are Spinner forms and Video forms. Let’s break these down. First, Spinner forms allow you to include a spinning prize wheel that allows users to win an offer or coupon. I could see this being a great way to get more newsletter sign ups for my photography studio–offering a certain percentage off their next rental.

Next, Video forms allow you to embed a YouTube or Vimeo video directly on the opt-in form. I’m planning to do this for my next Rebrand launch (brand photographers–get ready!) to add some personalization and encourage photographers to sign up for the waitlist.

Start an Email List TODAY

I recommend Flodesk to all of my clients because not only is it beautiful and easy to use, they also have a flat rate. Most email softwares charge you more as you grow your list (literally penalizing you for growing!), but Flodesk has a flat rate that doesn’t change.

If you want to get started with Flodesk, you can create an account for 50% off your first year, or use my code, MADDIEPESCHONG.