Featured Expert: Janice Dugas on How to Keep Your Subscribers Engaged

This article was written by Janice Dugas, an Authority and Visibility Growth Educator who empowers entrepreneurs and creators to grow their online presence with strategy, authenticity, and heart. 

In this guest article, Janice discusses How to Keep Your Subscribers Engaged (and Coming Back for More) that not only attracts subscribers but builds lasting trust and connection. Her advice is practical, timely, and packed with golden nuggets to help you grow your list with intention. Enjoy the article, and don’t forget to connect with Janice and say hello!

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Beyond the Lead Magnet: How to Keep Your Subscribers Engaged (and Coming Back for More)

You’ve created a lead magnet. It’s polished, purposeful, and thanks to Lorene’s expert guidance it’s doing its job. The opt-ins are rolling in. Your email list is growing.

But then… crickets. Sound familiar?

The truth is, a great lead magnet is only the beginning of the journey. What happens after someone downloads your freebie is just as important if not more than what led them to it. As someone who lives and breathes visibility strategy, I’m here to walk you through what to do next, so that your list doesn’t just grow, it glows.

Your Lead Magnet is the Start, Not the Strategy
A lead magnet is like a handshake at a networking event. It’s how you say, “Hey, nice to meet you! I’ve got something you’ll love.” But once they’re on your list, the real question becomes:

How will you build trust from here?
If the only thing your new subscriber hears from you is radio silence, or worse, the occasional promo blast, they’re unlikely to stay long. You need a simple but strategic follow-up plan that nurtures the relationship.

Email is Not Dead – It’s Your Quiet Power Tool
In an age of ever-changing algorithms, email remains one of the most stable and reliable ways to stay in touch with your audience. Think of it this way:

Social media is the handshake. Email is the coffee chat.
It’s where people give you permission to show up in their inbox, and that’s a big deal. When someone trusts you enough to share their email, you’re no longer a stranger. You’re someone they’re willing to hear from, so make it count.

What to Send After the Download
Here’s where so many entrepreneurs drop the ball. They focus so much on creating the freebie, they forget about the welcome. Think of your next 3-5 emails as a digital welcome mat.

Start with:
 A personal welcome message: share your story, your mission, and why you care.
 A reminder of the value you just gave them.
 Bonus tips or a follow-up resource to reinforce that value.
 An invitation to connect further: on your blog, in a paid product, or on social.

The goal? Make them feel like they’ve found a trusted guide.

Visibility Loops: How to Stay Top of Mind (Without Being Overwhelming)

Content is queen. But consistency is her crown.

Don’t worry, this doesn’t mean you need to email daily. A biweekly or weekly rhythm, even a monthly one, works beautifully when done with intention. The key is:
 Deliver value (tips, insights, encouragement)
 Share behind-the-scenes moments or stories
 Invite replies or feedback
 Occasionally highlight offers

What you want is a loop: they read, they trust, they engage.

And don’t forget, your blog posts, collaborations, podcast episodes, freebies, and even social stories can feed right into your emails. Everything works together to reinforce your message.

The Relationship Doesn’t End at the Opt-In

It starts there. Your lead magnet is like giving someone a seat at your table.

What matters next is how you host the conversation. And you don’t need to be perfect you just need to be present. Keep showing up. Keep offering value. Keep making the connection. You’ll not only build a list, you’ll build a community.

Keep the Momentum: Why Sending Emails Regularly Matters

Once someone joins your list, don’t let them forget why they signed up.

A common fear among creators is that sending too many emails will push people to unsubscribe. But the opposite is often true: when you email consistently with value, your audience begins to look forward to hearing from you.

Here’s why regular emails matter:
 You establish your reputation. A predictable rhythm builds trust. Whether you’re sending quick tips, blog updates, promotional offers, or behind-the-scenes insights, the more types of emails you send, the more your audience comes to see you as a reliable presence.

 You make more sales. Relevancy and timing are everything. By staying in touch, you’ll be top of mind when someone is ready to invest, and you’ll have the credibility to back it up.

 You stay on their radar. Launching a new offer? Hosting a webinar? Supporting a cause? Share it! Every interaction is an opportunity to remind people that you’re active, present, and aligned with their interests.

 Your subscribers want to hear from you. Yes, really! When you share content that educates, informs, and sparks reflection, your audience feels a deeper connection to you and your brand.

 It deepens connection. Picture one real person on your list and write to them. Ask questions. Mention something personal. The more your emails feel like conversations, the more loyalty you’ll create.

 It positions you as a guide. Educating through email, offering solutions, insights, and encouragement, is one of the fastest ways to show that you understand their pain points and have the tools to help.

Emailing regularly is not about showing up just for the sake of it, it’s about serving with purpose.

Each message should deliver something useful, thoughtful, or inspiring. When you treat your emails as an extension of your brand’s voice and values, your subscribers will welcome them.

To Your Growing Community!
Janice Dugas | janicedugas.com/en/blog
P.S. If these insights inspired you and gave you concrete ideas to grow your business, I’d love to connect with you!
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Janice Dugas is an Authority and Visibility Growth Educator who empowers entrepreneurs and creators to grow their online presence with strategy, authenticity, and heart. As part of her mission to foster collaborative growth, she’s thrilled to share her voice on Lorene’s platform.
Download her free guide, “Boost Your Digital Presence: 11 Steps to Increase Your Online Visibility,” at janiceloves.com/MyNewsletter  and connect with her on social media via linktr.ee/janicedugas.