When I joined GetResponse as Content Partnerships Manager, I had no idea how much my time here would shape not only my career but also my personal journey.
Over the years, I learned the art and science of marketing – how to build meaningful connections with audiences, nurture them with personalized communication, and turn curiosity into conversions.
What I didn’t expect was how these skills would one day help me launch a business of my own.
The story behind Csillagkönyv
Today, as I write my final article for GetResponse, I want to share the story of Csillagkönyv, the personalized astrology book business I co-founded with my partner. Our story is a testament to the power of applying the right marketing tools and strategies, many of which I learned during my time at GetResponse.
When we first started Csillagkönyv, it was nothing more than a side project. My partner and I were passionate about astrology, and we wanted to create something that would resonate with people on a deeply personal level.
The idea was simple but ambitious: personalized astrology books that would go beyond generic horoscopes to provide meaningful insights through natal chart analysis. Each book would be handmade, emphasizing sustainability and a human touch. But turning that vision into reality was no small feat.
Building awareness: Our first challenge
The first hurdle was building awareness. We knew we needed to educate people about what made our books unique. Most of our target audience had no idea how personalized natal charts were different from the cookie-cutter horoscopes they’d seen before.
We decided to start by creating a free natal chart calculator on our website. This was a pivotal moment. Visitors could enter their birth details and receive a basic astrological reading via email. It wasn’t just a gimmick; it was a way to offer real value while showing people what they could expect from the full book.
It worked better than we ever anticipated. About 10% of website visitors signed up for our emails through this tool, and that gave us the foundation to build something bigger.
Nurturing relationships through email
Of course, getting people to subscribe was just the beginning. From there, we needed to nurture those relationships. This is where my experience with GetResponse really came into play. We designed a welcome sequence that introduced subscribers to the concept of natal charts, explaining what they were and why they mattered. But we didn’t stop at education. We wanted every email to feel like a conversation, a way to build trust and excitement about our books.
Those automated emails became the backbone of our strategy, gently guiding people from curiosity to purchase. We used tools like segmentation to send more personalized messages and Perfect Timing to ensure our emails landed in inboxes when people were most likely to read them.
Converting subscribers into customers
One of the challenges we hadn’t anticipated was how many people would start the buying process but leave without completing it. Abandoned carts were a frustrating problem, but we tackled it head-on with a series of automated reminders. These emails were friendly, not pushy, gently nudging people to return to their carts. Sometimes all it took was a reminder to make someone realize they really did want that book. It’s incredible how something as simple as an abandoned cart email can make such a big difference.
We also paid close attention to our most engaged subscribers—those who opened every email, clicked on every link, and shared their excitement about Csillagkönyv with their friends. To reward their loyalty, we created special offers and personalized messages. This wasn’t just about driving sales; it was about showing our appreciation and building a deeper connection with our audience.
Results that surpassed expectations
Looking back now, it’s hard to believe how far we’ve come.
In just one year, we:
- Built a community of over 20,000 subscribers
- Generated more than €150,000 in revenue,
- And sold over 6,000 books
What started as a side project grew into something that felt bigger than us. We even expanded beyond Hungary, launching localized versions of our website in Romania and Poland.
Each step of the way, we kept asking ourselves how we could stay true to our values while continuing to grow. It wasn’t always easy, but it was always worth it.
Best practices for online stores
For anyone looking to replicate our success, here are some of the most important practices that worked for us:
- Start with value: A lead magnet like our natal chart calculator gave people a reason to engage with us. Offering something valuable for free is one of the best ways to build trust and grow your audience.
- Focus on personalization: Generic messages don’t work. Tailoring your communication to your audience’s needs and interests creates a much stronger connection.
- Use automation wisely: Tools like welcome sequences, cart recovery emails, and personalized promotions don’t just save time— they enhance the customer experience.
- Reward engagement: Loyal customers are your biggest advocates. Recognize their value with special offers and personalized attention.
- Educate your audience: If your product requires explanation, take the time to educate your audience. Knowledge builds trust and makes it easier for people to see the value in what you’re offering.
Closing thoughts
Through this journey, I’ve learned a few lessons that I’ll carry with me wherever I go.
First, personalization isn’t just a buzzword; it’s the key to building genuine relationships with your audience. People want to feel seen and understood, and when you can offer that, you’re not just selling a product—you’re creating an experience.
Second, lead magnets are incredibly powerful when they’re done right. Giving people a taste of what you have to offer can be the first step in building trust and loyalty.
And finally, automation is a game-changer. It’s not just about saving time; it’s about creating a seamless, engaging experience for your customers.
As I wrap up this chapter of my life, I can’t help but feel grateful for everything I’ve learned at GetResponse.
The tools and strategies I discovered here didn’t just help me succeed professionally; they gave me the confidence to turn a dream into a reality.
To my colleagues, clients, and everyone in the GetResponse community, thank you for being part of this journey. Csillagkönyv’s success is proof that with the right tools, creativity, and determination, even the smallest ideas can grow into something extraordinary.
So here’s to new beginnings — and to the power of GetResponse.