I’ve known Roberto Blake for almost a decade now. We’ve been in the trenches together—sharing the stage at events like Social Media Marketing World and watching the creator economy evolve.
Recently, I caught up with him at VidSummit, where we discussed a topic that too many YouTube creators are sleeping on: email marketing.
If you’re not familiar with Roberto, let me fill you in. He’s not just a YouTuber with over 500,000 subscribers—he’s a strategist helping creators grow their brands, make money, and scale their businesses. His approach is no fluff, just results. So, if you’re serious about being a content creator, you’ll want to hear what Roberto had to say about the power of combining YouTube with email marketing.
Why YouTube Creators Shouldn’t Sleep on Email Marketing
Let me tell you, Roberto and I have shared some incredible moments over the years. From speaking at Social Media Marketing World to VidSummit, we’ve seen firsthand how creators evolve and adapt. One thing we’ve both noticed? The creators who succeed long-term are those who invest in their audience—not just their content.
In the early days, we were all trying to figure out how to grow on platforms like YouTube, Instagram, and Snapchat. But Roberto and I have always shared the belief that social media is just one piece of the puzzle. It’s great for getting eyeballs, but what happens when you want to deepen that connection? That’s where email marketing comes in.
At VidSummit, Roberto reminded me of a critical point: “Platforms come and go. But the relationship you build with your audience? That’s what sticks.”
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Build for the Long-Term: Start with Passion, Grow with Community
When I asked Roberto what advice he’d give YouTube creators just starting out, he dropped some truth that’s hard to ignore:
“You pick a community you’re passionate about instead of just focusing on a thing. You might lose interest in that ‘thing,’ but if you care about your people, you’ll show up for them—whether you feel like it or not.”
Roberto Blake
Entrepreneur and content creation strategist
This is how Roberto approaches his own content. It’s not just about chasing trends or viral moments. It’s about building a community. And if you do that, you’ll not only grow your audience, you’ll grow as a creator and as a person. That’s where the real wins come from.
Course Creation for YouTube Creators: It’s Not About Convincing Everyone
We also dove into course creation, which is a huge opportunity for creators who want to monetize their knowledge. Roberto’s advice? Don’t try to please everyone.
If you’re a thought leader, find the people who’ve been left behind by what’s already out there. When you build for them, you’re not just selling—you’re solving a problem they’ve had for a long time.
He’s right. And the numbers back it up: 93% of course creators are making money from their online courses, according to The E-Learning Revolution report by GetResponse(CMP Report Social Carou…). This is not a hobby—it’s a business. And creators who find their niche are seeing serious results. The top performers in this space are earning over $10,000 a month.
I’ve seen this firsthand, too. Take for example, a YouTuber I know who began creating courses after seeing her content get buried by algorithm changes. She pivoted to email marketing, built a list of dedicated subscribers, and began offering an exclusive online course. Now, her course income far surpasses what she used to make through ad revenue alone.
The lesson? You don’t need to convince everyone. Focus on your niche and solve real problems for those who need it.
Email Marketing vs. Social Media: Why Creators Need to Own Their Audience
When it comes to long-term success, Roberto’s message is clear: email marketing is non-negotiable.
If you’re not building a community newsletter and an email list, you don’t own your audience. You’re just a digital sharecropper. Social platforms don’t share that relationship with you, and they control access to your audience. Why let that happen?
The truth is, social media is rented land. The algorithms decide how many people see your content. But with email marketing? You control the relationship. Email open rates hit 32.21%, and personalized emails see 2.44% click-through rates—numbers that social media can’t touch(Gary Vaynerchuk on Why …)(CMP Report Social Carou…).
Email marketing is how you ensure that you have access to your audience—on your terms. For creators, this is critical. Social platforms might boost your visibility, but email builds trust, loyalty, and ultimately revenue.
How Email Marketing Helps Monetize YouTube Channels
Roberto’s strategy is simple and effective: use YouTube for exposure, and email for retention. He explained that the best way to leverage YouTube is to drive viewers to your email list by offering something valuable—like behind-the-scenes content or exclusive offers.
YouTube is fantastic for reach, but email is where you build relationships that last.
The top creators are mastering this strategy. By funneling their YouTube audience into email, they can nurture those relationships and build a business beyond just video views. It’s a system that turns casual viewers into long-term supporters.
Real Results: How Email Marketing Drives Revenue for Creators
The numbers tell a clear story. According to The E-Learning Revolution report, 90% of creators develop multiple courses (CMP Report Social Carou…). Once you’ve built an audience that trusts you, the opportunities are endless. These creators aren’t just making one-off sales—they’re building scalable, repeatable systems that generate consistent income.
For instance, many course creators are earning over $10,000 per month, with a significant portion bringing in between $1,001 and $5,000 monthly(CMP Report Social Carou…). That’s the power of combining engaging content with an email marketing strategy that drives results.
Quick Action Steps for YouTube Creators
Here’s what Roberto and I agree on—if you want to win in this game, here’s what you need to do:
- Build a Community: Focus on the people, not just the thing. Passion for your audience will take you further than chasing trends.
- Create Courses That Fill a Gap: Solve real problems for real people. You don’t need to convince everyone—just the right ones.
- Own Your Audience: Stop depending on social platforms. Build your email list and take control of your business.
- Use YouTube for Reach, Email for Relationships: YouTube will get you seen, but email will keep your audience engaged—and buying.
Final Thoughts: Own Your Future as a Creator
The creator economy is booming, but it’s fragile. Platforms change, algorithms shift, but email marketing is the foundation you can rely on. The stats are clear: 93% of creators are generating income from their online courses, and many are making over $10,000 a month(CMP Report Social Carou…). If you’re serious about being a creator, you need to build something you own.
So what are you waiting for? Start building your email list now. GetResponse has the tools to help you turn your audience into a community and your content into income. Let’s make it happen.