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Aloha Flow Riders, If you're still telling people to "like, subscribe, and hit the bell," we need to talk. This week, Paul Gowder (the mastermind behind Powwows.com with a community so massive it hits 8-10 million viewers on a single live stream) dropped by to challenge us to rethink how creators should think about email. Here's the reality: Your email list should exist before your first episode even goes live. Email Isn't Secondary, It's Your FoundationHere's what most creators get wrong: They build an audience on YouTube, Instagram, or their podcast platform, and then think about email. But Paul's approach? Completely backwards—in the best way. Why Email Should Be Your First Move
"I would build out the email first before I even posted my first video because you want that first call to action in your first video to be to get them to the list." - Paul Gowder Think about it: Your second video could go viral. A million people could watch it. But if you don't have a way to capture those viewers beyond the algorithm's whims, they're gone. Email is different. You own the relationship. Stop giving your audience a laundry list:
Start doing this instead:
That's it. One clear action. One owned platform. One relationship you control. Use Ecamm to Make It VisualHere's where Ecamm becomes your secret weapon: Overlays. While you're streaming or recording, use Ecamm's overlay features to display your email signup link prominently on screen. Create a clean, simple graphic with your URL that sits in the lower third throughout your show. When you mention your CTA verbally, trigger an animated overlay that takes over the screen for emphasis.
Pro tip from Doc: Set up hotkeys for different CTA overlays so you can instantly display your email signup whenever the conversation naturally leads there. Make it impossible to miss. Step 1: Set Up Your Email Platform Right NowDon't overthink the tool. Paul uses Kit (formerly ConvertKit), and for good reason—it's built for creators. Start with their free plan (up to 10,000 subscribers) and grow from there. Step 2: Create One Simple Landing PageYou don't need a fancy PDF or a complicated lead magnet. Just:
Example from Paul: "Hey, are you new to powwows? You ever wanted to go to one? Go to powwows.com/powwow101. I'll send you a free series of emails that'll tell you all the do's and don'ts, where to find them, and how to go and be educated when you get there." That's it. Simple. Clear. Valuable. Step 3: Design Your Ecamm CTA OverlayBefore your next stream:
Step 4: Write Your First Welcome EmailDon't wait for perfection. Paul's advice: "Just click send." Keep it human:
This newsletter barely scratches the surface. In the full episode, Paul and the team also cover:
Plus Katie discovers she's been doing it wrong and Paul shares how he built sequences around content pillars that drive millions of views.
The Bottom Line: Stop waiting for the "right time" to start your email list. If you're reading this and you don't have an email signup link yet, that's your assignment. Not next week. Not after you hit 1,000 subscribers. Today. Because when your content goes viral—and it will—you'll want to own that relationship. Mahalo, Doc, Katie & The Flow Team P.S. - Want to experience something amazing? Paul's main mission is sharing Native American culture through powwows. These events are open to the public, happen in all 50 states, and are an incredible cultural immersion. Learn how to attend one near you at powwows.com/powwow101 🪶 |