How to build your email list legally (S5E169)

How to build your email list legally (S5E169)

Author: Autumn Witt Boyd | Go-To Lawyer for Online Entrepreneurs December 14, 2020 Duration: 30:12

If you've been in business for any amount of time, you've probably heard about (or seen firsthand) the value in building your email list.

No matter how large a following you may build on a social media platform, that following isn't owned by you - it's owned by the platform, and they can change who sees your content on a dime. 

But an email list? That's all yours! And it can be a great way to get to know your audience and them, you.

But with all the talk about Privacy Policies, GDPR, cookies, and more, how are you supposed to build your list and stay out of legal trouble?

In this episode, we'll cover:

  • Why email lists have become increasingly valuable in online business
  • Who has to comply with the EU's GDPR privacy regulations
  • What you need to know about cookies on your website
  • Why you shouldn't make promises, especially about earnings or weight loss, in your list building freebies or opt-ins
  • Whether or not you need to include an affiliate disclaimer if you're promoting someone else's list building challenge

BONUS: If you're starting something new, or this episode has spotlighted areas of your business that have you worried, now is a great time to make sure your business is in good shape legally. Download our free legal checklist to make sure your business has a strong legal foundation at https://www.awbfirm.com/podcast169!

Resources mentioned in this episode:

AWB Firm 5 day Prep to Scale™ challenge:  https://awbfirm.com/challenge

Prep to Scale™ FastTrack:  https://awbfirm.com/fast-track

Jasmine Star's free Instagram challenge:  https://jasminestar.com/join-my-free-instagram-challenge/

Ask by Ryan Levesque:  https://askmethod.com

AWB Coaching quiz:  https://awbfirm.com/coaching-quiz

Amy Porterfield's list building challenge:  https://www.amyporterfield.com/growmylist

Corinne Crabtree's free weightloss course: https://pnp411.com

Privacy Policy contract template:  https://awbfirm.com/collections/all/products/website-privacy-policy-for-u-s-businesses-gdpr-compliant

GDPR guide: https://awbfirm.com/gdpr

Legal Road Map®  podcast episodes about GDPR:

Legal Road Map® podcast episode 164:  https://awbfirm.com/podcast164

This podcast is information, not legal advice specific to your situation.


Navigating the legal landscape of an online business often feels like deciphering a foreign language. Legal Road Map®: copyright, trademark and business law info for online entrepreneurs translates that complex language into actionable advice you can use right away. Hosted by Autumn Witt Boyd, a practicing attorney who focuses specifically on creative and digital businesses, this podcast serves as a reliable guide through the common yet confusing legal questions entrepreneurs face daily. Each episode tackles practical topics, from the essential contracts you need to protect your work and client relationships to understanding the real purpose behind website policies like terms of service and privacy notices. You’ll hear clear explanations on how copyright and trademark law applies to your original content, branding, and products, helping you secure your intellectual property without unnecessary jargon. Think of it as a regular consultation with a trusted expert, designed to demystify the law so you can make informed decisions and focus on growing your venture with greater confidence and security. Tune in for straightforward conversations that replace legal anxiety with a practical plan, making this podcast an invaluable resource for any entrepreneur building a business in the digital space.
Author: Language: English Episodes: 100

Legal Road Map®: copyright, trademark and business law info for online entrepreneurs
Podcast Episodes
How to safeguard your online course (S5E159) [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 25:57
Online courses are quickly becoming one of the most popular points of entry to the online world. They can cover nearly any topic and the online format makes them accessible to a broader audience. Online courses can be a…
Growing your membership site with Britt Seva (S5E156) [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 35:20
Losing sleep worrying over your business is no fun. But Britt Seva, founder of Thrivers Society, found herself in that exact situation before she decided to take care of the legal blindspots in her business. Learn how Br…
What's the real cost of your membership site? (S5E155) [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 38:02
Membership sites and online communities are some of the most popular business models in the online world. They allow your business (and consistent revenue) to grow quickly and reach more people without necessarily adding…
How your interior design business can cost you BIG (S5E153) [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 38:29
To an outsider, interior design or decorating can seem like a fun and easy gig. You pick paint colors, recommend a few pieces of furniture, top your vision off with a few accessories. Done! But actually, interior design…
Scaling in copywriting with Ashlyn Carter (S5E152) [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 41:23
Copywriting can be intimidating to a lot of online business owners. It seems like an elusive yet necessary skill to running your business successfully and increasing sales. But copywriting genius Ashlyn Carter joined us…
Can your words get you sued? (Copywriters - must listen!) (S5E151) [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 31:47
The words you write help business owners sell their products or services like hotcakes. Word of mouth is starting to do its thing and you've got a waitlist of people dying to have you write copy for their emails, sales p…