Unlike social media, where algorithms and platform changes control your reach, an email list is a durable asset you own. This provides stability and a direct line of communication, insulating your business from platform volatility and ensuring you can always reach your audience.

Comedians struggle to build email lists because they lack a compelling incentive. Punch Up provides this "carrot" by gating exclusive video content. This mimics the e-commerce strategy of offering a discount for an email, effectively trading content for direct audience access.

Instead of traditional newsletter cross-promotions, Alex Garcia initiated 'newsletter-to-video' swaps. He promoted a creator's YouTube channel in his newsletter in exchange for them promoting his newsletter in one of their videos, tapping into a different and highly engaged audience format.

Punch Up first provided a tool for email collection, offering immediate, low-risk utility to comedians. This attracted creators without an existing audience. The network was built only after this utility was established, proving the 'come for the tools, stay for the network' strategy.

Unlike standard posts that are subject to algorithmic reach, a LinkedIn newsletter sends an email directly to every subscriber's inbox. This provides a powerful, free distribution channel with nearly 100% deliverability, allowing marketers to guarantee their content is seen by their most engaged followers on the platform.

Social media algorithms are fickle and AI summaries are reducing referral traffic from search. Email newsletters are thriving because they provide a direct, reliable communication channel where creators truly own their audience and distribution, hedging against unpredictable platforms.

YouTube's Community Tab now allows subscriber posts, but getting initial engagement is difficult. The new direct linking feature lets creators drive traffic from external platforms like email or social media to specific posts, effectively kickstarting conversation and overcoming audience inertia.

Unlike social media platforms which function as 'rented space,' an email list is a direct, ownable line of communication with your audience. It's a core business asset that provides stability and control, immune to algorithm changes or platform shutdowns, making it more valuable than any social following.

Leveraging his existing authority on LinkedIn, Tom Alder promoted his yet-to-be-released newsletter and built a 5,000-person waitlist. This strategy capitalized on the excitement of a launch, converting his social media following into an email audience before writing a single issue.