THE EMAIL GROWTH SHOW EPISODE 166
January is such an exciting time, full of potential, and today we’re going to talk all about how you can set yourself up for the most successful start to the year with your dream launch. This episode is especially for you if you’re wondering, “What should I be doing now so I don’t feel rushed later?” You are my people.
Now, launching in January is a golden opportunity. People are motivated, they’re setting new goals, and they’re eager to invest in things that’ll make 2025 their best year yet. But the magic doesn’t just happen in January – it actually starts now. Today, we’re going to dive into a simple, actionable roadmap you can use in December to make sure that your January launch feels fun, simple and delivers amazing results for you!
So if you’re ready to take advantage of that new-year energy, keep listening. By the end of this episode, you’ll have a clear plan to start building excitement, refining your messaging, organising your timeline, and tapping into your audience’s mindset as they head into 2025. Enjoy these January launch tips!
Let’s dive in!
First – Why Prep Now For A January Launch?
Let’s kick things off by talking about why preparing for January NOW is so important. January launches are special because they align with that fresh-start energy. Your audience is setting goals, they’re excited about what’s possible, and they’re looking for solutions to start the year off strong.
If you’re able to position yourself as the solution they need, it can be incredibly powerful.
But here’s the catch – if you wait until after the holidays to start planning, you’ll be scrambling. December is actually the perfect time to start preparing behind the scenes while keeping your audience warm and engaged. Think about it like this: instead of trying to figure everything out during those first weeks of January, you can go into the new year feeling confident and ready because you’ve done the groundwork. You’re ready to go.
And let’s be real – December is already a busy month (it’s especially busy for me with not only Christmas but both the boys birthdays and recovering from Black Friday), so pacing yourself with small, manageable steps now is going to save you a lot of stress later.
Prepping ahead isn’t about doing more; it’s about doing things in a way that feels organized and aligned. So let’s break down those steps, shall we?
January Launch Tip 1 – Warm Up Your Audience Early
Step one is all about getting your audience warm and engaged early.
In December, everyone’s attention is pulled in a million different directions, so we don’t want to bombard them with “salesy” content. Instead, think about sharing content that helps them get ready for 2025. Maybe you send a series of emails or posts on goal-setting, planning, or anything that’ll be valuable as they look toward the new year.
The key here is subtlety.
You’re not saying, “Get ready for my January launch!” Instead, you’re showing up with content that keeps you top of mind in a helpful, supportive way. For instance, if you’re launching a coaching program, think about content that helps them start visualising their 2025 business goals. Share a story or lesson that naturally connects to the type of support you’ll be offering in January.
And remember, this content should feel conversational. It’s the season of giving, so think about how you can give them value without any strings attached. By the time January arrives, they’ll already feel connected to you and your message, making them more receptive to your offer. If you want to think about what kind of content you can include here, I interviewed the incredible pre-launch queen Brenna Mcgowan a few episodes ago, on episode 156, where she gave examples of different ways to connect with your audience during the pre-launch. Certainly worth a listen! The link is in the show notes.
January Launch Tip 2 – Refine Your Messaging
Next up, we have step two – refining your messaging.
Messaging is such a crucial part of a successful launch, and it’s something you can start working on well before January. Think about the transformation your audience wants to see, and how you can position your offer as the answer to that desire.
This is where clarity is key. Take some time to get specific about what makes your offer unique and why it’s exactly what they need in the new year.
For example, if your program is about helping people streamline their business, consider how you can frame it as a “fresh start” for the new year – and don’t be afraid to test different messages! December is a great time to experiment with email subject lines or social media posts to see what resonates most with your audience. Or dive into some market research to see how they talk about their challenges or the problem you want to solve for them. The language you use is so important when it comes to your message as it will determine whether you ideal clients resonate with it and feel like you’re speaking directly to them – or they don’t connect with it at all and therefore, don’t think it’s what they need. Don’t skip this step.
A pro tip: make a list of phrases or testimonials that capture the impact of your program. These are gold for your launch copy, and getting them ready ahead of time will make the process so much easier. I personally have a google drive folder full of the testimonials and screenshots that I receive for all my offers so that not only can I look at them when I’m having a shitty day but it also helps me tweak and improve my own offer messaging (not to mention including them on sales pages or checkouts for social proof!)
January Launch Tip 3 – Build a Pre-Launch Waitlist
Step three is building a pre-launch waitlist or targeted lead magnet. This doesn’t need to be complex, but having something that starts building excitement and collects leads is a game-changer. Think of it as an easy way to gauge interest and build anticipation.
If you’re planning to launch a course, consider creating a simple freebie that ties into the course content, like a checklist or mini-training.
And don’t just keep it to your existing list! Promote this waitlist or lead magnet on social media, share it in groups, and even consider collaborating with others who have complementary audiences. The goal is to start getting people excited about what’s coming in January.
This way, when launch time rolls around, you’re not selling to a “cold” audience – you’re launching to people who’ve already shown interest and are primed for your offer.
January Launch Tip 4 – Organise with a Timeline and Checklist
Now let’s get into the nuts and bolts with step four: creating a timeline and checklist.
This step might sound tedious, but it’s actually one of the most powerful things you can do to make sure your January launch goes smoothly. Break down each part of your launch – from your email sequence to your content or for those using social, your social media posts – and assign deadlines.
Consider mapping out weekly tasks leading up to the launch. Break it down to make it simple. Maybe week one is about finishing up your lead magnet, week two is building out your email sequence, and so on.
This will help you stay on track without feeling overwhelmed, and it ensures that nothing is left to the last minute. And by organising early, you’ll have more mental energy to focus on showing up and being fully present during the launch itself.
January Launch Tip 5 – Tap into the January Mindset
Finally, step five is all about tapping into the January mindset. January is unique because people are both motivated to invest in their growth but also cautious about spending after the holidays. This means that your messaging should balance both excitement and empathy.
Show them why your offer is a valuable investment that’ll set them up for success throughout the year.
Consider offering a payment plan or a special bonus for January sign-ups. And remember to keep emphasising the transformation – what will their life or business look like after working with you? Who do they get to become? Use real examples if possible, because specificity is what helps people visualise the result they’ll achieve. Your goal here is to position yourself as their trusted guide into the new year. You’re not just another online course or coaching program – you’re THE person who’s going to help them make their resolutions a reality (and please, for the love of all things good in this world, make sure it is the TRUTH. We don’t do BS marketing around here!)
So there you have it – the five steps to make sure your January launch is set up for success. We’ve covered a lot today, from warming up your audience and refining your messaging to organising your launch timeline and connecting with that fresh January mindset. If you start these steps now, you’re going to feel way more confident and prepared come January!
One last reminder, remember launching isn’t just about what you do during launch week. It’s about the foundation you lay beforehand. If you put in the time now to show up with value, clarity, and organisation, you’ll see the payoff… and don’t forget to go and listen episode 156 – Reducing Launch Stress With An Effective Pre-Launch Strategy with Brenna Mcgowan – this will also be so helpful for you now!
And if you’re ready to really dive into these strategies and grow your email list faster, grab my free Your Next 1000 Subscribers – Ultimate Collaborations Guide. It’s packed with actionable steps to get started with collaborations right away – click here to grab it today!
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Full Transcript:
Kylie Kelly [00:00:00]:
Your goal here is to position yourself as their trusted guide into the New Year. You’re not just another online course or coaching program, you’re the person who’s going to help them make their resolutions a reality. Ready for your January launch tips! Are you a female business owner frustrated with battling the algorithm and looking for growth strategies that don’t involve awkwardly pointing or dancing online or throwing cash at paid ads? Welcome to The Email Growth Show. I’m your host, Kylie Kelly, visibility and email marketing strategist. I grew my email list from 0 to almost 10,000 subscribers in less than 2 years, and the same is possible for you too. Are you ready to build your email list and start making more money in your online business? Let’s head into today’s episode. Hey, hey. Welcome back to the email Growth Show.
Kylie Kelly [00:00:52]:
If you’re here, you’re likely someone who’s ready to see real results from your efforts. And maybe you’ve been dreaming about starting the new year with a big launch. January is such an exciting time. It’s full of potential. And today, we’re gonna talk about how you can set yourself up for the most successful start to the year with your dream launch – with these January launch tips. This episode is especially for you if you’re wondering, what should I be doing now so I don’t feel rushed later? If you’re thinking that, you are my people. I hate feeling rushed as well. Now launching in January is a golden opportunity.
Kylie Kelly [00:01:28]:
People are motivated, they’re setting new goals and they’re eager to invest in things that’s gonna make 2025 their best year yet. But the magic doesn’t just happen in January. It actually starts now. Today, we’re going to dive into a simple actionable roadmap that you can use in December to make sure that your January launch feels fun, simple, and delivers amazing results for you. So if you’re ready to take advantage of that New Year energy, keep listening. By the end of this episode, you’ll have a clear plan to start building excitement, refining your messaging, organizing your timeline, and tapping into your audience’s mindset as they head into the new year. So grab a pen and paper, a hot cup of coffee and let’s dive in. Here’s your January launch tips! 1st, why prep now for a January launch? Let’s kick things off by talking about why preparing for January now is just so important.
Kylie Kelly [00:02:23]:
January launches are special because they align with that fresh start energy. Your audience is setting goals, they’re excited about what’s possible, and they’re looking for solutions to start the year off strong. If you are able to position yourself as a solution that they need, it can be incredibly powerful. But here’s the catch. If you wait until after the holidays to start planning, you’re gonna be scrambling. December is actually the perfect time to start preparing behind the scenes while keeping your audience warm and engaged. Think about it like this. Instead of trying to figure everything out during those 1st weeks of January, you can go into the new year feeling confident and ready because you’ve done the groundwork.
Kylie Kelly [00:03:03]:
You’re ready to go. And let’s be real. December is already a busy month. It’s especially busy for me with not only Christmas but both the boys’ birthdays and I’m recovering also from Black Friday. So pacing yourself with small manageable steps now is going to save you a lot of stress later. Prepping ahead isn’t about doing more. It’s about doing things in a way that feels organized and aligned. So let’s break down those steps.
Kylie Kelly [00:03:28]:
Shall we? 1st, step number 1. Warm up your audience early. Step 1 is all about getting your audience warm and engaged early. In December, everyone’s attention is pulled in a 1000000 different directions so we don’t want to bombard them with salesy content. Instead, think about sharing content that helps them get ready for 2025. Maybe you send a series of emails or posts on goal setting, on planning or anything that will be valuable as they look towards the new year. The key here is subtlety. You’re not saying get ready for my January launch.
Kylie Kelly [00:04:02]:
Instead, you’re showing up with content that keeps you top of mind in a helpful, supportive way. For instance, if you’re launching a coaching program, think about content that helps them start to visualize their 20 25 business goals. Share a story or lesson that really connects to the type of support that you’ll be offering in January. And remember, this content should feel conversational. It’s a season of giving so think about how you can give them value without any strings attached. By the time that January arrives, they’re going to feel connected to you and your message, making them more receptive to your offer. Now if you want to think about what kind of content you can include here, I actually interviewed the incredible pre launch queen, Brenna McGowan herself, a few episodes ago, back on episode 156. And she gave examples of different ways to connect with your audience during the pre launch.
Kylie Kelly [00:04:57]:
It is certainly worth a listen. I’ll pop the link to that episode in the show notes for you. Next up, we have step number 2. Refining your messaging. Now messaging is such a crucial part of a successful launch and it’s something you can start working on well before January. Think about the transformation that your audience wants to see and how you can position your offer as the answer to that desire. Now this is where clarity is key. Take some time to get specific about what makes your offer unique and why it’s exactly what they need in the new year.
Kylie Kelly [00:05:34]:
For example, if your program is all about helping people streamline their business, consider how you can frame it as a fresh start for the new year. And don’t be afraid to test different messages. December is a great time to experiment with email subject lines or social media posts to see what resonates most with your audience. Or dive into some market research to see how they talk about their challenges or the problem that you want to solve for them. The language you use is so important when it comes to your message as it will determine whether your ideal clients resonate with it and feel like you’re speaking directly to them. Or it will also determine if they don’t connect with it at all and, therefore, don’t think that it’s what they need. Don’t skip this step. Market research is one of the most underutilised things we can do and yet it is the most powerful.
Kylie Kelly [00:06:23]:
It is directly connected to the results that you will see. Now a little pro tip for you. Make a list of phrases or testimonials that capture the impact of your program or offer. These are gold for your launch copy and getting them ready ahead of time will make the process so much easier. I personally have a Google Drive folder full of testimonials and screenshots that I receive for all of my offers so that not only can I look at them when I’m having a shitty day, but it also helps me tweak and improve my own messaging? Not to mention, including them on sales pages or checkouts for social proof as well. Okay. Step number 3 is all about building a pre launch waitlist or a targeted lead magnet. Now this doesn’t need to be complex, but having something that starts building excitement and collects leads is a fucking game changer.
Kylie Kelly [00:07:09]:
Think of it as an easy way to gauge interest and build anticipation. Now if you’re planning to launch a course, consider creating a simple free resource that ties into the course content like a checklist or a mini training. You want the next step to be the product or offer that you’re going to have for sale. Right? That needs to be the logical next step. Now once you have the waitlist ready or you’ve created this targeted lead magnet, don’t just keep it to your existing list. Promote this waitlist or the lead magnet on social, share it in groups, even consider collaborating with others who have a complementary audience. The goal is to start getting people excited about what is coming in January. This way, when the launch time rolls around, you’re not selling to a cold audience.
Kylie Kelly [00:07:53]:
You’re actually launching to people who’ve already shown interest and are primed for your offer. Now let’s get into the nuts and bolts with step number 4. Creating a timeline and a launch checklist. Now this step might sound tedious, but it’s actually one of the most powerful things you can do to make sure that your January launch goes smoothly. Break down each part of your launch. From your email sequence to your content or for those using social, your social media posts. And assign deadlines. Consider mapping out weekly tasks leading up to the launch and then break it down to make it simple.
Kylie Kelly [00:08:28]:
Maybe week 1 is all about finishing up your lead magnet or getting your waitlist ready. Week 2 is building out your email sequence and so on. Creating this list with deadlines will keep you on track without feeling overwhelmed and it ensures that nothing is left to the last minute. Trust me. I am so guilty of leaving everything to the 11th hour. So this timeline and checklist with due dates helps me so much. By organizing all of this early, you’re going to have more mental energy to focus on showing up and being fully present during the launch itself. Honestly, I am not that woo woo, but I know and I can see the difference in the results when I show up to a launch with energy versus showing up to a launch fucking exhausted because I’ve left everything to the 11th hour and to the last minute.
Kylie Kelly [00:09:17]:
So don’t be like me. Get organized early so you have energy to actually show up, to be excited. This will then help people feel magnetized to your offer and what you have for sale. And then finally, step 5 is all about tapping into the January mindset. January is unique because people are both motivated to invest in their growth, but they’re also cautious about spending after the holidays. Right? This means that your messaging should balance both excitement and a touch of empathy as well. Make sure you’re showing them why your offer is a valuable investment that’s going to set them up for success throughout the year. Consider offering a payment plan or a special bonus for January sign ups.
Kylie Kelly [00:09:57]:
And remember to keep emphasizing that transformation. What will their life or business look like after working with you? Who do they get to become? Make sure you’re using real life examples if you can because specificity is what helps people visualize the results they’re going to achieve. Your goal here is to position yourself as their trusted guide into the new year. You’re not just another online course or coaching program. You’re the person who’s going to help them make their resolutions a reality. And please, for the love of all good things in this world, make sure it is the truth. We do not do bullshit marketing around here. So when I say this, know that you need to back this shit up.
Kylie Kelly [00:10:37]:
You need to be able to deliver results. You are not just putting this out into the ether and swindling people for their money. Right? You need to be able to back that result up. So there you have it. The 5 steps that you need to do to make sure that your January launch is set up for success. We’ve covered a lot today from warming up your audience and refining your messaging, to organizing your launch timeline and connecting with that fresh January mindset. If you start these steps now, you’re going to feel way more confident and prepared come the new year. And one last reminder.
Kylie Kelly [00:11:12]:
Remember, launching isn’t just about what to do during launch week. It’s about the foundation that you lay beforehand. If you put the time in now to show up with value, with clarity, with organisation, you’re going to see the payoff. And last reminder, but don’t forget to go and listen to episode 156, which is titled reducing launch stress with an Effective Pre Launch Strategy with Brenna McGowan. Honestly, that episode is going to be so helpful for you now. Okay, my loves. Thank you so much for listening to The Email Growth Show. If you loved today’s episode and wanna stay connected and check out my membership, The Email Growth Club, for even more tools, resources and support for your online business journey.
Kylie Kelly [00:11:54]:
Together, let’s make January your most successful month yet because you, my love, deserve it. I am so excited to see what you accomplish. Okay. That is all for me this week. I love you loads and I will see you again next week. Alright. Bye for now. Thank you so much for tuning into this episode of The Email Growth Show.
Kylie Kelly [00:12:16]:
I hope you found valuable insights into the next steps you can take to grow your email list and boost your business without relying on social media or paid ads. Ads. If you enjoyed this episode, please take a moment to rate and review the show and share it with others. Your feedback helps me reach more female entrepreneurs just like you, who are ready to say goodbye to social media and leverage email marketing to grow their business and make a bigger impact. Thank you so much for listening, and I’ll see you in the next episode.
