Yes, and sooner than you think. Your followers belong to the platform, one algorithm change or a banned account and they are gone. An email list is the one audience you actually own. Start simple: offer something small and useful in exchange for an email, a guide, a template, a freebie, and mention it in your content. You do not need to email weekly, even monthly keeps it warm. When you launch a product or land a sponsor, the list is what converts. Build it before you need it.
You own the list
Followers belong to the platform. Email is the audience nobody can take away.
Trade value for the email
A freebie, guide or template. Give a real reason to hand over an address.
Consistency over frequency
Even monthly keeps a list warm. Showing up matters more than volume.
Build it before you need it
When you launch or get a sponsor, the list is what actually converts.