Plus, a Community webinar, 5 email plays, and more  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ Raptive News SEPTEMBER 16, 2026 By Cristy Posten Content Manager Hi Raptive, September has a way of bringing routines back into focus. As seasonal content picks up, it’s a good time to think about the people who already value your work and the simple ways to stay connected with them. This week, we’re sharing practical ideas to strengthen those relationships, from getting your Raptive Community ready for members to utilizing recipe print pages. You’ll also find Raptive’s perspective on Google’s new AI licensing program, plus a few timely industry reads. Here’s what’s inside: • Save the date for our Raptive Community webinar • Explore five email tactics to build stronger reader relationships • Catch up on Raptive Community in the news What’s new Join our upcoming Raptive Community webinar Join Allie Mason, Director of Community Management, on Wednesday, September 23, at 2 pm ET for a webinar on starting your Raptive Community. You’ll get simple, actionable steps to build early engagement and carry that momentum forward after launch. In this session, you’ll learn how to: • Build an engaged community around your brand that creates value for your audience and supports long-term earning potential • Integrate proven tactics successful creators use to encourage participation • Plan what to post so you can promote your community with confidence • Use Raptive Community tools to save time and drive engagement Register now → Our guidance on Google’s new AI payment pilot Google’s new program to pay publishers for content used in AI may sound promising, but based on what we know today, Raptive does not recommend participating. The payments are extremely small, and Google has shared little transparency into when content is used, how it contributes to AI responses, or how its value is determined. Many publishers we’ve spoken with have also chosen not to participate. If you’ve been invited, read the terms carefully. If you’re already participating, keep records, ask questions, and share what you’re seeing with us as we continue to monitor the program. Top resource 5 high-impact email plays that drive growth Email gives you a direct way to stay connected with the readers who value your work. Our email playbook shares five practical plays to grow your list, create engaging emails, and build relationships that last beyond a single visit. Explore the email playbook → Quick tip Preparing your community for a strong launch “Before inviting your audience into your new community, follow the steps in this “What to do next” checklist to ensure you’re ready for launch—which include recording a short welcome video to help new members understand your vision and how you want them to participate. This simple video can double sign-ups, making it one of your highest-impact tools for migrating your audience.” Kimm Alfonso SVP, Community In case you missed it Grow your email list from recipe print pages For eligible recipe creators, Gated Print helps you capture email addresses from readers who already engage with your recipes. When readers click to print, they’ll be prompted to enter their email address before accessing the printable page. Connect your email service provider in the Raptive dashboard to send those contacts directly to your subscriber list. Newsletter sign-up remains optional for readers. Learn about Gated Print → In the news Raptive Community is getting attention. See how several publishers are covering this new space for fan connection and creator revenue. TheWrap puts Raptive Community in the sports creator conversation TheWrap explores how major sports leagues are using creators to reach new audiences and build cultural relevance. It also highlights Raptive Community as a dedicated space where creators can connect with fans and earn from those relationships. Read the article (gated) → Adweek breaks down the Raptive Community launch Adweek covers the launch of Raptive Community, which gives creators a moderated space for fan connection and conversation. Creators earn a 50/50 share of the advertising revenue their communities generate. Read the article (gated) → Scalable explores building fan relationships beyond social Scalable includes Raptive Community in a timely creator economy conversation about building direct audience relationships beyond social platforms. The coverage highlights how creators can use dedicated community spaces to deepen fan connection and create a new revenue stream. Read the article → What we’re reading Catch up on news from around the industry • Google Analytics launches customizable Dashboards (Search Engine Land) • TikTok adds polls and voice comments (TikTok) • Substack adds podcast tab to its app (Pod News) • The rise of the ghost creator (Digiday) Question of the week Which audience growth tactic are you most focused on strengthening? 💌 I’m growing my email list. A direct line to the readers who already value my work 🔁 I’m building repeat site visits. Helpful content and a strong site experience keep readers coming back 💬 I’m creating community conversation. The best connections do not end when a post does 🌱 I’m reaching new readers through search or social. I’m helping new people discover what I have to share Thanks for reading! Was this email helpful? You’re receiving this email because you help manage a site that works with Raptive. To ensure our emails reach your inbox, add hello@email.raptive.com to your email contacts. 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