Your email list is one of the most powerful assets in your business.
Why?
- You own it — unlike social media followers
- You can build real, lasting relationships
- Emails convert better than most platforms
- You stay top-of-mind without fighting algorithms
And the best part? You don’t need thousands of subscribers to see results.
You just need to start.
Here’s how to grow your list — even if you’re starting from zero.
Step 1: Choose an Email Marketing Tool
Start with a free, beginner-friendly platform. Great options include:
- MailerLite – very user-friendly and free up to 1,000 subs
- ConvertKit – great for creators and automations
- Brevo (formerly Sendinblue) – solid option with lots of features
- Flodesk – beautiful design, simple interface
- Systeme.io – all-in-one option (landing pages + emails)
Sign up, create your first list or audience, and set up a basic welcome email.
Step 2: Create a Lead Magnet
We covered this in detail in Article 47 — but in short:
A lead magnet is a free resource that solves a small problem in exchange for someone’s email.
Popular types:
- Checklists
- Workbooks
- Mini-guides
- Templates
- Video trainings
- Email challenges
Make it specific and valuable for your ideal audience.
Step 3: Set Up a Sign-Up Form or Landing Page
Once your lead magnet is ready, you need a place for people to sign up.
Your email platform will have templates to help you build:
- A simple opt-in form
- A dedicated landing page
- A thank-you page or confirmation message
Make sure the form clearly says what people are getting and why it’s useful.
Step 4: Write a Warm Welcome Email
When someone joins your list, make it personal and engaging.
Include:
- A thank-you message
- A link to download the freebie
- A quick intro about who you are and how you can help
- A teaser about what kind of content they’ll get in the future
Pro tip: Ask a question in the email to invite replies and start a relationship.
Step 5: Share Your Lead Magnet Consistently
You don’t need paid ads — just talk about your lead magnet often.
Where to share it:
- Link in bio (Instagram, TikTok, LinkedIn, etc.)
- Instagram Stories and Highlights
- Pinned post or carousel
- Blog post or YouTube video
- Facebook groups (if allowed)
- WhatsApp status or broadcast list
Talk about the problem it solves — not just “join my list.”
Step 6: Add It to All Touchpoints
Think of every place someone might find you — and add a sign-up opportunity.
Examples:
- Your website homepage and blog sidebar
- Email signature
- Linktree or Stan Store
- Online course or workshop follow-up
- After someone books a discovery call or downloads something else
Make it part of your ecosystem.
Step 7: Stay Consistent With Value
Once someone joins your list, don’t disappear.
Start sending regular emails — even just once a week — with:
- Tips or insights
- Stories or lessons learned
- Behind-the-scenes updates
- Exclusive offers
- Reminders about your services
Your list only grows in value when you nurture it.
Step 8: Track and Improve Over Time
Look at basic numbers like:
- How many people joined this week/month?
- What lead magnets are performing best?
- Which emails get the most opens or clicks?
Then improve based on what’s working — and repeat!
Final Thought: Your List Is Worth Building — Even Slowly
You don’t need a huge list to make sales.
You just need a list full of the right people — and a reason for them to stay connected.
Start small. Stay consistent. Keep delivering value.
Next, I’ll generate a realistic image to match this article — and then we’ll move into Article 49: How to Build a Personal Brand as a Small Business Owner. We’re almost at the finish line!