No Email List? Here’s How to Start One!
Starting an email list might feel overwhelming — especially when you’re just beginning. But building your list is one of the smartest moves you can make for your digital business. It lets you build relationships, share your offers, and grow long-term income — all without relying on social media algorithms.
💌 Want to Skip the Guesswork?
Grab the FREE Beginner’s Email List Starter Kit
- Step-by-step checklist
- Fill-in-the-blank welcome email
- 5 easy lead magnet ideas
- Free tools to get started today
If you’re starting your online business from scratch, the most important thing to start with is to build an email list. Not a social media following (though that’s helpful too). Not a YouTube channel. An email list. You may have heard the phrase “money is in the list”; while that’s not entirely true – money’s in the sales from the connections you make from your email list – you need an email list for any kind of business, digital or otherwise.
Why?
Because you own it.
Social media can shut you down. Algorithms change. But your email list? That’s yours. And it’s where sales actually happen.
The good news? You don’t need fancy tech or thousands of subscribers. You just need a clear offer and a simple system. Here’s how to get started:
Step 1: Choose a Free Email Marketing Tool
If you don’t already have one, pick a tool that lets you collect emails and send automated messages.
Beginner-friendly options:
- Systeme.io (free for up to 2,000 contacts)
- MailerLite
- ConvertKit (free plan available)
These tools come with templates and easy drag-and-drop options — no coding needed.
My personal pick? Systeme.io.
It’s what I use and recommend because:
- It’s free for up to 2,000 contacts
- You can build landing pages, send emails, and even sell products — all in one place
- It’s simple to use, even if tech overwhelms you
👉 Click here to try Systeme.io through my referral link
Step 2: Create a Simple Freebie (aka Lead Magnet)
People give you their email when they get something valuable in return.
What can you offer?
- A short checklist
- A tip sheet (like “5 ways to get your first $100 online”)
- A printable planner page
- A sample from your journal or ebook
- A how-to PDF (quick wins only)
Keep it simple and useful. Don’t try to impress. Just help.
Step 3: Write a Welcome Email
This is the email they get right after signing up. Keep it warm, human, and short. Example:
“Hi, I’m [Your Name], and I’m so glad you’re here. I created this resource to make [insert benefit] easier for you. You’ll be hearing from me with tips, stories, and products that can help. For now, enjoy your freebie and hit reply if you want to say hi!”
Step 4: Add Your Signup Form to Your Website or Blog
Wherever you’re online — your website, blog, even your social profiles — make sure there’s a place for people to subscribe.
Best spots:
- Your sidebar
- A pop-up (Systeme or ConvertKit have this)
- Inside blog posts
- In your social media bio
Step 5: Start Talking to Your List
Even if you only have 5 people on your list, talk to them.
Send tips. Share something you’re working on. Offer a product or invite them to give feedback. Don’t overthink it. Just be helpful and real.
Final Thought
You don’t need a big list to start selling. You need a real connection with your readers.
Building your email list is like planting a seed. It may feel slow at first — but if you nurture it consistently, it grows into a powerful foundation for your income and impact.
💌 Want to Skip the Guesswork?
Grab the FREE Beginner’s Email List Starter Kit
- Step-by-step checklist
- Fill-in-the-blank welcome email
- 5 easy lead magnet ideas
- Free tools to get started today