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Email Marketing

Guide

Grow your email list from zero to 100

The first 100 subscribers are the hardest. Here's exactly how to get them.

8 min read·7 steps
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  1. Offer something worth an email address

    Nobody joins a 'newsletter'. They join for a specific reward: a checklist, discount, guide, template, or exclusive access. Name yours specifically, '5-page vendor checklist' > 'monthly newsletter'.

  2. Add a signup form to your website in 3 places

    Homepage (above the fold), footer (every page), and either a slide-in popup after 30 seconds OR the end of your blog posts. Don't rely on one placement.

  3. Personally invite your first 20 subscribers

    Text or email 20 people you know who fit your target audience. 'Hey, I'm starting a small business, you'd get [reward] and it'd really help me test the flow. Sign up here?' Skip anyone you'd feel weird asking.

  4. Add signup links to your bios

    Instagram, TikTok, LinkedIn bios, email signature, Twitter/X profile. Use one Linktree or a simple Beacons page. Every bio should end in one clear next step: subscribe.

  5. Run a small giveaway

    One product/service worth $50–$200 in exchange for signup + 'tag a friend'. Use KingSumo or Gleam. Warning: giveaway signups have lower long-term open rates, so use sparingly, but the 40–80 signups you'll get in a week are worth it early on.

  6. Write ONE guest post on a bigger blog

    Find a blog serving your audience (bigger than you, not gigantic). Pitch a specific article idea. In your author bio, link to your signup page with your specific offer. One well-placed guest post regularly delivers 30–100 subs.

  7. Post the value publicly on social

    Share a screenshot of the actual checklist/guide/discount. Caption: 'This is what you get when you subscribe → link in bio'. Showing the thing beats describing the thing.

That’s the whole thing.

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