How to Build an Email List from Zero
If you’ve ever thought, “I’ll start an email list once I have more followers”—this one’s for you.
The truth is, your email list isn’t something you start after you’ve built an audience. It’s something that helps you build that audience.
Whether you’re an author, creative entrepreneur, or small business owner, an email list is one of the most powerful tools you can have. Social platforms come and go, but your email list is yours—a direct line to your most engaged audience.
Here’s how to start building that list from zero, even if you feel like no one’s listening (yet).
1. Start with the Right Foundation
Before you ever ask someone to subscribe, you need two key pieces in place:
✅ An email platform — Tools like ConvertKit, Flodesk, MailerLite, or Mailchimp make it easy to collect emails, send campaigns, and create automated sequences.
✅ A purpose — Why should someone join your list? To get updates? Learn something? Receive freebies? Knowing your “why” helps shape your entire email strategy.
💡 Pro tip: Choose a platform you’ll actually use. Fancy features don’t matter if it feels overwhelming—start simple and grow from there.
2. Create a Compelling Freebie (Lead Magnet)
People don’t hand over their email addresses for no reason. They need a why.
That’s where your lead magnet comes in—a free resource that solves a small but specific problem for your ideal reader.
An example of this would be a Bonus Chapter or Short Story. Perhaps a character deep dive, or prequel.
Keep it short, valuable, and actionable. You want readers to walk away thinking, “If the free stuff is this good, imagine what the paid stuff is like.”
3. Design a Simple Landing Page
Once you have your lead magnet, you need a place to send people to sign up.
Your landing page should:
Have one clear call-to-action
Quickly explain the benefit
Include a short form
4. Promote It Everywhere
You don’t need a huge audience—you just need consistency.
Here’s where to share your freebie and start growing your list:
Add it to your website and blog posts
Share it regularly on social media
Include it in your email signature
Add it to your Pinterest pins or Instagram bio links
Mention it at the end of your podcast episodes, videos, or guest interviews
Every piece of content you post online is a chance to invite people onto your list.
5. Nurture Your Subscribers
Getting subscribers is step one—keeping them is where the real magic happens.
Once someone joins your list, have an automated welcome sequence ready:
Welcome Email: Deliver the freebie and thank them.
Story Email: Share who you are and what you do.
Value Email: Give them a quick win (tip, resource, or story).
Connection Email: Invite them to follow you on social or reply back.
Your goal: build trust and connection before you ever start selling.
6. Be Consistent
It’s better to email once a month consistently than to send three emails and disappear for six months.
Consistency builds trust. It reminds your subscribers who you are and why they signed up in the first place.
Start small—a monthly newsletter, a weekly tip, or behind-the-scenes updates. Over time, your list will grow, and so will your confidence in showing up.
7. Remember—It’s Not About the Numbers
When you’re starting from zero, it’s easy to get discouraged. But here’s the secret: you don’t need thousands of subscribers to make an impact.
You just need the right people—the ones who care about what you’re creating, who open your emails, and who become part of your brand journey.
Focus on value, connection, and consistency, and your list will grow naturally.
Ready to Build Your Author Brand?
Your email list is one piece of your bigger brand picture.
👉 Grab my Author Branding Checklist to find out if your brand makes the cut!