If you’ve been waiting for the “perfect” time to grow your email list, I have news for you: it doesn’t exist. There’s always going to be something — a busy season, a learning curve, or a dozen other to-dos competing for your attention.
The good news? You don’t need perfect conditions to grow your email list. You just need a few simple strategies, a willingness to start small, and a commitment to keep showing up.
When I began, I had fewer than 50 subscribers (most of them my best friends). My first freebie was clunky, my emails were inconsistent, and my growth felt painfully slow. But over time, I learned what actually works — and it’s not complicated.
Today, I’m sharing 10 strategies you can start using immediately to grow your email list without tech stress. And they will work whether you’re starting from scratch or bringing a sleeping list back to life.
Why Your Email List Matters
Social media can be great for visibility, but it’s unpredictable. One algorithm change can cut your reach in half overnight. Your email list, on the other hand, is something you own and have control over (for the most part. There is still that pesky spam folder.)
When someone subscribes, they’re giving you permission to show up directly in their inbox — a space that’s far more personal than their Instagram feed. That trust is valuable, and it’s worth nurturing. So, let’s explore some ways to get this (email) party started.
10 Ways to Grow Your Email List
1. Choose a Platform That Fits You
Why it matters:
If your email platform feels overwhelming, you’ll avoid using it. The right tool makes the process smooth and actually enjoyable, which means you’ll stick with it long enough to see results.
How to do it:
- Pick a beginner-friendly option like Flodesk or MailerLite — both are easy to set up and visually appealing. But Flodesk is my fav!
- Focus on learning the basics: how to add subscribers, send an email, and create a sign-up form.
- Upgrade later if you outgrow it, but start with something simple now.
Pro tip: Many platforms offer 30-day trials — test drive them before committing. If you want to check out Flodesk – I even had a discount code for you! (Yes, it is an affiliate code)
2. Create a Quick-Win Freebie
Why it matters:
Your freebie is often the first impression people have of your brand. If it delivers fast, valuable results, they’ll trust you and want more.
How to do it:
- Identify one common problem your audience faces.
- Create a resource that solves it in 15 minutes or less — a checklist, template, or short guide.
- Give it a title that highlights the benefit, not just the topic.
Pro tip: A one-page PDF often outperforms a long eBook because it’s easy to use right away.
3. Make Your Social Profiles Work for You
Why it matters:
Your social media bios are prime real estate for attracting new subscribers. If you’re not linking your freebie, you’re missing easy sign-ups.
How to do it:
- Add your freebie link to your bio on Instagram, Facebook, LinkedIn, etc.
- Use a short, benefit-driven call-to-action like “Free checklist: Grow your email list in 10 easy steps.”
- Update your link if you create a new freebie.
Pro tip: Decision fatigue is real, so experiment with having only one main CTA instead of a “link in bio tool” with 10 options for people.
4. Show Up Where Your Audience Hangs Out
Why it matters:
Joining existing communities lets you meet people who are already interested in your topic — no cold outreach required.
How to do it:
- Identify 2–3 online spaces where your ideal audience gathers (Facebook groups, forums, Slack channels).
- Participate regularly by answering questions and offering value.
- Share your freebie only when it’s relevant to the conversation and not spammy.
Pro tip: Consistency matters more than volume — it’s better to engage deeply in one group than post once in ten. Become a recognized name in the space.
5. Leverage Other People’s Audiences
Why it matters:
Borrowing someone else’s audience can give your list growth a huge boost without paid ads.
How to do it:
- Offer to be a podcast guest, contribute to a blog, or speak in someone’s group.
- Share stories, tips, or case studies that connect naturally to your freebie.
- Always send listeners/readers to a dedicated landing page, not your homepage.
Pro tip: Keep a short bio ready that includes your freebie link for easy collaboration.
6. Offer Subscriber-Only Content
Why it matters:
People love exclusivity. When subscribers feel like they’re getting VIP treatment, they’re more likely to stay on your list and engage with your content.
How to do it:
- Plan a bonus tip, video, or resource that only goes to your list.
- Mention this perk on your sign-up page.
- Deliver it consistently so people know what to expect.
Pro tip: Early access to events or sales can be just as appealing as bonus content.
7. Partner With Complementary Businesses
Why it matters:
Collaborations (aka Co-marketing) let you reach a warm audience that already trusts your partner — and vice versa.
How to do it:
- Find a business that serves the same audience in a different way.
- Offer to create a joint freebie, webinar, or giveaway.
- Share the promotion with both audiences for maximum reach.
Pro tip: Choose partners with similar values and quality standards so the collaboration feels natural.
8. Network Intentionally
Why it matters:
Sometimes the best list-building opportunities happen in casual conversation — if you’re ready for them.
How to do it:
- Be prepared to mention your freebie when someone asks what you do.
- Keep a short link (like jantouchberry.com/checklist) easy to remember.
- Follow up quickly with anyone who expresses interest.
Pro tip: Networking doesn’t have to be formal — coffee chats and DMs count.
9. Upgrade Your Website Opt-In
Why it matters:
If visitors can’t easily find your freebie, they won’t sign up — no matter how good it is.
How to do it:
- Place your opt-in form above the fold on your homepage.
- Use a bold headline that focuses on the benefit.
- Keep the form simple — name and email are enough.
Pro tip: Pop-ups on different pages of your website can be a HUGE asset and an amazing list builder.
10. Talk About It — A Lot
Why it matters:
People rarely act the first time they see something. Repetition builds familiarity and trust.
How to do it:
- Mention your freebie regularly in emails, social posts, podcasts, and lives.
- Share different angles — a success story one day, a behind-the-scenes peek the next.
- Rotate your freebie mentions into your content calendar.
Pro tip: Use your email signature to promote your freebie passively in every message you send.
Want the Quick-Start Version?
I’ve put these 10 strategies into a free checklist you can print, keep on your white board, and start using today. No tech overwhelm, no complicated funnels — just simple steps to grow your email list right where you are.
? Grab it here: jantouchberry.com/checklist
And if you’re ready to go deeper — setting up your list, creating your freebie, and launching your first funnel — join me inside the Business Basics Collab. It’s the step-by-step support you’ve been looking for to finally get this done.
