Quick Summary
Wondering how to land your first email subscribers? This no-fluff guide covers what to avoid—like buying sketchy lists or hiding unsubscribe buttons—and what actually builds a strong list. Spoiler: It’s all about showing up where your audience already is and being honest about what they’re signing up for. Consistency and clarity matter more than gimmicks. Lead magnets? Maybe—if done well. Whether you're dreaming up a newsletter or refining your strategy, this advice keeps things ethical, human, and refreshingly simple. Ready to start? The author wants to hear your idea.
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A reader recently asked me, “How do I get my first email subscribers?”
I try not to be a marketing snob … but there’s some annoying stuff out there that gives our profession a bad name. So let’s start with what not to do.
What Not to Do
- DON’T force people onto your list. Avoid a law suit. Always get permission and follow compliance laws like GDPR and CAN-SPAM.
- DON’T buy lists. They’re full of complete strangers who never asked to hear from you.
- DON’T hide the unsubscribe button. This one is super annoying.
- DON’T skip the double opt-in. It helps filter out bots and bad addresses.
- DON’T be unclear about what they’re signing up for. If you’re still figuring out topics, cadence and what you want to do with the newsletter, it’s totally okay, and even refreshing, to say that (ex. “weekly-ish emails” or “updates on whatever we think is interesting”).
- DON’T obsess over details. That friend who unsubscribed? It’s not personal. Let it go. Data can help, but don’t drown in it. Especially early on.nt ranges from $4,000 to $8,000/month. To make it happen, her sales need to be strong and steady.
What Does Work
- DO talk about it often. The most loyal and engaged subscribers are typically the ones who’ve already “met” you. They saw you at an event. Heard you on a podcast. Attended your workshop. Or saw one of your reels. When they join your list, they’re not just curious. They’re invested. I suspect these subscribers are so engaged because they can hear you in their heads as they read your emails. They’re pretty much your fans. Your groupies. So next time you speak, teach, or show up online, mention your newsletter. If they like your energy, they’ll likely want to stay connected.
- DO deliver what you promised. If it’s weekly, show up weekly. Don’t flood inboxes or disappear for months. Not cool.
In Between Do and Don’t
- Lead magnets. You’ve seen them: “Download this free guide in exchange for your email.” I’m not crazy about them, but when executed well, they can be powerful for attracting new readers. Done poorly, though, they tend to lead to high unsubscribe rates. So, for me, lead magnets fall into the “it depends” category—not a hard yes, not a hard no.
Thinking of starting your own newsletter? Hit reply and tell me your idea. I’d love to hear what you’re dreaming up.
Until next Thursday,
Daniela
CEO at Findable Digital Marketing
PS. Want me to write more like this? Send in your own question!
