Building an email list is one of the smartest moves you can make for your business. Social media is powerful, but it comes with limitations: algorithms, changing trends, and the pressure to post constantly. With an email list, you own the connection to your audience, which makes it a reliable channel for nurturing relationships and promoting your services. So, how do you get started and when should you be promoting your services through email?
Let’s break it down.
Step 1: Choose an Email Marketing Platform
The first step is choosing a platform that works for you. Popular options include Flodesk, MailerLite and ConvertKit. Look for features such as automation, segmentation, and analytics so you can track what resonates with your audience.
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Step 2: Create a Compelling Opt-In
People need a reason to join your list. Create a freebie that solves a specific problem for your ideal client. This could be a checklist, mini guide, video training, or template. Keep it focused and immediately useful.
Example: Instead of a vague “join my newsletter,” offer “5 Blog Post Ideas to Attract Your Ideal Client.”
Step 3: Set Up a Landing Page or Form
Your email platform will give you the tools to create sign-up forms or a dedicated landing page. Share this link across your website, blog posts, and social channels so people always know how to join your list.
Step 4: Start Sending Valuable Content
Before you think about promoting your services, focus on building trust. Send regular emails that educate, inspire, or share behind-the-scenes insights. Consistency matters more than frequency. Once a week or twice a month is plenty when you are starting.
When to Promote Your Services
A common mistake is waiting too long before you start selling. On the other hand, promoting too soon can feel pushy. A good balance is:
- Nurture first: Share value-driven emails for the first couple of weeks after someone joins your list.
- Introduce your services: Once you have delivered value, share how you can help further. Keep it natural by linking your service to the problem your freebie or emails have already addressed.
- Use launches or special offers: When you have something specific (like a masterclass, programme, or limited offer), build a short email sequence that explains the benefits and invites readers to sign up.
Freebie Ideas to Grow Your Email List
For Professional Organisers
- A printable “Declutter Checklist” for a specific room (kitchen, wardrobe, office)
- A 7-day email challenge on creating a more organised home
- A “Top 10 Organising Mistakes to Avoid” mini guide
- A before-and-after inspiration lookbook of organised spaces
- A seasonal “Spring Cleaning Guide” or “Back-to-School Organising Plan”
For Virtual Assistants
- A “Weekly Task Tracker” or productivity planner template
- A short guide: “10 Tasks You Can Outsource to a VA Today”
- A mini guide: “How to Organise Your Inbox and Stay on Top of Emails”
- A calendar of “Content Ideas for Busy Entrepreneurs”
- A mini training video on using a tool like Trello, Asana, or Canva
For Product-Based Businesses
- A first-time buyer discount code or free shipping offer
- A style/lookbook guide showing how to use your products
- A “behind the brand” PDF sharing your story and values
- A “Gift Guide” featuring your products for specific occasions
- A quiz: “Which Product Suits Your Style/Needs Best?”
For Real Estate Agents
- A free “First-Time Buyer’s Checklist”
- A guide: “Top 10 Tips to Stage Your Home Before Selling”
- A local market update PDF with trends and insights
- A moving-day checklist or printable timeline
- A video walkthrough explaining the buying/selling process
For Business Coaches
- A workbook: “Clarify Your Business Vision in 5 Steps”
- A self-assessment quiz: “What’s Holding Your Business Back?”
- A free webinar or audio training on a niche topic
- A goal-setting template or quarterly planning sheet
- A guide: “5 Mistakes New Business Owners Make (and How to Avoid Them)”
For Wellness Coaches or Practitioners
- A “7-Day Self-Care Plan” or “Healthy Habits Tracker”
- A recipe guide or meal prep template
- A meditation or journaling audio file
- A mini course on stress management techniques
- A daily affirmation printable
For Designers or Creatives
- A “Brand Colour Palette Guide”
- A mini tutorial on creating a cohesive Instagram feed
- A mock-up template bundle
- A checklist for brand consistency
- A “Top 5 Design Mistakes and How to Avoid Them” guide
Your email list is not just a place to sell, it’s a place to build genuine relationships. Show up consistently, offer value, and then confidently promote your services when you know your audience is warmed up. The sooner you start building your list, the sooner you’ll create a marketing system that works without relying on social media every single day.
