51吃瓜

A few years ago, I sent a cold email to a startup founder I admired. She didn’t reply. But, two weeks later, she subscribed to my newsletter. That one sign-up turned into a phone call, a collab, and (eventually) a client.

That‘s when I realized: growing your email list isn’t just marketing. It's relationship building at scale. It’s a trust-building machine that works quietly in the background, creating opportunities you didn’t know were coming.

Since then, I’ve tested dozens of ways to build my list — some traditional, some weird, and some surprisingly effective. In this post, I’m sharing the strategies that actually worked. No fluff, no gimmicks, just real ideas you can try this week.

Let’s get into it.

What is an email list?

An email list contains people who've signed up to hear from your business, usually through a form, free resource, or newsletter.

They’ve raised their hand by downloading something, joining a waitlist, or subscribing to your newsletter. They’ve said, “Yeah, I’m interested.” That alone makes it one of the most valuable assets you can build.

Unlike social followers, email subscribers are yours. You’re not renting space from a platform or fighting an algorithm. You have a direct line to your audience, and that’s rare.

Of course, email lists don’t grow on their own. People unsubscribe. Addresses go stale. That’s why list-building isn’t a one-and-done project. It’s something I revisit constantly.

In the next section, I’ll break down the techniques I’ve used (and seen others use) to grow a healthy, engaged email list one opt-in at a time.

A Beginner's Guide to Email Marketing

How to execute and measure successful email marketing campaigns

• Growing an email list.
• Remaining CAN-SPAM compliant.
• Using email automation.
• Segmenting your audience.

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49 Creative List Building Techniques

General Email List Building Strategies

1. Create unique email content.

People love to say “just write great content,” as if that’s helpful. Here's what actually works: if your emails are fun, functional, or weird in a good way, people look forward to opening them. That’s rare.

When someone forwards one of your to a friend, that’s list growth happening organically. But it only happens when your content is worth sharing.

I usually draft in a plain doc or sometimes use a tool like 51吃瓜’s to overcome writer's block. It works for a messy first pass. Then, I go back and punch it up so it sounds like me.

2. Encourage subscribers to share and forward your emails.

Most people don’t think to forward your emails unless you make it ridiculously easy, or give them a reason.

I add a simple line: ‘Know someone who’d like this? Forward it → [signup link].‘ If it gets shared, there’s a clear next step.

It’s a small thing, but you never know which forward might turn into 100 new subs.

3. Segment your email list by interest.

Nobody wants generic emails. If you send the same thing to everyone, half your list will ignore it, or worse, unsubscribe.

I’ve had much better results breaking my list into smaller interest groups. For example, people who want tips vs. people who want product updates. Or early-stage founders vs. more advanced ones.

are helpful here if you’re not sure where to start. And, the data backs it up. Segmented emails get than unsegmented ones.

The more tailored your emails feel, the more people stick around, and the more likely they are to share it with folks who care about the same stuff.

4. Re-engage a stale list with a win-back email.

If your list has been collecting dust, don’t just ghost them. Ask if they still want in.

I’ve sent “Are we still good?” emails to cold subscribers with a simple CTA: click to stay, ignore to leave. It sounds risky, but pruning dead weight helps deliverability and reminds your best subscribers why they signed up in the first place.

Bonus: People appreciate honesty. It shows you’re not just there to sell. You care about sending stuff they want.

5. Add a sign-up link to your email signature.

This one’s low-effort, high-upside. I added a line to my email signature that says:

P.S. I share my best [topic] insights in a weekly email → [link]

If you send 50 emails a day (which you probably do), that’s 50 chances for someone to check it out, just like the kind of “Join our mailing list” links you’d expect from a team member.

You can use to create something clean and clickable. Adding a bit of social proof made a noticeable difference in clicks for me.

6. Build a subscriber-only Slack or Discord community.

Your email list doesn’t have to live in a vacuum. One of the best things I ever did was start a private Slack group just for subscribers. It turned lurkers into loyal fans and loyal fans into collaborators, customers, and evangelists.

People join your list specifically to access the community and then stay for both the emails and the networking. That kind of flywheel is rare.

The key is framing it right: “Join 500+ [industry] pros trading tips, asking questions, and sharing wins. Email subscribers only.” That kind of exclusivity makes people want to get in.

And once they’re inside? You’re no longer just a newsletter in their inbox. You’re part of their day-to-day. That connection is hard to beat.

7. Launch email ‘office hours’ to boost engagement.

Every so often, I’ll send a short note to my list that says: “Reply with your biggest challenge in [topic]. I’ll answer a few in next week’s email.”

This approach gives people a reason to hit reply, makes your content feel two-way instead of one-way, and gives you new ideas for what to write about.

I promote these like a subscriber-only perk — office hours with a real human who reads and replies. And yeah, the open and click rates usually spike.

8. Create urgency with a subscriber cap.

Scarcity works. I’ve tested this.

I once added a note to my signup form that said: “I only accept 50 new subscribers per week to keep quality high.” It wasn’t technically necessary, but it worked. Signups spiked, and people who joined were way more engaged.

You can even set up a waitlist if you hit your cap. People want what they can't immediately have. If you want your list to feel like a members-only club instead of a megaphone, this is a smart way to get there.

9. Cross-promote in unexpected places.

This one’s my favorite. I’ve added my signup link to Zoom backgrounds, LinkedIn bios, YouTube descriptions, podcast intros and outros, and even my out-of-office email replies. I’ve worn a t-shirt with a QR code to speaking gigs. Silly? Maybe. But effective? Absolutely.

I look at it this way: If I'm already doing something, why not make it work double duty?

The beauty is you‘re not creating new content. You’re just adding one line or link to existing activities.

How To Grow Your Email List With New Content

10. Create a new lead generation offer.

One of the fastest ways I’ve grown my list is by offering something worth trading an email for. And no, it doesn’t have to be an ebook.

I’ve done things like swipe files, teardown templates, or even a Notion board with my go-to growth tools. That said, ebooks can still work if the content solves a real problem. 51吃瓜’s free are a solid jumping-off point if you’re starting from scratch.

The key? Your offer needs to answer a question your audience actually has. Then pair it with a simple and keep the signup form short.

11. Create a free tool that requires sign-up.

I once built a janky calculator in Google Sheets that told people how many newsletter subscribers they needed to hit their revenue goals.

It wasn’t fancy, but it worked.

Free tools like that are incredibly effective list builders. They’re helpful, easy to share, and give people a reason to come back. Even a simple checklist or quiz can do the job if it solves a problem or issue.

If you want inspiration, check out 51吃瓜’s , still one of the best lead gen tools on the internet. It’s been growing lists for over a decade.

12. Offer bonus content after a free resource.

This one’s simple. Publish something free, like a blog post, video, or carousel. Then, offer a “pro” version in exchange for an email.

I’ve used this with teardown PDFs, a longer explainer video, and even a resource pack with extra templates. When the free stuff helps people, they're way more likely to want the bonus version.

13. Launch a challenge or experiment series.

If you want people to sign up fast, give them something to follow along with.

I’ve run 30-day challenges like “30 Days to Better [Skill]” or “The $1K Revenue Experiment,” where subscribers get daily emails with tips, templates, or quick actions. People love the structure and the feeling that they’re part of something in real time.

You can also document the whole thing publicly, which turns it into a built-in promo loop: “Want to follow along? Sign up here.”

did this beautifully with her . She launched a challenge, sent daily updates, and used it to grow her list and build a content series people still refer to.

It’s engaging, easy to share, and way more fun than another static ebook.

14. Create a simple referral incentive.

Once you’ve got a few hundred subscribers, referrals can kick in, but only if you give people a reason to share.

I’ve used simple referral incentives like: “Refer five friends, get access to my private resource library” or “Refer three people, get a free 30-minute consult.” No fancy tooling required. Just a good reward and a trackable link.

Virtual rewards work best. They're easier to deliver, and they scale without shipping headaches.

A Beginner's Guide to Email Marketing

How to execute and measure successful email marketing campaigns

• Growing an email list.
• Remaining CAN-SPAM compliant.
• Using email automation.
• Segmenting your audience.

Get Your Free Guide

Download Free

All fields are required.

You're all set!

Click this link to access this resource at any time.

How To Grow Your Email List Using Social Media

15. Promote a lead magnet on social.

Some of my best-performing lead magnets got traction on social. That’s because I shouted “Sign up for my newsletter,” but because I led with something genuinely worthwhile.

For example, “I spent 10 hours building this. You can steal it for free.” Then I linked to a landing page that collected emails.

That kind of post still works. If the benefit is clear and the resource is solid, people will click, share, and subscribe — no matter what platform you're on.

16. Create screenshot bait for social.

People are nosy. That’s why we slow down when we see a cropped DM or group chat on our feeds. It feels like we’re seeing something we weren’t supposed to.

I’ve used that same instinct to grow my list. I’ll take a screenshot of one of my emails, inbox frame and all, and post it like a behind-the-scenes peek. No CTA, no caption begging for sign-ups. Just the content.

It almost always leads to DMs or comments like, “Where can I subscribe?”

Let the curiosity do the work.

How To Grow Your Email List Using Facebook

17. Share a newsletter preview on your profile.

Don’t just tell people to sign up. Show them what they’ll get.

I’ll occasionally post a short clip or screenshot from one of my recent emails. Not the whole thing, but just enough to spark curiosity. Then I drop the link to the sign-up page right below it.

If someone’s already following you, they’re halfway to trusting you. A preview makes the value tangible.

18. Promote content that requires an email to access.

Gated content still works, but only if the offer is solid and the delivery is seamless.

I’ve shared free templates, video breakdowns, and resource kits that were email-gated. When I post them, I focus on what the person gets, not that they’re “joining a list.”

And always include social sharing buttons on your landing page and thank-you page. People love passing along stuff that makes them look helpful or savvy.

How To Grow Your Email List Using YouTube

19. Add end screens that point to your email list.

End screens still work, just not always the way people think. If you’re in the YouTube Partner Program, you can link to an external site (like your newsletter landing page). But even if you’re not, they’re still valuable.

I usually point people to another related video or my channel’s home page. From there, the description and pinned comment do the heavy lifting: “P.S. I write about this stuff. Here’s where to subscribe.”

It’s not about direct conversions. It’s about keeping attention flowing toward the next click. The more watch time and trust you build, the more likely people are to join your list when you ask.

20. Feature guests to boost reach.

One of the fastest ways I’ve grown my audience on YouTube (and my list) is by featuring other people — friends, partners, creators I admire — in my videos or podcasts.

Guests usually promote the episode to their audience, too. So every collab becomes a built-in distribution engine. Guests become mini-marketing partners, and every new viewer is one step closer to signing up.

21. Use tour video description and channel links.

Every video description is a chance to say: “Like this? I write more of it every week. Sign up here.” That’s where I usually drop my newsletter link, sometimes along with a P.S. that teases the latest send.

But don’t forget your channel itself. YouTube lets you add external links to your channel profile. It shows up under the “Links” tab, like Morning Brew does [screenshot]. It’s not flashy, but people do click.

Tip: Use a trackable URL (UTM or redirect) so you can measure how many signups come from YouTube.

Featured Resource:

How To Grow Your Email List Using Instagram

22. Add a CTA to your Instagram bio.

It might seem obvious, but it’s surprising how many brands overlook this. If you’re trying to grow your list, your Instagram bio should point people to your signup form, not just your homepage. I usually use a link-in-bio tool to keep things clean (Linktree, Beacons, or even a simple 51吃瓜 landing page).

That said, your bio link can’t do all the work on its own. Make sure your posts and Stories nudge followers to click them. That could mean teasing a lead magnet, promoting a giveaway, or previewing your best content with a “Link in bio” reminder in the caption.

23. Share newsletter previews as carousels.

Carousels still work, but not as hard sells. Instead of leading with “Subscribe to my newsletter,” I focus on teaching something valuable up front. I’ll break down a quick tip, framework, or story across 3 to 5 slides, then end with a soft CTA: “Want more like this? The link’s in my bio.”

This format feels native to Instagram, which means it doesn’t get scrolled past as fast. It’s also a good way to showcase personality. Carousels give you room to build a narrative or add a bit of humor.

If the post does well, I’ll reuse the content elsewhere: break it into a thread, turn it into a blog, or feature it in the following email. Sometimes I’ll even end the carousel with a bold slide like “TheBestMarketingNewsletterEver” to drive signups.

Bonus: You can repurpose these for LinkedIn, X, or Threads with barely any editing.

24. Share newsletter previews in Stories.

Stories are a solid place to tease your newsletter content. I’ve seen brands use this space to share snippets from their latest send. Think a bold headline, a quick stat, or a standout visual. Then, follow it with a swipe-up link or a “Subscribe” sticker if they have one.

If you don’t have the swipe-up feature, no worries. Just prompt folks to click the link in your bio. (Tip: Make sure the link goes straight to your signup page, not your homepage.)

This works well when you’ve got something time-sensitive or juicy in your newsletter. Make it feel exclusive, like readers are getting the inside scoop.

25. Promote your lead magnet or newsletter in a Story ad.

Instagram Story ads are a great way to reach new audiences. I’ve seen marketers use these to spotlight all kinds of email offers, from weekly newsletters to gated templates, checklists, or reports.

Just make sure your Story makes the value of your offer clear, includes a strong CTA, and links directly to your signup form. Marketing Brew does this well with a clear headline and a “Subscribe” CTA that leads right to their site.

Pro tip: Story formats tend to perform well for newsletter promos because they’re immersive, quick, and mobile-friendly.

26. Use link stickers in Stories.

If you’re sharing something in Stories, add a link sticker that leads straight to your signup page.

It sounds basic, but these stickers are easy to overlook. Unlike the old swipe-up feature, link stickers are available to everyone, not just accounts with huge followings. That means every time you share something valuable, you’ve got a chance to turn casual viewers into subscribers.

Just keep the sticker placement clear and the landing page simple. You want zero friction between the tap and the email form.

Featured Resource:

27. Highlight subscriber-only content in your posts.

One of the best ways to get someone to join your list is to show them what they’re missing.

I’ve seen marketers tease newsletter content directly in their feed posts or Reels. Think: “We covered this in our newsletter today. Did you catch it?” or “Subscribers just got this breakdown in their inbox.”

This kind of FOMO (fear of missing out) works exceptionally well when the content feels exclusive, insightful, or especially timely. If your emails include case studies, early access, or unique tips, say so.

It reminds people there’s actual value behind that signup form and makes it way more compelling than just “Subscribe to my newsletter.”

How To Grow Your Email List Using LinkedIn

28. Use your LinkedIn profile to grow your list.

Most people think of LinkedIn as a place to network or job hunt, but your profile can also double as a landing page. I’ve added a newsletter link to my header image, my headline, and even used the “View my newsletter” button. If someone likes your content, they’ll probably click through. So, why not make it easy to subscribe?

29. Share Your signup link in 1:1 messages and comment threads.

This one's underrated but straightforward: If someone engages with your content or asks for more info, send them your newsletter link. I’ve dropped mine in DMs, comment replies, and even after short back-and-forths on LinkedIn posts.

Just don‘t make it weird. It should feel like a natural continuation of the convo. If someone asked about a topic I’ve covered, I'll say, “I just wrote about this last week, want me to send you the link?” Works way better than leading with a cold CTA.

30. Post snippets from your newsletter.

I like to tease the best parts of my newsletter right in a LinkedIn post, whether it’s a spicy stat, a standout quote, or a “you had to be there” story.

It gives people a taste of what they’re missing and usually ends with a simple line like “Want the rest? Subscribe here,” followed by the link.

Posting newsletter snippets works incredibly well if your newsletter includes:

• Timely recaps of trends or news.
• Personal insights or behind-the-scenes takes.
• Tactics that aren’t already all over LinkedIn.

Make sure the post is valuable on its own so it still performs well in the feed. The newsletter link is the cherry on top.

31. Post links to gated offers.

If you're already sharing valuable content on LinkedIn, make the most of it by pairing posts with gated offers. I’ve found that when a post genuinely helps people, they’re more likely to click through and give their email in exchange for more.

That could be:

• A downloadable template related to your post topic.
• A full report or guide teased in your caption.
• A free tool or worksheet behind a sign-up wall.

You can also drop these links in comment threads or relevant LinkedIn group discussions. Just be mindful of the context so it doesn’t come off as spammy.

Pro tip: Make sure the offer matches the content you're sharing. Relevance makes the difference between an ignored link and a new subscriber.

32. Launch a weekly roundup that features others.

This one’s a win-win. I send a Friday email with “5 cool things I found this week,” usually a mix of articles, product launches, social posts, and personal shoutouts.

Then I drop a line to everyone I featured to give them a heads up. Most of them share it. That means new eyeballs, new traffic, and new subs without a single paid ad.

Plus, it builds goodwill and gives me an easy format to stick to every week.

A Beginner's Guide to Email Marketing

How to execute and measure successful email marketing campaigns

• Growing an email list.
• Remaining CAN-SPAM compliant.
• Using email automation.
• Segmenting your audience.

Get Your Free Guide

Download Free

All fields are required.

You're all set!

Click this link to access this resource at any time.

33. Share subscriber milestones and celebrate growth.

People love being part of something that's growing and shouting out subscriber milestones is an easy way to build momentum.

When I hit significant milestones (like 10K or 30K subscribers), I post about it on LinkedIn. I might thank my audience, share a few things I’ve learned, or tease what’s coming next. Posts like these tend to get solid engagement and help spark curiosity in people who haven’t subscribed yet.

You don’t need a massive list to do this. I’ve seen creators celebrate their first 500 subscribers or their first month of consistent sends. The key is making your audience feel like they’re part of your journey and inviting new people along for the ride.

Bonus! You can also reshare these wins in Stories or add them to your LinkedIn Featured section for added visibility.

How To Grow Your Email List On Your Website

34. Ask website visitors for feedback about your business.

Here’s one most people overlook: just ask visitors what they think.

I’ve added feedback forms to landing pages or exit popups with a simple question like, “Was this page helpful?” or “What questions do you still have about [topic/product]?” It’s low-pressure and surprisingly effective.

People like to be heard, especially when they’re mid-browse. And when you ask for their thoughts, it creates a natural moment to ask for an email so you can follow up.

You’re not just collecting feedback. You’re inviting them into a conversation.

35. Shorten the length of your lead-capturing forms.

The shorter the form, the higher the conversions. Obvious, right? But I still see way too many people asking for five fields when one will do.

I’ve tested this. When I cut my form down to just email (and sometimes first name), my sign-ups went up. No surprise. People don’t want to hand over their life story just to get a download.

You can always collect more info later, once there’s trust. But upfront? Keep it simple. Less friction, more emails.

36. Link to your offers across your website.

Your homepage isn’t the only place people land, so don’t hide your best opt-ins there.

I add sign-up links to blog posts, About pages, and even my Contact page. Anywhere someone might be poking around is fair game. Sometimes it’s a CTA box, other times just a simple in-line link like: “P.S. I write about this stuff. Subscribe here.”

You already earned the visit. Don’t waste it by making people dig for your best offers.

37. A/B test your sign-up copy and design.

Sometimes the difference between “meh” and massive growth is just... better wording.

I’ve tested CTA buttons, form headlines, page layouts, even tiny tweaks like swapping “Subscribe” for “Send me the goods.” One change bumped conversions by 22%.

If you’re getting traffic but not signups, test one thing at a time: copy, design, placement. Use a simple tool (like or ) to run A/B tests, and don’t assume you know what’ll work. Let the data decide.

Sometimes the best-performing version is the one you least expect.

Featured Resource:

38. Turn your blog into a subscriber magnet.

If someone just read one of your blog posts all the way through, you’ve already done the hard part.

That’s why I always add a newsletter CTA at the bottom of my posts. Not a pop-up. Not a flashy banner. Just a clear, conversational ask: “Want more like this? I share ideas like this every Friday. Join here.”

You can even highlight your most popular posts or tease next week’s topic to drive FOMO. The goal is to make subscribing feel like the next natural step, not a marketing ploy.

39. Include customer reviews on your sign-up landing pages.

When someone’s on the fence about joining your list, a little social proof can tip the scales.

I’ll include short quotes from readers on my landing pages, things like “This is the only newsletter I read every week” or “Found my favorite marketing tool thanks to this email.” Bonus points if they’re from recognizable names or brands.

You don’t need dozens. Rather, focus on just enough to show real people are getting real value. It’s one thing to say your content is worth subscribing to. It’s another to let your audience say it for you.

How To Grow Your Email List With a Partner

40. Run a promotion through a partner’s website or newsletter.

Sometimes, you don’t need a full-blown campaign. You just need a partner with the right audience.

I’ve run simple promotions where a partner plugged my newsletter in their sidebar, linked to a lead magnet in their email footer, or gave me a quick shoutout in a roundup. In return, I’ve done the same for them.

It’s low-effort, and if the alignment is right, the conversion rate is better than most ads.

Just make sure your landing page is tailored for that audience so the offer feels personal, not generic.

41. Guest blog to reach new audiences.

Guest blogging is still underrated. You get access to someone else’s audience, boost your credibility, and grow your list in the process.

When I write guest posts, I don’t just drop a homepage link in the bio. I link to a lead magnet or newsletter landing page that’s directly related to the article. It feels natural and gets way more conversions.

It’s not the fastest channel, but it pays off long-term, especially when the post ranks or gets picked up by aggregators.

42. Swap content with complementary newsletters.

Not every partnership needs to be a full-blown co-marketing campaign. Sometimes the simplest move is just swapping content.

I’ll reach out to newsletters with a similar audience and offer to share something valuable with their readers. In return, they do the same for mine. It might be a guest post, a framework, or even just a shoutout with a signup link. For example:

“This week, my friend [Name] from [Newsletter] shares their framework for [specific topic].”

The key is alignment: your content has to be genuinely helpful to their audience, and vice versa. It’s low-effort, high-impact, and a great way to get discovered by people who are already newsletter fans.

43. Host a co-marketing offer with a partner.

When I want to grow fast and go deep, I team up with someone whose audience overlaps with mine.

We’ll co-create something and gate it behind an email form. Then we both promote it to our lists and split the leads.

It works best when the offer solves a shared pain point, and when both partners bring something valuable to the table: one brings reach, the other brings expertise, or ideally, both.

Good content is good, but good content with built-in distribution is even better.

How To Grow Your Email List With Traditional Marketing

44. Use the coffee chat strategy to add warm leads.

When I meet someone at a conference or networking event, I don’t just say “nice to meet you” and bounce.

Instead, I’ll say something like: “I actually write about [topic]. Want me to add you to my private list? I share stuff I don’t post anywhere else.”

It’s a soft, non-pushy way to turn real-world conversations into subscribers. And because I frame the list as exclusive or behind-the-scenes, people usually say yes.

Pro tip: I keep a note on my phone with a direct sign-up link so that I can drop it into a DM or email right after.

45. Collect email addresses at a trade show.

Trade shows are goldmines if you work them right. I‘ve had booths where we’d demo our latest features and collect emails from people who were genuinely interested, not just grabbing swag.

The key is making the signup feel worth it. Offer something valuable: early access, a special discount, or exclusive content they can't get anywhere else.

Once you‘re back home, don’t let those leads go cold. Import them into your system and send a personal welcome email that reminds them how you met and confirms their interest in staying on your list.

46. Host your own offline, in-person events.

I‘ve hosted meetups, panels, and small conferences. They’re some of the best list-building opportunities you'll find.

Think about it: people showed up specifically for your event. They're already interested in what you have to say, which makes them way more likely to join your email list.

I always collect emails during registration, but I also ask at the end: “Want to stay connected? I send weekly insights that dive deeper into topics like what we covered today.”

Then I follow up within 48 hours with a personal thank-you email that includes a link to join my newsletter. The conversion rate is usually 3x higher than cold signups because we've already built that face-to-face connection.

47. Host a webinar with built-in follow-up.

Webinars still work, not just for selling, but for growing your list with qualified, curious leads.

When I host a session on a topic I know well, I require an email to register. That gives me a list of people who are already interested in what I have to say. Then, I follow up with a replay, extra resources, and a soft invite to join my newsletter.

It’s a whole content funnel in one hour: awareness, value, trust, and a natural path to ongoing emails.

Bonus: Co-hosting with a partner doubles the reach and adds more credibility upfront.

48. Add QR codes to your display ads.

QR codes aren’t just for menus and swag anymore. I’ve used them in digital display ads to drive newsletter signups with way less friction.

You can set it up like this: the ad teases a lead magnet or “secret” bonus, and the QR code links directly to the signup form. People scan it, punch in their email, and boom, they’re in.

It feels unexpected (which helps it stand out), and it works exceptionally well on mobile-heavy platforms.

Pro tip: You can also test QR codes on printed assets at events. Just make sure the landing page is fast and mobile-friendly.

49. Collect emails at the register (without making it weird).

If you’ve got a physical storefront, your email list shouldn’t just live online.

I’ve seen small shops grow solid lists just by asking at checkout: “Want 10% off your next order? Just drop your email.” It works, as long as it’s quick, optional, and paired with a clear benefit.

Some stores use tablets, others print a QR code near the register. The key is making the offer feel like a perk, not a push.

Then follow up with a welcome email that feels personal, not corporate. That’s how you turn walk-ins into long-term fans.

Before You Hit ‘Send’

If there’s one thing I’ve learned from growing my list, it’s that email is a long game, but it’s one worth playing.

Some of the tips in this post took me months to get right. Others worked overnight. But they all had one thing in common: they helped me connect with real people in a way that doesn’t depend on an algorithm.

So whether you're trying one of these ideas or ten, keep it simple, stay consistent, and always make it worth your reader’s time. That’s how you build a list people actually want to be on.

A Beginner's Guide to Email Marketing

How to execute and measure successful email marketing campaigns

• Growing an email list.
• Remaining CAN-SPAM compliant.
• Using email automation.
• Segmenting your audience.

Get Your Free Guide

Download Free

All fields are required.

You're all set!

Click this link to access this resource at any time.