How to Build an Email List from Scratch for Your Small Business

If you’re running a small business, you’ve probably heard the phrase, “the money’s in the list!” But what if your email list is tiny—or, dare we say, non-existent? Don’t stress! Building an email list from scratch might sound daunting, but it’s way easier (and more fun) than you think. Let’s dive into simple, non-spammy ways to grow your list from day one!

1. Use Lead Magnets to Attract Subscribers

Lead magnets are irresistible offers you give away in exchange for an email. Imagine you’re a bakery offering a free recipe for the perfect chocolate chip cookies to anyone who signs up. Who could resist that?

Ideas for Lead Magnets:

• Free eBooks or Guides (e.g., “10 Quick Tips to Bake Like a Pro”)

• Exclusive Discounts or Coupons

• Checklists or Cheat Sheets

• Free Trials or Samples

Pro Tip:
Your lead magnet should be valuable to your customers but easy for you to offer. Think of it as a “sneak peek” of your business’s magic, enticing people to subscribe for more.

2. Pop-Up Forms That Don’t Annoy

Yes, pop-ups can be annoying—but they don’t have to be! When done right, pop-ups are amazing at converting casual visitors into loyal subscribers.

How to Make Pop-Ups User-Friendly:

• Timing is Everything: Don’t hit people with a pop-up the second they land. Try setting it to show up after 30 seconds or when they’ve scrolled halfway down the page.

• Be Friendly and Fun: Forget “Sign up for our newsletter.” Try something playful like, “Get 10% off your next purchase—our little gift to you!”

• Exit-Intent Pop-Ups: These appear just when a visitor is about to leave, giving you one last chance to catch their attention.

Pro Tip:
Make sure your pop-up offers something valuable. Whether it’s a discount, a guide, or insider tips, give visitors a real reason to hand over their email address.

3. Turn Customer Checkouts into List-Building Gold

If you have an online store, don’t overlook the checkout process as a prime opportunity to gather emails. Your customers are already filling out a form—why not ask if they’d like to stay in touch?

How to Do It:

• Add a checkbox that says, “Sign up to receive exclusive offers and updates.”

• Use a post-purchase thank-you page to invite customers to subscribe for special deals.

Pro Tip:
Don’t make signing up mandatory. Let people opt in voluntarily—it builds trust and ensures they’re genuinely interested.

4. Make It Easy to Subscribe Everywhere

If you want to build an email list, make it easy for people to find your sign-up form. You’d be amazed how many businesses hide theirs in the depths of their site!

Where to Add Sign-Up Forms:

• Your website’s homepage, footer, or sidebar

• Blog posts (either at the end or as a pop-up)

• Social media profiles (bio links, swipe-ups in Instagram stories, Facebook call-to-action buttons)

Pro Tip:
Every interaction is a chance to grow your list! Whether through social media, blog posts, or your website, give people multiple ways to subscribe.

5. Encourage Word-of-Mouth with Referral Offers

Want to supercharge your email list growth? Set up a referral program where subscribers earn rewards for bringing in friends. For example, offer a 10% discount for every friend they get to sign up.

How to Set It Up:

• Choose an email service provider that makes referrals easy.

• Offer an enticing reward relevant to your audience.

Pro Tip:
Make it fun! Referral programs work best when they feel like a game or challenge people are excited to share.

Growing your email list from scratch doesn’t have to be complicated or stressful. With lead magnets, friendly pop-ups, and checkout sign-up options, you can build your list without annoying your customers.

Start with these simple strategies, and soon you’ll have a thriving list!

Need Help Growing Your Email List?

At Daily Digital, we specialise in helping small businesses like yours grow their email lists and turn subscribers into loyal customers. Whether you need assistance setting up lead magnets, creating user-friendly pop-ups, or optimising your website for sign-ups, we’re here to help.

Ready to build your email list? Contact Daily Digital today, and let’s start growing your business, one subscriber at a time!