Let’s talk about something super important for your online service-based business—your email list! If you’ve been relying on social media alone to connect with your audience, it’s time to make a change. Why? Because social media platforms can be unreliable. Accounts get hacked, algorithms change, and sometimes, platforms just go down. But an email list? That’s yours. You own it, and you have direct access to your audience anytime you want.

If you’ve been putting off setting up your email list because it feels complicated, I’ve got you. Today, I’m walking you through five simple steps to get your email list up and running. Let’s dive in!

Step 1: Sign Up with an Email List Provider

The first thing you need is an email list provider. Think of it like your regular email (Gmail, Yahoo, etc.), but with special tools to help you manage and communicate with your subscribers.

Here are three great options to check out:

• Flodesk – Beautiful, aesthetic templates and a flat monthly fee, no matter how big your list grows.
• ConvertKit – Fantastic for segmenting your audience (e.g., potential customers vs. existing customers).
• GetResponse – Feature-packed with automation and advanced email marketing tools.

Some of these providers offer free plans for small lists, so explore them and choose what fits your business best!

Step 2: Create an Opt-in Form

An opt-in form is how you collect email addresses. It’s what people fill out to join your list. You’ve probably seen these before—something like “Sign up for my newsletter” with a box for a name and email.

When creating your opt-in form, keep it simple:

• Ask for only the essential details (usually just a first name and email address).
• Make it clear and inviting (tell people exactly what they’ll get in return).
• Use your email provider’s built-in templates for easy setup.

Once your opt-in form is ready, you’re one step closer to growing your email list!

Step 3: Set Up Your Email List

Now that you have an opt-in form, it’s time to create your actual email list inside your provider’s platform.

Here’s how:

• Go to your email provider’s dashboard and create a new list.
• Give it a clear name (e.g., “Potential Customers List” or “VIP Coaching Clients”).
• Connect your opt-in form to this email list so that anyone who signs up is automatically added.

This is the foundation of your email marketing system, and it ensures your subscribers are neatly organized.

Step 4: Set Up an Automated Freebie Delivery Email

Most people don’t just hand over their email address for fun—they want something valuable in return! That’s where a freebie (lead magnet) comes in. It could be:

• A PDF guide
• A mini-course
• An exclusive video training
• A discount code

Once you’ve created your freebie, you need an automated email that delivers it immediately when someone signs up. Inside your email provider, set up:

• A welcome email that thanks them for joining.
• A link to download the freebie.
• A little intro about you and what they can expect in future emails.

This automated email saves you time and ensures your new subscribers get what they signed up for right away!

Step 5: Add Your Opt-in Form to Your Website & Social Media

Your opt-in form needs to be easy to find so people can actually sign up! Here’s where you can place it:

• On your website – Embed it on your homepage, blog posts, or as a pop-up.
• On your social media – Add the link to your Instagram bio, Facebook page, and TikTok profile.
• In your email signature – Every email you send is a chance to get a new subscriber!

The more places you share your opt-in form, the more subscribers you’ll get!

Bonus Step: Create a Welcome Email Sequence

A welcome email sequence is a series of emails that automatically send after someone joins your list. Instead of just one email, you can set up a few emails over several days to:

• Introduce yourself and your business.
• Share some of your best content.
• Offer a small win (quick tip, resource, etc.).
• Eventually, pitch your product or service.

This helps turn subscribers into friends and friends into customers!

Final Thoughts

Setting up an email list might seem overwhelming at first, but if you follow these five steps, you’ll have it done in no time:

1. Choose an email list provider
2. Create an opt-in form
3. Set up your email list
4. Create a freebie and a delivery email
5. Share your opt-in form everywhere!

Having an email list gives you a direct line to your audience—one that isn’t controlled by social media algorithms. So start building your list today, and watch how it transforms your business!

Got questions? Drop them in the comments—I’d love to help!