8 Ways to Build Your Email List for Free

You want to grow your email list, but you’re on a budget. Honestly, aren’t we all? As a solopreneur myself, I am often pinching pennies and clutching my wallet because, honey, I got a business to run! But, is it really possible to grow your email list for free?

It most definitely is. 

Essentially, what you need is a strong lead magnet and a landing page. Then, to build your email list, you want to promote your lead magnet in several places. People will sign-up on your landing page to get that freebie.

Struggling with creating a lead magnet? Check out my Creating a Strong but Mighty Lead Magnet Freebie!

Of course, let’s be transparent. Growing your email list isn’t inherently free in that you have to pay for platforms. For example, you’ll need a website (which costs some serious cha-chang) and an email platform (which has a monthly fee). BUT - you don’t need to spend extra money to grow.

Let’s look at how to build an email list for free -

#1 Website

Your website is one of the number one ways you can maximize space. I love using my website to promote and grow my email list for a few reasons. First, if people are here on my website, they are likely already interested in what I have to offer.

Second, if they aren’t ready to commit to a service yet, giving them a freebie is a great way to nurture, grow, and warm up that potential client.

You can highlight your lead magnet on your homepage, about me page, work with me page, announcement bar, site pop-up, sidebar of a blog, and so much more. There are tons of opportunities here!

This image is straight from my website home page!

#2 Blogs

As I mentioned above, you can highlight a freebie or lead magnet on the sidebar of your blog. However, you can actually build your blog around a freebie. Or add your lead magnet as a call to action in your blog.

Ideally, you want your blog to be related somehow to your lead magnet you promote. This will ensure you get more sign-ups if they happen to stumble across your blog.

#3 Instagram and TikTok

I am lumping these two platforms together because the tactics are pretty much identical (especially since IG is a TikTok wannabe these days). You can promote your lead magnet in a variety of ways. 

For one, add a link in bio. Your link can be a specific freebie or it can send users to a larger page with options. You’ll want to include your lead magnet on that page. (Not sure what I mean? Look at the image below.)

You can also talk about your lead magnet in your videos, posts, or live streams. Then, send them to your bio to sign up for the lead magnet.

This is from my own Instagram link in bio. I created the page on my website.

#4 Facebook

If you have a Facebook group, you may be underutilizing your chances to get people on your email list. Try promoting your lead magnet in a Facebook banner or a pinned post in the group.

You can also add a spot on the “request to join” survey where you ask for emails. Now, you should make it 100% clear that these people will be added to your email list. Also, you will have to manually upload these emails to your provider. 

#5 Pinterest

Honestly, it shocks me how well Pinterest is doing after all these years. I get the majority of my leads to my email list via Pinterest, and the Pins are often years old. Of course, best practice is to add new and fresh images often.

I recommend adding 4-5 new Pins for your lead magnet each quarter, if not more often.

#6 Podcast

If you have a podcast, or plan to appear on a podcast, then you have the perfect chance to promote your lead magnet. I recommend putting links to landing pages in your podcast show notes and also mentioning the freebie in your episode.

If you are appearing on the podcast, make sure to talk about the freebie and ask that the host places your lead magnet in their notes. Then, share that sucker around and get more eyes on it!

# 7 Interviews and Events

As I mentioned in the podcast section, if you are ever appearing on a platform with someone else - you need to promote your lead magnet. This can be a summit, podcast, YouTube video, Facebook, Instagram, or TikTok Live, and more. 

Make sure you promote something related to what you’re speaking on and give the necessary links to the host.

# 8 YouTube

Lastly, if you have a YouTube channel, you can also promote here. In each episode, I would mention a free download that someone can grab. In your video description, make sure you provide the link to your lead magnet.

You can also use your YouTube page banner to promote freebies.

The main idea here is that there are tons of spaces where you can build your email list for free. You just have to start using them.

Need help building a strong, enticing lead magnet? What to make sure you are nurturing your audience from email one? Grab my free guide on Creating a Strong but Mighty Lead Magnet.

I’ll show you the four steps to creating a well-rounded, nurture-based lead magnet to get your audience hooked - without wasting hours putting together a freebie.

Hey, I’m Branda! I write email and website copy for female entrepreneurs who want personality-packed, nurture focused copy. Let’s make your copy something people want to read.

Want to work together?

I’m currently accepting new clients for email marketing and website copy.