Building an Email List from Scratch (Without Being Annoying)

Let’s be honest — no one likes a pushy email signup. But that doesn’t mean you should skip list-building altogether. A healthy, growing email list is one of the most valuable assets in your business. Done right, it creates a direct line to your customers — one that you own.

This week, we’re diving into ethical, effective strategies to grow your email list without spammy tactics, gimmicks, or guilt-trips.

Email Tactics We Use & Recommend

Lead Magnets That Actually Help

Offer something useful in exchange for an email:

• A simple PDF checklist

• A discount code

• A mini video series

• An early access signup

If it feels valuable to your customer, it’s probably worth it. If it feels like fluff, skip it.

Popups That Don’t Suck

Set rules that make sense:

• Delay popups by 10–15 seconds

• Offer a clear benefit (“Get 10% off your first order”)

• Add an easy exit — no guilt-trip buttons like “No thanks, I hate saving money” (please, just don’t)
  
  

Checkout or Booking Opt-Ins

These are low-effort, high-impact:

• Add a simple checkbox at checkout: “Keep me updated with new launches + exclusive offers

• Same for appointment bookings or downloads

• Make sure it’s unchecked by default (consent is key)
  
  

In-Person Collection That Feels Human

At events, markets, popups, or your physical space:

• Use a clean clipboard, tablet form, or QR code

• Offer a reason to sign up (early access, giveaway entry, discount)

• Let them know how often they’ll hear from you
  
  

Pro Tip: Segment From the Start

Even if your list is small, begin tagging people based on where they came from — event, website popup, checkout, etc.
Why? It lets you speak directly to different kinds of buyers later on. And that leads to higher open rates, better sales, and fewer unsubscribes.

Next week, we’ll cover:
👉 Part 3: What to Send (And How Often)
How to build a rhythm that grows your business and keeps your audience warm.