The Beginner’s Guide to Building an Email List That Converts

Introduction  

Your email list isn’t just a nice-to-have — it’s your most valuable marketing asset.  Social followers scroll. Email subscribers buy.  

If you’re starting from zero, this guide will walk you through how to attract subscribers,  build trust, and use email to sell without being spammy.  

Step 1: Create a Lead Magnet That Solves a Specific Problem  

Generic = ignored.  

Examples: 

• “The Instagram Bio Makeover Checklist”  • “5 Plug-and-Play Reels Hooks”  

• “Website Must-Haves for Coaches”  

Keep it simple. One quick win. PDF or video is perfect.  

Step 2: Set Up an Email Platform  

Top beginner-friendly options:  

• MailerLite (free up to 1,000 subs)  

• Flodesk (beautiful and intuitive)  

• ConvertKit (best for creators)  

Start with:  

• One list  

• One welcome sequence  

• Tags to track interests  

Step 3: Promote It Everywhere  

• Instagram link in bio  

• Stories with CTAs  

• Blog post pop-ups 

• Guest podcast freebie links  

• Facebook group posts  

Make your freebie easy to access and constantly visible.  

Step 4: Send Weekly Value Emails  

Start simple:  

• 1x/week newsletter  

• 200–400 words  

• Helpful tip or story + CTA  

Build the habit. Be human. The relationship builds in the inbox.  

Step 5: Nurture Before You Pitch  

Use your welcome sequence to:  

• Share your story  

• Deliver value  

• Tease your offer  

• Invite to a discovery call or mini-course  

Don’t ghost your list — train them to look forward to hearing from you.  

Conclusion 

A list of 100 engaged subscribers can be more profitable than 10,000 ghost followers.  Start today, serve consistently, and your email list will become your best lead source.  

Follow @carlamariabruno and @ottawareels 

�� contact@carlamariabruno.com to help you build your first funnel or lead magnet.