Email List Building 101: How to Start from Zero

📧 Because your audience deserves more than just a scroll-by.

When I first heard other creators talk about “email marketing,” I pictured a giant, already-successful brand with thousands of subscribers and fancy automated systems. That couldn’t be me, right?

Wrong.

The truth is, everyone starts at zero. And building your email list from scratch is one of the smartest things you can do for your business or creative hobby — no matter your niche.

Why? Because social media is rented space. Your email list is yours.

Today, I’m walking you through exactly how to start building your list — even if you don’t have a single subscriber yet.

💡 Step 1: Pick Your Email Platform

There are tons of options (Mailerlite, ConvertKit, Flodesk, Mailchimp, etc.), and most have free plans to get you started. Look for:

• A user-friendly editor (so you actually enjoy using it)

• Easy automation (so you can send welcome emails without babysitting them)

• Good deliverability (so your emails don’t get lost in spam)

🎁 Step 2: Create a Freebie (Lead Magnet)

People love free stuff — but it has to be something they actually want.For example:

• A checklist

• A mini eBook

• A set of printable templates

• An exclusive tutorial

💡 Make it specific. “Free scrapbook paper” is nice, but “Free set of 5 fall-themed scrapbook papers” is irresistible to a scrapbooker.

🖼 Step 3: Design a Sign-Up Form or Landing Page

Your freebie needs a “home” where people can sign up for it.

• Keep it simple and visually appealing

• Show a preview of your freebie

• Clearly explain how it will help your audience

If you’re using Canva (of course you are!), you can design graphics for your form that make it feel branded and professional.

📢 Step 4: Promote Your Freebie Everywhere

Don’t just post it once and forget about it — make it a regular part of your content.

• Share it on Instagram, Facebook, Pinterest, and TikTok

• Add it to your website/blog

• Mention it in your YouTube videos or podcast episodes

• Put it in your email signature

💬 Step 5: Nurture Your New Subscribers

Your email list isn’t just about collecting addresses — it’s about building relationships.

• Send a welcome email right away

• Share value before you sell

• Keep your tone personal and friendly (like you’re writing to a friend)

When your subscribers trust you, they’ll be much more likely to support your products, services, or content.

🛍 Ready-to-Use Canva Email Templates

Want to make your emails look polished from day one? I’ve designed editable Canva templates for email graphics, freebies, and lead magnets that you can customize in minutes.

✨ Find them here:

👉 Visit A Rea of Treasures on Etsy

💌 Join My Mailing List for Freebies + Creative Prompts

Want a free character profile template to get started?Join my email list and get:

• A printable + digital character sheet

• Monthly creative freebies and Canva tips

• First access to new Etsy launches

• Encouraging emails for your writing + storytelling journey

👉 Click here to subscribe and grab your freebie!

Let’s make writing feel like a cozy adventure again. ✍️✨

💛 Final Thoughts

Starting your email list from zero might feel intimidating, but it’s completely doable — and incredibly rewarding.

You don’t need thousands of subscribers to make it worth your time. Even a small, engaged list can bring more sales, more connections, and more loyal supporters than you ever imagined.

So start today. Pick your platform, make your freebie, and invite people into your world.

You’ve got this,

💛 Rea 🌻Creator of A Rea of Treasures