Let’s be honest, growing an email list from zero can feel intimidating. You might be wondering what you’re even supposed to say to people, or how anyone actually gets to that magic 1,000 subscriber mark.

And if you’ve spent time scrolling through social media, you’ve probably seen a lot of conflicting advice that only makes it harder to know where to start.

Here’s the good news: you don’t need to be an expert or have a giant following.

You just need a simple plan, a bit of consistency, and a willingness to show up for the right people.

This guide is here to help you do exactly that.

Step 1: Start With One Person in Mind

Before you dive into tools or freebies, you need to know who you’re talking to.

Not “entrepreneurs” or “busy women” — but one specific person. Imagine her at her desk, scrolling Pinterest during lunch, wishing her life felt different. She’s Googling things like “how to make extra money from home” or “how to finally feel more organized.”

Think about her dreams and frustrations:

• What does she secretly wish her life looked like?
• What does she complain about to her best friend?
• What does she want to figure out right now?

If you focus on writing for her, everything you create — your freebie, your emails, even your Instagram captions — will feel personal and relatable.

That’s what makes people join and stay.

Step 2: Create a Freebie That Feels Like a Gift

People rarely join email lists without a reason. A freebie gives them that reason — but it doesn’t need to be a giant ebook or a polished masterclass. The best freebies are quick, useful, and easy to consume.

Think of something that solves one small problem your dream subscriber is struggling with right now. A one-page checklist. A Canva vision board. A set of journal prompts. A simple PDF guide.

Something she can use the same day she downloads it and actually feel a little bit lighter.

If your freebie gives her that small win, she’ll immediately feel connected to you — and curious about what else you might offer down the road.

Step 3: Pick One Platform to Promote It

One of the easiest mistakes beginners make is trying to be everywhere at once. Instagram, Pinterest, TikTok, Threads, YouTube… it’s too much. When you’re starting out, focus on one main platform where your ideal subscriber already spends time.

If you love creating visuals and want your content to work in the background for months, Pinterest is a great choice. If you prefer writing short, emotional posts and building community, Threads might be your spot. The platform itself matters less than your consistency.

The goal is to keep showing up in one place, sharing content that feels helpful or relatable, and reminding people that they can grab your freebie. The more you repeat it, the more chances people have to actually take that step.

Step 4: Make Signing Up Effortless

Your freebie won’t grow your list if it’s hard to find or awkward to sign up for. Keep things as simple as possible. Use a clean sign-up form that tells what they will receive and why they should sign up for your list.

Don’t add extra steps or long instructions.

Then, put your freebie everywhere it makes sense: in your social bios, in your blog posts, in a pinned Thread or Instagram story, even in the footer of your emails.

You want it to feel natural and visible, so people always know how to get in.

The easier it is to sign up, the more people will say yes.

Step 5: Write Like You’re Talking to a Friend

This is the heart of your list. People don’t want corporate newsletters. They want connection.

Think of your emails as love letters, diary entries, or coffee chats. Be honest. Share a personal story. Talk about what you’re learning, what you’re struggling with, or something that inspired you.

If you write like you’re talking to your best friend after a long day, you’ll build trust faster than any “marketing formula.”

And trust is what leads to sales later on.

Step 6: Show Up Every Week

The quickest way to lose momentum is to disappear. Even if your list is tiny at the start, commit to sending something once a week. It doesn’t need to be long. Just show up.

Think of each email as another chance to connect. Maybe it’s a little mindset shift you had. Maybe it’s a behind-the-scenes story. Maybe it’s a link to something useful. The point isn’t perfection — it’s building trust by being consistent.

And over time, that consistency is what compounds into growth.

Final Thoughts:

Hitting 1,000 subscribers doesn’t happen overnight, and that’s okay. Even if you’re only adding a few people each week, that still adds up. Those small, steady steps create a community that’s far more valuable than a big number of people who don’t care.

Every single subscriber is a real person choosing to let you into her inbox.

That’s a privilege — and when you treat it that way, growth feels a lot less stressful.