Simple Steps to Start Your Email List Right
Wondering how to start your email list the right way? These simple steps will help you build a strong foundation — one that supports your growth, strengthens your credibility, and makes every email you send more effective.
The other day, during a coworking session, I was chatting with a fellow entrepreneur who’d just started her business.
She mentioned she was still using a Gmail address for her brand — and hadn’t really thought much about building an email list yet.
And instantly, I felt that familiar spark — that mix of excitement and clarity that comes when you know someone is right on the edge of something important.
Because here’s the truth:
When you’re in the early stages of business, it’s easy to think email can wait.
That you’ll start your list later, when you’re “ready” to send real newsletters.
That using a personal Gmail address is fine “for now.”
But those early, quiet decisions — the ones that feel small — can make a huge difference down the road.
So when she asked if I’d share a few things I’ve learned about setting up a strong foundation early on, I found myself outlining what I wish every new entrepreneur knew:
Start Your List Sooner Than You Think You Need To
Even if you’re not ready to send a weekly newsletter or automated sequence, start collecting email addresses now.
Your list is your direct line to the people who genuinely want to hear from you — the ones who will grow with you.
You don’t need a fancy funnel or polished welcome sequence yet.
You just need a place for people to raise their hand and say,
“I’m interested in what you’re building.”
Because once you’re ready to start sending, you’ll already have an audience waiting — and that momentum matters.
Keep It Simple (and Sustainable)
Getting started doesn’t have to mean big expenses or complex systems.
There are low-cost ways to do this right from day one — reliable tools that make it easy to grow at your own pace.
And the best part? When you build from a solid foundation, you don’t have to backtrack later or transfer everything once your audience grows.
Start lean. Stay organized. Build wisely.
Your Business Deserves Its Own Inbox
This one might seem like a small thing — but using a professional email address (yourname@yourdomain.com) is about more than aesthetics.
It’s about credibility, deliverability, and how your emails are received — both technically and emotionally.
It signals to clients, collaborators, and future subscribers that you take your business seriously and that you’ve built something real.
It’s a small investment that communicates big things.
When I wrapped up that coworking chat, I realized something subtle but powerful:
Small steps build strong foundations.
It’s often these quiet, early choices — the ones that seem almost invisible — that make everything that follows flow more easily.
Because once your foundation is set, every email you send becomes simpler, more aligned, and more effective — and that’s when growth starts to feel natural.
If you’re just getting started — or even if you’ve been in business awhile but never really set up your list — it’s never too late to build the right foundation.
Start now. Start small. But start wisely. 🌿
(And if you’re curious about the exact low-cost tools I recommend for getting started, I’ve linked a few of my favorites at the end of this post.)
Wherever you are in your email journey, there’s a simple next step waiting for you 👇
Ready to take the next step?
If you’ve been thinking about how to grow your list — but you’re not sure where to start or how it all fits together — that’s exactly what we uncover in the Email Growth Strategy Session.
It’s a focused, 60-minute experience designed to bring clarity, confidence, and direction to your email growth and visibility.
We’ll map out what’s working, what needs focus, and how to move forward sustainably — so you can stop overthinking your setup and start growing with intention.
🌿 [Explore the Strategy Session]
Not quite ready for that step yet?
If you’d rather start with a lighter, no-pressure conversation, you can also book a Free Coffee Chat.
It’s a relaxed, genuine way to connect, ask questions, and talk through what kind of email support might serve you best — no prep, no pitch, just a real conversation.
Or start with something simple and tangible.
Grab my free Email Setup Success Checklist — a short, practical guide to make sure your email foundations are ready to grow with you.
When you download the checklist, you’ll also be added to my weekly newsletter — From My Inbox to Yours — where I share honest, sustainable strategies for growing your list with clarity and calm.
It’s the perfect way to stay connected and keep your email system evolving with you.
👉 ✅ [Get the Free Checklist]
