Episode 483: From Zero Subscribers to Your First 100: The No-Ick Guide to Building Your Newsletter

Every agent and publisher will tell you the same thing: your email subscribers are gold. But what if you're starting from absolute zero? What if not even your mom has signed up yet?

In this practical episode, Kathi Lipp and Roger Lipp break down the essentials of building an email list that actually serves your readers—and your writing career. Whether you're trying to figure out which tool to use or wondering what kind of freebie to offer, this conversation will help you take your first confident steps.

What You'll Discover in This Episode

• Why your email list is your "owned audience" while social media is just rented space
• The one sentence you need to complete before launching your newsletter
• Why chunky lead magnets are out and simple, authentic freebies are in
• How to choose the right email tool when you're just getting started
• Low-tech and high-tech ways to collect email addresses
• What belongs on your landing page to convert visitors into subscribers
• Why your first 100 subscribers are the hardest—and what to do about it

Key Takeaways

Your newsletter is a relationship, not a broadcast. Think of each subscriber as a one-on-one conversation rather than a crowd you're shouting at. People are thirsty for authentic connection.

Match your lead magnet to your newsletter. Whatever you offer to get someone on your list should feel like a natural preview of what they'll receive each week. No bait and switch.

Start simple. You don't need fancy tools to begin. A Google spreadsheet and a sign-up sheet at your next speaking event can get you started while you figure out what your newsletter is really for.

Put your sign-up everywhere. Your website, social media, podcast—anywhere you already show up, make it obvious how people can join your list.

If you've been putting off starting your email list because it feels too complicated or too techie, this episode will give you the permission and the practical steps to just begin.