Trying to sell anything online when you don’t have an audience is like shouting into the void.

The only way to make that work is if you’ve got a massive budget to throw around, and honestly, who does?!

But don’t despair!

Today I want to share with you an easy, three-step plan to get your first 500 email subscribers from scratch, so you can start making waves – all without spending a cent!

 So why do we want subscribers?

Well email subscribers are your most engaged audience—they’re the people who chose to listen to what you have to say, even when the digital world is bustling with noise. They’re likely to engage with your content and, most importantly, they can turn into customers or collaborators. This is your list of leads, your community, and your chance to grow beyond individual transactions.

Your first task today is creating an irresistible lead magnet that stands out. You might also call it an ‘opt-in bribe’ because, let’s be honest, we’re basically ‘bribing’ people to join our email list, and here’s the key: Make it juicy! Something so valuable people can’t help but sign up.

This could be a quick 20-minute video, an insightful PDF, or anything that your target audience will find super beneficial. If your lead magnet is good enough, people will naturally share it with friends, spreading the word without you lifting a finger.

Now that you’ve got a killer lead magnet, it’s time to use my ‘Beg, Borrow, Pay’ framework.

TUNE IN : APPLE PODCASTS | SPOTIFY

Step 1: Beg

The fastest way to grow is to start with your existing network. Don’t underestimate the power of those closest to you. Reach out personally to friends, family, and colleagues who might be interested in what you’re doing and ask them to share it as a link in an email or a quick post on their social media. This step can feel uncomfortable but if you ask sincerely and make the process easy, people are often more than willing to help!

Step 2: Borrow

Once you’ve got some traction, it’s time to commit to a routine of sharing your lead magnet.  Aim to share it three times a day across various platforms – Facebook groups, LinkedIn groups, Reddit threads, anywhere your ideal customer might be hanging out. It might seem labour-intensive, but finding the right spots can lead to hundreds of new email subscribers. And even when it’s not the right platform, you’ll gain valuable insight into what works and what doesn’t.  

Phase 3: Pay

Now, let’s move onto “Pay,” or more accurately, “Pay for Itself.” When you’re ready to take the plunge, re-invest a portion of any initial revenue from your new email subscribers from scratch back into your strategy. Consider running Facebook ads for your freebie, allowing your list to grow more rapidly and begin paying for itself. If you’ve already seen success with your lead magnet, this can quickly scale your efforts and lead to thousands of subscribers.

Bonus Tip: Don’t stop at emails!

Yes, we’re focusing on your email list, but don’t neglect your social media presence! Encourage new email subscribers to follow you on platforms like Instagram by offering mini-trainings or valuable content they can access immediately. This dual approach strengthens your brand and provides more avenues to engage with your audience.

 So, there you have it, my three-step framework for skyrocketing your subscriber count to 500+ quickly and without breaking the bank.

I’d love to hear how it works for you, so please reach out on Instagram @HelloFunnels if you give it a try.

Dreaming of a successful online course? Let Empire be your partner in creating, automating, and scaling your vision.

Until next time, happy list building!