How to Get Your First 100 Subscribers: Actionable Steps for Beginners
Building an engaged email list is one of the most valuable things you can do for your business or personal brand. But getting your first 100 subscribers can feel like a daunting task, especially when you’re starting from scratch. The good news? With the right strategies and a bit of persistence, you can reach this milestone faster than you think. Here’s a step-by-step guide to help you get your first 100 subscribers.
1. Create a Compelling Offer
People are protective of their email addresses, so you need to give them a good reason to subscribe. This is where a lead magnet comes in—a free resource or incentive that solves a problem for your target audience. Popular lead magnets include checklists, eBooks, templates, discount codes, or exclusive content. Make sure your offer is relevant and valuable to your ideal subscriber.
Click here for How to Create a Lead Magnet in 24 Hours
2. Set Up a Simple Landing Page
A dedicated landing page with a clear headline, a brief description of your offer, and a prominent sign-up form is essential. Keep the page focused—remove distractions and make the call-to-action (CTA) obvious. Tools like Mailchimp, ConvertKit, or MailerLite make it easy to create attractive landing pages even if you have no coding experience.
See Designing and Building Landing Pages
3. Leverage Your Existing Network
Your friends, family, colleagues, and social media followers are your first supporters. Don’t be shy about reaching out! Send a personal message or post on your social channels explaining what you’re offering and why it’s valuable. Ask them to subscribe and, if they find it useful, to share it with others who might benefit.
4. Promote on Social Media
Share your lead magnet and landing page across your social media profiles. Create engaging posts that highlight the benefits of your offer. Use relevant hashtags, join niche groups, and participate in conversations where your target audience hangs out. Don’t just promote—engage and provide value to build trust.
5. Add Sign-Up Forms to Your Website
If you have a blog or website, place sign-up forms in high-visibility areas: the homepage, blog sidebar, footer, and at the end of blog posts. Use pop-ups or slide-ins sparingly to capture attention without annoying visitors. The easier you make it for people to subscribe, the more likely they are to do so.
6. Guest Post or Collaborate
Reach new audiences by writing guest posts for blogs in your niche or collaborating with others who have complementary audiences. Include a link to your landing page or lead magnet in your author bio or as part of the collaboration. This exposes your offer to people who may not have found you otherwise.
7. Deliver Value and Build Trust
Once people start subscribing, deliver on your promises. Send a warm welcome email, provide the lead magnet promptly, and continue to offer valuable content. Building trust early increases the likelihood that subscribers will stay engaged and recommend you to others.
8. Be Patient and Persistent
Growing your list takes time, especially at the beginning. Celebrate small wins, learn from what works, and don’t get discouraged by slow days. Consistency is key—keep promoting, keep providing value, and your subscriber count will grow.
Conclusion
Getting your first 100 subscribers is a significant milestone. By creating a valuable offer, promoting it strategically, and nurturing your audience, you’ll lay a strong foundation for future growth. Remember, every big list started with just one subscriber—yours could be next!
