The First 10 Steps To A Profitable Email List
The First 10 Steps To A Profitable Email List
BY AMY PORTERFIELD
That was me 16+ years ago – full of dreams but without a single subscriber. Fast
forward to today, and I’ve built a strong community of loyal subscribers. The best
part?
I did it without any complex systems, just step-by-step, driven by the same vision
that you hold in your heart… To make a difference, to find freedom, and to build
a dream business. Now, I’m excited to pass the very steps I took to get my first
subscribers on to you.
To really get the most out of this guide, you’ll want to block time on your calendar
to tackle each step so that in just 10 days, you’ll be celebrating your first loyal
subscribers! (And don’t worry – I’ll be right here to guide you through each one,
step-by-step.)
With this dedicated community, you’ll have a solid foundation to build upon. Just
imagine where that could take you by this time next year.
ALL my best,
Create a lead magnet that attracts your dream email subscribers to your list.
Whether it’s a PDF (checklist or guide), audio training, or video series I’ve got you
covered with tips on picking your topic and designing it.
Discover what an Email Service Provider (ESP) is and why it’s your new best friend.
I’ll also share my top ESP recommendation (the one I started with!) and provide
a step-by-step tutorial on setting it up right from the get-go. As a bonus, I’m also
giving you a template delivery email for your lead magnet in this guide!
Nurture your new leads and keep your social content active. Make sure to set aside 1
hour each day during this 5-day period to dive into the Direct Message (DM) strategy
(that I outline for you later in this guide) that’s helped me gain thousands of subscribers.
With my strategies aiming for just a handful of new subscribers each day will get
your list built in a totally stress-free and do-able way!
Okay, have you blocked out those times on your calendar yet? Seriously, go do it! I
always say, if you schedule it, you make it real.
And if you want different results, you need to do something different or as I like
to say, #DSD. This guide isn’t just another item to collect digital dust alongside
that half-finished “knit your own yoga socks” pattern or those French lessons you
downloaded and then... “oui, forgot about.”
Don’t just learn from this guide – do something different with it and take action!
Now let’s get started on building that list and, more importantly, your dream
life and business. Because in this guide, we’re doing it together – step-by-step,
subscriber-by-subscriber.
Day 1 | Total Time: 1 hour - A great lead magnet pulls your new subscriber right
in, offering so much value they can’t help but wonder, “If this is free, imagine how
amazing the paid stuff must be!”
Think of your lead magnet as a handshake… It’s your first exchange with potential
customers, where you swap valuable content for their contact details, setting the
stage for a deeper, loyal relationship.
Even if you’re not ready to start selling anything quite yet, a solid lead magnet sets
the stage for future sales by tackling their biggest challenges and building trust
in you. It’s all about meeting your dream email subscribers where they’re at and
starting a meaningful conversation.
First things first… Let’s decide on your lead magnet topic.
Prompt: I need a lead magnet topic. Here are some insights about who I’m
trying to attract: [insert characteristics and demographics of your dream
subscriber here]. Also, my area of expertise is [insert area of expertise], and
here are some questions people ask me all the time [insert questions]. Based
on this, what are some compelling lead magnet topics I could explore?
And I encourage you not to overthink it… One of my star students, Margherita
Berti, has a simple and powerful lead magnet for the “Ultimate Italian Conjugation
Blueprint.”
Margherita is an Italian teacher and really gets her audience and subscribers. She
knows they’re often feeling overwhelmed and frustrated with conjugation, so she
whipped up this simple yet powerful guide to kick-start the conversation and give
them an instant quick win. They get massive value and she gets a subscriber on her
list!
Sometimes, it’s the straightforward solutions that make the biggest impact.
without having to hire one. Here’s a quick rundown of how you do this >>
Step 1: Click on “Templates” in the left-hand navigation bar.
Step 2: Type what you’re looking for in the search bar in the upper right corner. (e.g.
Cheat Sheet, Checklist, Guide).
Step 3: Browse the templates and select one you love. Click “Customize this
template.” (You can even sort by free ones if you don’t have a paid account!).
Step 4: Look to the upper navigation bar and click to rename your template in the
text box.
And just like that, day 1 is in the books! In just one hour, you’ve not only chosen
an irresistible topic for your lead magnet but also decided on the type and the
template you’ll use to bring it to life.
That’s some serious progress – feel free to do a little victory dance, you’ve earned
it. I’ll see you tomorrow as we start customizing and creating your lead magnet
content.
Day 2 | Total Time: 1 hour - Welcome back… Let’s jump right in because we’ve got a
power hour ahead and it’s all about bringing your lead magnet to life.
Reopen your Canva template – or, if you’re venturing into the world of video or
audio, open your recording platform of choice and crack open a Google Doc for that
script.
Step 1 (5 minutes): Click into the template to customize the colors using the color
box that appears at the top of the editor. Choose your brand colors on the menu
that drops down when you click it.
Step 2 (5 minutes): If you want to add photos, you can upload your own by
dragging and dropping them into Canva. These will appear in the “Uploads” section
on the left menu. You can also use stock photos Canva provides by clicking “Photos”
on the left menu. Use the search bar to locate what you’re looking for.
Step 3 (45 minutes): Click into the text boxes and add your copy. (This will take the
majority of your time today.)
Running into writer’s block? Use tools like ChatGTP to brainstorm. Here’s a prompt
you can use:
Prompt: I’m [insert your area of expertise and a little about who you
are]. I’m making a [insert lead magnet type such as cheat sheet or guide]
for my community who are [insert who your community and dream
subscriber is]. Please give me an [insert type of content you want such as
opening paragraph, checklist item, conclusion, etc.] that explains/is about
[insert details].
Step 4 (5 minutes): Once you’re happy with the content click the “Share” button in
the upper right corner. Select “PDF” as the file type and click “Download”.
Now that you’ve downloaded your lead magnet, make sure to save it to your files.
We’ll circle back soon on how to get it into the hands of your dream subscribers!
And that’s a wrap on day 2 – confetti moment! You’ve just crafted your lead magnet,
the ultimate tool to help you attract your first subscribers!
Give yourself a high-five in the mirror. (Yes, it’s a thing, and yes, it’s as satisfying as it
sounds.) Then join me right back here tomorrow as we continue onto day 3!
Day 3 | Total Time: 2 hours - Starting an email list often begins with lead magnets,
just like we did… But the real magic happens in the rest of this guide, where we’ll
bring your email strategy to life.
So stick with me here because I’ve observed that people often get caught up in the
exciting task of creating a lead magnet, then lose steam when we dive into the not-
so-sexy – but just as important counterpart – setting up your email service provider.
So, let’s talk about it!
An ESP is an email platform that houses your email list and supports your
email marketing efforts with tools and resources.
You use it to collect email addresses from visitors to your website. It also makes it
possible for you to store and manage those email addresses, stay in compliance
with things like GDPR laws, and send nurturing emails that build raving fans and a
strong community.
» Step 1: Post your lead magnet opt-in page link (more on that in a minute!)
on a social media platform or on your website to entice your dream email
subscriber to click.
» Step 2: Next, they’ll land on your opt-in page which is simple and asks for only
two things: their first name and email address. I recommend only asking for
these two things. The less they have to fill out, the better.
» Step 3: After they’ve submitted their name and email, they’ll be integrated into
your email software.
» Step 5: Finally, your subscriber will receive your irresistible lead magnet via an
email which will send out automatically after they opt-in.
» Step 6: Now that they’re on your email list, you’ll begin to email them weekly
with valuable content to nurture and build a relationship.
Once someone is on your email list, I’m often asked whether you need to create a full
nurture sequence of 3-5 specialized emails for new subscribers. My advice? Keep it
simple. Rather than crafting a separate introduction series, save yourself time and
directly integrate them into your weekly emails that all your subscribers get.
This way, links to your blog, podcast, or video show will land directly in their inbox.
This approach ensures they consistently receive valuable information, eliminating
the need for them to search for it on their own.
Step 2: Select whether you do or do not currently use an email marketing tool.
If you already have an email list and you’d like to import it into ConvertKit, here’s
a step-by-step tutorial on how to do so. (Don’t worry, you can do this in under 10
steps!)
Step 6: Choose the kind of creator you are (or are going to be!!).
Step 7: Select what you’re going to use ConvertKit for. (I suggest you click on “Grow
my list”.)
Step 8: Enter your website and social media handles (if you have them).
Step 9: Watch the welcome video and get started! (How exciting!)
Pop the champagne! You officially have your account. Next up, let’s get you creating
your very first landing page.
The main goal of your landing page is to build trust quickly to transform visitors
and onlookers into engaged subscribers and, eventually, customers. Because a
picture can convey emotion, authenticity, and context instantly, images often build
a connection with your audience faster than text can.
Where appropriate, try adding personal photos to your landing page as this
significantly enhances the trust-building process when someone can see your face.
And getting high-quality photos of yourself is easier than ever using just your
smartphone. For practical tips on mastering your first photoshoot and leveraging
photos, tune into my podcast here.
When you learn how to write a great landing page, keep in mind that the copy
needs to be:
» Clear
» Concise
» Engaging
» Actionable
» Memorable
Whenever you write landing page copy, use these bullets as a checklist to make
sure your copy incorporates all of these characteristics.
Remember, your goal is to guide potential subscribers toward an offer that moves
them closer to their goal. Your copy should clearly communicate that this offer is
tailored just for them and is simply too good to pass up.
(Need help with copywriting? Check out this episode of my podcast here!)
There you have it! Your landing page is where the magic starts!
Day 3 | 15 minutes: Set up how you will send out your lead magnet in an email
to your subscribers - Check out the steps to do this right here >>
“Set up your delivery email now”
To make it super easy for you to get into action and create your own, here’s a
customizable template. Just plug in your details and you’re good to go!
Hello [Name],
Are you ready to unlock new opportunities and elevate your
[insert general topic or goal, e.g., “business strategies,”
“health routines,” “artistic skills”]?
[Insert a playful or engaging question to connect with
your audience, e.g., “Is a morning without coffee really a
morning?”]
Get instant access to “[insert your lead magnet title]” by
clicking right here.
[Insert button or link to download your lead magnet]
You’re going to LOVE the insights it offers.
(And the [insert relevant benefit, e.g., “boost in
efficiency,” “health benefits,” “creative inspiration”] isn’t
too shabby either.)
All the best,
[Your Name]
Give yourself a massive pat on the back – you completed day 3! 🎉 This setup isn’t
just a one-time accomplishment – it’s truly a long-term investment.
I’m speaking from experience – 16+ years in the game, and I still rely on these
systems. Each time you tweak or set up a new funnel, it gets quicker and easier.
Remember, mastering this now may seem slow, but it’s a forever skill!
Day 4 | Total Time: 2 hours - Create the graphics and copy for 5 social media
posts to share over the next 5 days.
Now, let’s shift gears a bit. The next step? Getting your opt-in page out there
and seen by the right eyes. Enter social media – a fantastic, free resource at our
fingertips.
The goal is to cultivate trust within your community on social platforms. This builds
a bridge for them to confidently click through to your opt-in page and share their
email. From there… Voilà!… You’re now welcoming them into your world as an email
subscriber.
Out of the 5 posts you’re creating today, 3 will offer tips, insights, and personal
stories related to your lead magnet topic. You’ll also add 2 direct promotional posts
telling people to download your lead magnet and why they should.
Here are the posts you’ll create today >>
To help you hit the ground running, I’ve included a handy social media template for
one of your direct promotional posts that you can use – check it out >>
Post Copy: Did you know? Mastering [insert topic] could transform your [insert
relevant field or aspect of life]! Imagine what achieving [insert major milestone]
could do for you. Want to learn how? Grab my [insert lead magnet title] where
I’ll guide you through [insert general goal or outcome], no matter where you’re
starting today >> [insert link]
Just like you used Canva to create your lead magnet, it’s a great tool to find
templates for your social media graphics. Check out how here >>
Awesome job – the heavy lifting is done! You’ve crafted the posts that will grace
your social feeds for the next 5 days.
Next, we’ll start sharing these posts and begin the exciting journey of attracting a
handful of new subscribers each day. Here we go!
Days 5 - 10 | Total Time Each Day: 1 hour - Here’s where I’m going to ask you to
rethink social media. It’s not just a megaphone for broadcasting your messages… It’s
more like a cocktail party, where the best interactions come from mingling, helping,
and connecting.
When you generously share knowledge, lessons learned, and advice… you build
trust. And when people see the value you offer, they’ll naturally get curious, want
more, and seek your expertise out.
Think of it a bit like dating. Popping the big question, “Will you marry me?” on a
first date? Probably not a great move. But when you spend time getting to know
someone, answer their questions genuinely, court them, fall in love, and then you
eventually make a big ask, the chances of a “yes” go way up.
Similarly, when you’re ready to ask for someone’s email on your opt-in page, you’ll
find much more success if you’ve already built that rapport and trust.
Days 5-10: Step 1 | 15 minutes - Post the social media content you created each
morning. (I suggest starting with just one social media platform – start simple, get
fancy later!)
Days 5 - 10: Step 2 | 45 minutes - Put into action the two strategies below to turn
social media into your own cocktail party and attract the perfect subscribers to your
email list!
If it turns out that your free lead magnet could be the solution they need,
politely ask if they’d be interested in checking it out. Always remember to
ask permission before sending over the link — it’s a small gesture that
shows big respect for their inbox!
If you don’t have followers engaging on your posts yet, seek out an
established account in a similar niche as yours. Reply to comments their
followers have left sparking conversations and sharing helpful advice.
And stick with it remembering that every “no” you get brings you closer to a
“yes!” Building your email list is essentially a numbers game — the more people
you engage with in your DMs and group discussions, the higher your chances of
gaining subscribers.
I am so very proud of you for taking this step to your first subscribers, sweet friend…
And I’ll see you soon!