How to Build An Email List From Scratch in 2025

August: Email Marketing

Flodesk is one of Rising Tide Society’s affiliatie partners. This article contains affiliate links, meaning a commission may be received if a purchase is made through links in this post.

Building Your Email List in 2025 (Minus the Headache)

Let me just say it: starting your email list can feel like that first workout class you signed up for with way too much confidence.
You’re sweating, confused, wondering why your form doesn’t look like the girl in the front row—and kinda regretting all your life choices.

Sound familiar?

But here’s the truth: it’s not supposed to feel easy in the beginning. Just like anything else that grows your business (or your booty), it takes some work.
The good news? You don’t have to white-knuckle your way through it.

Enter: Flodesk. This is my favorite email marketing platform because it makes you feel like you actually know what you’re doing (even if this is your first email ever).

That’s where Flodesk comes in. It’s the only email marketing platform I recommend for small business owners. It’s:

💻 User-friendly (if you can drag, drop, and type—you’re good)

✨ Beautiful (think: Pinterest-worthy templates)

🤓 Smart (with automation that actually makes sense)

📬 Unlimited (no punishing you for having a big list)

And the best part? You don’t need to be a designer or a copywriter. If you can drag, drop, and type—you’re golden.

Let’s Break Down How to Build Your Email List with Flodesk (Step-by-Step)

Whether you’re starting from zero or dusting off a neglected list, here’s the routine I recommend:

Step 1: Create Your Freebie (aka the Bait That’s Actually Worth Biting)

Try something like:

A quick checklist
A short & sweet PDF guide
A mini video tutorial
A juicy discount
A peek inside your offer or process

Keep it simple. Keep it helpful. Make it feel like a gift, not a bribe.

💡 Ask yourself: What’s one small win I can help them get in 5 minutes or less?

Step 2: Design a Aesthetic (but Strategic) Opt-In Form

One thing I love about Flodesk? The forms are actually pretty. Not clunky. Not corporate. But fully customizable. You can create pop-ups, full-page landing pages, or embed forms on your website—all on-brand and on point.

Just make sure your form:
✅ Tells them what they’re getting
✅ Focuses on the benefit (not just “join my newsletter”)
✅ Keeps it simple (name + email is enough!)

And yes—link it everywhere: your homepage, Instagram bio, blog, even pinned comments.

Step 3: Set Up a Welcome Sequence (aka First Impressions Matter)

Now that they’ve said “yes” and handed over their email… don’t ghost them.

Set up an automation in Flodesk to welcome them like the gracious host you are. Here’s a simple 3-email flow:

Welcome + deliver the freebie (Hi! Here’s what you asked for 👋)
Your story or mission (Let them connect with you)
Your offer or next step (Guide them to your service, product, or next move)
This isn’t the time for a hard sell. Think more: “Here’s how I can help you” and less: “BUY NOW OR ELSE.”

Step 4: Email Consistently (Even If It’s Just Twice a Month)

Let’s keep it real: you don’t need to write a newsletter every week unless you want to.

Start small. 2 emails a month is a great rhythm. Just make sure they’re valuable, interesting, and sound like you.

Content ideas:

Quick tip or tutorial
Behind the scenes of your process
New product launch
FAQs you get all the time
Something you learned that your audience would love too

With Flodesk’s drag-and-drop templates, writing an email can feel less like homework and more like talking to a friend.

Step 5: Promote Like You Mean It

You did the work—now get it in front of people!

Some ideas:

Add the freebie to your Instagram story highlights
Create a Reel or TikTok walking through what they’ll get
Mention it in your email signature
Do a “soft launch” on social, inviting your audience to join
Create a content day just around hyping it up

Don’t be shy—your list is your people. They’re the ones who want to hear from you.

Real Talk

I used to dread email marketing. I’d open up a blank screen and just… stare. So I created my own branded templates with flow and structure—and it was a game changer.

https://brandedbybernel.com/FLODESK-FREEBIE

Suddenly, it felt like Pilates with the cute outfit and a cheat sheet. Still challenging, but way more enjoyable.

Ready to Ditch the Guesswork?

If you want to look like a pro from day one—and stop ghosting your list before it even starts—grab 50% off your first year of Flodesk using this link.

You’ve got way too much magic to share with the world to be stuck at “where do I even start?”

Let’s make email your new favorite marketing move. 💌

Bernel Westbrook is an award-winning brand and web designer, educator, and founder of Branded by Bernel, a marketing agency dedicated to the creative community. With a foundation in art and communication, she lives by the motto, “Obsessing over the details so you don’t have to.” Since 2016, Bernel has empowered hundreds of creatives with her high-energy, straightforward style and passion for providing education and resources to help thought leaders grow and shine online. Visit her website at https://brandedbybernel.com and follow her on instagram at @brandedbybernel.

Monthly Themes

Every month for the rest of 2025 and January 2026, Rising Tide Society will focus on a specific business-related topic:

July – Side Gigs and Hustles
August – Email Marketing
September – Instagram and Social Media
October – SEO and Blogging
November – Philanthropy
December – Best Business Tips
January – Protecting Your Business

RTS is accepting blogs on any of these themes from our Chapter Leaders and Members. Click here to send in your submission.

Join our email list and stay up-to-date with all things RTS:
https://risingtidesociety.com/#email-sign-up
Follow us on Instagram!
https://www.instagram.com/risingtidesociety
Find us on Facebook!
https://www.facebook.com/groups/therisingtidesociety