Starting an email list can feel overwhelming, especially when you’re stuck at zero subscribers. But here’s the good news: getting your first 100 email subscribers is not only achievable, it’s the foundation of building a thriving and profitable email list. In this post, I’ll break down the exact steps to take, share tips to overcome common challenges, and even let you in on lessons from my own journey.

Why Hitting 100 Subscribers Matters

Reaching 100 email subscribers is a big deal because it’s the first real proof of concept for your email list. It means people are interested in what you have to say and what you’re offering. This milestone boosts your confidence and gives you the momentum to scale to 1,000 or even 10,000 subscribers.

Emotionally, it’s encouraging to know that people are voluntarily opting in to hear from you. Practically, it provides insights into what works, so you can refine your strategy. And let’s be honest, the more engaged your list is, the more it contributes to your bottom line.

But let’s face it, starting can feel daunting. Doubts creep in. What if people unsubscribe? What if they’re not interested? Here’s the truth: unsubscribes are not a reflection of failure. In fact, they help refine your list by leaving only the people who truly want to hear from you. Your goal is to attract and serve those people. Once you’ve done that, there’s no stopping you.

Step 1: Create a High-Converting Lead Magnet

A lead magnet is something you offer for free in exchange for an email address. For e-commerce businesses, the most effective lead magnets are:

• Quizzes: These answer specific questions, such as “Which skincare routine is right for me?”, and seamlessly tie back to your product offerings.
• Discounts: A first-order promo is simple yet effective, especially for a warmer audience already considering a purchase.
• Digital Resources: Checklists, guides, or how-to videos that provide immediate value to your ideal customer.

When I started from scratch, I created a guide with 50 plug-and-play subject lines for e-commerce businesses. It was specific and actionable, which made it irresistible. I promoted it on my website, social media, YouTube, and even invested $5 a day in Meta ads. Within two weeks, I hit 100 subscribers—but this process taught me an invaluable lesson (more on that below).

Step 2: Promote Your Lead Magnet Everywhere

Once you have your lead magnet, the next step is visibility. Make sure your opt-in forms are placed strategically across your digital presence. Here are the must-have locations:

• Homepage banner
• Website footer
• Bottom of blog posts
• Pop-up with a teaser button (set to appear 10 seconds after a visitor lands)
• Navigation menu (especially for quizzes)
• Product pages (for product recommendation quizzes)
• Social media bios
• LinkedIn bio and featured section
• YouTube descriptions and profile bio

Pro Tip: A/B test your pop-up’s timing and wording to see what works best for your audience. And don’t forget to ensure your welcome flow is live before activating your pop-up!

Step 3: Build a Welcome Flow That Connects

Your welcome flow is your chance to deliver your lead magnet and make a great first impression. Here’s what to include:

1. Deliver the Promise: Send the lead magnet (like a PDF or quiz results) immediately.
2. Introduce Yourself: Share your story authentically. Why did you start your business? What challenges have you faced? Make it relatable and focused on your audience.
3. Highlight the Value: Let them know what kind of emails they can expect—exclusive offers, tips, or behind-the-scenes content.

Remember to strike a balance between sharing your story and tying it back to your audience’s needs. Make them feel like the hero while you position yourself as the guide.

Optional: Test Paid Ads

If you want faster results, consider testing Meta’s Instant Form Lead Ads. These are great for collecting email addresses directly from social media platforms. With a cost of $3-5 per lead, you can estimate how long it will take to hit your first 100 subscribers. That said, organic growth is completely achievable with consistency and engagement.

Lessons from My First 100 Subscribers

When I hit 100 subscribers, I was thrilled. But when I promoted my first course to them, all I heard was crickets. It was devastating. After investigating, I realized my lead magnet was too broad. While it attracted e-commerce store owners, it didn’t specifically target Klaviyo users, who were my ideal customers.

I pivoted, creating a more specific lead magnet, and my engagement improved dramatically. This experience taught me the importance of analyzing your list and refining your strategy. Building an email list is not just about numbers; it’s about attracting the right people who are eager to engage with your content and convert into customers.

Key Takeaways for Building Your First 100 Subscribers

1. Start with a specific lead magnet: Make it actionable and relevant to your ideal customer.
2. Promote it everywhere: Ensure your opt-in forms are highly visible.
3. Build a welcome flow that connects: Use this to deliver value and build trust.
4. Test and refine: Analyze your results and pivot as needed.

Final Thoughts

Getting your first 100 email subscribers might feel like a big challenge, but it’s also the most rewarding. It’s the foundation for a profitable email list that grows your business sustainably. Don’t let fear or doubt hold you back. Start small, stay consistent, and refine as you go.

If you’re ready to take action, grab my free Quickstart Checklist to High-Converting Pop-Ups and Welcome Flows: https://shecommercesimplified.com/quickstart-checklist. It’s packed with practical tips to help you hit the ground running.

Let’s turn your email list into your most valuable business asset!