So you’ve signed up for an email platform (go you!) and now you’re staring at your subscriber count sitting pretty at… zero. Or maybe just your mom. Either way—this is where we start. Getting your first 100 email subscribers isn’t about gimmicks or going viral. It’s about clarity, generosity, and sharing your magic with the right people.

Let’s break it down.

Know Your Audience and Their Problem

First, you gotta know who you’re talking to. Your audience isn’t everyone—it’s the specific people your work is meant to serve. If you’re stuck, go back to the basics: who are they? What do they need? What problem are you solving?

For example, if you’re a brand photographer, your audience might be small business owners who need to feel confident in front of the camera. Boom—there’s your in.

Create a Freebie That Solves That Problem

Now that you know what keeps your people up at night, create a freebie that helps them sleep better. This could be:

• A checklist: 5 Ways to Feel Confident on Camera

• A pose guide for brand photos

• A discount code for your favorite beauty products

Keep it simple. Use Canva to design it, export as a PDF, and connect it to your Flodesk (or other email platform) form. When they sign up, they get value right away. That’s the heart of great email marketing.

Promote Like You Mean It

You’ve got a shiny new opt-in. Now tell people about it! Getting your first 100 email subscribers is all about showing up and sharing:

• Add the sign-up link to your website (pop-ups, footers—everywhere!)

• Drop it in your email signature

• Post about it on Instagram, LinkedIn, and wherever your people hang out

• Text your inner circle with the link

• Email past clients and say, “Hey, I’m launching something new—I’d love to include you!”

This isn’t spammy—it’s service. You’re solving a real problem, and your people want that.

You’re Building More Than a List

This part gets me every time: growing your email list isn’t just about numbers. It’s about connection. Each name on your list is a person who trusts you, who’s saying, “Yes, I want to hear from you.”

That first 100? It’s not just a milestone—it’s the beginning of a relationship-driven business.

If you’re reading this and thinking, “Ugh, I should’ve done this already,”—pause. You’re doing it now. That’s the part that matters. And you’ve got everything you need to start.

Want extra support? I’m a proud Flodesk partner, and you can snag 50% off at comeplum.com/flodesk to help make it even easier.

We’re in this together. And you’re doing great.