Grow Your Email List From Zero as a Creator
You've been told 'the money is in the list' but you have 47 email subscribers and most of them are family. Here's how to set up a creator-focused email system, build a lead magnet that attracts real subscribers, and start growing a list of people who actually want to hear from you.
Tools You'll Need
| Tool | What It Does | Cost | Link |
|---|---|---|---|
| ConvertKit (Kit) | Email marketing platform built for creators — landing pages, signup forms, automation, and newsletters | Free up to 10,000 subscribers / $29/mo for automation features | Get it → |
| Claude or ChatGPT | Creates your lead magnet content and writes your welcome email sequence | Free | Get it → |
The Walkthrough
Step 1: Sign Up for ConvertKit
What to do: Go to ConvertKit and create a free account. The free plan includes up to 10,000 subscribers, unlimited landing pages, and unlimited forms. You only need to upgrade when you want automation sequences.
Why you’re doing it: ConvertKit is built specifically for creators — not businesses with sales teams. The interface is simpler, the features are creator-focused, and the deliverability (emails actually landing in inboxes) is excellent.
What to expect: 5 minutes for setup.
Step 2: Create a Lead Magnet With AI
What to do: A lead magnet is a free resource people get in exchange for their email. Use AI: “Create a [checklist/guide/template/toolkit] about [your topic] for [your audience]. Make it actionable — something they can use immediately. Keep it to 1–3 pages.” Then format it in Canva or Google Docs and export as a PDF.
Why you’re doing it: Nobody signs up for “Subscribe to my newsletter.” They sign up for “Get my free [specific, valuable thing].” A good lead magnet turns strangers into subscribers.
What to expect: 1 hour for the lead magnet: 15 minutes with AI to draft, 30 minutes to edit and add your expertise, 15 minutes to design and format.
Step 3: Build Your Landing Page and Forms
What to do: In ConvertKit, create a landing page for your lead magnet (Templates → Landing Pages). Also create an inline signup form for your website and a pop-up form. Link them all to deliver your lead magnet automatically.
Use this prompt to write your lead magnet landing page: Ask Claude: “Write landing page copy for a free [lead magnet type — e.g., checklist, guide, mini-course] called [title] for [target audience]. Include: a headline with the core benefit, 3 bullet points of specific things they will get, a 1-sentence credibility line, and CTA button text. Under 150 words total. Specific and clear — no hype, just value.”
Why you’re doing it: Multiple touchpoints = more subscribers. The landing page is for sharing on social media. The inline form catches website visitors. The pop-up catches people about to leave.
What to expect: 30 minutes for all three. ConvertKit’s templates are clean and creator-friendly.
Step 4: Write a Welcome Sequence
What to do: Create a 3-email welcome sequence. Use AI: “Write a 3-email welcome sequence for new subscribers who downloaded my [lead magnet] about [topic]. Email 1 (immediately): Deliver the freebie and introduce yourself. Email 2 (Day 2): Share your best piece of content and a personal story. Email 3 (Day 5): Ask what they’re struggling with and invite a reply.”
Why you’re doing it: A welcome sequence builds the relationship immediately while you’re top of mind. Subscribers who engage with your first 3 emails are far more likely to become long-term readers (and customers).
What to expect: 30 minutes to write (with AI) and set up in ConvertKit’s automation builder.
Confidence Level
This workflow is Beta — Based on Best Available Knowledge. ConvertKit is one of the most popular email platforms for creators with extensive documentation and an active creator community.
What to Do If It Doesn’t Work
- Low signup rate: Your lead magnet isn’t compelling enough, or the landing page copy doesn’t communicate the value. A/B test different headlines.
- Emails going to spam: Authenticate your domain (ConvertKit walks you through this in settings). Avoid spam trigger words in subject lines.
- Need more help? ConvertKit Help Center or email us at hello@thenewsbakery.com.