You have a product. You have a sales page. But here's the problem:

You can't sell to people who don't know you exist.

This is where most creators get stuck. They launch a product, post about it once or twice on social media, then wonder why nobody's buying.

The answer? You need an email list.

Email is the #1 way to sell digital products. Not social media. Not paid ads (at first). Email.

Here's why:

• You own your list (Instagram could delete your account tomorrow)
• Higher conversion rates (email converts 10x better than social media)
• Direct communication (lands in their inbox, not lost in an algorithm)
• Automated sales (emails work while you sleep)

Today, you're learning how to build an email list from scratch using a proven strategy that works even if you have zero followers right now.

THE EMAIL LIST BUILDING STRATEGY

Here's the simple formula:

OFFER SOMETHING FREE → COLLECT EMAILS → NURTURE & SELL

People give you their email in exchange for something valuable (your lead magnet). Then you send them helpful emails that eventually lead to a sale.

This is how all successful creators sell digital products.

Let's break it down step-by-step.

STEP 1: CREATE A LEAD MAGNET

A lead magnet is a free resource you give away in exchange for someone's email address.

It should be: ✅ Valuable (solves a specific problem)
✅ Quick to consume (under 30 minutes)
✅ Related to your paid product
✅ Easy to create (1-2 hours max)

LEAD MAGNET IDEAS BY PRODUCT TYPE

IF YOU SELL A BUDGET PLANNER:

Lead magnet ideas:

• "The 7-Day Spending Tracker"
• "Budget Categories Cheat Sheet for Low-Income Families"
• "5 Money Leaks Draining Your Bank Account (And How to Fix Them)"

IF YOU SELL A FREELANCE COURSE:

Lead magnet ideas:

• "The 5-Minute Freelance Rate Calculator"
• "10 Places to Find Your First Client in 7 Days"
• "Cold Email Templates That Land Freelance Clients"

IF YOU SELL A MEAL PREP GUIDE:

Lead magnet ideas:

• "The 2-Hour Sunday Meal Prep Checklist"
• "10 Freezer-Friendly Recipes for Busy Families"
• "Grocery Shopping List Template"

IF YOU SELL A PRODUCTIVITY PLANNER:

Lead magnet ideas:

• "The 5am Morning Routine Template"
• "7 Productivity Hacks for Working Moms"
• "Weekly Planning Template"

THE LEAD MAGNET RULE:

Your lead magnet should be a "gateway drug" to your paid product.

It gives them a taste of your system, proves you can help them, and makes them want more.

EXAMPLE:

Paid product: The Paycheck-to-Paycheck Escape Plan ($47)
Lead magnet: "The 7-Day Spending Tracker" (FREE)

Why this works: If they track spending for 7 days and realize where their money goes, they'll want the full 60-day system to actually FIX their budget.

The lead magnet creates desire for the paid product.

LEAD MAGNET FORMATS

EASIEST TO CREATE:

1. PDF CHECKLIST (30 minutes to create)

• Simple list of steps or tips
• One-page, easy to print
• Instantly actionable

Example: "The Pre-Launch Checklist: 25 Things to Do Before Your Product Goes Live"

2. PDF WORKSHEET/TEMPLATE (1 hour to create)

• Fill-in-the-blank worksheet
• Template they can customize
• Helps them take immediate action

Example: "Budget Planning Worksheet: Calculate Your Income, Expenses & Savings Goals"

3. SHORT EBOOK/GUIDE (2-3 hours to create)

• 5-15 pages of valuable content
• Teaches one specific thing
• Positions you as expert

Example: "The Ultimate Guide to Finding Freelance Clients on LinkedIn"

4. EMAIL COURSE (2-3 hours to create)

• 5-7 days of emails
• Each email teaches one concept
• Builds relationship over time

Example: "7-Day Email Course: Launch Your Side Hustle While Working Full-Time"

5. VIDEO TRAINING (1-2 hours to create)

• 10-20 minute video
• Screen recording or talking head
• Teaches one specific skill

Example: "How to Set Up Your First Sales Funnel in 30 Minutes"

MY RECOMMENDATION FOR BEGINNERS:

Start with a PDF checklist or worksheet.

It's quick to create, easy to deliver, and people love actionable resources.

You can always create more complex lead magnets later.

HOW TO CREATE YOUR LEAD MAGNET TODAY

STEP 1: Choose your format

Pick one from the list above. (I recommend checklist or worksheet.)

STEP 2: Choose your topic

Use this formula:

"How to [ACHIEVE QUICK WIN] Without [COMMON OBSTACLE]"

EXAMPLES:

• "How to Save $500 This Month Without Giving Up Coffee"
• "How to Find 3 Freelance Clients Without Cold Calling"
• "How to Meal Prep for the Week Without Cooking Skills"

STEP 3: Outline your content

For a checklist: List 10-25 action steps
For a worksheet: Create 5-10 fill-in-the-blank prompts
For a short guide: Write 5-10 pages teaching one thing

Keep it simple. Don't overthink.

STEP 4: Design it in Canva

1. Open Canva
2. Search "checklist template" or "worksheet template"
3. Pick one you like
4. Customize with your content
5. Use your brand colors and fonts
6. Export as PDF

TIME: 30-60 minutes total

STEP 5: Name it something compelling

BAD NAMES:

• "Free Checklist"
• "Budget Tips"
• "Freelance Guide"

GOOD NAMES:

• "The 7-Day Spending Tracker"
• "The $500 Savings Challenge Workbook"
• "The Client-Getting Cold Email Templates"

Make it specific and benefit-driven.

STEP 2: SET UP YOUR EMAIL PLATFORM

You need an email service to collect addresses and send emails.

We covered this on Day 11, but here's a refresher:

BEST OPTIONS:

CONVERTKIT (Free up to 1,000 subscribers)

• Built for creators
• Easy automation
• Landing pages included
• Forms and pop-ups

MAILERLITE (Free up to 1,000 subscribers)

• Simpler interface
• Beautiful templates
• Easy automation
• Great for beginners

Pick one. They're both excellent.

SETTING UP YOUR EMAIL PLATFORM

STEP 1: Create your account

Go to convertkit.com or mailerlite.com and sign up.

STEP 2: Create a form for your lead magnet

This is where people enter their email to get your freebie.

IN CONVERTKIT:

1. Go to "Grow" → "Landing Pages & Forms"
2. Click "New Form"
3. Choose "Inline" or "Modal" (pop-up)
4. Pick a template
5. Customize with your lead magnet name
6. Add a headline: "Get [LEAD MAGNET NAME] Free"
7. Add a subheadline: "Enter your email below"
8. Customize button text: "Send Me the [LEAD MAGNET]"

STEP 3: Upload your lead magnet

IN CONVERTKIT:

1. Go to "Incentive" tab in form settings
2. Upload your PDF
3. ConvertKit will auto-deliver it after signup

IN MAILERLITE:

1. Create an automation
2. Trigger: "Subscribes to group"
3. Action: "Send email with PDF attached"

STEP 4: Customize the thank-you page

After someone subscribes, they see a thank-you page.

WHAT TO INCLUDE:

Headline: "Check Your Email!"

Body:
"Your [LEAD MAGNET NAME] is on its way to your inbox.

While you wait:

• Check your spam folder (sometimes our emails hide there)
• Add [youremail@domain.com] to your contacts
• Follow me on [Instagram/Facebook] for daily tips

**P.S. Keep an eye out for my next email—I'm sharing [teaser for first email]."

Link to your social media for bonus connection.

STEP 3: CREATE YOUR WELCOME EMAIL SEQUENCE

When someone downloads your lead magnet, they should receive a series of emails that:

1. Deliver the lead magnet
2. Build trust and rapport
3. Provide value
4. Introduce your paid product
5. Make the sale

This is called a "welcome sequence" or "email funnel."

THE 5-EMAIL WELCOME SEQUENCE

EMAIL 1: DELIVERY + WELCOME (Sent immediately)

Subject: Your [Lead Magnet Name] is Here! 🎉

Body:

"Hey [First Name]!

Welcome! Your [Lead Magnet Name] is attached to this email (or click the button below to download).

I'm [Your Name], and I help [WHO] achieve [WHAT].

Over the next few days, I'll be sending you [NUMBER] emails with tips, strategies, and resources to help you [ACHIEVE GOAL].

For now, download your [Lead Magnet], and I'll check in tomorrow!

To your success, [Your Name]

P.S. Hit reply and tell me: What's your biggest struggle with [TOPIC]?"

GOAL: Deliver the freebie and set expectations.

EMAIL 2: VALUE + STORY (Sent 1 day later)

Subject: Here's Why I Created [Lead Magnet Name]

Body:

"Hey [First Name],

Quick question: Did you download the [Lead Magnet Name] yet?

I created it because [SHARE YOUR STORY—why you understand their struggle].

[Share a personal anecdote about your journey with this problem and how you solved it.]

The truth is, [INSIGHT ABOUT THE PROBLEM].

Tomorrow, I'm sharing [TEASER FOR NEXT EMAIL].

Talk soon, [Your Name]"

GOAL: Build connection through storytelling.

EMAIL 3: VALUE + TIP (Sent 2 days later)

Subject: The [Mistake/Tip] That Changed Everything for Me

Body:

"Hey [First Name],

Today I want to share [ONE SPECIFIC TIP/STRATEGY] that made a huge difference for me.

[Teach something valuable. Give them a quick win.]

[Include an example or mini case study.]

This is just scratching the surface of what's possible when you [OUTCOME].

Tomorrow, I'll share more about [TEASER].

[Your Name]"

GOAL: Provide value and prove your expertise.

EMAIL 4: INTRODUCE YOUR PRODUCT (Sent 3 days later)

Subject: I Created Something for You...

Body:

"Hey [First Name],

Over the last few days, I've shared [WHAT YOU'VE SHARED].

But here's the thing: [Lead Magnet] only scratches the surface.

If you're serious about [ACHIEVING RESULT], I created something more comprehensive: [YOUR PRODUCT NAME].

[Brief description of your product—2-3 sentences.]

Inside, you'll get:

• [Benefit 1]
• [Benefit 2]
• [Benefit 3]

Right now, it's available for just $[PRICE].

Check it out here: [LINK]

I'd love to help you [ACHIEVE TRANSFORMATION].

[Your Name]

P.S. If you have questions, just hit reply. I read every email."

GOAL: Soft introduction to your paid product.

EMAIL 5: THE PITCH (Sent 4 days later)

Subject: Last Chance: [Urgency/Benefit]

Body:

"Hey [First Name],

I don't want you to miss this.

[YOUR PRODUCT NAME] helps you [ACHIEVE TRANSFORMATION].

Here's what you get:

• [Benefit 1]
• [Benefit 2]
• [Benefit 3]

PLUS these bonuses:

• [Bonus 1]
• [Bonus 2]

Total value: $[VALUE] Your price today: Just $[PRICE]

[Urgency element: Limited-time bonus expires, price increases, etc.]

Get instant access here: [LINK]

Questions? Just reply to this email.

[Your Name]

P.S. [Include guarantee or testimonial if you have one]"

GOAL: Make the sale with urgency.

EMAIL SEQUENCE TIPS:

✅ Keep emails short (200-400 words)
✅ One CTA per email (don't overwhelm)
✅ Write like you're talking to a friend (conversational tone)
✅ Provide value before pitching (emails 1-3 are pure value)
✅ Make it easy to buy (clear links, simple checkout)

STEP 4: CREATE YOUR OPT-IN FORM

Your opt-in form is how people subscribe to get your lead magnet.

OPT-IN FORM ELEMENTS:

1. COMPELLING HEADLINE

Formula: "Get [LEAD MAGNET NAME] Free"

Examples:

• "Get The 7-Day Spending Tracker Free"
• "Get Your Client-Getting Email Templates"
• "Download The 2-Hour Meal Prep System"

2. BENEFIT-DRIVEN SUBHEADLINE

Formula: "[WHAT THEY'LL ACHIEVE] in [TIMEFRAME]"

Examples:

• "Discover exactly where your money goes in just 7 days"
• "Land your first 3 clients in 30 days using these proven templates"
• "Prep a week's worth of meals in just 2 hours on Sunday"

3. EMAIL INPUT FIELD

Keep it simple: Just ask for their email.

Don't ask for name, phone, address, etc. The more fields, the fewer signups.

4. CLEAR BUTTON TEXT

BAD: "Submit"
GOOD: "Send Me the Free Tracker"

Make it specific and benefit-driven.

5. TRUST ELEMENTS (Optional)

• "No spam. Unsubscribe anytime."
• "Join 500+ people getting weekly tips"
• Small testimonial or social proof

OPT-IN FORM DESIGN:

Use your email platform's templates.

ConvertKit and MailerLite both have beautiful pre-made forms.

Customize:

• Your brand colors
• Your headline and copy
• Your button text
• Add your lead magnet image (optional)

TIME: 15-20 minutes

STEP 5: WHERE TO PLACE YOUR OPT-IN FORMS

Now that you have a form, where do you put it?

PLACEMENT OPTIONS:

1. LANDING PAGE (Dedicated page for your lead magnet)

Create a simple landing page with:

• Headline and subheadline
• What they'll get (bullets)
• Opt-in form
• Social proof (optional)

Tools:

• ConvertKit landing pages (built-in)
• Carrd.co ($9/year)
• Beacons.ai (free)

URL Example: yourname.com/free-budget-tracker

2. SOCIAL MEDIA BIO

Put your landing page link in your Instagram, TikTok, or Facebook bio.

Example bio: "Helping moms escape paycheck-to-paycheck 💰
📥 Get my free 7-day spending tracker → [LINK]"

3. FACEBOOK GROUPS (If you have permission to post)

Share your lead magnet in relevant groups where your ideal customers hang out.

Example post:

"Hey everyone! I created a free 7-Day Spending Tracker for anyone struggling to see where their money goes each month. It's helped me and my clients save hundreds by identifying money leaks. Comment or DM me if you want the link!"

Don't spam. Provide value.

4. YOUTUBE VIDEO DESCRIPTION (If you create videos)

"Download the free [Lead Magnet]: [LINK]"

5. PINTEREST (Great for traffic)

Create pins linking to your landing page.

Pin title: "Free 7-Day Spending Tracker for Budget-Conscious Families"

6. BLOG POSTS (If you write content)

Add opt-in forms throughout blog posts related to your topic.

7. GUMROAD PRODUCT PAGE

Add your email opt-in link at the bottom of your Gumroad sales page:

"Not ready to buy? Get my free [Lead Magnet] here: [LINK]"

This captures people who aren't ready to buy yet.

EMAIL LIST BUILDING STRATEGIES

STRATEGY 1: ORGANIC SOCIAL MEDIA

Post valuable content on Instagram, TikTok, Facebook, etc. that drives people to your lead magnet.

Example Instagram post:

"I used to live paycheck to paycheck with $0 in savings. Then I started tracking my spending for 7 days and realized I was wasting $400/month on things I didn't even remember buying.

Tracking changed everything.

I made a free 7-day spending tracker to help you do the same. Link in bio 👆"

STRATEGY 2: COLLABORATIONS

Partner with other creators in your niche to cross-promote lead magnets.

Example: You promote their freebie to your audience, they promote yours to theirs.

STRATEGY 3: GIVEAWAYS

Run a giveaway where entry requires email signup.

Example: "Enter to win a $100 Amazon gift card! Enter your email to join."

Then nurture them with your email sequence.

STRATEGY 4: GUEST POSTING/PODCAST INTERVIEWS

Appear on other people's platforms and offer your lead magnet as a bonus for their audience.

EMAIL LIST GROWTH BENCHMARKS

REALISTIC FIRST 30 DAYS:

• 10-50 subscribers: Great start!
• 50-100 subscribers: Excellent!
• 100+ subscribers: Amazing!

Don't compare yourself to people with 10K subscribers. Everyone starts at zero.

Focus on quality over quantity.

10 engaged subscribers who love your content > 1,000 unengaged subscribers.

YOUR ASSIGNMENT

Build your email list foundation today:

STEP 1: Create your lead magnet (1-2 hours)

• Choose format (checklist, worksheet, or short guide)
• Outline content
• Design in Canva
• Export as PDF

STEP 2: Set up your email platform (30 minutes)

• Sign up for ConvertKit or MailerLite
• Create your opt-in form
• Upload your lead magnet for delivery

STEP 3: Write your 5-email welcome sequence (1-2 hours)

• Email 1: Delivery + Welcome
• Email 2: Value + Story
• Email 3: Value + Tip
• Email 4: Introduce Product
• Email 5: The Pitch

STEP 4: Create your landing page (30 minutes)

• Use ConvertKit or Carrd
• Add headline, benefits, opt-in form
• Test the signup process

STEP 5: Share your opt-in link (15 minutes)

• Add to social media bios
• Post about it once
• Send to a friend to test

TOTAL TIME: 3-5 hours

By the end of today, you should have: ✅ A lead magnet created
✅ Email platform set up
✅ Welcome sequence written
✅ Landing page live
✅ First few subscribers

TOMORROW

Tomorrow: Pre-Launch Strategy

You have a product. You have an email list (even if it's small).

Tomorrow, you're learning how to build buzz and anticipation BEFORE your official launch so people are excited and ready to buy on day one.

This is how you make sales from the moment you launch instead of crickets.

See you for Day 20: Pre-Launch Strategy.

Lesson Summary

The text offers a comprehensive guide on acquiring your first 20 clients without relying on social media platforms. It emphasizes the effectiveness of direct conversations with real people in specific places, including LinkedIn, Facebook groups, email, and strategic partnerships. Acquiring the initial 20 clients is crucial as it aids in refining services, obtaining testimonials, understanding the ideal client, validating pricing, and establishing referral momentum.

The guide provides specific strategies tailored to different business models such as B2B services, B2C services, and digital products. These strategies encompass platforms like LinkedIn, Facebook groups, email outreach, Instagram, Reddit, Twitter, among others. The focus remains on building relationships, delivering value, and engaging authentically to attract clients successfully.

Moreover, the text delves into various business models within the experience-based industry, particularly travel, events, and retreats. It elucidates ways to discover customers through platforms like Facebook groups, Instagram, and partnerships with complementary businesses. A detailed roadmap for acquiring the initial 20 clients in 90 days through a targeted outreach strategy is provided.

Furthermore, the guide includes revenue projections and outreach breakdowns for various business models, along with a structured assignment for devising a client acquisition plan. It stresses the significance of networking, consistent outreach, and leveraging social proof to not only attract but also retain clients effectively.