# Build an email list

> The one audience no algorithm can take away from you.

- Time per week: 1 to 2 hours
- First results: 1 to 3 months
- Cost: Free to start
- Best for: Every product, especially ones people need over time
- Human guide: https://agentmarket.lol/how-to-market/email-newsletter
- Last checked: 2026-10-04. Platforms change their rules and prices; confirm before relying on a number.

## How it works

Most visitors aren't ready to buy on their first visit. An email list lets you stay in touch until they are. Unlike social media, nobody can change an algorithm and take your list away.

You give something useful in return for an email address: a checklist, a template, a short guide. Then you send helpful emails regularly, and mention your product when it fits.

Free plans are enough to start. At the time of writing, Kit's free plan is reported to allow up to 10,000 subscribers, beehiiv's free plan up to 2,500, and Buttondown's up to 100. Check their pricing pages, because these change.

## Good fit if

- Turning visitors who aren't ready yet into customers later
- Announcing launches and features to people who care

## Skip it if

- You can't send something useful at least once or twice a month

## Prepare before you start

- [ ] A newsletter tool on a free plan
- [ ] One small freebie people want (a checklist, a template, a mini-guide)
- [ ] A sign-up form on your homepage, blog and free tool
- [ ] A welcome email
- [ ] A simple plan: what you'll send, and how often

## Step by step

1. **Create one good reason to sign up.** "Get updates" doesn't work. "Get the 10-step launch checklist" does. Make the freebie specific and useful.
2. **Put the form where people already are.** End of blog posts, on your free tool's result page, on your homepage. One clear sentence, one email field.
3. **Write the welcome email.** Deliver the freebie, say who you are, say what you'll send and how often, and ask one question they can reply to.
4. **Send on a schedule.** Every week or two. Useful first: lessons, how-tos, short stories. Mention your product naturally, not in every line.
5. **Reuse what you already write.** Your best X or LinkedIn posts and blog pages make great newsletter issues.

## Rules and mistakes to avoid

- Only email people who signed up. Don't add contacts or bought lists
- Every email needs an easy unsubscribe link
- Include your physical address (US CAN-SPAM rule)
- In the EU and UK, use clear consent, and consider double opt-in (people confirm by clicking a link)

## Tips

- Don't trust open rates much. Apple Mail's privacy feature makes many emails look opened when they weren't. Watch clicks and replies
- Ask readers to reply. Replies help your emails reach the inbox, and give you ideas

## What to measure

- New subscribers per week, and from which page
- Clicks and replies per email
- Sign-ups or sales that came from email links

## Template: Welcome email

```text
Subject: Here's your [freebie]

Hi [first name],

Here's the [freebie] you asked for: [link]

Quick intro: I'm [name], and I build [product], which helps [who] [do what].

Every [week / two weeks] I'll send you one short, practical [topic] tip. No spam, and you can unsubscribe any time.

One question: what's your biggest challenge with [topic] right now? Just hit reply. I read every answer.

[Name]
```

## Important links

- [Kit pricing](https://kit.com/pricing)
- [beehiiv pricing](https://www.beehiiv.com/pricing)
- [Buttondown pricing](https://buttondown.com/pricing)
- [FTC: CAN-SPAM compliance guide](https://www.ftc.gov/business-guidance/resources/can-spam-act-compliance-guide-business)

## Sources

- [beehiiv: new plans and pricing (October 2026)](https://www.beehiiv.com/blog/beehiiv-pricing-2026)
- [Kit free plan 2026: up to 10,000 subscribers](https://www.passivekit.com/kit-free-plan/)
- [Buttondown pricing 2026](https://yoursolopreneurkit.com/blog/buttondown-pricing-2026)