So you want to build an email list but don’t have a website?
You don’t need one.
I have been building profitable email lists since 2011 using a variety of traffic sources.
So let me show you how you can get started without the need for a blog or a website.
What is the platform-first approach to list building?
The platform-first approach means leveraging existing platforms to build your email list instead of creating your own website from scratch.
It’s like if you wanted to open a restaurant but instead of building an entire building, you rented a food truck that already had customers lined up.
Your content gets distributed on platforms with built-in audiences.
You can write on Substack, publish on Medium, or even leverage existing social platforms like LinkedIn or Twitter. (More on specific platforms later.)
However, the one thing that makes this approach different from simply building a social following is that you’re focusing on converting audience members into email subscribers.
Unlike platforms like:
- X
- TikTok
- YouTube
Your email subscribers are YOURS. You can export them, contact them directly, and they’re not subject to algorithm changes.
As an example, “substack” has a native newsletter features. So people don’t even need to quit the platform to actually subscribe to your newsletter.
It makes the approach even more viable for creators just getting started.
Why build an email list without a website? (Costs vs. Benefits)
Building a website first is still what most “experts” recommend, but it’s often the wrong approach.
When you’re just getting started, I recommend focusing on content and list-building rather than web development.
A simple website can cost anywhere from $500 to $7,000+ depending on complexity, and that’s before you even have an audience!
Now you could certainly also do everything by setting up a blog with WordPress.
Even though it might not cost you more than a hundred dollars, the amount of time and overthinking that kicks in might distract you from what really matters at the beginning.
Now, what about the drawbacks?
I like the idea of eventually creating your own piece of real estate on the internet. It’s the only platform that you truly own. But building it before you have an audience is putting the cart before the horse.
So if you already have an engaged email list and clear monetization plan, then invest in a website.
But if you’re just starting out, using existing platforms to build your list makes total sense.
You can always create your own website later when you have:
- Proven audience demand
- Clear monetization strategy
- Consistent content creation habits
How to choose the right platform for building your list
In order to build your email list without a website, you first need to choose your platform. This is absolutely crucial for long-term success.
If you’re reading this, then I assume you know how to evaluate different platforms.
But here’s what matters most:
- Choose a platform you genuinely ENJOY using
- Pick something with built-in distribution
- Make sure it allows for email capture
- Consider whether you prefer writing, audio, or video
Here are the top platforms I recommend:
1. Substack
Substack combines publishing and email list-building in one platform. It’s perfect if you enjoy writing and want to build an email list without any technical setup.
The biggest advantage is that subscribers are automatically added to your email list, and you can start monetizing through paid subscriptions later.
2. Medium
Medium gives you access to millions of readers through its algorithm. You can embed newsletter signup forms in your articles and in your profile.
While it requires a bit more technical setup than Substack to capture emails, it offers potentially broader reach.
3. LinkedIn
If you’re in the B2B space, LinkedIn’s newsletter feature lets you convert your professional connections into email subscribers with minimal friction.
LinkedIn’s advantage is the professional credibility it lends to your content.
4. YouTube
For video creators, YouTube offers tremendous discovery potential. You can direct viewers to simple landing pages for email capture.
The key is consistency and having clear calls-to-action in your videos.
5. Newsletter Sponsorships
If you want to accelerate your list growth, sponsoring other newsletters is one of the most underrated strategies.
I’ve personally spent over $8,000 on newsletter sponsorships to build my list, and it’s been worth every penny.
Here’s why it works so well: You’re reaching people who are already in “reading mode” and have proven they open and engage with newsletters.
These aren’t random scrollers on social media—they’re actual readers.
Look for newsletters in your niche with engaged audiences. You don’t need massive newsletters either—sometimes the smaller, more targeted ones convert better. Just make sure your offer is crystal clear and solves a specific problem for their audience.
If you want more information about how to run sponsorships, I have a free course that you can grab on this link.
Give People A Reason To Subscribe
Your bio is important, but your offer is what actually converts followers into subscribers:
That’s why you want to make sure it addresses a specific problem your audience faces.
But PLEASE avoid the stupid “Join my newsletter for weekly tips” garbage. Nobody cares about that.
The easiest way to create a compelling subscription offer is to solve a specific problem.
State exactly what problem you solve and for whom. Be ruthlessly specific.
BONUS TIP: If you have some juicy results or case studies, squeeze them in there!
As an example…
If you’re a fitness coach and help men over 50 lose belly fat, then simply offer “Free 7-Day Meal Plan: How I helped 237 men over 50 lose their first 10 pounds of belly fat without giving up their favorite foods.”
That’s it.
Make your offer consistent across all your different internet channels so that people see the same compelling reason to subscribe everywhere.
Now you have:
- A platform that fits your content style
- A compelling offer to attract subscribers
Now, it’s time to start creating content.
How to create platform content that drives list signups
Different platforms require different content approaches, but the goal remains the same: convert readers/viewers into email subscribers.
In your content creation, focus on solving problems for a specific audience:
- Demonstrate expertise through detailed how-to content
- Share specific results you’ve helped others achieve
- Address objections your ideal subscribers might have
The key is making your free content valuable enough that people think, “If the free stuff is this good, I need to get on their list!”
You Don’t Need A Website… But you still need your own domain name!
Even though I’m advocating for a platform-first approach, you absolutely want to secure your own domain name as soon as possible.
This is non-negotiable for a few critical reasons:
- Professional email sending: When you’re going to send emails, you want to send them from your own domain ([email protected]), because that’s just best practices. It improves deliverability and establishes credibility.
- Simple landing pages: You can use your domain for basic landing pages. So especially when you’re publishing on platforms like Medium or LinkedIn, you still need somewhere to send people to sign up.
- Future-proofing your brand: Securing your domain early prevents someone else from taking it as you grow.
The beauty is you can link your domain with email service providers like Kit, MailerLite, and then create landing pages using their premade templates. No coding required.
Or you could use specific landing page builders like:
- LeadPages
- Unbounce
- or RocketSubs (specifically to created them fast)
This gives you the best of both worlds – platform distribution AND professional branding – without needing to build an entire website.
How much does it cost to build an email list?
Building an email list using the platform-first approach is incredibly affordable.
Platforms like Substack don’t charge anything to get started.
Your only essential cost is a domain name (typically $10-15 per year) and eventually an email service provider like ConvertKit or MailChimp, most of which offer free plans for your first 1,000-2,000 subscribers.
Instead of spending thousands on a website, invest that money in creating valuable content and paid ads to drive traffic to your list-building platform.
Remember: The most valuable business asset you can build is an engaged email list of people who trust you and are interested in what you offer. And you don’t need a full website to get started – just your domain and the right platforms.