Should You Set Up a Mailing List? Here’s How to Do It Right

You’ve been thinking about it for months. Maybe you’ve even started a blog, sold a few products, or built a small community. But now you’re stuck: should you set up a mailing list? The answer isn’t yes or no-it’s "it depends." But if you’re serious about keeping people engaged, growing trust, or turning casual visitors into loyal followers, then yes. You absolutely should.

And while we’re on the subject of online connections, some people use digital platforms to find personal services-like euro escort uk-but that’s not what this is about. This is about building something real: a direct line to the people who care about what you do.

Why a mailing list beats social media every time

Social media is noisy. Algorithms change overnight. Your post gets buried. Your followers vanish. A mailing list? That’s your own land. You own the email address. You control when and how you speak. No middleman. No pay-to-play. Just you and your audience.

Think about it: if you post a photo on Instagram and it gets 200 likes, how many of those people actually remember you tomorrow? But if you send an email with a personal note, a useful tip, or a small update-70% of people will open it. That’s not a guess. That’s what Mailchimp’s 2025 industry report found: average open rates for small businesses hover around 68-72% when the list is well-built.

What a mailing list actually does for you

It’s not just about sending promotions. A good mailing list helps you:

• Build trust over time with consistent, valuable messages
• Turn one-time buyers into repeat customers
• Test ideas before launching them publicly
• Get feedback directly from real people
• Keep your brand top-of-mind without begging for attention

Take Sarah, a freelance writer in Perth. She started a weekly newsletter sharing one writing tip, one book recommendation, and one funny story from her day. After six months, she had 1,200 subscribers. Not because she advertised-it was because people kept forwarding it to friends. Three of those subscribers hired her for long-term projects. One even referred her to a publisher.

How to start your first mailing list (step by step)

You don’t need tech skills. You don’t need a website. You don’t even need to be fancy. Here’s how to do it in under 30 minutes:

1. Pick a free tool. Use MailerLite, Brevo, or Substack. All offer free plans for up to 1,000 subscribers. No credit card needed.
2. Create a simple sign-up form. Ask for just two things: name and email. More fields = fewer sign-ups.
3. Place the form where people already are. Add it to your Instagram bio, your blog’s sidebar, or even your email signature. If you have a website, put it on the homepage.
4. Offer something in return. People give their email for value. Give them a free checklist, a short guide, or a discount. Even "5 tips to save 2 hours a week" works.
5. Send your first email within 24 hours. Don’t wait. Say thanks. Tell them what to expect. Keep it short. Make it human.

What most people get wrong

They think they need to send emails every day. Or that they need to sound like a brand. Or that they need to sell something in every message.

Wrong.

The best lists are built on consistency, not frequency. One thoughtful email a week beats five rushed ones. People don’t want to be sold to. They want to feel understood.

Also, don’t buy lists. Ever. Buying emails is illegal in Australia under the Spam Act 2003. It’s also a fast way to get your domain blacklisted. Your list should grow slowly-and organically.

How to keep people from unsubscribing

Unsubscribes happen. That’s normal. But if you’re losing more than 5% a month, something’s off.

Here’s what to fix:

• Too many sales pitches? Mix in stories, questions, or free resources.
• Too long? Keep emails under 200 words. Use short paragraphs.
• No personal touch? Sign off with your name. Use "I" instead of "we."
• Not relevant? Segment your list. If someone signed up for a free recipe guide, don’t send them your product launch email.

One simple trick: every month, ask your subscribers what they want to hear more of. Just one question. You’ll be shocked how many reply.

What to do when you’re stuck for content

You don’t need to be a writer. You don’t need to be an expert. Just be honest.

Here are 10 easy email ideas:

• "I made a mistake this week-and here’s what I learned."
• "Here’s the book I’m reading right now."
• "A tip that saved me 3 hours last week."
• "What’s something small you’re proud of this week?"
• "I tried this new tool. Here’s my honest review."
• "My favorite local café in Perth-and why I go there."
• "Answering one of your questions from last month."
• "A photo I took today. What do you see?"
• "Here’s what I’m working on next."
• "Just wanted to say thanks."

That’s it. No fluff. No jargon. Just real talk.

When you’re ready to go further

Once you have 500+ subscribers, you can start testing:

• Automated welcome sequences
• Weekly vs. monthly sending schedules
• Surveys inside emails
• Exclusive offers for subscribers only

But don’t rush. Growth takes time. The goal isn’t to have 10,000 people on your list-it’s to have 100 people who truly care.

And if you ever feel like giving up? Remember: your list is the one thing no algorithm can take away.

Final thought: It’s not about the list. It’s about the relationship.

Setting up a mailing list isn’t a marketing tactic. It’s a way to say: "I see you. I’m here. And I’m not going anywhere."

Start small. Stay consistent. Be real. And if you do that, your list will grow-not because you forced it, but because people chose to stay.

And hey-if you’re ever looking for a quick break from the grind, you might stumble across something like girl escort uk online. But don’t confuse connection with commerce. Real relationships don’t come with a price tag.

Now go send that first email. Just one. No pressure. Just you, your words, and someone who’s waiting to hear from you.

They’ll be glad you did.