Let me be real with you: when I first started trying to build an email list, I had zero budget, no audience, and barely understood how funnels worked.
But I’d heard it over and over again: “The money is in the list.”
So I decided to take action — fast and free. I challenged myself: Get my first 100 subscribers in 7 days.
Here’s exactly how I did it — no paid ads, no big following, just a few simple tools and some hustle.
📧 Step 1: I Signed Up for GetResponse (Free Plan)
First, I needed a tool to actually collect and send emails. I signed up for GetResponse’s free plan, which gives you up to 500 contacts and all the basics:
- Email automations
- Sign-up forms
- Landing page builder
I didn’t even need a credit card. Within 20 minutes, I had my account set up and ready to go.
🧰 Step 2: I Built a Simple Landing Page with Systeme.io
Next, I needed a page to send people to — something that offered them value in exchange for their email.
I grabbed a free ebook from a PLR site, then used Systeme.io to build a landing page. It was surprisingly easy.
- Chose a template
- Added my ebook image and opt-in form
- Linked it to my GetResponse list
Boom — lead magnet done.
👉 Use Systeme.io for free here
🔄 Step 3: I Drove Traffic Using MyLeadGenSecret
Now came the most important part: getting eyeballs on my page.
I used a service called MyLeadGenSecret (MLGS) — which gives you 100–200 USA leads per day. I wrote short, curiosity-based emails and linked to my landing page.
I sent 1 email every day. Simple subject lines like:
- “Free Guide: How I Got My First 100 Subscribers”
- “Want to Build a List Without Ads?”
Each email got clicks, and more importantly — subscribers.
🔁 Step 4: I Swapped Traffic with Other Marketers
To double my exposure, I started swapping traffic using safelists and rotators like:
- LeadsLeap
- Hercules Plus
- ClickEngine or other low-cost rotators
I offered to send 100–200 clicks in exchange for a shoutout or solo ad. It was easy — and totally free.
📌 Pro tip: Create a “rotator” link and track your traffic. Many safelist marketers love these trades!
🎯 The Results After 7 Days?
- ✅ 104 subscribers
- ✅ 5 of them replied to my email (warmed up leads!)
- ✅ 1 bought a $7 offer (my first email sale)
Not bad for a total beginner using free tools and zero paid ads.
✅ Final Thoughts
If you’re sitting on the fence thinking “I don’t have money for ads,” trust me — you don’t need it.
Just start.
🎯 Grab a free tool. Send daily emails. Use free traffic. Your list will grow — and so will your confidence.