How to Build Your Email List Before Your Website Goes Live
Wondering how you can build your email list before launching your website? Or maybe you’re wondering if you should even bother building an email list yet. You’ve got big plans laid out for your new launch (or re-launch!) but you don’t want to lauch to crickets. No offense to the crickets.
Good news: You don’t need to wait until launch day to start growing your audience.
With just one beautifully branded page and the right strategy, you can start building your email list now. This gives you a head start on booking clients, selling offers, and creating hype before your full site is even live.
In this post, I’m going to walk you through exactly how to grow your email list before your website is finished. We’ll cover everything from what to include on your coming soon page to how to set up a simple lead magnet.
Why It’s Smart to Start Before You Launch
One of the biggest mistakes I see business owners make is waiting until everything is “perfect” before they start building their audience.
But here’s the thing, building a website takes time. And waiting until launch day to start getting visible can slow your momentum.
Growing your email list before you launch helps you:
- Build brand awareness
- Start conversations with potential clients or customers
- Test ideas and get feedback early
- Create buzz and anticipation for your launch
Even if you only get a handful of subscribers before you go live, those people are already invested in what you’re creating.
That’s a powerful way to start.
Step 1: Put Up a Strategic Coming Soon Page
The first thing you need is a simple, branded coming soon page that collects email addresses and makes a great first impression.
You don’t need a full website. You just need one page that clearly communicates who you are, what’s coming, and why people should care.
Here’s what to include on your coming soon page:
- A headline that grabs attention
- A short description of what’s launching soon
- An email opt-in form
- A freebie or lead magnet (more on that next)
- Social links so people can follow along
The goal here is to create a low-effort, high-impact landing page that works for you while the rest of your site is still in progress.
Step 2: Offer a Lead Magnet to Incentivize Signups
A lead magnet is a free resource you offer in exchange for someone’s email address. It could be a checklist, template, mini guide, video, or resource list, something helpful and relevant that gives your audience a quick win.
Your lead magnet should:
- Solve a small, specific problem for your ideal client
- Relate to your upcoming product or service
- Be easy to consume and implement
Offering a lead magnet is one of the best ways to increase conversions on your coming soon page. It turns casual visitors into engaged subscribers, and positions you as someone worth paying attention to.
Not sure what kind of lead magnet to create?
Read this post about creating a lead magnet that attracts your ideal clients.
Step 3: Connect Your Lead Magnet to Your Email Platform
Once your lead magnet is ready, it’s time to hook everything up behind the scenes.
Here’s what to do:
- Choose your email service provider. Flodesk, Mailchimp, and MailerLite are all great beginner-friendly options.
PS, you can use this link to save 50% on your first year of Flodesk (it’s what we use!) - Create a form inside your ESP and link it to your email list.
- Upload your lead magnet to your ESP
- Set up an automated email that delivers your freebie as soon as someone signs up.
- Test the entire process from sign-up to download to make sure everything is working as expected.
This setup only takes an hour or two and ensures that your subscribers get instant value and a warm welcome.
Step 4: Share Your Page and Start Driving Traffic
Now that your page and lead magnet are ready, it’s time to tell people about it. Don’t be scared!
Start by:
- Adding the link to your Instagram bio or Linktree
- Sharing it on stories, reels, or posts and talking about what’s coming soon
- Posting in any communities or groups you’re part of (if allowed)
- Including the link in your email signature
You don’t need to be on every platform. Choose one or two places where your ideal clients already spend time, and show up consistently. Remind people what’s coming and why they’ll want to be on your list when it launches.
Step 5: Tease Your Launch to Build Anticipation
One of the most powerful ways to keep people engaged while your site is in progress is to pull back the curtain on the process.
Start teasing your launch by:
- Sharing sneak peeks of your brand visuals, product, or service
- Telling the story behind your business
- Giving subscribers a timeline of what’s coming and when
- Offering early access or launch-day bonuses
People love feeling like they’re part of the process. Bringing them along for the ride makes them more likely to engage, refer, and buy when you go live.
Common Questions About Growing Your List Before Launch
Do I need a full website to collect email signups?
No. A single, strategic landing page is all you need to start collecting email addresses and building your list.
Can I use a free email platform to get started?
Yes. Platforms like MailerLite and ConvertKit offer generous free plans that are perfect for new businesses, however; we do recommend upgrading to paid email marketing platforms when you’re able. This link will save you 50% off your first year with Flodesk.
How many people should I try to get on my list before launch?
There’s no magic number. Even 50 or 100 people who are genuinely interested in what you’re offering can make a big difference on launch day, but remeber anyone is better than no-one! If just one person signs up for you list you’re off
What if I don’t have time to create a lead magnet?
Start with a simple resource or checklist. You can always upgrade or swap it out later. DON’T OVERTHINK IT!
Do I need a welcome sequence, or just one email?
At minimum, set up one welcome email that delivers your freebie and introduces you. More emails can always be added later.
Ready to Start Building Your List?
You don’t need a finished website to start attracting subscribers and creating buzz.
All you need is one intentional page, a simple freebie, and a willingness to show up and share what’s coming.
Download the free Pre-launch Bundle to get everything you need to grow your email list before your website goes live. It includes:
- A customizable Showit Coming Soon Page Template
- Our Lead Magnet Workbook to help you create an irresistible freebie
- A plug-and-play pre-launch strategy so you know exactly what to do and when
Start strong, build momentum, and make your future launch a success—before your site even goes live.
Cheers to launching! The TJS team will be rooting for you!
