How to Build an Email List Without a Website in 2025

Last updated on April 16th, 2025 at

So, you want to grow your audience, but there’s just one problem—you don’t have a website.

Most people think the only way to build an email list is through a website. But that’s not true anymore. In 2025, there are smarter, faster ways to do it—even if you’re just getting started. The real question is: how to build an email list without a website?

Good news—this guide is your answer.

We’re going to break down exactly how to collect emails without a website, using tools and platforms that are beginner-friendly, affordable, and proven to work. No complicated tech, no confusing setups—just clear steps that you can take today.

Let’s dive in and get your email list growing—no website required.

Is It Possible to Build an Email List Without a Website?

Yes, 100%!
You don’t need a website to start collecting emails. Today, you can use landing page tools, social media, online forms, or even lead magnets shared through messaging apps. All you need is a way for people to sign up—and there are plenty of free tools that make that easy.

In fact, in this guide, I’m going to share 20 easy and effective ways to build an email list without a website—so you can get started right away, even if you’re starting from scratch.

How to Build an Email List Without a Website – 20 Actionable and Proven ways

🧠 1. Use a Landing Page Builder

Even if you don’t have a website, you can still have a page where people can sign up for your emails. Tools like Mailchimp, ConvertKit, Beehiiv, and MailerLite let you create free landing pages in minutes—no coding, no design skills needed.

Just add a catchy headline, a short message, and a signup form. Boom—you’re collecting emails!

Here’s how to do it:

1. Sign up for one of these tools (most have a free plan).

2. Choose a landing page template—they have pre-designed options ready to go.

3. Add your message—tell people what they’ll get by signing up (like a freebie, newsletter, or discount).

4. Insert a signup form—this is where visitors will enter their name and email.

5. Publish the page and share the link on social media, in your bio, or in messages.

✅ Pro tip: Offer something valuable in exchange for the email, like a free guide, checklist, or discount.

📱 2. Promote Through Social Media Bios

Your social media bio is prime real estate for collecting email signups. It’s one of the first places people will look when they visit your profile, so make sure it’s set up to capture their attention and guide them to your email signup page.

What to do:
Add your landing page link (from Step 1) to your bio on platforms like Instagram, TikTok, X (Twitter), or LinkedIn. In the bio, use a simple call-to-action like:

• “🎁 Grab my free guide”

• “📬 Join my weekly tips”

• “👩‍💻 Get exclusive content here!”

This makes it super easy for people to click and sign up without you needing a website.

Bonus Tip:
Pin a post or story at the top of your profile explaining the value of signing up. You can even tease what subscribers will get (like a freebie or special offer) to encourage them to click the link in your bio. It’s like a mini-advertisement that works for you 24/7!

3. Pin Posts with Sign-Up Links

Pinning posts is a great way to keep your email signup link visible at all times, especially on platforms like Twitter, Facebook, and LinkedIn. When a visitor checks your profile, the pinned post will be the first thing they see.

What to do:
Create a post that clearly promotes your email list, offering something of value, like a freebie or insider tips. Include your landing page link in the post and ask people to sign up. Then, pin this post to the top of your profile so it’s always the first thing people see.

Bonus Tip:
Update your pinned post regularly to keep it fresh and relevant. You can mention any new freebies, updates, or special offers to give people a reason to sign up.

📩 4. Use Lead Magnets

A lead magnet is a valuable resource you offer for free in exchange for someone’s email address. This could be anything from a free ebook, checklist, template, or exclusive video. Lead magnets are one of the best ways to attract signups quickly.

What to do:
Create something that your target audience would find useful or interesting—something they can download or access in exchange for their email. Examples include:

• “Free 10-Step Guide to Email Marketing”

• “Exclusive Budgeting Spreadsheet”

• “Weekly Recipe Ideas”

Then, share the lead magnet’s link across your social media, blog posts, and in your email signature to attract signups.

Bonus Tip:
Make your lead magnet easy to access. Create a simple landing page with a short description of what people will get, and make sure the sign-up form is easy to fill out.

🎥 5. Create YouTube Content

YouTube is a powerful platform to grow your email list—especially because you can reach a wide audience with engaging video content. Plus, you can easily add your email signup link in the video description. 📹

What to do:
Create videos that are helpful, informative, or entertaining for your target audience. At the end of each video, encourage viewers to sign up for your email list to get exclusive content, freebies, or updates. 💌
👉 Add the signup link in the video description and mention it in your video.

Bonus Tip:
Include a call-to-action (CTA) in your video asking people to click the link and join your email list. You can even create a special landing page just for YouTube viewers with a relevant offer. 🎁

🗣️ 6. Engage in Facebook Groups

Facebook groups are a goldmine for building an email list. By joining groups relevant to your niche, you can connect with like-minded people and offer value, which can lead to email signups.

What to do:
Join active Facebook groups where your target audience hangs out. Share helpful tips, answer questions, and build relationships. When appropriate, mention your lead magnet or offer and share the link to your landing page. 👥
👉 Pro tip: Don’t spam. Engage genuinely first, and then suggest your email list as a way for people to get more valuable resources.

Bonus Tip:
Pin a post to the top of your own Facebook group (if you have one) promoting your email list and what subscribers will get. 🎯

🤝 7. Collaborate with Other Creators

Working with other creators or influencers is a great way to grow your email list. When you team up, you can reach new people who might be interested in what you offer.

What to do:
Find creators who have a similar audience, but don’t do the same thing as you. You can make videos together, host a live event, or even do a giveaway. Just make sure to share your email sign-up link in the content. 📲
👉 You can also mention each other’s email lists to encourage people to sign up.

Bonus Tip:
Give a special bonus to anyone who signs up from the collaboration, like a free gift or exclusive content. 🎁

🛍️ 8. Use Etsy or Gumroad

You don’t need a website to sell digital products and build your email list. Platforms like Etsy and Gumroad allow you to sell items like ebooks, printables, or guides, and you can collect email addresses in the process.

What to do:
Create a simple digital product, like a free guide or a paid item, and sell it on Etsy or Gumroad. When people buy or download, ask for their email address to send them the product. 📧
👉 Make sure to add a message asking them to join your email list for more freebies or updates.

Bonus Tip:
If you’re offering a paid product, consider offering a discount or freebie to anyone who subscribes to your email list first. 🎉

📚 9. Host a Free Workshop or Webinar

Hosting a free workshop or webinar is a great way to provide value and collect email addresses at the same time. People will sign up to attend, and you can add them to your list.

What to do:
Choose a topic that your audience will find helpful or interesting. Promote your webinar on social media or through other platforms. To sign up, ask for their email address. 🎥
👉 During the webinar, remind people to join your email list for more tips and future events.

Bonus Tip:
Offer a special freebie or downloadable resource at the end of the webinar to encourage people to stay and sign up for your email list. 🎁

🎙️ 10. Start a Podcast

Starting a podcast is a fun and personal way to connect with your audience and grow your email list. You can share valuable content and invite listeners to join your email list for even more.

What to do:
Create a podcast around topics your audience cares about. In each episode, mention your email list and encourage listeners to sign up for exclusive content or updates. 🎧
👉 You can also add the sign-up link in your podcast show notes or website, making it easy for people to join.

Bonus Tip:
Offer special bonuses (like a free guide or extra episode) for people who sign up for your email list after listening to your podcast. 🎁

🎁 11. Run a Giveaway

Running a giveaway is a fun way to get people to sign up for your email list. You can offer a prize and ask participants to enter by sharing their email.

What to do:
Use tools like KingSumo or RafflePress to set up your giveaway. Simply choose a prize people would love, like a free product, a gift card, or a special experience, and ask people to enter with their email. 🎉
👉 Promote your giveaway on social media, your blog, or through email to get as many entries as possible.

Bonus Tip:
Make the giveaway exciting and time-limited to create a sense of urgency. This can encourage people to sign up quickly! ⏳

👋 12. Network on LinkedIn

LinkedIn is a great platform to connect with professionals and grow your email list. You can share valuable content and offer a lead magnet or invite people to join your newsletter.

What to do:
Post helpful tips, industry insights, or success stories on LinkedIn. In your posts, offer a free resource (like a guide or template) and include a sign-up link to your email list. 📈
👉 You can also message connections directly, offering them your lead magnet or newsletter in exchange for their email.

Bonus Tip:
Engage with others’ posts to build relationships before sharing your email list offer. It’s more likely to lead to sign-ups when you’ve built trust first. 🤝

✍️ 13. Guest Post or Write on Medium

Writing guest posts on other blogs or publishing articles on Medium is a great way to get your email list in front of new audiences.

What to do:
Find blogs or websites in your niche that accept guest posts. Write helpful, valuable content and include a call-to-action (CTA) at the end, asking readers to sign up for your email list. 📑
👉 On Medium, you can write articles that provide valuable tips and include your email sign-up link in the article or your bio.

Bonus Tip:
Offer a free resource or guide related to your post to encourage people to join your email list after reading your content. 🎁

💬 14. Use Messenger or DMs

Messaging platforms like Facebook Messenger, Instagram DMs, and WhatsApp can help you connect with people directly and encourage them to join your email list.

What to do:
Reach out to people you’ve interacted with or who have shown interest in your content. Politely offer them a free resource (like a guide or ebook) and ask if they’d like to join your email list to get more value. 📲
👉 You can send a quick message with a link to your sign-up page.

Bonus Tip:
Personalize your messages to make them feel more genuine and less “salesy.” People are more likely to sign up if they feel the message is just for them. 💌

💼 15. Use Google Forms or Typeform

Google Forms and Typeform are simple tools to create a sign-up form and collect emails easily—no website required!

What to do:
Create a free form on Google Forms or Typeform, asking for the visitor’s name and email address. You can design the form to match your style and add a short description of what people will receive by signing up. 📝
👉 Share the form link on your social media, blog, or in your email signature.

Bonus Tip:
Offer a special incentive, like a free download or exclusive content, once someone fills out the form and subscribes to your email list. 🎁

🧾 16. Add Your Sign-Up Link to Your Email Signature

Your email signature is a great place to promote your email list without being pushy. Every time you send an email, people will see it.

What to do:
Add a simple line to your email signature that invites people to join your email list. For example:

• “Join my newsletter for weekly tips! [Sign Up Here]”

• “Get my free guide! [Sign Up Here]” ✉️
  👉 Include the link to your sign-up page in the signature, so people can easily click and join.

Bonus Tip:
Make your email signature clear and easy to read. A simple, friendly call-to-action works best!

 17. Comment on Blogs and Social Posts

Engaging in the comment sections of blogs or social media posts is a great way to connect with new people and subtly encourage email signups.

What to do:
Find blogs or social media posts related to your niche and leave thoughtful comments. Add value to the conversation and share your knowledge. At the end of your comment, you can include a friendly invitation to join your email list. 📝
👉 For example: “I’ve shared more tips like this in my newsletter! Feel free to sign up [link].”

Bonus Tip:
Don’t just leave “Great post!” comments. Aim to engage meaningfully so people are more likely to click your link and sign up.

 18. Offer a Mini-Course or Email Challenge

A mini-course or email challenge is a fun and engaging way to attract people to your email list. By offering something educational or interactive, you give people a reason to sign up and stay engaged.

What to do:
Create a short, valuable course or a multi-day email challenge that helps your audience solve a specific problem. For example, a 7-day email challenge on improving productivity or a 5-day mini-course on learning a new skill. 📚
👉 Promote your mini-course or challenge on social media and ask people to sign up with their email to get access.

Bonus Tip:
Make sure the content is practical and easy to follow. People will be more likely to join and recommend it to others if it’s helpful and engaging. 🎯

 19. Use Pinterest

Pinterest is a powerful visual platform that can help you drive traffic to your email list. By creating eye-catching pins, you can attract people to sign up for your emails or download your lead magnets.

What to do:
Design attractive pins that showcase your lead magnets, freebies, or email sign-up offers. Make sure the pins are visually appealing and include a clear call-to-action, like “Download now” or “Join the free challenge!” 📌
👉 Link your pins directly to your sign-up page or lead magnet landing page.

Bonus Tip:
Create multiple pins for the same offer using different designs and keywords. This helps reach a wider audience and drives more sign-ups! 🎯

🖼️ 20. QR Code Flyers

QR codes are a great way to make it easy for people to sign up for your email list in the real world. You can place them on flyers, posters, or even business cards to direct people to your sign-up page.

What to do:
Create a QR code that links directly to your email sign-up page or lead magnet. Print the code on flyers, posters, or business cards, and distribute them at events, local businesses, or anywhere your audience is likely to see them. 📲
👉 People can scan the QR code with their phone and instantly be taken to your sign-up page.

Bonus Tip:
Make sure to add a clear call-to-action near the QR code, like “Scan to join my email list for exclusive updates!” 📢

📰 21. Create a Newsletter on Substack

Substack is an easy-to-use platform for creating and sending newsletters. It allows you to build an audience and grow your email list effortlessly.

What to do:
Sign up for Substack and start creating your newsletter. You can write content on topics your audience loves and offer them valuable insights, tips, or updates. 📧
👉 Promote your Substack newsletter on your social media channels and invite people to subscribe directly through the link.

Bonus Tip:
Offer a special freebie or exclusive content to encourage more people to subscribe to your newsletter. It can be a guide, a resource, or even a sneak peek of future content! 🎁

How to build an email list without a website – Final Advice

Building an email list without a website is totally possible and can be done with just a little creativity! 🎨 Whether you’re using social media, hosting giveaways, or offering freebies, there are so many ways to connect with your audience and grow your list.

Start with the methods that feel the most natural to you, and remember—consistency is key! 📈 The more value you offer, the more people will want to join your list.

Ready to grow your email list? Start using these strategies today and watch your list grow! 🚀

More Email Marketing resources

• How to Improve Email Open Rates
• Email Deliverability Best Practices 2025
• how to build your email list 
• how to write Engaging Email Subject Line.