If you’re sick of hearing “Just make a freebie on Canva to grow your email list!” this one’s for you.
While free guides, checklists, and PDFs can work, they’re not always the most effective way to build a list of engaged subscribers who are actually interested in what you offer.
Let’s face it: We’ve all downloaded a freebie and either never opened it or let it sit in our downloads folder gathering dust. And for those of us running our businesses with limited time (hello, solopreneurs!), the last thing we want is to attract subscribers who only wanted a free guide but have zero interest in buying or working with us.
So what’s the alternative?
Here are 10 creative ways to build an engaged email list without relying on another Canva freebie. These strategies are designed to attract subscribers who are genuinely interested in your work—and will actually open your emails.
1. Host a Live Workshop or Webinar
A live event creates urgency and exclusivity—two magic ingredients that move people to action. It’s not like an evergreen webinar that runs all the time. It’s live, which means people show up, engage with you, and get real-time value.
Workshops also fast-track relationship-building. Unlike a free guide, where there are too many steps to lose someone (download, open, read, etc.), live events create immediate engagement. Plus, studies show webinars convert at around 55% for those who show up!
✅ Action Step: Plan a simple live workshop on a topic your audience cares about, and promote it for one to two weeks.
2. Create a Fun, Insightful Quiz
Quizzes are irresistible because they tap into our curiosity. Whether it’s something like “What’s Your Signature Mocktail?” or “What’s Really Holding Your Business Back?” a well-crafted quiz can:
Entertain and engage your audience.
Provide immediate value through results and actionable next steps.
Give you valuable data about your audience’s needs and pain points.
Quizzes also have serious SEO potential if people find them via Google, meaning they can grow your list passively over time.
✅ Action Step: Use a tool like Interact or Typeform to create a fun, relevant quiz for your niche.
3. Run a Time-Limited Challenge
A challenge is a fantastic way to get your audience to take action while building community. It could be a 5-day productivity challenge, a 3-day sprint, or anything that provides small wins each day.
The key here is time-limited, which keeps engagement high. Pair it with a giveaway (like a bonus or discount for those who complete the challenge) to boost accountability.
✅ Action Step: Plan a 3- to 5-day challenge with daily actionable steps. Promote it as a “limited-time experience” to drive urgency.
4. Offer Exclusive Behind-the-Scenes Content
People love getting VIP access. Offering behind-the-scenes tips, sneak peeks, or project breakdowns exclusively to your email subscribers can make them feel special and connected to your brand.
You’re essentially saying, “You won’t get this anywhere else but here.” And let’s not forget: 56% of consumers say they’re more loyal to brands that offer behind-the-scenes content.
✅ Action Step: Tease exclusive tips or BTS content on social media and let people know it’s only for your email list.
5. Create Ungated, High-Quality Blog Content
What if you didn’t hide your best content behind an email wall? Instead, create blog posts or guides so good that readers want more from you.
When someone finds value in what you’re sharing—whether it’s a killer how-to guide or an insightful breakdown—they’ll naturally want to stay connected. And they’ll happily join your list.
✅ Action Step: Write one in-depth, SEO-optimized blog post this month. End with a strong CTA to join your list for “even more actionable tips.”
6. Host an Exclusive Community or Forum
Community is everything, especially for solopreneurs who are tired of figuring things out alone. A free Facebook group, private Slack channel, or simple forum can attract like-minded people while building your list.
The bonus? Community members are 75% more likely to buy from a brand they engage with regularly.
✅ Action Step: Start a small community tied to your niche, and require an email sign-up to join.
7. Offer a Mini-Course
Mini-courses are a low-pressure, high-value way for potential clients to learn from you. Think of it as a “taste test” of your expertise.
This could be:
A simple 5-day email series.
A short video course hosted on a platform like Teachable or Systeme.io
Even better, you can price the mini-course at $10–$50 to ensure those who join are committed.
✅ Action Step: Repurpose existing content into a short, actionable course. Promote it as a “jumpstart” for your audience.
8. Launch a VIP List with Early Access Perks
Everyone loves to feel like an insider. Launch a VIP list where subscribers get early access to new products, services, or special discounts. This works especially well during launches or big sales events (hello, Black Friday!).
✅ Action Step: Start teasing a VIP list on social media or your website. And give people a reason to sign up early!
9. Host a Giveaway
People love free stuff—plain and simple. Host a giveaway where the entry “fee” is signing up for your email list. The trick is to make the giveaway product relevant to your offers (no iPads or random gift cards here).
If they’re entering your giveaway, they’re already interested in your product, meaning they’re a warmer lead.
✅ Action Step: Choose a relevant product or digital offer and use a tool like Viral Sweep to set up a simple giveaway.
10. Collaborate with Other Experts on a Webinar or Summit
Want to double your reach? Partner with another expert in your industry to host a collaborative webinar, panel, or online summit.
The key is to find someone with a complementary offer, not a competitive one. By combining your audiences, you’ll reach new people while building trust through association.
✅ Action Step: Reach out to a fellow expert in your space to plan a collaborative event.
Start Building Your Email List
Now that you have 10 creative options, here’s your action step:
Pick ONE strategy and implement it this month.
Track what works and what doesn’t. You might still use a freebie, but why not mix it up?
These tactics can attract subscribers who are not only engaged but ready to take the next step with you. After all, it’s not about the size of your list—it’s about the quality.