You Don’t Need a Website to Start Email Marketing (Here’s What to Do Instead)
By Duncan Whitmore
Everyone says “the money’s in the list.”
But if you’ve ever tried to actually build an email list, you’ve probably hit the same wall most beginners do:
“Do I need a landing page?”
“What’s the best email tool for newbies?”
“How do I get subscribers without paying for ads?”
“Do I need a website first?”
So many people get overwhelmed before they even get started.
And the frustrating part? They don’t need to be.
The Big Misconception
Most of the “email marketing advice” floating around out there assumes you’re already running a full-blown business:
- You’ve got a website.
- You’ve got lead magnets and funnels.
- You know what a DNS record is and where to poke it.
But if you’re just starting out — and especially if you’re doing this as a side hustle — that stuff only gets in your way.
It adds friction. It creates delays.
And before long, the whole thing feels like too much.
That’s why so many people never get to the fun part — sending useful emails and earning income.
The New Reality
Email marketing isn’t just for seasoned marketers with custom domains and 12-step funnels.
With the right tools and a little guidance, you can:
✅ Set up your email list in 15 minutes
✅ Create a simple lead magnet (even if you’re not a writer)
✅ Start building your list without spending a cent
✅ Get your first subscribers using tools that are 100% free
✅ Avoid the spam folder with simple domain tweaks
You don’t need to “build a brand” or “launch your empire." You just need to start building a list — today — with what you’ve got.
What You Need to Do
To make this as simple as possible, I’ve put together a free step-by-step checklist.
It’s called:
👉 How to Build an Email List from Scratch
Inside, you’ll learn:
- How to set up a domain and email correctly (SPF, DKIM, DMARC)
- How to create a lead magnet in under an hour — even if you’ve never done it before
- Why you don’t need a website to collect leads (plus tools that make this easy)
- Where to share your link to get your first subscribers (free traffic methods that work)
- What to actually say in your emails — without sounding like a marketer
- Optional tools to go faster (like HoppyCopy, which helps you write emails that get opened)
The entire checklist is designed for total beginners — nothing complicated.
Just clear, practical steps.
It installs as a Chrome extension, so it’s always a click away when you need it.
➡️ Click here to open the checklist
(Opens in a new tab after a quick opt-in.)
Key Takeaways
- Email marketing is still one of the smartest things you can do online.
- You don’t need a website, funnel builder, or expensive tools to start.
- The best time to begin is now — not when everything is “perfect.”
- You can grow your list with free traffic and a simple offer.
- Your email list is an asset you control — and no one can take it from you.
Ready to Build Your List?
You don’t need to be a tech wizard. You don’t need to be a great writer. You just need a place to start.
This checklist is that place:
* * * * *
