Want to start email marketing but don’t know where to begin? This beginner-friendly guide shows you exactly how to build your first email list using Systeme.io — a free, all-in-one platform for online business.
Why Build an Email List?
Email is still one of the most powerful tools for:
- Promoting affiliate products
- Launching digital products
- Making passive income
Unlike social media platforms, you own your email list — and Systeme.io helps you build it from scratch with zero tech stress.
Step 1: Create Your Free Systeme.io Account
- Go to the Systeme.io homepage
- Click “Get Started for Free”
- Enter your name and email
- Confirm your account via the link sent to your inbox
👉 You now have access to a complete email marketing platform — for free.
Step 2: Create a Simple Lead Magnet
To get people to join your list, offer them something valuable like:
- A short guide or checklist (e.g. “Top 5 AI Tools for Beginners”)
- A mini email course
- A free digital template or toolkit
🎯 Keep it short, helpful, and related to your niche.

Step 3: Build a Landing Page
- In your Systeme.io dashboard, go to Funnels → Create
- Name it something like “Free Guide Funnel”
- Choose the Build an Audience option
- Select a simple opt-in template
- Customize the headline and description: “Get your free AI tools guide — delivered instantly!”
- Add an email field and a call-to-action button
Now you’ve built your first email capture page.
Step 4: Set Up an Email List and Automation
- Go to Contacts → Tags
- Create a tag like “AI Toolkit Signup”
- Return to your funnel → click Automation Rules
- Add a rule: “When form is submitted → Add Tag → AI Toolkit Signup”
This helps track who signed up.
Step 5: Create a Welcome Email
- Go to Emails → Newsletters
- Write your first email. Example:
Hi [First Name],
Thanks for signing up!Here’s your free guide: [insert link]
Bonus: I use this AI tool to write better and faster — check it out → [affiliate link]
Your new subscribers now get instant value and a relevant offer.
Bonus: Promote Your Funnel
- Add the link to your blog sidebar or homepage
- Share on social media with a visual mockup of your guide
- Include it in your YouTube video descriptions
- Create a TikTok/Instagram Reel highlighting what they’ll get
Final Tip
Start simple — your first 50–100 subscribers can lead to your first commissions if your freebie is valuable and your offer is solid.
Want to see a real example?
👉 Click here to try Systeme.io free