Introduction
No matter how great your email marketing strategy is, it won’t work without a quality email list. In 2025, building a list of engaged, permission-based subscribers is more valuable than ever — it’s your direct channel to customers, unaffected by social media algorithms or rising ad costs.
The challenge? Many beginners don’t know how to start. The good news is, with Brevo (formerly Sendinblue), you can build your list from scratch using proven, ethical methods that attract people who want to hear from you.
In this guide, we’ll walk through step-by-step strategies to grow your email list in 2025, with actionable examples and Brevo tools to make it simple.
Why Building Your Own List Matters
- Ownership: Unlike social media, your list is yours.
- High ROI: Email marketing delivers an average of $36 for every $1 spent.
- Targeted communication: You reach people genuinely interested in your brand.
- Better conversions: Subscribers are warmer leads than cold audiences.
👉 Bottom line: A strong list = a strong business.
Step 1: Create Your Brevo Account
To build and manage your list, start with a free Brevo account:
- Go to Brevo.com.
- Sign up with your business email.
- Access contacts dashboard where your list will live.
Step 2: Add a Signup Form to Your Website
A signup form is the simplest way to start collecting emails. With Brevo, you can:
- Design customizable subscription forms.
- Embed them on your homepage, blog, or landing pages.
- Enable double opt-in for better quality subscribers.
👉 Example: “Join 5,000+ marketers and get weekly tips straight to your inbox.”
Step 3: Offer a Lead Magnet (Give Value First)
People don’t just hand over emails. You need to offer something valuable in return — a lead magnet. Popular lead magnets in 2025 include:
- Free eBooks or guides.
- Checklists or templates.
- Discount codes or free shipping.
- Exclusive access to webinars or courses.
👉 Example: “Download our Free 2025 Marketing Checklist — only for subscribers.”
Brevo makes delivery easy: Once someone signs up, you can send the lead magnet instantly via automation workflows.
Step 4: Use Popups and Exit-Intent Forms
Static signup forms aren’t enough. Brevo allows you to create:
- Timed popups (appear after 10–20 seconds).
- Exit-intent popups (trigger when users try to leave).
👉 Example: “Wait! Get 10% off your first order — subscribe now.”
Step 5: Promote Your List Across Channels
Don’t rely only on your website. Promote your list wherever your audience hangs out:
- Social media: Share signup links in posts and bios.
- YouTube/Podcasts: Offer free resources in exchange for emails.
- Paid ads: Run lead-gen campaigns targeting ideal customers.
👉 With Brevo, you can even create landing pages dedicated to capturing subscribers.
Step 6: Segment New Subscribers from Day One
Don’t throw everyone into the same bucket. Segmentation increases engagement. With Brevo, you can categorize contacts by:
- Source (signup form, popup, social).
- Interests (ebooks downloaded, products browsed).
- Demographics (location, age).
👉 This allows you to send tailored emails instead of one-size-fits-all messages.
Step 7: Automate Your Welcome Series
The first impression matters. Brevo lets you set up an automated welcome email (or series) for new subscribers:
- Thank them for joining.
- Deliver the promised lead magnet.
- Introduce your brand and mission.
- Offer a small incentive (discount, free trial).
👉 Example: “Hi Sarah, thanks for joining Bemzo Marketing! Here’s your free guide + a 10% discount code.”
Step 8: Keep Growing with Consistency
Building a list is ongoing. Keep it growing by:
- Regularly creating fresh lead magnets.
- Running seasonal campaigns (Black Friday, Ramadan, Christmas).
- Optimizing signup forms with A/B testing.
👉 Brevo’s analytics dashboard helps track which list-building methods are performing best.
Pro Tips for Faster Growth in 2025
- ✅ Add a signup CTA at the end of every blog post.
- ✅ Use QR codes at events to capture offline leads.
- ✅ Create referral incentives (“Invite a friend and get 20% off”).
- ✅ Test different wording (“Join Free” vs “Subscribe Now”).
Quick Checklist for Beginners
✅ Brevo account ready
✅ Signup forms & popups installed
✅ Lead magnet created
✅ Signup promoted across channels
✅ Welcome email automation live
✅ Segmentation rules applied
Conclusion
Building an email list from scratch in 2025 isn’t about tricks — it’s about offering value, respecting permission, and nurturing relationships. With Brevo’s signup forms, landing pages, automations, and segmentation tools, you can grow a healthy, engaged list that drives long-term business success.