Email List Not Growing? Here’s What to Try Instead of Just “Posting More”
You’ve been doing the thing.
Posting. Reels. Stories. Carousels.
And your email list is still getting one new subscriber for each two unsubs.
If that sounds familiar, know that you’re not doing anything wrong. Most small business owners are told to “just keep showing up” on social, but posting more isn’t a real newsletter list-building strategy.
Let’s talk about what actually works when you’re ready to stop chasing reach and start building real relationships (and revenue).
Why Your Email List Might Be Stuck (Even If You’re Showing Up Online)
The most common reasons we see?
👉 You’re talking about your content, not inviting people into it.
People need a clear reason to join your list — not just a “link in bio.”
👉 You’re not giving enough visibility to your opt-in.
If your freebie lives in a dusty Linktree button that no one clicks, it’s time to change that.
👉 You’re relying on social to do all the work.
Spoiler: The algorithm doesn’t care how good your freebie is if no one sees your post.
3 Things to Stop Doing If You Want to Grow Your List
🚫 Posting your opt-in once a month and hoping for signups
🚫 Hiding your sign-up link under 3 clicks or confusing buttons
🚫 Thinking your list has to be big before you send consistent emails
Email doesn’t work because you have a big list.
It works because you nurture the list you’ve got.
So, What Does Help Your List Grow?
Let’s make it simple. Here are 5 things to try this week — instead of just “posting more”:
1. Create Curiosity with an Email-Only Tip
Post 3–4 tips on your topic, but save the best one for your email list.
→ “Tip #5 is the one that changed my business — going out to subscribers only.”
2. Send a DM Invite to 5 Engaged Followers
This isn’t sleazy. It’s strategic.
→ “Hey! I’m starting to share exclusive content via email — want the link to join?”
Works so well, especially if you’re under 1,000 followers.
3. Turn Your Best Story into an Email
People want a reason to sign up. A behind-the-scenes moment, a win, a client transformation — share part of it on social and the rest via email.
→ “Want to hear how this story ends? It’s in today’s email — link in bio.”
4. Update Your Bio Link for One Week
Instead of your usual “home” link, set your main bio to your opt-in — and talk about it multiple times that week.
→ Show what’s in it, who it’s for, and what they’ll get right away.
5. Grab This Free Guide (That Actually Works)
We’ve bundled up 13 proven ways to grow your list in our free download: How to Get Your Next 100 Email Subscribers.
It’s perfect if you’ve tried all the “link in bio” strategies and are ready to grow smarter — not just louder.
What Happens Once People Do Join?
Most people grow a list… and then freeze.
That’s where Your Inbox Team comes in.
💌 Weekly email templates
🎨 Matching Canva graphics
⏳ Designed to take 15 minutes or less
🧠 Strategy baked in, so your list doesn’t just grow — it converts
No blank screens. No overthinking. No burnout.
TL;DR: If Your List Isn’t Growing, Stop Posting More and Try This Instead
✅ Use smarter strategies that invite people into your list — not just more content
✅ Create curiosity, ask directly, and show up in multiple places
✅ Grab our free guide to learn 13 creative list-building tactics that actually work
✅ Use Your Inbox Team to stay consistent and convert with ease
Before you go…
Grab our free guide to get your next 100 subscribers — no bro marketing, no weird tech, just strategies that work for small business owners like you.
For more email marketing tips for small businesses and creators, make sure you’re following us on Instagram @yourinboxteam
