Can we tawk?

You’re not here to hustle, manipulate, or shout “FREEBIE!” into the void like a desperate street performer with a clipboard. You’re building a coaching business with rebel heart.

You want to grow a list of people who want to hear from you — not just digital hoarders collecting another freebie they’ll never open.

So let’s ditch the desperation and try something different. Here are 5 creative list-building strategies that work:

1. Turn Your Welcome Email Into an Experience

Tool: Kit + Squarespace

Your first email is prime real estate — don’t waste it on “Thanks for signing up!”

Instead, roll out the quirky rebel red carpet. Tell a story. Share something unexpected. Invite them into your world like they’ve just joined a secret society of brave, soulful weirdos (because, let’s be honest, they have).

Example:
In Kit, set up an automated “Welcome Sequence” that links to a private “Welcome to the Revolution” page on your Squarespace site — complete with a gif, playlist, or a downloadable mini-guide.

Make them feel seen. Make them feel part of something.

2. Create a Bingeable Audio Series

Tool: Hello Audio

People are tired of PDFs. (No offense to your beautifully designed ones.)

But you know what people love consuming? Podcasts. Audio. Something they can take on a walk, in the car, or while hiding from their kids in the bathroom.

Example:
Record a 3-part private podcast series like “How to Ditch the Shoulds + Build a Coaching Biz That Feels Like You.” Upload it to Hello Audio. Offer it as your opt-in.

Boom — you’ve got attention, and trust, and they didn’t even have to read.

3. Use Pop-Ups That Don’t Feel Like Pop-Ups

Tool: Squarespace or Kit.com

You don’t need to scream “WAIT! Before you go!”

Instead, use subtle pop-ups that show up with timing, tone, and intention.

Example:
Use a “slide-up” box that appears after someone’s been on your page for 30 seconds. The headline?

“Want weekly Rebel Love Notes from a coach who gets it?”

Short. Honest. Human. And it works.

4. Offer a Mini Training That Solves One Real Problem

Tools: ThriveCart Learn + Kit

Forget the 42-page ebook or the “7-part funnel of doom.” People don’t want to download a novel. They want something fast, focused, and genuinely useful. Something they can apply before their coffee gets cold.

Try this: Create a free mini-course called “How to Create Your First Coaching Offer in Under 30 Minutes.” It’s simple. It’s actionable. And it delivers immediate value.

Host it on ThriveCart Learn (which is free if you have a ThriveCart account), and deliver access through your email platform—like Kit. Boom. Instant opt-in system that actually serves your audience.

Now you’re not just collecting email addresses—you’re building trust with people who’ve already gotten results from you before you ever made an offer. That’s powerful.

5. Leverage Instagram Stories + Highlights

Tools: Linktree or Stan Store

If you’re active on Instagram—or even thinking about showing up more consistently—this one’s a no-brainer. Make it easy for your followers to find your opt-in. Don’t bury the link in your bio. Don’t make people dig through your feed.

Instead, create a Story Highlight called something like “Free Tools” or “Start Here.”

Then record a 15-second video that feels like you:

“Hey rebel soul — want my free mini-audio course to help you stop second-guessing yourself? Grab it here!”

Simple. Clear. Personal.

Link it using Linktree or Stan Store, and let your Instagram do the list-building while you live your actual life.

So, You’ve Got Tools… Now What?

Look, you don’t need more theory. You need a roadmap.

A creative one.
A flexible one.

One that works for YOU!

That’s exactly what we do inside the Quirky Rebel Emails.

It’s where heart-led, story-driven, slightly weird (and wildly wonderful) coaches like you learn how to:

Build your list without the anxiety
Create opt-ins that light your dreams clients up
Market in a way that feels like art, not arm-twisting
Write great emails that sound like YOU!

And yes—we’ve got templates, trainings, and step-by-step tech walkthroughs for every single strategy above.

Ready to Build a List (and a Business) You Love Showing Up For?

Come join us inside Quirky Rebel Emails—and let’s do this your way.

5 List Building Strategies That Work Like a Charm(And Won’t Make You Feel Gross)