EP.23 - Email Marketing on a Shoestring: Building Your First Automated Sequence

Ready to build an email list that actually converts?

In this episode, Frankie J breaks down how to create your first automated email marketing sequence without spending a dime. Learn the exact 5-email framework that turns curious visitors into paying clients, even if you're starting with zero subscribers and zero budget.

 

Key Takeaways

The Value Staircase Method

Instead of immediately pitching your services, use the "value staircase" approach where each email provides genuine value while naturally leading to the next step. This builds trust and positions you as an expert rather than just another salesperson.

Training Your Subscribers to Engage
Every email should include at least one reason to click - whether it's accessing bonus content, listening to a podcast episode, or checking out your offer. This engagement training improves your email deliverability and creates purchasing habits.

The Identity Shift Strategy
From the very first email, start separating your subscribers from people who don't take action. Use language that makes them feel smart for downloading your freebie and different from those who stay stuck in their problems.

The 5-Email Automated Sequence Framework:

• Email 1: Freebie delivery + authority positioning strategy
  "Here's your [guide/quiz results/cheatsheet] - and I want you to know why you've made a brilliant decision downloading this. Most people stay stuck in [their problem] because they never take the first step to [desired outcome]. The fact that you're here tells me you're different.”
  
  Then you tell them what to expect: "Over the next few days, I'll be sharing some insights that aren't in this guide - things I've learned from working with [hundreds of clients/years of experience] that can help you [specific outcome]."
• Email 2: Engagement insurance policy
  "I wanted to check in - did you get a chance to look through [the guide]? I'm curious - what was the biggest insight for you?”
  
  "If you want to dive deeper into [specific topic], I've got a podcast episode that breaks down exactly how to [specific outcome]. You can listen here: [link]"
• Email 3: Low-ticket offer introduction using psychological triggers
  "I've been getting questions about [specific problem your offer solves]. If you're dealing with this too, I put together a simple [workshop/mini-course/toolkit] that walks you through exactly how to [outcome]. It's only [price] because I wanted to make it accessible to anyone serious about [desired outcome]."
• Email 4: Addressing the "knowing vs. doing" gap
  "You might be thinking, 'I've got the guide, I understand what to do, so why am I still stuck on [specific issue]?' Here's what I've learned after helping [number] of [ideal clients]: knowing what to do and having a step-by-step system to do it are completely different things."
  
  "That's exactly why I created [product name] - because the difference between knowing and succeeding is having the right system. And the right system is always simpler than you think."
• Email 5: Creating urgency without false scarcity
  "Tomorrow, you'll start getting my regular emails - stories, insights, and strategies I share with my community. But before that happens, I wanted to make sure you didn't miss the chance to grab [offer] while it's still [price/available/bonus included].

Not because there's a countdown timer, but because I know how this works: you'll tell yourself you'll come back to it later, life will get busy, and six months from now you'll still be dealing with [the same problem]. The people who take action today are the ones who see results tomorrow."

Action Steps

1. Choose Your Lead Magnet: Create a freebie (guide, cheat sheet, quiz) that solves one specific problem for your ideal client
2. Set Up Your Email Platform: Start with MailerLite's free plan (1000 subscribers forever)
3. Write Your 5-Email Sequence: Use the framework provided in this episode
4. Create Your Landing Page: Design a simple opt-in page that connects to your email sequence
5. Launch and Monitor: Set up your automation and track engagement metrics
   
   

Free Resources Mentioned

MailerLite email marketing platform (free for up to 1000 subscribers) https://www.mailerlite.com/

Keywords:

Email marketing for solopreneurs, Automated email sequences, Email list building, Lead magnet strategy, Email marketing automation