By Jonathan Herrick Edited by Chelsea Brown May 22, 2025Here's a step-by-step system for startup founders to build their first 1,000 engaged email subscribers — without guesswork or gimmicks. A lead magnet is a free, high-value offer that your target subscriber can receive instantly in exchange for their email. Related: These 3 Strategies Will Grow Your Email List for Free4. Don't just build — engageYour email list is not a vault; it's a living asset. Reaching 1,000 subscribers isn't about overnight success.