Build an Email List Before You Have a Product

Start Collecting Emails Before You Write a Line of Code

An email list is the one audience you own completely. Social media algorithms change. SEO rankings fluctuate. But an email goes directly to someone who asked to hear from you.

Start collecting emails the moment you have an idea. Even if you are months away from launching.

Set Up a Waitlist Page

You need one page with:

• A clear headline explaining what you are building
• A short description (2 to 3 sentences)
• An email input field
• A submit button

That is it. No features list, no pricing, no team page. Just the pitch and the signup.

Build this with Spawned in about 5 minutes. Ask the AI: "Build a waitlist landing page for [your idea]. Include an email capture form that stores submissions in Supabase."

Where to Send People

Share your waitlist page on:

• X/Twitter (pin it to your profile)
• Relevant subreddits (check rules first)
• Indie Hackers
• Hacker News (Show HN post when you have something to demo)
• LinkedIn if your product is B2B

What to Send Your List

Once people sign up, email them occasionally. Not every day. Maybe every week or two.

Good emails:

• Progress updates on what you are building
• Asking for feedback on a feature or design
• Early access invitations
• A launch announcement when you are ready

Keep emails short. Write like you are updating a friend. Nobody wants a newsletter that reads like a press release.

Tools That Work

For a simple waitlist, Supabase plus Resend handles everything. Store emails in a Supabase table, send with Resend API. Total cost: free until you hit thousands of subscribers.

If you want something more hands-off, Buttondown or ConvertKit work well and have free tiers.