Getting Started with Flodesk: A Step-by-Step Guide for Beginners
Let me guess—you’ve been meaning to start your email list for months now, but every time you try to pick a platform or write your first email, you close your laptop and make a snack instead?
Yep. Been there.
That’s why I always recommend Flodesk to the solopreneurs, coaches, and creatives I work with. It’s easy to use, looks beautiful, and doesn’t come with a steep learning curve or complicated dashboards. In fact, it’s the platform I personally use for my business, and I love how calm and simple it feels.
So if you’re finally ready to set up your list and start sending emails that feel like you—this one’s for you. Let’s take it one cozy step at a time.
Why Flodesk? (aka the tool that won’t give you tech headaches)
There are a lot of email platforms out there. Some are powerful but feel like spreadsheets. Some look nice but don’t offer much functionality.
Flodesk, though? It’s the sweet spot.
Here’s what I love most:
It’s actually fun to use (no, really)
Your emails look so good without any coding
One flat price no matter how big your list grows
Basically: it’s simple, stylish, and gets the job done without overwhelming you. That’s a win in my book.
Step 1: Create your Flodesk account
Head to flodesk.com and sign up. If you want to save a little, here’s my link for 50% off your first year: [click here].
Once you’re in, you’ll see a clean, intuitive dashboard—no clutter, no fuss. Just the good stuff.
Step 2: Set up your brand settings
This part is quick but so worth it. You can:
Choose your brand colors
Select fonts that match your vibe
Upload your logo and business name
It’s kind of like setting the tone for your future emails—so they always look and feel like your brand, right from the inbox.
Step 3: Send your first email
Now for the fun part: sending your first email.
Click “New Email,” pick a template you love, and customize away. The drag-and-drop editor is super beginner-friendly, so you won’t break a sweat.
You can add photos, headlines, buttons, and even create a cute signature at the bottom.
Pro tip: Your first email doesn’t have to be perfect. Just introduce yourself, let people know what kind of content they can expect from you, and add a little personal touch.
Step 4: Create a form (so people can actually sign up)
Now that you’ve got your first email ready, you’ll need a way for people to join your list.
Flodesk gives you three simple form options:
A form you can embed right on your site
A pop-up (great for blog posts or freebies)
A full-page form (perfect for linking from social media)
And bonus—you can tag people based on which form they use. So if you offer more than one freebie, you’ll know exactly what someone signed up for.
Step 5: Set up a welcome sequence
Here’s where we add a little magic.
Flodesk’s automation builder makes it super easy to send a series of emails to your new subscribers. Think of it like a warm hug that says “Hey, I see you. Here’s what I’m all about.”
You can use this space to:
Deliver a freebie
Share a bit of your story
Let them know how you can support them
Don’t worry if writing these feels hard—I’ve got something to help with that below.
Final Sip
Starting your email list doesn’t have to feel overwhelming. With the right tool (hi, Flodesk ) and a clear, simple process, you can set it up in an afternoon—and start building a list full of people who want to hear from you.
It’s less about perfection and more about connection. So go slow, keep it simple, and let it feel like you.
Need Help Bringing It All Together?
If you're nodding along but still thinking, “I wish someone could just help me set this up…” — you're not alone. The backend of your business doesn’t have to feel like a puzzle you have to solve alone.
I offer as-needed backend support for things like:
Flodesk setup and automation
Connecting your forms to your website
Creating simple systems that save you time
Whether you need help with the tech side of things just this once or want a little guidance setting it up the right way, I’ve got you.
Book a Backend Boost Session and let’s get it done together—quick, cozy, and completely aligned with how you want to run your business.
Hi, I’m Christina—designer, strategist, and your website’s new best friend.
I help solopreneurs build beautiful, intentional websites that actually work for their business (without the tech overwhelm). When I’m not designing in Squarespace, you’ll find me homeschooling my kids with a coffee in hand and cozy slippers on my feet.
