Living abroad doesn’t mean you have to pause your business ambitions. In fact, the laptop lifestyle is the perfect setup to grow a highly engaged email list—if you know how to do it strategically. Whether you’re freelancing, selling digital products, or building a brand, your email list is your most valuable asset.
In this guide, you’ll learn how to build an email list while embracing the freedom of location lifestyle—no matter where in the world you’re working from.
Why Your Email List Matters (Even More Abroad)
Your email list is the only digital real estate you truly own. Unlike social media, your list gives you direct access to your audience—critical when you’re navigating multiple time zones and unpredictable internet connections. It is something you control and its in your ability to get out in front of your subscribers with the latest tips, tricks, and offers to help them solve a problem.
Real Example:
Nomadic Matt, a top travel blogger, attributes much of his success to his consistent newsletter, which reaches over 100,000 subscribers monthly—helping him sell courses, books, and affiliate deals without relying on paid ads.
1. Set Up Your Lead Capture System
Start with the essentials:
- Email Marketing Tool: ActiveCampaign, ConvertKit, MailerLite, or Beehiiv are great for digital nomads.
- Lead Magnet: A free checklist, eBook, guide, or email course. Keep it light and mobile-friendly.
- Landing Page: Use tools like Carrd, Systeme.io, or ConvertKit Pages to quickly create beautiful pages even on spotty Wi-Fi.
2. Create Content That Attracts the Right Audience
You don’t need to go viral—you need to be consistent.
- Start a blog, newsletter, or podcast around your niche (freelancing, design, travel tips, etc.)
- Share real stories from your location-independent journey.
- Use Pinterest, Reddit, and SEO to drive passive traffic.
Pro Tip:
Add a “Free Resource” section to your blog’s sidebar and end each post with a call-to-action (CTA) linking to your lead magnet.
3. Automate Your Email Welcome Series
Once someone signs up, the first 3–5 emails should:
- Introduce your story and values
- Provide actionable tips
- Offer your core product or service
- Build trust with testimonials or results
Write these once and let them run while you explore Costa Rica, Croatia, or Cape Town.
4. Promote With Digital Nomad-Friendly Strategies
You can still grow your list while hopping time zones:
- QR Codes on Business Cards or Stickers at co-working cafes
- “Link in bio” pages optimized for mobile with a newsletter signup
- Content Collabs with other nomads for shoutouts
- Tailored Freebies based on where you are (e.g., “Top 10 Remote Cafes in Medellín”)
5. Track, Tweak, and Grow
Check open rates, click-throughs, and unsubscribes weekly. Most tools work well from a phone, making list maintenance easy from anywhere.
Recommended KPI Benchmarks:
- Open Rate: 35%+
- Click Rate: 4–7%
- Unsubscribe Rate: Under 1%
Final Thoughts
You don’t need to be “home” to build a profitable email list. In fact, sharing your journey authentically while traveling full-time can attract even more subscribers. With the right systems, lead magnets, and mindset, you can grow a community that buys from you—wherever you go.
