Starting an email list management side hustle while working full time can feel overwhelming.

Obviously, you need a software program that allows you to create and send emails in bulk.

But what else?

You might think you need to spend a lot of money on other software just to look like a professional. The good news is, you don’t.

With the right tools, you can stay lean, work efficiently, and still deliver great results for your clients.

Here’s a simple breakdown of exactly what you need to be successful, even on a tight budget.

You don’t need ten different apps or an expensive monthly tech stack. You just need a few tools that help you organize, automate, and look professional. The goal is to build a toolkit that works now and grows with you later.

Klaviyo is at the heart of this setup. It’s powerful enough for professionals and easy enough for beginners.

Full disclosure: I’m a Klaviyo Partner.  I became one because I really like their product.  I think you will too.

Check out my post, "Getting Started with Your First Emails". I give you my partner link that lets you create your own free Klaviyo account. I also walk you the simple steps to get your free account set up to start sending your first emails in as little as 20 minutes.

Klaviyo is free for up to 250 contacts and 500 emails each month. It’s perfect when you’re just starting out will small lists for your clients.

It offers automation, audience segmentation, and detailed analytics. You can build smart email flows and track what works from day one.

Klaviyo also integrates with popular e-commerce tools like Shopify and WooCommerce. This makes it a strong option if you’re working with product-based clients. It even includes built-in branded link tracking, so you don’t need a separate tool.

As I wrote in "5 Make-or-Break Questions Nobody's Asking," many of your new clients are going to give you what amounts to a shoebox of email addresses.

Who knows where they came from and how long ago they got them?

Before you upload them into your email platform, it's best to first run the list of email addresses through a third-party service. Keeping your list clean helps protect your deliverability.

Tools like NeverBounce and MailerCheck validate emails before you send them. This cuts down on bounce rates and spam complaints.

Both tools charge by usage, so you only pay when you clean a list.

Klaviyo includes pop-ups, embedded forms, and flyouts. These are simple to set up and require no extra software.

They're built-in. So, as soon as someone enters their email address in the form, they're instantly added to your Klaviyo account.

If you want more advanced styling or targeting, you can also try Tally.so, ConvertBox, and OptinMonster. All integrate easily with Klaviyo.

Carrd.co offers one-page websites starting at $19 per year. It’s great for building opt-in pages or service pages. Just embed your Klaviyo form and go live.

Carrd is fast, mobile-friendly, and easy to update. A perfect option if you don’t want to build a full website yet.

Starting to lose track of all your clients and what you've got going on?

What a great problem to have!! 😊

Trello and Notion are both free and excellent for keeping organized. Use them to track client projects, content calendars, or onboarding checklists.

Choose the one that feels easier to use. Both help you stay consistent and professional behind the scenes.

Here's a quick look at your toolkit and potential monthly costs:

You can launch with just about everything you need for less than $5 per month. You only need to pay more as your list or client base grows.

Keep these questions in mind when picking your tools:

Klaviyo checks a lots of the boxes right off the bat. That's why it's the core of my recommended tech stack.

You don’t need a big budget or complex tools to manage email lists well. Focus on what helps you work efficiently and get results. That’s what matters most.

Start with the basics. Grow when you're ready. And remember, success comes from consistency, not from fancy software.