Flodesk 101: What You Actually Need to Get Started With Email Marketing
You finally signed up for Flodesk, because everyone says you need to grow your list, nurture leads, and this is how you make more sales.
But now you're staring at a blank dashboard wondering:
“Wait... what do I actually need to set up?”
If you’re a wellness pro or service provider trying to grow your business online, email marketing is non-negotiable.
Your website and email list go together like peanut butter and jelly. Without an email list to capture visitors who aren’t quite ready to book yet, your website is going to struggle to convert.
In fact, email marketing still delivers one of the highest ROIs of any marketing channel—$36 for every $1 spent.
But here’s the good news:
You don’t need a complex funnel or a massive list to start seeing results.
You just need a few essential pieces in place.
Let’s walk through the what, why, and how of setting up Flodesk—step by step.
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Step 1: Set Your Brand Styles in Flodesk
What Are Brand Styles?
These are your default fonts, colors, logo, and footer details that apply to every email.
Why You Need It:
It makes your emails cohesive, professional, and on-brand—without designing from scratch every time.
How to Set It Up:
Go to Account Settings → Branding
Upload your logo
Set your primary and secondary fonts (match your website!)
Add your brand colors
Fill in your default footer (biz name, social links, location)
Step 2: Create Your Lead Magnet
What is a Lead Magnet?
A lead magnet is a free, high-value resource that solves a small problem for your ideal client. Think of it as a "test drive" for your brand.
This is what you'll offer in exchange for their email address, and it's what kickstarts your entire email list.
Why You Need It:
People don’t give away their email address for nothing. A strong lead magnet creates trust, shows your expertise, and helps you grow your list with aligned leads—people who actually want what you offer.
How to Do It:
Choose a format: PDF, audio, video, checklist, template, mini-guide
Solve a tiny but specific problem (make it quick and actionable)
Create it in Canva or Google Docs
Export it as a PDF (or host on Google Drive/Dropbox if not a file)
Need ideas? Check out:
Step 3: Set Up a Full-Page Opt-In Form
What is an Opt-In Form?
An opt-in form is how people sign up for your freebie. In Flodesk, you can create inline forms (for your site) or full-page forms (which act like landing pages).
Why You Need It:
You need a place to collect emails, and a form that connects directly to your email platform. A full-page form is the fastest, easiest option if you don’t want to mess with website code.
How to Do It in Flodesk:
Go to Forms → click “+ New Form”
Choose “Full Page” → select a template that feels on-brand
Customize your headline, body text, and button
Tip: Make your headline benefit-driven (ex: “Get My 5-Day Gut Reset Plan”)
Add only the essentials: Name and Email
Under “Form Settings,” connect it to a segment (I usually name this whatever your freebie name is)
Customize the success message or redirect to a thank you page
Publish and copy the link!
Paste that link in your Instagram bio, website opt in pages, or anywhere you promote your freebie.
Step 4: Build a Simple Flodesk Workflow
What is a Workflow?
A workflow is an automated email sequence triggered by someone joining your list (usually through your opt-in form).
Why You Need It:
You want to deliver your freebie instantly, and continue the conversation with your new subscriber while they’re most engaged. This is how you build trust, position your offer, and turn subscribers into paying clients.
How to Set It Up:
Go to Workflows → click “+ New Workflow”
Name it something related to your freebie like: “Gut Reset Freebie Funnel”
Connect it to a segment (the same one as your freebie)
Click “Add Trigger” → Choose your form opt in/segment opt in as the starting point
Add an Email Step:
This is your freebie delivery email
Keep it short and sweet → include the link to download your freebie
Add a Time Delay: 1–2 days
Add your Welcome Sequence Emails (3–6 emails is perfect)- each email should have a time delay of 1-2 days in between.
Example Welcome Sequence:
Email 1: Your story, values, or mission
Email 2: Who you help + how you work with clients
Email 3: Share a few expert tips or top blogs/podcasts
Email 4: Introduce your offer or invite them to book
(Optional) Email 5–6: Testimonials, case study, or FAQs
Set delays between each email (1–2 days apart), and you’re done! Don’t forget to hit publish and test the flow from freebie opt in to email deliveries.
Bonus Step: Send Nurture Emails Weekly
What Is a Nurture Email?
A nurture email is a regular email you send to your list after the welcome sequence. It’s how you stay in touch, offer value, build trust, and remind your audience that you're here- and ready when they are. Think of it like having a standing coffee date with your community every week.
Why It Matters:
Most people aren’t ready to buy the first time they land on your site. Nurture emails keep your brand top-of-mind so that when they are ready, you’re the one they remember (and trust).
They also allow you to:
Educate without overwhelm
Share your thought leadership
Show behind-the-scenes of your work
Sell without being salesy
How Often Should You Email?
Once a week is perfect. That’s frequent enough to stay relevant, but not so much that you feel pressure to perform.
Pick a day (ex: Tuesday mornings) and make it part of your weekly marketing rhythm.
Easy Nurture Email Ideas:
A helpful tip related to your niche
A recent client win or story
Behind-the-scenes of your business or creative process
A personal reflection that ties back to your work
A round-up of your favorite books, tools, or resources
FAQs about your offers
Don’t overthink it. One idea, one takeaway, one CTA is enough.
Ready to set up Flodesk?
Integrating your Flodesk account to your Squarespace website creates a better user experience for your visitors and potential clients, streamlines your own systems in your business (saving you precious time!), and converts more website visitors into email listers- building that list quickly!
Final Thoughts
You don’t need a massive list or complicated funnel to make email marketing work for you.
You just need a clear freebie, a simple setup, and a plan to stay in touch.
With Flodesk, you can get everything up and running in a day, and start building a list that actually supports your business goals.
And once your workflow is in place, don’t ghost your list.
A weekly nurture email (even just 2–3 paragraphs) goes a long way in building trust, boosting conversions, and reminding people why you’re the one they want to work with.
Start simple. Stay consistent. That’s how you turn email marketing into one of the most powerful tools in your business.
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Hey I'm Jamie
-web designer, brand strategist, and former certified health coach turned creative studio founder. I specialize in building strategic, elevated Squarespace websites for wellness professionals who are ready to grow their business with more clarity, confidence, and ease.
After designing over 90 websites and supporting dozens of service-based entrepreneurs, I’ve seen firsthand how intentional design and smart strategy can completely shift the way you show up, and how you sell. This blog is where I share the real stuff: design tips, marketing strategies, and behind-the-scenes insights to help you build a brand that actually works for you.
Disclaimer: My policy is to only share products and resources that have brought value to me and/or I believe will bring value to my audience. Some of the links in this post are affiliate links, and I will earn a commission if you make a purchase using them.
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