If the words “list cleanup” make you think of spreadsheets and scary metrics ~ *breathe*.
This is the low-stress, no-tech, creator-friendly version.
This is how to clean up the list 101
*JUST KIDDING!!!* 🤣🤣
This is a no hustle. No “burn it all down” strategy.
Just a tidy reset.
First: what list cleanup actually is (and isn’t)
✔️ List cleanup IS:
Removing people who never see your emails
Improving deliverability (aka: actually landing in inboxes)
Making your metrics feel less depressing
❌ List cleanup is NOT:
You “failing” as a creator
Starting from scratch
Deleting people who might come back later
Your list is allowed to change as you do.
Here is a step-by-step guide how to reset your subscriber list.
Step 1: Time for data therapy
Open your email platform and look at your average open rate.
Quick vibe-check:
30 - 45% → You’re doing great, relax
20 - 30% → Totally normal for creators
Below 20% → Cleanup will probably help
This is context, not a judgment.
Step 2: Find your “sleeping subscribers”
Most tools (Beehiiv, ConvertKit, Klaviyo, Mailchimp) let you filter by:
👉 “Has not opened in the last 90 days”
(or 60 days if you email weekly)
Create a segment of:
People who haven’t opened OR clicked in the last 2 - 3 months.
Do NOT delete them yet.
Step 3: Send ONE re-engagement email (optional but powerful)
This is the only “extra” email you’ll send. Keep it human. Keep it short. No tricks.
Subject line ideas:
Still want these emails?
Should I keep emailing you?
Example copy:
Hey, quick inbox check.
You’re on my email list, but it looks like you haven’t opened in a while (totally fine - inboxes are chaos at times).
If you still want practical email tips for creators, click here.
If not, then no action is required - I will opt you out automatically (no hard feelings at all).
Either way, thanks for being here 💛
No guilt. No begging. No discounts.
Step 4: Wait 5–7 days (then make the cut)
After a week, look at that same segment again.
Now you can:
Remove people who didn’t open OR click
OR move them to a “cold subscribers” list if your tool supports it
This will:
Improve your open rates
Help your emails land in inboxes
Make your list feel lighter (in a good way)
Quality > size. Always.
Step 5: Do NOT obsess over the numbers
Your list might shrink.
But…
A smaller list of people who actually read you is worth way more than a big list full of ghosts.
The simplest rule going forward
To avoid doing this again in a panic:
👉 Do a light cleanup once or twice a year
👉 Or after any big growth spike
👉 Or when your open rates suddenly drop
That’s it.
New Year. New Inbox. Less pressure.
If you want more gentle, creator-friendly email resets like this, stick around.
And if this guide helped, forward it to one creator who’s scared to touch their list. 🐨💌