How to Live the Lazy "One Email a Day" Lifestyle (My Own Personal Tim Ferris 4-Hour Work Week)
How writing one email a day became my escape route from the 1on1 service hamster wheel (& helped me create my own version of a 4-hour work week)
Back in 2007, I picked up Tim Ferriss's "Four Hour Work Week" from an airport bookstore. I was in my early 20’s and the idea of solopreneurship always intrigued me.
By the time my plane landed, everything had changed.
Tim's idea of creating systems, automating income, and escaping the time-for-money trap completely rewired my thinking about what was possible. I didn't need to climb the corporate ladder for 40 years. I could build something that worked for me.
I was the type who never saw myself working in an office. The idea of spending my life building someone else’s dream just wasn’t going to happen.
So, I took my first shaky step as a solopreneur.
I created a simple Yahoo e-commerce website (yes, that long ago) selling Western-style products. I was living in Wyoming at the time, and it was what I knew.
Was it perfect? Not even close.
Did it make millions? Definitely not.
Honestly, I cringe when I think about that website lol. But it was my first step into the solopreneur world.
That terrible little website taught me something crucial: I could create something from nothing and people would actually pay for it.
The site made a handful of sales before I moved on, but the entrepreneurial seed was planted. I realized I never wanted to work for someone else again.
Maybe you're at that same turning point right now?
You're tired of trading hours for dollars. Exhausted from client work that never ends. Frustrated watching others build scalable businesses while you're stuck in the same grind day after day.
I know exactly how that feels because it's where I've been.
A few years after my little e-commerce experiment (and a few more failed biz attempts), I launched a resume writing business that I still run today. It's been amazing in many ways – generating a consistent six-figure income and giving me the freedom to work from anywhere.
But there's a catch that became more painful over time:
It's still 1:1 work. My income is directly tied to my time. And no matter how much I raise my rates, there’s a ceiling I couldn't break through without burning out.
That's when I discovered the "One Email a Day" business model that changed everything.
The Breaking Point that Led Me to Email
Last year, I hit a breaking point with my resume business.
I was making good money, but I was exhausted. Every new client meant more Zoom calls, more revisions, more back-and-forth emails. My calendar was packed with appointments, and I found myself dreading the notification sound on my phone.
Maybe you can relate…You're doing everything "right":
Building your skills
Serving clients well
Raising your rates
Working harder than ever
But something isn't clicking. Your income has plateaued. Your energy is depleting. And worst of all? You're watching others scale their businesses while you're stuck in the same hamster wheel.
Here's what made it really painful: While I was struggling to squeeze in more clients, I was seeing other entrepreneurs build systems that let them reach thousands of people at once.
They weren't working harder than me. They were working smarter.
That's when I had my breakthrough moment.
What if, instead of constantly hunting for new clients, I could build an audience day by day and serve them continuously?
What if, instead of trading hours for dollars, I could create value once and share it with thousands? What if one email could generate more income than three client calls?
This wasn't just wishful thinking. I'd seen it happen. But I needed to make it happen for myself.
So, I started an experiment: Growing an email list focused on remote job search tips. I used LinkedIn as my primary growth channel, sharing authentic content about the job search process and inviting people to join my list.
The results surprised me. Not only did my list grow into the thousands, but I discovered something even more valuable:
The power of writing one email a day.
This simple habit – consistently showing up in people's inboxes with helpful content – created more opportunities than all my networking events and cold outreach combined.
But here's what really changed everything: I shifted from a 1:1 model to a 1-to-many approach. Instead of helping one job seeker at a time, I could help thousands with the same effort.
Let me show you exactly how this model works...
The Power of "One Email a Day"
Most people get email completely wrong.
They think it's outdated technology. They believe social media is the only way to grow. They assume people hate getting emails.
But after sending hundreds of emails and studying what actually works, I've discovered something different:
Email remains the highest ROI marketing channel that exists. Period.
Think about it:
Social media platforms come and go
Algorithms constantly change
Ads get more expensive every year
YouTube requires expensive equipment
But email? Email is direct. Personal. Consistent.
(And please remember, since you’re reading this on Substack, your Substack is also email…)
When you send an email, you're not hoping an algorithm shows it to your audience. You're not competing with thousands of other posts in a feed. You're landing directly in someone's inbox – a space they check multiple times daily.
This is why the "One Email a Day" model is so powerful.
Instead of chasing clients, you build an audience daily and it compounds. Instead of selling your time, you sell your expertise. Instead of starting from zero each month, you leverage what you've already built.
But here's what most people miss about this approach:
It's not about sending more emails. It's about sending better emails to the right people.
When I first started growing my list, I made a critical mistake. I thought I needed thousands of subscribers to make it worthwhile. But what I discovered was surprising:
100 engaged subscribers are worth more than 10,000 passive readers.
This revelation completely changed my approach. Instead of obsessing over subscriber count, I focused on connection. Instead of trying to appeal to everyone, I wrote specifically for those who would genuinely value my expertise.
The result? A list that actually opens my emails. Responds to my offers. And generates consistent income month after month.
Let me show you exactly how to build your own "One Email a Day" business from scratch...
The 7-Step "One Email a Day" Business Framework
When I stumbled into this business model, I was figuring it out as I went. I made plenty of mistakes along the way (which I'll help you avoid).
But after helping hundreds of others implement this same approach, I've distilled it down to a simple 7-step framework that anyone can follow.
Step 1: Choose a Niche You Could Write About Every Day
This is where most people go wrong. They pick a topic that sounds profitable but doesn't actually interest them.
Here's the truth: If you can't imagine writing about something for the next year, it's the wrong niche.
But this doesn't mean you need some unique passion that nobody else has. You just need something that:
You know enough about to help others
Has actual problems you can solve
Won't bore you to tears after a month
For me, it was helping people escape the corporate world and build online businesses. I'd done it myself, helped friends do it, and found myself talking about it constantly.
What topics do you find yourself discussing even when nobody's paying you? That's usually a good place to start.
Step 2: Choose Your Email Platform
You have two main options here: a traditional email service provider or Substack.
I actually use both. Flodesk for my main email list and Substack for my newsletter.
Each has advantages:
Traditional ESP (Flodesk, ConvertKit, etc.): More flexibility, better automation
Substack: Built-in discovery, simpler setup, integrated payments
If you're just starting out, I'd recommend Substack. The built-in distribution and payment systems make it incredibly easy to get going without technical headaches.
Step 3: Choose One Growth Channel (Just One)
This is critical. Most people try to be everywhere at once and end up nowhere.
Instead, pick ONE platform where your ideal readers already hang out, and master it completely.
It could be:
LinkedIn (what I used initially)
Twitter/X
Facebook Groups
Instagram
TikTok
Podcast guesting
Meta Ads
Substack Notes (what I use now)
The platform doesn't matter as much as your consistency on it. I've seen people build six-figure email businesses from each of these channels.
What matters is showing up daily and providing genuine value – not just dropping links to your newsletter.
Step 4: Create a Lead Magnet That Actually Solves a Problem
Your lead magnet is what you offer in exchange for someone's email address.
Most people create generic PDFs nobody wants. Don't do that.
Instead, create something that solves a specific, urgent problem for your ideal subscriber. It doesn't need to be complicated.
Some of my most successful lead magnets have been:
Simple templates
Checklists
Short guides
Mini-workshops
The key is specificity. Don't create "10 Tips for Better Writing." Create "The Exact Subject Line Formula That Increased My Open Rates by 46%."
Step 5: Send a Welcome Sequence That Builds Trust
This was a game-changer for my email business.
When someone joins your list, they're at their peak interest level. They just found you. They just trusted you with their email. They're actually paying attention.
Most people waste this golden opportunity with a generic "thanks for subscribing" message.
Instead, create a 3-5 email welcome sequence that:
Tells your story and why you're qualified to help
Shares your best content to demonstrate your value
Asks questions to understand their specific challenges
Sets expectations for what they'll receive from you
Makes a small offer (if you have one ready)
Think of your welcome sequence like inviting someone into your home for the first time. You wouldn't just open the door and walk away. You'd give them a tour, make them comfortable, and help them understand what makes your home special.
For Substack, you just get a welcome email, but you can make it count. This is your opportunity to introduce a new subscriber to your Substack and build trust.
Step 6: Implement Your Email Rhythm
Now we get to the heart of the "One Email a Day" model.
But let me clear something up: "One a day" doesn't literally mean every single day (unless you want it to).
It means having a consistent, predictable rhythm that your subscribers can count on.
This could be:
Daily emails (what I do during launch periods)
3-5 emails per week (my standard approach)
Weekly emails (great for beginners)
What matters isn't the frequency - it's the consistency and quality.
Each email should either:
Teach something valuable
Tell an interesting story
Solve a specific problem
Entertain in a way that builds connection
The secret is keeping your emails simple, focused, and conversational. Write like you're speaking to one person, not broadcasting to thousands.
If you don’t know what to write, there’s memberships out there (like Liz Wilcox’s Email Marketing Membership) that give you weekly templates to help.
Step 7: Develop Your Monetization Strategy
Notice this is the last step, not the first.
I spent months growing my list and understanding my audience before introducing any paid offers. This patience paid off tremendously.
By the time I launched my first product, I knew exactly what my subscribers wanted because I'd been listening to them all along.
Your monetization could include:
Digital products (templates, guides, courses)
Coaching or consulting packages
Paid newsletter tiers
Affiliate promotions for tools you use
Membership communities
The key is starting small. My first product was a simple $27 template bundle that took a weekend to create. It sold dozens of copies its first week because it solved a specific problem my subscribers had told me about.
From there, I gradually added higher-ticket offerings based on subscriber feedback, eventually building to consistent $5K+ months.
Answering the "But What If..." Questions
Now I know you probably have some doubts creeping in.
"Isn't a daily email too much?"
Not if you're writing quality emails that actually help people. Remember, subscribers can always adjust their frequency or unsubscribe if it's too much. What I've found is that my most engaged readers actually look forward to hearing from me.
The truth is, you're better off having 100 people who love hearing from you than 1,000 who barely notice when you show up. Quality over quantity, always.
"Won't I run out of things to say?"
This was my biggest fear when I started. But after sending hundreds of emails, I've discovered something interesting: The more you write, the more ideas you generate.
I keep a simple note on my phone where I jot down email ideas throughout the day:
Questions subscribers ask me
Challenges I'm working through
Interesting stories I hear
Concepts I'm learning
My problem now isn't finding topics – it's finding time to write about all the ideas I have.
"How long before this actually makes money?"
Here's the honest truth: It depends on your niche, your offer, and your consistency.
I made my first $1000 from my list within a few weeks. By month three, I was consistently making $2,000+. And by month eight, I crossed the $5K threshold.
But here's what really matters: Unlike client work that starts from zero each month, this income compounds. Each new subscriber adds to your foundation rather than replacing old work.
"Do I need a huge list to make this work?"
Absolutely not. Some of my best months came when my list was under 1,000 subscribers.
It's not about size – it's about engagement and alignment. A small list of the right people will outperform a massive list of disinterested subscribers every time.
I know creators with 500-person lists making $5K+ monthly because they're serving exactly the right audience with exactly the right offers.
The secret? Focus on helping first, selling second.
Why This Model Works in 2025
The business landscape is shifting faster than ever. Social media platforms are becoming increasingly pay-to-play. AI is disrupting traditional content creation. And consumer attention is more fractured than ever.
So why does the "One Email a Day" model still work so well in this environment?
Low Overhead, High Leverage
Think about what you don't need with this business model:
No expensive office
No inventory to manage
No employees required
No complicated tech stack
No investor funding
All you really need is a laptop, an email platform, and your expertise. That's it.
I run my entire email business for less than $100/month, and it generates thousands in return. Try finding that ROI anywhere else.
Location Independence
This might seem obvious, but it's worth emphasizing:
You can run this business from literally anywhere with internet access.
I've sent emails from coffee shops in Colombia, apartments in Mexico City, and my kitchen table in Kentucky. My income doesn't change based on my location - only on the value I provide.
For someone who was once tied to client calls and meetings, this freedom has been life-changing.
Scalable Income Potential
Here's the real magic of this model:
Your effort stays relatively constant while your income can grow exponentially.
Writing an email to 100 people takes the same amount of time as writing to 10,000. But the income potential is vastly different.
As your list grows, each new subscriber represents additional potential revenue without additional time investment. It's the closest thing to true scale I've found as a solopreneur.
The Value of Owning Your Audience
Perhaps most importantly, an email list is an asset you actually own.
You're not building on rented land like social media. You're not at the mercy of algorithm changes. You're building direct relationships with people who have explicitly asked to hear from you.
This ownership creates security that's rare in today's digital landscape. When platforms change their rules or disappear entirely, your email list remains intact.
The Simple Daily Routine
What I love most about this model is how it simplifies my work life:
Morning: Write and schedule my daily email (30-60 minutes)
Midday: Engage with responses and create content for my growth channel (60-90 minutes)
Afternoon: Product development or client work (as much or little as I choose)
My mornings are slower and start with prayer and the gym. I always write content on my phone while walking on the treadmill. You can decide how your day goes.
That's it. No endless client calls. No constant proposal writing. No chasing payments.
Just a simple routine that builds an increasingly valuable asset day by day.
The Path Forward: Your Next Steps
Let me bring this all together with a confession:
A year ago, I was burning out from my resume writing business. I was making good money, but the constant client demands were draining my energy and passion. I knew I needed a different approach.
That's exactly why I'm sharing this with you today. Because if I can transform my business model from exhausting 1:1 work to leveraged 1-to-many, you can too. I'm nobody special - I've just discovered a system that actually works.
The "One Email a Day" framework we've covered:
Choose a niche you could write about every day
Select your email platform
Master one growth channel
Create a problem-solving lead magnet
Build a trust-building welcome sequence
Implement your consistent email rhythm
Develop your monetization strategy
This isn't just theory. It's the exact approach that took me from trading hours for dollars to building a scalable business that generates $5K+ monthly while giving me more freedom than I've ever had.
The results? I went from 100 subscribers to over 5,500 in just six months - a 5,400% growth rate. More importantly, I went from constant client work to a business that works for me, not the other way around.
The truth is there's never been a better time to build an email business. While social platforms become increasingly crowded and expensive, email remains the most direct and profitable channel available to creators.
That's exactly why I created the Substack Growth Masterclass.
📌 Join 100’s of Writers in the Substack Growth Class
If you're feeling overwhelmed by all these options, I get it. I've been there. That's exactly why I created my masterclass where I walk you through:
Exactly how I grew from ~100 to 5,400% growth in 6 months
This whole concept of a “one email / newsletter a day” model
How to identify audience problems and create community solutions
My proven templates for building engagement and consistent growth
Join hundreds of other newsletter writers who are already using these strategies to build thriving communities. If you're ready to finally start growing (and monetizing) your audience this year, click the button below and join us inside the masterclass:
Your newsletter email list isn't just a marketing channel - it's the foundation of a freedom-based business. Something that doesn't just generate income, but gives you back control of your time, location, and future.
I have to pace myself because you have way too many awesome issues I want to share with my audience. Love the "One email a day" business model; that could be a book/course on its own (if you haven't already done it).
Freedom often starts with one small, imperfect step.