Short answer: on Systeme.io's free plan you can build a simple two-step funnel: a signup page that collects emails, and a thank-you page that delivers a freebie. Here's the order to do it in. Plan about 30 minutes if your freebie and copy are ready.
These steps describe the general flow. Menu names may differ slightly from what you see in the app.
What you need first
- A freebie (a checklist, template or short PDF)
- A one-line headline: who it's for and what they get
- An email address for your account
Step 1: Create a free account
Sign up on Systeme.io and choose the free plan. Fill in your sender name and address in the settings; email tools require a real sender identity to follow anti-spam laws.
Step 2: Create a funnel and pick a goal
Go to the funnels section, create a new funnel, and choose the goal that matches building an email list (lead capture). Systeme.io then creates the starting pages for you.
Step 3: Edit the signup page
Open the first page in the editor and pick a template. Keep it short:
- Headline: the outcome ("A one-page checklist to pick your creator tools").
- Three bullets: what's inside.
- One form: email field and a button.
Delete anything that doesn't help someone decide to sign up.
Step 4: Edit the thank-you page
Confirm the signup and give the download link (or say it's on its way by email). This page is also a good place for one next step, like a link to your best article.
Step 5: Send the freebie by email
Create a short automation or campaign so new subscribers get an email with the freebie right away. Many people miss the thank-you page, so the email is the backup.
Step 6: Publish and test on your phone
Publish the funnel, open its link on your phone, and sign up yourself. Check that the form works, the thank-you page loads, and the email arrives (look in spam too).
Common mistakes
- Asking for more than an email address on the first form.
- A headline about you instead of the reader's result.
- Never testing the email delivery.
Next steps
Once people are signing up, add a sales page for a paid product as the next funnel step. Check Systeme.io's current pricing page for what the free plan includes before relying on it.
Systeme.io free plan: what you can build
- 2,000 contacts, 3 sales funnels, 1 course, 1 blog, 1 custom domain (systeme.io/pricing, checked 2026-10-10)
- Unlimited email sends; 1 automation rule and 1 email campaign on Free (systeme.io/pricing, checked 2026-10-10)
- 0% transaction fees; Stripe and PayPal integrations (systeme.io/pricing, checked 2026-10-10)
Funnel templates
The funnel editor lets you start from a template. For what each plan includes, see the official Systeme.io pricing page.
Funnel examples you can copy
- Checklist opt-in: signup page, then a thank-you page with the download.
- Low-price product: sales page, then checkout, then thank-you.
- Mini-course: signup page, then course access (the free plan includes 1 course (systeme.io/pricing, checked 2026-10-10)).
When you'd need a paid plan
The Startup plan is $17/month for 5,000 contacts and 10 funnels (systeme.io/pricing, checked 2026-10-10). Upgrade only when the free limits actually block you.
Collecting emails next? Compare Kit's free plan before you choose an email tool.