Top 35 Ways How to Get More Email Subscribers (+ 5 Bonus Tips)
Marketing works hard to drive traffic, but the email list barely grows. Maybe you’ve experienced this before—you're generating plenty of visitors, but no one’s hitting that “Subscribe” button. It’s frustrating. But what if the real problem isn’t your content or your web signup forms, but the methods you're using to collect email addresses?
With email marketing driving an ROI of 4,200%—that’s $42 for every $1 spent—you can't afford to fumble the ball here. Yet, many teams do. We understand how crucial a high-quality email list is for any business, and if you’re here, you do, too.
In this post, we’ll show you exactly how to grow a newsletter base quickly, using proven techniques that deliver real results. Plus, we’ll include newsletter signup examples from brands who’ve successfully turned their traffic into subscribers.
How Do I Get More Email Subscribers for eCommerce?
1. Give Them Irresistible Reasons to Sign Up 😉 (TL;DR With High-Converting Popups)
To grow your email list, besides a good email list builder, you need to offer potential subscribers a compelling reason to opt in. A simple “Join our newsletter” won’t cut it. Instead, entice them with offers that provide real value. For example:
- Exclusive Discounts or Coupons: Everyone loves a good deal! Offer first-time subscribers a special discount on their next purchase.
- Free Resource or Guide: Share a valuable eBook, checklist, or template that solves a specific problem for your audience.
- Access to VIP Content: Provide access to members-only articles, videos, or industry insights.
- Early Bird Announcements: Let them be the first to know about product launches, special events, or new content.
- Contest or Giveaway Entries: Give them a chance to win something exciting in exchange for their email address.
- Weekly Tips or Industry News: Promise them exclusive tips, tricks, or insider news they can’t get elsewhere.
Now, you need a way to highlight your offer, and that’s super quick to do with web pop-ups. Using a popup is the easiest way of growing your subscriber base. Though they have a bad reputation, that’s only because people misuse them.
Here at Claspo, we’re all about user experience. That’s why our display rules respect the user by default.
2. Create a Lead Magnet They’ll Love
A lead magnet is an enticing freebie you offer in exchange for an email address. On average, lead magnets can increase conversions by a minimum of 33.7%.
The key is to make sure it’s something your audience truly wants and finds valuable. Ebooks and webinars are the most favored types, but you can also try making:
- Cheat Sheets & Checklists;
- Free Templates or Worksheets;
- Exclusive Reports or Case Studies;
- Free Training Sessions;
- Access to a Resource Library.
Choose a lead magnet that aligns with your business and speaks directly to the needs of your target audience. Make it actionable, easy to consume, and highly relevant to what your readers are looking for.
If you can address their pain points or provide a shortcut to success, your lead magnet will be irresistible!
3. Gamify with Scratch Cards & Prize Wheels!
Boost your email signups by turning your opt-in forms into fun experiences. Scratch cards and prize wheels are interactive ways to collect email addresses while keeping visitors engaged. Offer prizes like discounts, coupon codes, or freebies that visitors can “win” by entering their email.
These gamified forms grab attention, create a sense of excitement, and can significantly increase the number of email subscribers. One of our customer’s cases showed that a spin-the-wheel popup works better than a countdown timer! The gamified widget had a 5.2% conversion rate against 2.9% with the timer.
5. Don’t Let Them Leave—Use Exit-Intent Popups
Exit-intent popups are a powerful way to capture those site visitors who are about to leave without signing up. These popups get triggered just as the visitor’s cursor moves toward the close button, providing one last chance to get more email subscribers before they’re gone for good.
Make the offer in your exit popup irresistible. Think special discounts, exclusive content, or limited-time deals. Use a clear call-to-action and minimal text. Overloading the popup can cause visitors to bounce quickly.
6. Exit Popups + Social Proof
Combining exit-intent form popups with social proof to increase your newsletter subscribers deserves to be highlighted separately. Studies indicate that 72% of customers report that positive reviews and testimonials enhance their trust in a business, which can directly impact their decision to provide contact information. Catch a website visitor right before they leave, show why it’s worth subscribing, and you might win back a potential customer.
7. Personalization Quiz = Magic!
A personalization quiz is a creative and highly engaging way to get more email subscribers by offering tailored recommendations based on each visitor’s responses. This type of lead magnet helps you gather insights about your audience’s preferences and deliver customized content or product suggestions.
The magic? It makes the experience feel unique and personal, which leads to higher engagement and more sign-ups.
8. Little Reminder on the Cart Page, Because Why Not?
Your cart page is prime real estate for boosting your email signups. Shoppers who’ve made it this far are already interested in your products, making them ideal candidates to join your email list.
A little reminder here can help you capture more email subscribers before they complete—or abandon—their purchase. For example, you can offer a last-minute discount or promote exclusive perks for subscribers.
9. Welcome Discounts = Instant Sign-Ups
Who doesn’t love a good deal? Offering a welcome discount is one of the simplest yet most effective ways to get more email subscribers. People are always on the lookout for a bargain, especially when browsing for the first time. In addition, a welcome discount can also nudge new subscribers to make their first purchase—making it a win-win for growing your email list and boosting sales.
To make the most out of welcome discounts, you need to get the placement right. Put a popup form or a banner on your website’s homepage, landing pages, or product pages to highlight the offer. And make sure the code is sent immediately after they sign up. Claspo integrates with popular email marketing services for businesses, so you’ll have no problem running campaigns smoothly.
10. Sticky Tab Popups = Visibility
Sticky tab popups are small, discreet tabs that stick to the edge of a webpage as users scroll, making them constantly visible without being intrusive. Unlike traditional popups that appear in the center of the screen, sticky tabs are more subtle, yet they remain noticeable throughout the browsing session.
Their effectiveness lies in their persistent visibility. Sticky tabs work because they keep the call to action in front of the user without being overly aggressive. This constant reminder increases the chances that a user will eventually click on the tab, especially when the timing feels right for them.
11. Float that Sign-up Form
Floating sign-up forms are pop-up forms that remain in a fixed position on the page as the user scrolls through the content. Typically, these forms are displayed in a sidebar or at the corner of the screen, constantly visible no matter where the user navigates on the page.
Unlike static forms that can get lost as users scroll down, floating sign-up forms maintain a subtle presence that keeps the subscription opportunity in view without being intrusive. This constant visibility is why floating sign-up forms work so well for capturing subscribers. They create a gentle reminder for users, allowing them to sign up whenever they're ready.
12. Run Product Giveaways They Can’t Ignore
Giveaways work because they tap into the psychological appeal of winning. Promoting a time-limited giveaway with an attractive reward generates a sense of urgency, prompting visitors to sign up before they miss out. The exclusivity and time sensitivity can lead to a spike in email subscribers while also helping to create buzz around your brand.
13. Onsite Teasers = Curiosity
When using our email signup templates, you will notice there’s an option for adding a teaser (we call it “launcher”) for some popup types.
Onsite teasers are small, eye-catching elements strategically placed on your website to pique a visitor's curiosity and encourage interaction. These are clickable visuals with short messages that give just enough information to make users wonder what they're missing, prompting them to explore further. Once clicked, the teaser triggers a popup.
The strength of onsite teasers lies in their ability to create curiosity. They don’t overwhelm visitors; instead, they offer a hint that encourages them to click and learn more.
14. Offer Free Courses They’ll Love
Offering free courses is a fantastic way to attract email subscribers by delivering significant value upfront. These courses can be a series of video lessons, email-based tutorials, or downloadable resources that guide users through a specific topic. The idea is to provide practical and relevant knowledge, giving users a taste of what they can gain by being part of your community.
15. Workshops & Webinars are Subscriber Magnets
Offering free workshops and webinars is a proven way to attract email subscribers. These events provide valuable learning experiences and give users a reason to share their email addresses. When collecting sign-ups for these events, we suggest you use double opt-in (DOI).
DOI ensures subscribers confirm their email by clicking a link in a follow-up email. Speaking of which, check out our post with confirmation email templates for some ideas. While the extra step could result in fewer immediate sign-ups, it ultimately improves your list's engagement and deliverability. It also reduces fake or incorrect emails and helps with compliance with privacy regulations like GDPR, keeping you on the safe side legally.
16. Make Quizzes Fun and Rewarding
Quizzes are an effective email collection tool. With their help, you can attract users and encourage them to share their email. The type of quiz will depend on what you sell, but we can suggest some ideas:
- Product Finder Quizzes: Help users discover the perfect product tailored to their preferences and needs.
- Gift Guides: Create quizzes that help users find the perfect gift based on their relationship with the recipient and interests.
- Taste Test Quizzes: Quizzes that match users with flavors or products based on their taste preferences can be highly engaging for food or beverage brands.
- Occasion-Based Quizzes: Focus on specific events, such as "What should you wear to a summer wedding?" or "Best holiday gift for your dad?"
- Gift Guides: Create quizzes that help users find the perfect gift based on their relationship with the recipient and interests.
Whatever quiz you create, make sure the value of taking it is clear. Also, try to keep your quizzes concise—aim for 5 to 10 questions—to keep users interested.
You can use tools like Typeform or SurveyMonkey to create quizzes. But we suggest you use a multi-step form template design. That way, you get full control over the design of your quiz, and visitors will stay on your website.
17. Prize Pool Popups for Ultimate Engagement
Prize pool popups are a highly engaging way to boost email subscriptions by offering users the chance to win various prizes. These popups typically present a reward system where participants enter their email to join a pool, allowing them to win one or more prizes.
This strategy works particularly well because it combines the excitement of a giveaway with the allure of multiple potential rewards, increasing the perceived value and fun of participating. To maximize engagement, make the prize pool diverse and appealing with items that will attract your specific audience. You could offer a mix of your own products, exclusive discounts, or relevant items from partners.
18. Slide-in Scroll Boxes = Subtle, Effective
Slide-in scroll boxes are a subtle yet effective way to grow newsletter subscribers without disrupting the user experience. These boxes typically appear on the screen as the user scrolls down the page, gently sliding in from the side or bottom of the window. Because they are less intrusive than traditional popups, they allow visitors to continue engaging with your content while providing an opportunity to subscribe.
The effectiveness of slide-in scroll boxes lies in their timing and positioning. As users become more immersed in your content, the appearance of the scroll box can feel like a natural extension of their browsing experience. This method can create a sense of curiosity or urgency, prompting users to consider signing up just as they’re starting to find value in what you're offering.
19. Footer Opt-ins for Consistent Sign-ups
Footer opt-ins are a simple yet powerful strategy for consistently getting newsletter subscribers on your website. Positioned at the bottom of every page, these opt-in forms provide a continuous opportunity for users to subscribe without disrupting their browsing experience. Since footers are a standard part of most websites, users expect to find important links and contact information there, making it a natural spot for email sign-ups.
20. Exclusive Promos for Your Subscribers Only
The concept of FOMO (Fear of Missing Out) is powerful when used with exclusive offers. Users don’t want to miss out on a great deal that others are getting, and our data shows 60% of consumers make purchases because of FOMO, especially when the offer is time-limited or exclusive.
For example, explain that only subscribers get early access or get notified about flash sales first. The fear of missing out makes email sign-ups feel like a small step to accessing something valuable.
21. Limited-time Offers Work Wonders
Scarcity increases perceived value while adding urgency can increase conversion rates by as much as 332%. Users who see a "limited" offer perceive it as more valuable, making them more likely to sign up.
The easiest way to create urgency is by adding a timer. With Claspo, you can easily add a timer to any popup, but our timers are even better because of the relative option.
This feature allows the timer to adjust to each user, starting when they first see the popup—not when it is published. This ensures every visitor gets a fair chance at the offer, giving you more opportunities to convert them.
22. Leverage Social Proof for Trust
When users see that others have had positive experiences, it builds trust in your brand. Testimonials, subscriber counts, or quotes from satisfied customers can make your signup offer more compelling. This can help overcome hesitations, especially for new visitors who might not know much about your brand yet.
Incorporate social proof in your popups by adding customer testimonials or showing the number of existing subscribers. There's also an indirect way on how to get more email subscribers using social proof. You’ve undoubtedly encountered teasers like “Someone just purchased X product” or “23 people added this product to their favorites.”
These little badges can also help build confidence that your business is legitimate, giving site visitors a reason to subscribe and buy from you.
23. Promote Sign-ups in Your Email Signature
Adding a sign-up CTA to your email signature is an easy way to gain more subscribers. Every email you send becomes an opportunity to grow your list—whether it’s an order confirmation, customer support response, or shipping notification.
By including a link to your sign-up page with a simple message like, “Join our newsletter for exclusive offers,” you can turn regular communications into a valuable tool for increasing subscribers. It's subtle, non-intrusive, and works across all your business emails.
24. Promote a Killer Offer in Your Header
Utilizing your website header to showcase a compelling offer is a powerful way to capture visitor attention and drive email sign-ups. The header is one of the first elements users see, making it the perfect spot for immediate engagement.
25. Use the First Screen for That Perfect Hook
The first screen of your website is the portion visitors see without scrolling, making it a prime location for creating a captivating hook that encourages email sign-ups. By strategically placing a compelling offer or message here, you can grab attention immediately and entice users to engage further.
26. A/B Test Every Opt-In Element
A/B testing is a super handy way to improve your email sign-up strategies. By trying out different versions of your opt-in elements, you can figure out what really grabs your audience's attention and gets them to sign up.
The elements you can test include:
- Headlines and Copy: Play around with different headlines and text. You might be surprised how even a small change can attract more sign-ups.
- Call-to-Action (CTA) Buttons: Experiment with button texts. Don’t forget to test different colors and sizes to see what gets people clicking.
- Form Length: Test how many fields you ask users to fill out. See if a simple email-only form works better than one that asks for more info.
- Visuals and Design: Try different designs to see what your audience responds to best.
- Placement: Change up where you place your sign-up forms. You might find that one spot works better than the others.
- Incentives Offered: Test out various incentives to determine which ones excite people to sign up.
Whatever you test, make sure to test one variable at a time.
Testing different popup versions with Claspo is a breeze—just a few clicks, and you’re ready to go! But that’s not all we have in store for you. Grab our handy A/B testing checklist to document your tests and make informed decisions based on real data.
27. Reinvent Your Loyalty Program
Typically, in eCommerce, loyalty programs circle around spending. The more the customer spends – the more perks they get. For example, lots of Shopify stores are known to offer numerous referral or bonus programs. If you are running a Shopify store, too, you can effectively incorporate Shopify sign-ups for newsletters into your loyalty program.
For example, start by offering enticing incentives—like bonus points or exclusive rewards—for those who subscribe to your newsletter. This gives them a quick win and encourages them to join your list.
Make sure to highlight exclusive content in your loyalty communications, showcasing special offers or tips available only to newsletter subscribers. This creates a sense of exclusivity that can really draw people in.
Don’t forget about automated welcome emails! When new members join your loyalty program, remind them to subscribe to your newsletter for updates and perks. You can also promote newsletter benefits through in-app notifications, website banners, or during checkout.
Finally, consider adding a referral program that rewards existing loyalty members for bringing in friends who sign up for your newsletter.
28. Try Gated Content
This method involves placing a “gate” within your content—such as a locked section—that prompts users to enter their email to unlock further information or insights. If the material you provide is deemed valuable, visitors will be more likely to share their email addresses to gain access, resulting in a growing and engaged email subscriber list.
Use it on content that’s truly valuable and rare, otherwise, you risk turning people away from your site.
29. Try “Notify Me” Popups for Products
“Notify Me” popups are a great way to capture email subscribers. They let customers sign up for notifications when out-of-stock products are back in stock. When someone is interested in a product that isn’t available, these popups encourage them to enter their email addresses for updates.
This approach helps you grow your email list and creates excitement about your products. It keeps your brand in customers’ minds, making them more likely to return when the item is back.
30. Hook Them With a Long-Term Learning Promise
A great way to attract email subscribers is by offering a long-term learning promise. By framing your content as part of an ongoing educational journey, you give visitors a solid reason to sign up and stay engaged with your brand.
Some Bonus Tips
Now that you have 30 creative ideas on how to get email subscribers let’s take it a step further with 5 additional tips to optimize your email campaigns. These tips will help you refine your strategies and enhance engagement with your audience.
We've included some inspiring email opt-in examples to help you put these strategies into action. When you’re ready to elevate your email marketing, Claspo is here to help you create free popups and email forms effortlessly.
Plus, you can try our free lifetime subscription, which offers unlimited access to all features. Unlock the potential for powerful lead generation and take your email marketing to new heights today!
1. Let Shoppers Pick What Emails They Want
One size doesn’t fit all, especially when it comes to email marketing. Giving your subscribers the option to choose the type of content they want is one of the best ways to get more newsletter subscribers who actually stick around.
When you let them tailor their preferences—like opting into product updates, special offers, or blog content—you’re more likely to build a list of engaged subscribers who look forward to your emails instead of ignoring or unsubscribing.
All you need to do is add a dropdown field when creating your popup in Claspo. Then add the newsletter you offer. When integrating Claspo with your ESP, you’ll have the option to map these fields so that contacts travel to the right funnel.
2. Keep Forms Clean and Simple
The simpler your sign-up forms are, the more newsletter subscribers you’ll get. Research shows that reducing form fields from 4 to 3 can increase conversions by up to 50%. When Expedia removed just one optional form field from their signup form, they gained an additional $12 million in revenue that year!
Stick to a name and email address. If you need more information for segmentation purposes—don’t cram everything into a single form. Instead, use multi-step forms! Multi-step forms break down long forms into bite-sized steps, making the process feel less overwhelming.
3. Try Using the Word “Free”
Incorporating the word "free" into your email sign-up strategy can significantly boost your conversion rates. People are naturally drawn to the idea of getting something for nothing. By prominently featuring “free” in your promotions—whether it's free trials, free resources, or free shipping—you create an enticing offer that encourages visitors to share their email addresses.
Make sure to highlight what they’re getting for free clearly and prominently on your website and newsletters. The promise of free value can be a powerful motivator, turning casual visitors into engaged subscribers eager to receive your emails. So don’t underestimate the impact of simply saying “free”!
4. Always Consider Visitor Intent
When building your email list, it's essential to consider why visitors come to your site. Are they looking for information, products, or deals? Tailor your email sign-up prompts to match their intent.
For example, if they're browsing products, offer discounts or notifications for restocked items. If they're seeking information, provide valuable content like guides in exchange for their email. This way, you will create a more relevant user experience that boosts sign-ups.
5. Be Upfront About Email Frequency
When asking visitors to subscribe to your email list, be clear about how often they can expect to hear from you. Letting subscribers know what to expect builds trust and helps manage their expectations. A simple note on your sign-up form, like “Join our newsletter for monthly updates and exclusive offers,” can go a long way in keeping your audience engaged and informed.
