How to build an email list? 15 proven ways

An email list is one of the few marketing assets you truly own. While social media followers are tied to ever-changing algorithms and platform rules, your email subscribers are yours to manage, letting you connect with them on your own terms.

Email is also one of the most cost-effective content marketing channels, which can bring a higher conversion rate and potential long-term return on investment (ROI) than other methods.

What’s even better is that a mailing list lets you segment your audience, making it easier to send personalized content, strengthen relationships, and build trust over time.

So if you want to build an email list for your business, we’ll walk you through 15 proven, actionable email collection strategies, along with examples. As a sneak peek, here are the five best ways to collect emails we’ll discuss:

• Create lead magnets – Offer a valuable freebie, such as an ebook, checklist, or discount, in exchange for emails, ensuring it solves a real problem for your audience.
• Display eye-catching email signup forms – Invite your audience to subscribe by displaying a form with a simple design and a strong call to action.
• Offer content upgrades – Turn blog posts into conversion opportunities by adding bonus resources that are available only via email signup.
• Promote signup forms on social media – Share your signup link in bios, posts, or video descriptions, highlighting exclusive perks for subscribers.
• Run time-limited giveaways – Grow your list quickly by asking participants to sign up with their email addresses, enhancing urgency with relevant prizes and deadlines.

Continue reading to discover more strategies to collect emails based on your goals, tips to speed up the process, and the best tools to simplify it – even if you’re building your first email list.

Let’s dive in!

1. Create lead magnets

A lead magnet is a free resource or exclusive content you offer in exchange for a visitor’s email address. Creating lead magnets is one of the most practical email marketing tips for growing your list, as it communicates value right off the bat.

Common lead magnets include checklists, ebooks, guides, templates, and exclusive deals. Choose one that fits your niche and resonates with your audience, then focus on solving their specific pain points to encourage sign-ups.

For example, Minimalist Baker uses a recipe collection as a lead magnet, inviting visitors to subscribe in exchange for access. They also make the process straightforward, so it’s easy for every visitor to sign up.

Don’t worry if this is your first time creating lead magnet content. Tools like Canva and Notion make it simple to make professional-looking lead magnets on your own.

2. Display eye-catching email signup forms

While lead magnets can bring in subscribers, a visible email sign-up form keeps the door open at all times. It’s a simple way to capture addresses and keep the conversation going with your audience.

Don’t just stick with one style to display email signup forms. Here are some form variations you can try:

• Inline forms – Placed directly within your content (like at the end of a blog post or in the footer), these blend naturally into the page and capture attention when readers are most engaged.
• Floating bars – These slim banners stay fixed at the top or bottom of the screen as visitors scroll, keeping your call-to-action visible without disrupting the browsing experience.
• Exit-intent popups – Triggered when a user is about to leave your site, these offer a final opportunity to convert a visitor into a subscriber before they leave.

Keep your forms simple and pair them with a bold call-to-action (CTA) button. Something direct like “Join our Newsletter” or “Subscribe” works great, but you can also have fun with it.

For example, James Clear uses “I’m in!” on his site’s floating bar after showing the value of his newsletter, making it feel personal and inviting.

3. Place forms in high-converting spots

The placement of your email capture forms can make or break your sign-up rate. A form buried at the bottom of a page is easy to miss, but one in the right spot grabs attention and boosts subscriptions.

Here are a few prime locations to place your email signup forms:

• Above the fold – Place your form in the section visitors see right when they land on your site, before any scrolling is required. This spot ensures maximum visibility and encourages more people to sign up.
• Footer – A tried-and-true spot where visitors often look for a sign-up form. Since it’s the last thing they see after scrolling through your page, it gives them an easy way to subscribe before leaving.
• About page – People who click on this page want to learn more about you or your business. Their curiosity makes them prime candidates to join your list, so adding a form here can turn interest into a subscription.

To discover which form placement resonates most with your audience, run A/B tests on your website. For instance, you can compare a pop-up form that appears after 10 seconds on a page with a floating bar that stays visible as users scroll. This way, you’ll see whether visitors respond better to a brief interruption or a subtle, always-present option.

4. Run time-limited giveaways

Nothing sparks excitement like a giveaway on a countdown. Add a prize that feels tailor-made for your audience, and you’ve got a recipe for both buzz and new subscribers.

The short time limit creates urgency, while making an email address the entry ticket ensures your list grows with people who genuinely care about what you offer.

Here are some prize ideas suitable for giveaways:

• Your own product or service – Offer a free subscription, a trial, or a physical product to attract people who are genuinely interested in what you sell.
• A bundle of related products – Partner with complementary businesses in your niche to create a prize package that delivers value and broadens your reach.
• An exclusive consultation or session – Perfect for service-based businesses, this not only serves as a high-value prize but also positions you as a trusted expert.

5. Offer content upgrades in blog posts

A content upgrade is a bonus resource that ties directly to a specific blog post. It could be a printable checklist, a detailed guide with extra insights, or even a spreadsheet template that helps readers put what they’ve just learned into action.

But content upgrades don’t always have to be brand-new material. Medium, for example, lets readers listen to articles if they sign up as members – an upgrade that simply repackages the same content in a fresh way.

For best results, place the sign-up form midway through the article. By this point, readers are already engaged with your content and invested in the topic, making them much more likely to subscribe in exchange for the upgrade.

6. Repurpose popular content as gated downloads

Beyond content upgrades, pay attention to the pieces that attract the most traction – they’re a strong signal of what your audience truly values. These high-performing posts are prime candidates for repurposing into gated content, where you offer a more detailed or enhanced version in exchange for an email address.

To implement this, identify your top-performing blog posts or videos using tools like Google Analytics. Once you know which drives the most traffic, build on that success with a downloadable upgrade. For instance, you could expand a popular blog post into a comprehensive ebook, or transform a high-performing video into a complete educational series.

7. Use landing pages with one clear CTA

Have you ever visited a page that highlights an offer and guides you straight to a call-to-action? That’s basically what a landing page does.

Landing pages are especially effective for collecting emails because they focus on a single action you want visitors to take. For example, TLDR’s landing page features clear CTAs inviting visitors to subscribe and snippets of newsletter content that give readers a taste of what they can expect.

With tools like Hostinger Website Builder or Omnisend, creating these focused pages is simple, even if you’re not a design expert. If this is your first time making a landing page, our tutorial will guide you step by step.

Once the landing page is created, share the link by running social media campaigns, promoting a product launch, or driving traffic from paid ads. Instead of sending people to your home page, guide them to your newsletter signup page to drive higher registration rates.

8. Promote your signup form on social media

This strategy is practical for anyone who wants to start building an email newsletter, even if you don’t have a blog or website as your main platform.

Each social media platform attracts a different kind of audience. If you’re active on LinkedIn to attract professionals, Instagram for visuals, or TikTok for quick tips, promoting your sign-up form across multiple touchpoints helps widen your reach.

People who find you on social media already engage with your content, increasing the chance of subscribing when offered exclusive value. Even better, social media’s shareable nature can easily extend your reach even further.

9. Collaborate with creators in your niche

Collaborating with other creators works because you’re tapping into the trust they’ve already earned. Here are a few ways to make collaboration work for you:

• Co-host a webinar or live session – Team up and promote it to both of your audiences for double the reach.
• Write a guest post – Share your expertise on another creator’s blog and link to your lead magnet for added value.
• Swap newsletters – Promote each other’s email lists to your subscribers, giving both audiences something new.

When choosing collaborators, focus on relevance over size. A smaller, highly engaged audience in your niche is far more valuable than a huge but generic following.

10. Add email signup CTAs inside your content

Drop your CTAs at natural pauses in your content – when readers pay the most attention, they’re way more likely to take action. Here are a few formats that actually get clicks:

• Simple text – A quick line like “Join our email list for exclusive content 📩” can do wonders. A little bolding or an emoji helps it pop.
• Embedded form – Stick a signup form in your article so readers can subscribe without leaving the page.
• Callout box – Make it visually distinct, clear, and impossible to miss. Think of it as your content shouting, “Don’t miss this!”

And always sell the benefits. Instead of just “Sign up,” try something like “Get exclusive content delivered straight to your inbox.” Show readers why it’s worth their time, and they’ll be more likely to hit that button.

11. Offer exclusive content

Framing your email list as a members-only community gives people a sense of exclusivity, which is a powerful motivator to subscribe. One of the easiest ways to do this is by offering content they can’t find anywhere else.

Exclusive perks include behind-the-scenes stories, personal insights, or in-depth industry analysis that never appear on your blog or social channels. You can also give subscribers early access to new products, blog posts, or videos, making them feel like insiders before anyone else.

12. Use referral rewards to grow your list

Rewarding your current subscribers for bringing in new sign-ups can create a snowball effect that grows your email list fast. Tools like ReferralCandy or SparkLoop make it easy to automate the process, tracking referrals and delivering rewards whenever someone brings a friend on board.

Keep your referral system simple to encourage your audience to join, clearly show them the perks of sharing, and offer rewards they’ll be excited to claim.

13. Collect emails through quizzes or surveys

Interactive content like quizzes and surveys is a fun, engaging way to capture emails. People want to see their results or share their opinions, which makes it the perfect moment to ask for their contact info.

Take career coach Rebecca Beaton, for example. She uses a quiz to help people figure out what’s holding their careers back, and participants enter their email addresses to get their results delivered straight to their inbox.

This strategy is a win-win: your audience gets personalized, valuable insights, and you get a new subscriber who’s genuinely interested.

You can use tools like Typeform or Outgrow to make engaging quizzes that feel fun rather than intrusive.

14. Add email signup to checkout

Transaction moments, such as when a customer is checking out a product or downloading a file, are particularly effective for capturing emails. If they reached this point, it means they already trust you, and the chances of sharing their email are higher.

To make the most of it, keep the signup process clear and simple. Don’t force it, but explain how you’ll use their email and what they’ll get in return. A small bonus can boost signups, and a clear privacy statement reassures users that their info is safe.

An optional opt-in checkbox during checkout can be a simpler alternative to showing a newsletter signup form. For instance, Agoda uses this strategy by asking customers if they’d like to receive news and exclusive offers via email.

15. Collect emails offline (and send them online)

Email collection doesn’t have to happen only on your website or social media – you can also do it in person. If you host events, run a physical store, or even attend trade shows, you have plenty of opportunities to grow your list offline.

Create a simple signup form and generate QR codes that link directly to it. Then, provide a simple signup sheet at the checkout counter, or set up an iPad form to make the process quick and convenient. Additionally, display it on flyers, business cards, or event booths to enhance awareness.

This strategy helps capture interested contacts in real time, right when their engagement is fresh.

What are the best tips to get email subscribers faster?

Now that you know 15 ways to build your email list, let’s explore how you can enhance those for faster results.

Offer exclusive discounts

Offering a discount on their first purchase or a special deal makes signing up feel immediately rewarding. This works particularly well for ecommerce stores, where a small incentive can motivate visitors to take action and start a relationship with your brand.

Add a sense of urgency

Creating a sense of scarcity encourages visitors to act quickly. Limited-time freebies or promotions, like “Last chance to sign up for a free guide,” push users to subscribe before the opportunity disappears.

Use personalized messaging

Group your subscribers into different categories so you can run multiple email campaigns with personalized messages. For instance, you can send beginner-friendly guides to new subscribers, while advanced resources are for retaining the existing ones. This approach helps your audience feel understood and increases the likelihood of engaging with your content.

A/B test form headlines

Continuous testing allows you to optimize forms and improve performance over time. Small changes in wording, tone, or structure can dramatically impact signup rates. By testing different headlines, benefit statements, or call-to-action phrases, you can determine what resonates best with your audience.

Add social proof

Social proof shows your audience that your content is worth their time – and their email. People are more likely to trust your list if they see that others have already signed up. Simple statements like “Join 5,000+ others who get weekly tips” or displaying testimonials add credibility and reassurance that encourage visitors to hit the subscribe button.

Show your email content previews

Giving potential subscribers a sneak peek of what they’ll receive makes the offer tangible. By showing the real value and setting clear expectations upfront, you make it easier to attract high-quality, engaged leads. On your landing page or email signup form, you can share screenshots of previous newsletters, snippets of articles, or examples of exclusive resources.

What are the best tools to grow your email list?

With all this information about building a mailing list, it’s natural to wonder how to put it into practice, especially if this is your first time creating a newsletter or exploring an email marketing strategy.

Fortunately, various top email marketing platforms provide everything you need, from collecting subscriber lists to analyzing open rates and engagement. Here are five notable examples:

1. Hostinger Reach – Tailored for beginners and small to medium businesses, our AI-driven platform lets you create email newsletters simply by describing how you want them to be. You can use Hostinger Reach for free, so don’t hesitate to try out making your first email newsletter.
2. Omnisend – An omnichannel marketing tool designed for ecommerce businesses. It provides email, SMS, and push notifications services with a freemium model.
3. MailerLite – Popular among bloggers and freelancers, this platform combines simplicity with automation features and operates on a freemium basis.
4. HubSpot – Ideal for businesses aiming to integrate email marketing with CRM and sales tools, offering a comprehensive suite with free and paid plans.
5. Klaviyo – Focused on ecommerce brands, Klaviyo delivers hyper-personalized email and SMS marketing with freemium pricing tiers.

Can I build an email list without a website?

Yes, you can absolutely grow an email list even without a website. For instance, if you have a local bakery, you could gather customer emails at the store in exchange for a free tester. This way, you can use your mailing list to share special offers, announce new products, and keep your audience engaged.

To generate even better results, use Google Forms or TypeForms to create an email signup form. Then, share the link through social media, events, workshops, or webinars to capture emails both in person and online.

Why Hostinger is the best platform to start building your list

We provide a one-stop email marketing platform that can scale with you. If you want to start building an email list without a website, Hostinger Reach lets you add contacts manually or import from a CSV file.

Designing the newsletters is as easy as describing your vision in a prompt. After getting the base design, you can tweak the elements as you prefer using a drag-and-drop editor tool.

Hostinger Reach also has a built-in analytics tool for monitoring the number of emails your recipients open. This tool makes it easier to understand how well your email campaign is performing – all from a single dashboard.

Once you want to step up your game, creating a simple newsletter signup landing page can be seamless with Hostinger’s AI Website Builder. If you’re more familiar with creating a website with WordPress, we also provide a managed hosting service with a one-click installer tool.

➡️ Read our article on how to make a website to learn more.

Starting as low as $2.99/month for a hosting plan, you’ll also get access to both website creation tools and Hostinger Reach.

With a yearly subscription, you’ll receive a free custom domain name for one year. You can use it to create a professional email address (like example@yourbusinessname.com), helping you build credibility and trust with your audience.

Once your website is launched, you can sync the emails you collect from it to Hostinger Reach. This allows you to create an integrated email marketing campaign with a simple automation process.

How do I convert my subscribers?

Getting people on your email list is just the first step. The real goal is turning them into paying customers, which happens through great content.

Your content should solve your subscribers’ problems or give them something valuable. But don’t stop there. Make it interactive by responding to their feedback, asking what they need help with, and sharing content that truly resonates with them.

Once you’ve established this connection, maintain it consistently. Send emails on a regular schedule, whether that’s weekly, bi-weekly, or monthly, and stick to it. When subscribers know what to expect, they start looking forward to your messages rather than ignoring them.

At the same time, keep testing and improving. Try different subject lines, formats, and send times. Pay attention to which emails get opened and which ones get replies, then use what you learn to make each new email even better.

Over time, this approach turns your email list into more than just a list of contacts – it becomes a community of engaged, loyal customers who drive long-term growth.

Check out our compilation of the best email marketing campaign examples if you need inspiration to execute these tips. Good luck!

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