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This blog is a little different. I’m sharing a lesson straight from my free course, Get Started with Email Marketing, all about getting your first email subscribers onto your list.

Even if you already have a signup form on your site—maybe your web developer set one up ages ago—stick with me. You might be missing key steps that make all the difference when it comes to actually getting those first email subscribers in the door.

The Simple 3-Step Process

1. Give People a Reason to Sign Up

No one wants another random newsletter in their inbox. You’ve got to give them a reason to join your list.

Think of it like this:

• What content do they actually want from you?
• How will it help them?
• Why is it worth their email address?

Try these approaches:

• Give your list a captivating name like "VIP Club" or "Insider Community"
• Clearly outline 3 specific benefits subscribers will receive:
  • Early access to offers
  • Exclusive content
  • Handy tips or updates
• If you're an e-commerce business: a 10% discount on first orders works just fine

When you're just starting out, keep it simple and focused—what will hook those first email subscribers?

2. Choose the Right Form Type

Choose the option that works best with your tech setup:

Website Form with Integration:

• Create the form on your website
• Connect via API to your email marketing software
• Match submissions to the appropriate subscriber list

Embed Form:

• Create the form in your email marketing software
• Copy the HTML code to your website
• Paste into a content block where you want it to appear

Popup Form:

• Use your email marketing software's popup functionality
• Consider third-party providers like LeadPages or Divi Forms
• Ensure proper integration with your email marketing platform

Design Tips:

• Keep it simple - just first name, email address and submit button
• Match your website styling where possible
• Use compelling button text (avoid boring "Subscribe" or "Submit")

The easier you make it for people to sign up, the faster you’ll get those first email subscribers on your list.

3. Set Up a Confirmation Email

After they sign up, send a welcome or delivery email. This might be:

• A discount code
• A friendly intro to your world
• A quick heads-up on what to expect

This first email is your best chance to make an impression—open and click rates are highest here.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Poor Messaging

• Don't call it a "newsletter" or "updates" - people don't want more newsletters
• Avoid boring button text like "Subscribe" or "Submit" - use engaging phrases like "Send it to me" or "I'm in"

Delivery Issues

• Never deliver your incentive on the thank you page - send it via email
• This ensures they provided a correct email and establishes open/click habits
• Improves your sender reputation and deliverability

Form Placement Problems

• Don't show popups immediately on every page - it's jarring before visitors know you
• Set a delay of a few seconds or use exit-intent triggers
• Don't hide your form in the footer where nobody sees it
• Place forms strategically across your site (homepage, about page, blog)
• Avoid placing signup forms at the top of sales pages or product pages

Legal Compliance

• Include your privacy policy on every form (legally required in Australia)
• Consider GDPR requirements if you have European subscribers

When to Add a Lead Magnet

Once you've got your basic signup process working, consider creating a lead magnet—something free in exchange for an email:

• A checklist
• A short guide
• A video or mini-course

But remember, lead magnets aren’t essential when you're just trying to get your first email subscribers. Focus on clarity, simplicity, and value first.

A Note on Double Opt-In

Double opt-in (where subscribers must confirm their email) isn't always necessary unless:

• You're experiencing spam signups
• You have extremely high growth and want to filter subscribers
• You need to comply with GDPR requirements

If you do use double opt-in:

• Make the confirmation step crystal clear on your thank you page
• Customise the confirmation email to boost completion rates

If you’re feeling overwhelmed…

Simple Sign Ups is the place to start. This course is designed to help you get the essentials in place—no fancy lead magnets needed (yet!). The focus is on building a solid foundation with the right process, simple tech setup, and a strong pitch that tells subscribers exactly what amazing content they'll get from you.

Inside the program, you’ll find a library of straightforward tech tutorials to help you connect your forms with your email platform, minus the tech headaches. Whether you're starting from scratch or refreshing what you already have, Simple Sign Ups helps you confidently get those first email subscribers—the easy way.

👉 Join Simple Sign Ups here