This blog post was last updated on 8/21/25.

Email marketing continues to be one of the most effective ways for businesses to connect with their audience. A well-built subscriber list allows for consistent communication, increased visibility, and better control over who receives your messages.

This article outlines 15 proven strategies to help businesses increase their email subscribers quickly. The focus is on practical tactics that work across industries and business sizes.

Each strategy is designed to support sustainable list growth while creating a strong foundation for future engagement. Whether starting from scratch or looking to accelerate growth, these strategies can be applied at any stage.

Why Email List Growth Matters For Every Business

Email marketing generates a higher return on investment compared to social media or paid advertising. Email allows for direct delivery to a user’s inbox, reducing reliance on platform algorithms.

A growing email list often reflects a growing business. A larger list increases reach and makes it possible to test offers, gather feedback, and drive consistent traffic to products or services.

Email lists are considered “owned media,” which means third-party platforms do not control them. Unlike social channels that may limit reach or change policies, email lists provide uninterrupted access to your audience.

How To Optimize Sign-Up Forms For Maximum Conversions

1. Simplify Your Form Fields

Forms with fewer fields convert more visitors into subscribers. Each additional field increases the time and effort required, which can reduce completion rates.

In most cases, only an email address is required to begin a relationship with a new subscriber. Companies often see conversion rates double when they reduce their forms from four fields to just one.

Companies like Buffer saw a 130% increase in monthly signups by simply providing more opportunities for users to join their list. Instead of a single signup form, they added eight new signup sources across their site, which dramatically increased total signups.

2. Place Forms in Multiple Locations

Signup forms placed in different areas of a website can reach users at various stages of their visit. Each location serves a specific purpose.

High-performing placements include:

• Homepage header or footer
• End of blog posts
• Sidebar of content pages
• Checkout pages
• Resource libraries
• About page

3. Use Clear Calls To Action

Calls to action (CTAs) guide users on what to do next. CTAs that clearly explain what someone will receive perform better than vague instructions.

Words that suggest value, social proof, or exclusivity improve clarity and interest. Testing different CTA phrases helps learn what works best for a specific audience.

EFFECTIVE CTAs	WHY THEY WORK
“Get Free Tips”	Emphasizes value
“Join 10,000+ Marketers”	Uses social proof
“Unlock Your Guide”	Creates curiosity

Building Lead Magnets That Convert

A lead magnet is content or an offer that encourages someone to share their email address. It works by providing value in exchange for contact information.

The most effective lead magnets are specific, easy to access, and solve a clear problem. Creating a lead magnet starts with understanding what the audience wants.

Common types of high-converting lead magnets include:

• eBooks/Guides: These provide in-depth information on a topic. For example, a guide about email marketing basics helps newcomers understand the fundamentals.
• Templates/Worksheets: These offer a ready-made format for a specific job. For example, an email newsletter template saves time by giving users a structure to follow.
• Checklists: These break down a process into simple steps. For example, a pre-launch checklist helps users stay organized.
• Free Trials: These allow people to try a product before buying. For example, a 7-day email marketing platform trial shows users how it works.

Leveraging Social Media For Email List Growth

1. Embed Signup Links In Profiles

Social media profiles offer space to direct users to an email signup form. Different platforms allow links in different locations.

On Instagram, the link in bio can lead to a landing page with a signup form. On Twitter, the website field in the profile can serve this purpose. On Facebook, the call-to-action button can be set to “Sign Up.”

Profile descriptions should include short, clear text encouraging signups. For example: “Weekly marketing tips → [link]”

2. Run Targeted Ad Campaigns

Paid social ads can be created specifically to gather email subscribers. These ads typically use lead generation objectives or link clicks to drive traffic to a signup page.

Successful list-building ads include a concise offer, a visual that matches the message, and a form or button that leads to a landing page. The landing page should focus only on the signup, with minimal distractions.

Ad targeting tips: Focus on interests related to your content, create lookalike audiences based on current subscribers, and retarget website visitors who didn’t sign up initially.

3. Post Teasers For Exclusive Email Content

Teasers use short previews of email-only content to build interest. A post might say, “Tomorrow’s email includes three email subject lines that doubled open rates—only for subscribers.”

These teasers create a sense that the full content is only available through the email list. Practical teaser formats include behind-the-scenes looks, early access to updates, or tips not shared publicly.

Using Pop-Ups And Exit-Intent Offers

1. Time Your Pop-Ups Well

Pop-ups work better when they appear at the right moment. Triggering a pop-up too early may interrupt the visitor, while triggering it too late may result in missed opportunities.

Common triggers include:

• Time spent on page (30 seconds)
• Scroll depth (50% down the page)
• Exit intent (cursor moves toward browser bar)

To reduce disruption, avoid showing pop-ups immediately upon landing. Delaying the appearance gives users time to engage with the content first.

2. Personalize Your Offers

Pop-ups can be adapted to match each visitor’s behavior or profile. For example, someone arriving from a blog post about email design can receive a pop-up offering a guide on that topic.

Personalization can be based on referral source, number of visits, location, or the content currently being viewed. Personalized pop-ups often use different headlines, images, or calls to action to match the visitor’s context.

3. Limit Frequency And Respect User Experience

Showing the same pop-up too often causes frustration and leads to higher bounce rates. Cookies help remember who has already seen or closed a pop-up, so it does not appear again during the same session.

On mobile devices, pop-ups must be easy to close, not cover too much of the screen, and load quickly. Mobile-friendly pop-ups often slide in from the bottom or appear as banners.

Creating Referral Programs To Get More Subscribers

1. Offer Incentives For Signups

Incentives encourage people to join email lists by offering something in return. Common incentives include discounts, free products, or exclusive access to content.

Effective incentives include:

• Percentage discounts: 10–15% off first purchase  
• Free shipping: Removes a common purchase barrier  
• Content upgrades: Premium versions of regular content  
• Early access: First look at new products or features  
• Exclusive content: Information not available elsewhere

2. Encourage Sharing And Referrals

Referral programs allow existing subscribers to invite others to join the list. This happens through email content that includes a “forward to a friend” link or social sharing buttons.

Some programs track how many people a subscriber refers. When a subscriber reaches a certain number of referrals, they receive a reward. For example, early access after three referrals and a gift after ten.

Referral success factors: Make sharing easy with one-click buttons, provide a clear benefit for both the referrer and the new subscriber, and acknowledge successful referrals promptly.

Segmenting Your Subscribers From The Start

Segmenting means dividing subscribers into groups based on shared characteristics. Collecting data during signup allows for segmentation to begin early, which helps match content with subscriber preferences.

To collect data without slowing down form completion, businesses often use simple methods like adding one optional question to the signup form or using progressive profiling, where more information is collected over time.

Preference centers are pages where subscribers can update their interests, contact frequency, or other details. These can be introduced during the welcome email sequence.

Segmentation improves email performance metrics. Sending content that matches subscriber interests leads to higher open rates, click-through rates, and lower unsubscribe rates.

Testing And Measuring Your Email List Growth Strategies

1. Use A/B Tests On Sign-Up Forms

A/B testing compares two versions of a signup form to see which performs better. Common elements tested include headlines, form fields, images, and calls to action.

To run an A/B test, divide incoming traffic evenly between two versions. Allow the test to run until it reaches a minimum sample size, typically at least 100 conversions per version.

2. Track Key Metrics

Tracking metrics helps measure the performance of list growth strategies. Important metrics to watch include:

• Conversion Rate: Percentage of visitors who complete the signup form  
• Form Abandonment Rate: Percentage of users who start filling out a form but don’t complete it  
• List Growth Rate: Rate at which the email list increases over time

Average conversion rates for signup forms typically range from 1% to 5%. High-performing landing pages with strong offers may reach 10% or higher.

Quick Ways To Grow An Email List From Scratch

1. Partner With Complementary Brands

Complementary brands serve the same audience but offer different products or services. For example, a fitness equipment company might partner with a meal planning service.

Partnership formats include content swaps, co-hosted webinars, or joint giveaways. When reaching out to potential partners, use a short email introducing your company and suggesting a simple next step.

2. Collect Emails At Events Or Webinars

At in-person events, emails can be collected using sign-up sheets, QR codes linked to forms, or tablets. Virtual events use registration forms and live chat prompts.

Webinar platforms include built-in registration forms and integration with email tools. Offering a recording or downloadable resource increases the chance of form completion.

Quick-win strategies:

• Host a webinar that solves a specific problem  
• Create a 5–7 day challenge with daily emails  
• Launch a contest with a relevant prize  
• Write guest posts for established publications  
• Create a simple calculator or template that requires a sign-up

Ensuring Compliance And Deliverability

Email communication is regulated by laws like GDPR in Europe and CAN-SPAM in the United States. These laws protect privacy and reduce unwanted messages.

Permission-based marketing involves asking people to sign up for emails instead of adding them without consent. This process is called “opt-in.” Opt-in forms collect email addresses and store a record of when and how someone gave permission.

Deliverability refers to whether emails reach inboxes instead of being marked as spam. Good deliverability depends on using valid email addresses, sending from a verified domain, and keeping email lists updated.

List hygiene is the process of removing inactive or invalid email addresses. Cleaning lists regularly prevents sending to addresses that no longer work or belong to people who don’t engage.

Moving Forward With Your Email List Growing Journey

Growing an email list involves combining strategies that work together over time. These include optimizing signup forms, creating lead magnets, using social media, setting up pop-ups, offering incentives, and tracking performance.

To begin, select one strategy that fits your current resources and audience behavior. For example, start by simplifying your signup form and placing it in multiple locations on your website. Then create a lead magnet that offers a resource aligned with your audience’s interests.

Email list growth is a continuous process. Results may vary based on content, audience, and testing. Tracking metrics provides insight into what works for your specific situation.

To apply these strategies, Benchmark Email provides tools for building signup forms, designing lead magnets, segmenting subscribers, and analyzing performance.

FAQs About Growing Your Email Subscriber List

How long does it typically take to see results from these email list growth strategies?

Most businesses see noticeable growth within one to three months of consistently implementing these strategies, though results vary by industry and execution quality.

Which type of lead magnet typically converts the highest percentage of visitors?

Specific problem-solving resources like templates, checklists, and short guides typically convert better than general content because they provide immediate value to the visitor.

How can I grow my email list if I don’t have much website traffic yet?

Focus on partnerships, guest posting on established sites, social media engagement, and in-person events to capture emails while building your traffic sources.

What’s the difference between a pop-up and an exit intent offer?

A pop-up appears based on time or scroll triggers. At the same time, an exit intent offer specifically activates when a visitor’s cursor moves toward closing the browser, making it a last chance to convert leaving visitors.

How often should I clean my email list of inactive subscribers?

Review and clean your email list every three to six months to maintain solid deliverability rates and accurate engagement metrics.