How to Build a Powerful Email List from Shopify Customers – Easy & Fast!

Why an Email List is Essential for Your Shopify Store

In today’s competitive e-commerce landscape, having a direct line of communication with your customers is crucial. Email marketing remains one of the most effective and cost-efficient ways to engage customers, boost sales, and increase brand loyalty. Whether you’re launching a new product, promoting a sale, or nurturing long-term relationships, a well-built email list can drive significant revenue for your Shopify store.

This guide will show you how to build a high-converting email list from your Shopify customers quickly and efficiently.


Step 1: Enable Email Collection on Your Shopify Store

1.1 Use Shopify’s Built-in Features

Shopify makes it easy to collect emails from customers at multiple touchpoints. Enable customer account creation and check the box to request email addresses at checkout.

How to do it:

  • Go to Settings > Checkout in your Shopify admin panel.
  • Under “Customer contact method,” select “Email.”
  • Ensure the “Email marketing” option is checked to allow customers to opt into your email list.

1.2 Add an Email Signup Form

A prominent signup form on your homepage, footer, or blog is an easy way to capture emails from visitors.

Best practices:

  • Keep the form simple (name and email field).
  • Offer an incentive (discount, freebie, or exclusive content).
  • Use a compelling CTA like “Join Now & Get 10% Off!”

Step 2: Use Popups & Exit-Intent Forms

2.1 Why Popups Work

A well-designed popup can significantly increase email signups. Exit-intent popups detect when a visitor is about to leave your store and trigger a last-minute offer to encourage them to subscribe.

Tips for Effective Popups:
Offer value (discounts, early access, free shipping).
Keep it visually appealing and on-brand.
Use a strong CTA like “Unlock Your Special Offer Now!”
Limit fields to just an email address to reduce friction.

Top Popup Apps for Shopify:

  • Privy – Advanced targeting and automation features.
  • OptinMonster – AI-driven popups that boost conversions.
  • Justuno – Smart popups with A/B testing capabilities.

Step 3: Capture Emails from Checkout & Order Confirmation

Most Shopify customers provide their email at checkout, but not all opt into marketing emails. Here’s how to encourage more signups:

3.1 Optimize the Checkout Experience

  • Clearly state the benefits of subscribing (exclusive deals, early access, VIP perks).
  • Use persuasive language: “Be the First to Know – Sign Up Now!”

3.2 Leverage Order Confirmation Emails

Your order confirmation email has an open rate of over 70%, making it a prime place for email capture.

How to do it:

  • Include a CTA to join your VIP list.
  • Offer a future discount for subscribing.
  • Add a referral incentive (e.g., “Invite a Friend & Get 15% Off!”).

Step 4: Use Social Media & Paid Ads for Email Growth

4.1 Run a Social Media Giveaway

Encourage email signups by running a contest on Instagram, Facebook, or TikTok.

Example:
“Win a $50 Gift Card! Enter by signing up for our email list. Winner announced next Friday!”

Bonus: Partner with influencers to expand reach!

4.2 Use Facebook & Instagram Lead Ads

Meta’s lead generation ads let users subscribe without leaving the platform.

Tips for High-Converting Ads:
Keep the form short (name + email).
Offer an exclusive discount for signing up.
Use strong copy like “Get 15% Off – Subscribe Now!”


Step 5: Create an Irresistible Lead Magnet

A lead magnet is a valuable freebie given in exchange for an email signup. Some effective options:

  • Exclusive Discount: “Sign Up & Get 10% Off!”
  • Free Ebook or Guide: “The Ultimate Skincare Guide – Download Free!”
  • Early Access to Sales: “VIP List – Shop Before Everyone Else!”

5.1 How to Deliver Your Lead Magnet

  • Use automated email sequences to instantly deliver the offer.
  • Set up a Shopify automation to trigger the freebie upon signup.
  • Test different incentives to see what converts best.

Step 6: Segment Your Email List for Higher Engagement

Once you’ve built your list, segmenting subscribers will help you send more relevant and effective emails.

6.1 Email Segmentation Ideas

New Customers – Welcome emails with a first-time discount.
Repeat Buyers – Loyalty rewards and personalized offers.
Inactive Subscribers – Win-back campaigns with a re-engagement offer.
High-Spending Customers – VIP access to premium deals.

6.2 Best Email Marketing Platforms for Shopify

  • Klaviyo – Advanced segmentation & automation.
  • Omnisend – Seamless Shopify integration & SMS marketing.
  • Mailchimp – User-friendly and cost-effective.

Step 7: Automate & Optimize Your Email Campaigns

7.1 Set Up Automated Welcome Emails

A welcome email sets the tone for your relationship with subscribers. Ensure it:

  • Thanks them for subscribing.
  • Delivers the lead magnet (if applicable).
  • Introduces your brand & best-selling products.
  • Includes a clear CTA (shop now, follow on social media, refer a friend).

7.2 Test & Optimize for Higher Conversions

A/B test different:

  • Subject lines
  • Email designs
  • CTAs
  • Send times

Track performance and adjust based on open rates & conversions.


Conclusion: Build Your Shopify Email List Now!

Building an email list from Shopify customers is one of the most powerful ways to increase sales, boost customer loyalty, and grow your business. By using popups, checkout opt-ins, social media promotions, lead magnets, and email automation, you can quickly build a high-converting list and maximize revenue.

Ready to grow your Shopify business? Start collecting emails today and watch your sales soar!

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