You already have a valuable lead magnet and a landing page ready to accept subscribers. Now comes the million-dollar question: How do you actually get people to sign up?
Growing an email list on Etsy requires a strategic approach because you are operating on a third-party platform. You cannot simply scrape customer emails (that’s illegal and violates Etsy's rules), and you have to be careful not to spam.
However, there are highly effective, compliant ways to encourage both Customers (people who bought) and Shoppers (people browsing) to join your list.
Here are the best strategies to grow your Etsy shop's email list.
Part 1: Converting "Customers" (The Unboxing Experience)
Your existing customers are your easiest wins. They have already trusted you with their money. If you can provide extra value now, they are highly likely to join your email list.
Important Warning: Never add customer emails to your list automatically. This violates Etsy’s Terms of Service and international laws like GDPR. You must get them to opt-in willingly.
1. The Packaging Insert (The #1 Strategy)
For sellers of physical products, your packaging is your most valuable marketing real estate. When a customer opens your package, they are excited and happy. And that makes unboxing the perfect moment to ask for a email signup.
Create a small postcard or business card to include in every order.
- The Hook: Don't just say "Join my newsletter." Focus on the value.
- The Technology: Instead of a url that they need to type in , use a QR Code. Most customers will have their phone in hand to take a picture of their new item. Make it easy for them to scan and sign up instantly.
- Example Copy:
Thank you for your order!
Scan this to get your Free Jewelry Care Guide + 10% off your next order:
[QR CODE]
2. The "Message to Buyers"
Etsy allows you to set an automated note that is sent to every customer immediately after they purchase. This is a safe, compliant place to offer your lead magnet.
Keep it friendly, brief, and helpful. Do not sound salesy; sound like you are offering a service. Here is an example:
Hi [Name], thank you so much for choosing my shop! I’m so excited to get this made for you.
I wanted to send you a quick link to my [Lead Magnet Name - e.g., "Silver Care Guide"] to help you keep your new piece looking brand new for years.
You can grab it for free here: [Link to Landing Page]
Thanks again for supporting my small business!
Part 2: Converting "Shoppers" (Passive Traffic)
Shoppers are people browsing your listings who haven't bought yet. You cannot message them directly (this is strictly prohibited by Etsy and counts as spam). instead, you must place "billboards" for your lead magnet in places they are already looking.
3. The Listing Description (The Top 10%)
Most shoppers scan descriptions quickly. Place your call-to-action (CTA) at the very top or the very bottom of your description. Make the benefit clear so it stands out from the product details. Example:
Grab your 10% OFF coupon for your first order! Sign up for our VIP club at: [Link]
Note: Etsy links in descriptions are often not clickable on mobile apps, so keep your URL short and easy to type (e.g., yoursite.com/save).
4. The "Listing Image" Billboard
Since shoppers look at photos more than text, create a graphic to upload as the last photo in your listing gallery.
- Visual: A nice graphic saying "Join the VIP List."
- Offer: "Free shipping for your first order" or "Win our Monthly Giveaway."
- CTA: "Link in Shop Announcement" or "Visit: yoursite.com/save"
5. Shop Announcement & About Section
- Shop Announcement: Place your signup link in the very first sentence. This is often clickable and sits right at the top of your shop. For example: "🎉 Join our mailing list for instant 10% OFF! Click here: [Link]"
- About Section: You can add clickable links to your website/blog in the "Around the Web" or "Shop Links" section at the bottom of your shop page. Use the text label "Get 10% Off" or "Free VIP Club" for the link text.
Summary Checklist
Here's a quick to-do list for you to implement these steps to start building your email list:
- Design a simple packaging insert with a QR code pointing to your landing page.
- Update your "Message to Buyers" to include a link to your lead magnet.
- Create a "Signup Graphic" and add it to the photo gallery of your top 10 best-selling listings.
Once you have subscribers flowing in, you need to know exactly what to say to them. And we will look at how to write emails that people will actually want to read in the next chapter