How to Grow Your Email List as a Small E-Commerce Business

Grow email list
Haron Mogeni

Written By: Haron Mogeni

Copywriting, Email marketing, and Lead Generation Expert.

Post Date: December 17, 2024

Would you like to grow your Email list so that you can always have lots of prospects willing to buy your products?

If you’ve answered yes…

Picture this:

It’s late at night, and you’re staring at your online store’s dashboard.

Sales are trickling in, but it’s far from the life-changing side hustle you imagined.

You’ve tried popups, discounts, and ads, yet you can’t grow your email list.

Sound familiar?

You’re not alone.

Many small e-commerce entrepreneurs, especially those juggling full-time jobs, face this challenge.

They have great products.

But struggle to connect with enough customers consistently.
The solution lies in growing your email list—your most valuable marketing asset.

Here is what that means:

    • An email list means direct access to customers who want to hear from you.
    • It’s a way to build trust, share your story, and drive sales without relying on expensive ads.

In this post, I’ll share proven strategies tailored for small e-commerce businesses like yours.

These steps will help you attract the right subscribers (who buy and pay) and grow your list in 2025 and beyond.

Stick around.

Because by the end, you’ll learn practical techniques to turn your email list into a reliable income stream for your business.

Let’s get started…

Begin Growing Your Email List and Watch Your E-commerce Sales Soar

When I first started growing my email list, I thought I had it all figured out.

    • I set up popups offering discounts,
    • ran a few ads,
    • and waited for the signups to roll in.

But weeks passed, and the numbers barely moved.

How disappointed I was.

I wondered, “What am I doing wrong?”
I remember one popup campaign vividly.

It offered a 15% discount—something I thought no customer could resist.

I spent hours designing it, choosing just the right colors and wording.

But instead of growing my list, the popup became an annoyance.
Most visitors closed it immediately, leaving me frustrated and confused.

Sound familiar?
Maybe you’ve been there too—trying different tactics only to face disappointing results.

I began to doubt whether email marketing was even worth it.

But giving up wasn’t an option.
So, I decided to dig deeper.

I read, experimented, and analyzed what successful e-commerce businesses were doing.

I discovered a simple truth: growing an email list isn’t about flashy popups or big discounts.

It’s about understanding your audience and offering value they truly care about.

Once I shifted my approach, everything changed.
I created lead magnets tailored to my audience’s needs, optimized the timing of my popups, and made every email feel personal.

Slowly but surely, my list started growing—faster than I ever imagined.

Today, I’m here to tell you: it’s possible.
No matter how small your business or how tight your time is, you can build an email list that works for you.

And in the next section, I’ll share the exact lessons I learned—so you can skip the frustration and start seeing results.

10 Proven Strategies to Skyrocket Your Email List Growth

Growing an email list isn’t just about collecting names and email addresses.

It’s about building a community of loyal customers who are genuinely interested in your products.

Here are 10 proven lessons I’ve learned that will transform how you approach email list building as a small e-commerce business.

1. Your Lead Magnet Must Solve a Problem

Most popups fail because they offer something generic, like a random discount.
Instead, create a lead magnet that addresses your customer’s specific pain point.

Do that and you will grow your email list without any trouble.
For example, if you sell skincare products, offer a free guide on “How to Create the Perfect Skincare Routine for Oily Skin.”

2. Timing is Everything

Popups that appear the second a visitor lands on your website often feel intrusive.

Instead, use exit-intent popups or delay their appearance by 15-20 seconds.

This allows your visitor to explore first, making them more likely to subscribe.

Here is a resource that talks more about timing popups

3. Segment Your Subscribers Early

Don’t treat all subscribers the same.
Segment your email list based on interests or purchase behaviour.
For example, when someone signs up, ask a quick question like, “Are you most interested in skincare tips or makeup tutorials?” Personalization increases engagement.

4. Use Scarcity to Boost Signups

Create urgency around your offer.
Phrases like “Sign up now to receive 10% off your first order—offer ends tonight!” can motivate visitors to act.
Scarcity triggers FOMO (fear of missing out), a powerful driver for signups.

5. Test Different Formats

Popups aren’t your only option.
Experiment with slide-ins, sticky bars, or embedded signup forms.
Analyze which format performs best for your audience.

6. Leverage Social Proof

People trust other people. Showcase testimonials, product reviews, or the number of subscribers you already have.

For example: “Join 10,000 happy customers who receive our exclusive weekly deals!”

7. Optimize for Mobile

More than 50% of web traffic comes from mobile devices.
Ensure your forms and popups are mobile-friendly, with easy-to-click buttons and minimal typing required.

8. Build Trust Before Asking for More

Visitors are often hesitant to share personal details upfront.
Start with a simple ask, like just their email.
Once they trust you, request additional information like their name or preferences.

9. Send a Welcome Email Immediately

The moment someone subscribes, they should receive a personalized welcome email.

Use this opportunity to thank them, introduce your brand, and deliver the promised lead magnet.

10. Analyze and Improve
Regularly review your metrics.

Track popup conversions, email open rates, and click-through rates.
Tools like Mailchimp and Klaviyo can provide insights to help you tweak and improve your strategies.
By implementing these lessons, you’ll not only grow your email list but also nurture relationships that lead to repeat customers.
Remember, success isn’t about chasing quick wins.
It’s about creating value that keeps your audience coming back.

Stop Struggling and Start Building Your Email List

Now, imagine this:

You’ve implemented these strategies, and your email list is no longer just a number—it’s a thriving community of loyal customers.

Every email you send generates interest, engagement, and sales.
Your side hustle finally feels like the stepping stone to the financial freedom you’ve always dreamed about.

But here’s the thing—none of this happens by chance.

Growing an email list that delivers results takes consistent effort and the right guidance.

You don’t have to navigate this alone.
If you’re serious about building a successful e-commerce business, I invite you to join my mailing list.

When you sign up, you’ll get exclusive tips, actionable strategies, and insights designed specifically for small e-commerce entrepreneurs like you.

Whether you’re looking for ways to create better popups, craft irresistible lead magnets, or nurture your subscribers into paying customers, I’ve got you covered.

This is your chance to turn your email list into a powerful tool for growth.
Are you ready to take the next step?

Finally: A Free Email Marketing Guide to Grow Your List Even If You’re Short on Time

Building a thriving email list doesn’t have to feel overwhelming.

You now have the tools and strategies to turn your list into a steady stream of leads and sales.

But here’s the truth: the fastest way to see results is by learning from someone who’s been there before—someone who understands the unique challenges of running a side hustle while balancing a full-time job.

That’s why I want you to join my mailing list today.

When you sign up, you’ll get:

  • Exclusive email marketing tips tailored for small e-commerce businesses.
  • Insights on creating lead magnets and popups that actually convert.
  • Step-by-step guides to help you grow your list, even if you’re short on time.
  • Access to real-world examples and case studies that inspire action.

Imagine what it would feel like to wake up to an inbox full of new subscribers, eager to hear from you and buy your products.

It’s not just a dream—it’s your next reality.

Join my mailing list today…

and take the first step toward transforming your side hustle into a thriving, flexible business that works for you.

Don’t wait for the perfect moment—start now, and let’s build the future you deserve.

 

0 Comments

Submit a Comment

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

You may also like…

How to Reduce Spam Reporting: 10 Proven Tips to Keep Your Emails Out of Spam Folders

How to Reduce Spam Reporting: 10 Proven Tips to Keep Your Emails Out of Spam Folders

Struggling with spam complaints? I’ve been there. My emails—sent to opt-in subscribers—kept landing in spam folders, hurting my side hustle’s growth. I discovered strategies like crafting engaging subject lines, avoiding spam triggers, and sending valuable content that transformed my email deliverability. Today, my emails reach inboxes, driving clicks and sales. Want to fix your spam reporting issues? Start implementing these proven email marketing tips and watch your side hustle thrive!

read more