Getting More Opt-Ins for Your SMS/Email Strategy: 10 Proven Tactics to Grow Your List
Your SMS and email list is one of your most valuable marketing assets. It gives you direct access to your audience — without relying on algorithms or rented platforms. But building that list? That’s where many businesses hit a wall.
In this post, we’ll break down ten proven strategies for increasing opt-ins to your SMS and
email programs—without annoying your audience or offering shallow gimmicks.
1. Create Irresistible Incentives
People won’t give up their contact info for nothing. Offer them something valuable in
return—whether that’s a discount, freebie, or exclusive access. Examples:
● 15% off their first purchase
● Early access to sales
● A free guide, ebook, or webinar
● Free shipping on their next order
💡 Tip: Tailor your incentive to your audience’s real desires, not just a generic discount.
2. Use On-Brand Pop-Ups Wisely
Pop-ups work—when done right. Use entry-intent, scroll-triggered, or exit-intent pop-ups that
match your brand voice and offer a clear benefit.
Best practices:
● Use a bold headline
● Keep copy short and benefit-driven
● Use a single, compelling call-to-action (CTA)
3. Embed Signup Forms Across Your Site
Don’t hide your opt-in form in the footer. Instead:
● Add inline forms to your homepage, blog posts, and product pages
● Create engaging pop-ins (like you’d find with OneText) that allow for fun surveys and
games to help entice visitors to sign up
● Create a dedicated signup page you can link to from ads, socials, and email footers
4. Leverage Checkout & Account Creation
Your checkout page is prime real estate. Add an opt-in checkbox (pre-checked only if compliant
with local laws) to collect consent during:
● Checkout
● Account registration
● Booking or scheduling
This is especially effective because users are already in “action mode.”
5. Offer Exclusive SMS-Only or Email-Only Content
Make your SMS/email program feel like a VIP club. Promote it as the place for:
●Back-in-stock alerts
● Flash sales
● Insider content
● Limited-time drops
People want to feel like they’re getting something special.
6. Run Contests or Giveaways
These are goldmines for opt-ins—if structured right. Example:
“Enter to win a $100 gift card—join our text list to enter!”
Make it easy to join, follow up with value-based content, and comply with promotional rules in
your region.
7. Use Social Proof & Social Media
Show that others are signing up:
● Add testimonials or quotes about your newsletter/text program
● Highlight the number of subscribers (“Join 10,000+ people who get our deals first!”)
Promote your opt-in across Instagram, TikTok, and other social platforms with swipe-up links or
link-in-bio tools.
8. Tap Into Physical Locations (If Applicable)
For brick-and-mortar businesses:
● Add QR codes at the register
● Include shortcodes on receipts or packaging
● Train staff to invite customers to join your list
Simple script:
“Want 10% off your next visit? Text JOIN to 12345!”
9. Optimize for Mobile
Most users are on their phones—especially for SMS programs. Ensure your forms are:
● Mobile-responsive
● Easy to complete in a few taps
● Clear and visually simple
Use autofill-friendly input fields and short forms.
10. Test, Refine, Repeat
Not every tactic will work equally well for every audience. Test different:
● Offers (discount vs. content)
● Formats (pop-up vs. inline)
● Language and CTA copy
● Placement and timing
Use A/B testing to find your highest-converting combo—and keep optimizing.
Wrapping Up
Building your list takes intention, creativity, and a little bit of testing. But it’s worth it. A strong
SMS and email list gives you a direct channel to your best customers—one you truly own.
Start small. Pick 2–3 tactics from this list to implement this month. Measure results, iterate, and
keep growing.
Get the full E-Commerce SMS Guidebook here: https://forms.gle/7jB9n3SmeY1wc7bF6
