Tired of chasing trends and wasting budget?
If your list still isn’t growing — even after all the content, ads, or social effort — you’re not alone. Most ecommerce brands struggle to scale their email marketing in a way that actually converts (and doesn’t just boost vanity metrics).
At In-Box, we don’t do hype. We do strategy. These 3 simple, cost-effective tactics help ecommerce brands grow smarter — not louder — by attracting high-quality subscribers and building a list that drives results.
(If you’re still exploring your options, this guide to NZ’s top email marketing agencies can help you compare what’s out there.)
1. Use Smart Sign-Up Forms - Not Just Popups
Yes, sign-up forms still work — but only when they’re strategic. That means:
- Offering an incentive people actually want
- Timing the popup to avoid instant bounces
- Customising forms for desktop and mobile
Start with a delayed popup that appears 8 seconds after someone lands on your homepage. Offer something useful (like 15% off), and ask for just the essentials — often, an email address is enough to start.
Then, go further.
We recommend adding a follow-up flyout form that appears on product pages only, after about 45 seconds. This one targets people who didn’t act on the first popup — especially those who signed up but haven’t placed an order. You’re giving them another chance to claim the offer, and it works: in testing, this small tweak captured dozens of additional signups that would have otherwise been lost.
You can also set reminder forms to appear only for subscribers who haven’t purchased — creating a seamless, helpful experience without spamming new visitors.
What to try:
- Popup after 8 seconds on homepage
- Flyout after 45 seconds on product pages
- Mobile + desktop versions for better targeting
- Reminder forms for new subscribers who haven’t purchased yet
Done right, this setup turns passive visitors into subscribers — and those subscribers into customers. If you’re not sure where to start, get in touch with us here — we’re all about clarity, results, and long-term partnerships.
2. Capture Emails at Checkout
If you’re using Shopify or WooCommerce, you’ve probably seen the option to include an email opt-in at checkout. What you might not realise is how valuable this setting is.
These subscribers have already shown buying intent — they’re not just browsing, they’re already in the process of checking out. That makes them far more likely to open future emails and buy again. It’s one of the easiest, most overlooked ways to grow a quality email list.
To make the most of this opportunity:
- Check your platform’s settings to ensure the box is enabled
- Use language that highlights real value — like early access to sales, subscriber-only perks, or limited drops
- Follow up with a strong welcome or post-purchase automation
Even a small bump in opt-in rate at checkout can add up over time — especially if your automations are doing the heavy lifting. If you need help refining your flows, our email automation service is built for exactly this.
3. Run Cross-Brand Giveaways
Looking for faster growth without relying on ads? Try teaming up with a complementary brand for a joint giveaway.
It works like this:
- Find a business that serves a similar audience but sells a non-competing product
- Create a giveaway you both promote to your audiences
- Drive people to a shared landing page where they opt in
- Share the leads (ethically and with consent)
It’s a simple and affordable way to grow your email list with people who are likely to be interested in what you offer. And because the traffic comes from another trusted brand, it tends to convert better than cold leads from social ads.
This tactic works especially well for brands in highly regulated industries — like supplements or vape products — that have limited advertising options. But it’s also great for lifestyle brands looking to expand reach without spending more on acquisition.
Just remember: these leads are top-of-funnel — they’ll need nurturing. That means welcome flows, product education, and helpful content that builds trust. It's not about a quick win, but a steady path to lasting growth.
It’s also a great opportunity to test engagement: how does this new segment respond to your messaging? Where do they drop off? What do they click?
This kind of thinking is why ecommerce brands trust us — and why we created this resource on NZ’s best email marketing agencies to help you compare your options.
Want help planning a giveaway or building a landing page that actually converts? Reach out here — we’d love to help.
Let’s Wrap This Up
Here’s a quick recap:
- Use timed, strategic popups and flyouts to drive opt-ins
- Turn on checkout email capture (and make it sound appealing)
- Collaborate with another brand to co-grow your list through giveaways
None of these are gimmicks. They’re simple, effective, and easy to scale — especially when your emails are set up to convert.
At In-Box, we help businesses build email systems that do more than broadcast messages. Our focus is on what moves the needle — real results, real engagement, and email systems that grow with your business. If that sounds like what you need, we’d love to hear from you.