How to Add a Newsletter Signup on Shopify: A Step-by-Step Guide

How to Add a Newsletter Signup on Shopify: A Step-by-Step Guide

Table of Contents Hide

    Adding a newsletter signup form to your Shopify store is one of the smartest steps to build a loyal customer list and increase repeat sales. In this article, NextSky will guide you step-by-step on how to add a newsletter signup on Shopify from basic built-in features to advanced app-based solutions without needing to know any code.

    Why you should add a newsletter signup to Shopify right now

    Email marketing remains the highest-ROI channel in e-commerce, averaging $42 in revenue per $1 invested. For Shopify stores, a well-optimized newsletter signup form can convert 5–10% of visitors into subscribers, and these subscribers typically spend up to 80% more than non-subscribers.

    Real-world benefits I commonly see across stores:

    • Collect high-quality leads: Every email is an asset you fully own — not controlled by Facebook or Google algorithms.
    • Direct communication: Send promotions, new product launches, and valuable content without third-party interference.
    • Increase retention & repeat purchases: Welcome email sequences + abandoned cart recovery can boost repeat revenue by 20–30%.
    • Build brand authority & indirect SEO support: A large, engaged email list increases trust and return traffic.

    Read more: What Is a Shopify Theme? Definition, Features Explained

    How to add a newsletter signup on Shopify

    There are two main approaches:

    • Use Shopify’s built-in features: Free, fast, great for small or new stores.
    • Use third-party apps: More flexible, better-looking, higher conversion rates, ideal when scaling.

    Method 1: Using Shopify’s built-in features (Free)

    Add an Embedded Newsletter Form (Footer or Homepage)

    • Step 1: Go to Online Store → Themes → Click Customize on your active theme.
    Step 1: Add an Embedded Newsletter Form (Footer or Homepage)
    • Step 2: Select the template where you want the form (Home page or any other page).
    • Step 3: In the left sidebar, click Add section → Search for Email Signup → Drag it to the desired position (commonly footer or below a hero banner).
    Step 3: Add an Embedded Newsletter Form (Footer or Homepage)
    • Step 4: Customize:
      • Heading: e.g. “Get Exclusive 10–20% Off”
      • Subheading / description: e.g. “Sign up for new product alerts & discount codes”
      • Button text: “Subscribe Now” or “Claim Discount”
      • Colors, fonts, and spacing to match your brand
    • Step 5: Click Save → Test on both mobile and desktop.

    Add a popup newsletter form with Shopify Forms (Free)

    • Step 1: Go to Apps → Search for and install Shopify Forms (free app).
    Step 1: Add a popup newsletter form with Shopify Forms (Free)
    • Step 2: In Admin → Apps → Forms → Click Create form → Choose Popup type.
    Step 2: Add a popup newsletter form with Shopify Forms (Free)
    • Step 3: Design the form:
      • Compelling headline: e.g. “Get 15% Off Your First Order!”
      • Fields: Email only (or add name for personalization)
      • Consent checkbox: “I agree to receive marketing emails”
      • Trigger options: Exit-intent, after X seconds, after scrolling X% of page…
    Step 3: Add a popup newsletter form with Shopify Forms (Free)
    • Step 4: Save the form, then go back to Theme Customizer → Enable the Shopify Forms embed block.
    • Step 5: Test in an incognito/private browser tab.

    Read more: How to Add Social Media Icons to Shopify: A Complete Guide

    Method 2: Using third-party apps for higher conversions

    Best apps

    App

    Free plan?

    Standout features

    Best for

    Omnisend

    Yes

    Beautiful popups, A/B testing, strong automation

    Most stores – great all-rounder

    Privy

    Limited

    Gamification (spin-to-win wheels), high-converting popups

    Stores wanting fun, high-signup offers

    Klaviyo

    Yes (small stores)

    Advanced segmentation, deep personalization

    Larger stores with lots of data

    Quick guide with Omnisend (very popular choice)

    • Step 1: Go to Shopify App Store → Search “Omnisend” → Install and connect your store.
    • Step 2: In Omnisend dashboard → FormsCreate Form → Choose Popup or Embedded.
    • Step 3: Select a beautiful template (they have dozens), then customize:
      • Offer: e.g. “15% off your first order”
      • Brand colors, fonts
      • Trigger: exit-intent, page scroll percentage, time on site…
    • Step 4: Activate the form → Check it immediately on your live store.
    • Step 5: Set up basic automation: automatically send a welcome email and a discount code.

    Real results: Many stores achieve 4–8% signup rates when combining a good incentive with exit-intent popups.

    Read more: How to Edit the Homepage on Shopify for Higher Conversions

    Pro tips to optimize your Shopify newsletter signup form

    To get the highest possible value from your form, focus on these proven principles:

    • Keep it minimal: Ask only for email (name optional). Every extra field significantly reduces signup rate.
    • Offer a compelling incentive: 10–15% off is common, but free gifts, exclusive guides, or early access can sometimes perform better.
    • Smart gamification: Spin-to-win wheels or scratch cards can 2–3× signup rates compared to standard forms.
    • Choose the right display timing: Avoid instant popups on page load. Better triggers: after 5–10 seconds, 50% page scroll, or exit-intent.
    • Continuous A/B testing: Test headlines, CTA button color, copy, discount amount, and placement to find your best-performing version.
    • Legal compliance: Always include a clear consent checkbox (GDPR-compliant) and link to your Privacy Policy.
    • Mobile optimization: Ensure large tap targets, fast loading, and no layout breaking on small screens.
    • Monitor & iterate: Aim for a site-wide signup rate of 3–5%. If significantly lower, review incentive, messaging, and timing.

    Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

    How can you add a signup form on Shopify?

    You can easily do this by installing Shopify Forms or a third-party app, then creating the form, customizing its content and design, and embedding it directly into a page or displaying it as a popup to maximize email signups.

    Where do newsletter signup emails go?

    All subscribed email addresses are automatically synced to the Customers section in the Shopify Admin. For email marketing platforms like Omnisend, subscriber data is also stored in a dedicated Audience tab, making segmentation and campaign management more efficient.

    Which platform is best for sending newsletters?

    Omnisend is the ideal choice if you want to combine signup forms with advanced automation. Shopify Email, on the other hand, is well-suited for basic newsletter needs and seamless integration within the Shopify ecosystem.

    How do you send a welcome email after someone signs up?

    You can set up automated workflows using Shopify Flow or the automation features within your email marketing app to send a welcome email instantly, often paired with a discount code or special offer.

    Popup or embedded form — which performs better?

    Popups typically deliver higher conversion rates, often 2–3 times higher than embedded forms. However, embedded forms offer a smoother, less intrusive user experience. Combining both approaches usually produces the best overall results.

    What is a good conversion rate for a Shopify newsletter form?

    The average conversion rate ranges from 2–5%. With strong incentives and proper optimization, it is entirely possible to reach 5–10%.

    Tags:

    Table of Contents Hide