Velocity Media Blog

10 Effective Strategies to build your Email List

Written by Shawn Greyling | Feb 1, 2021 10:00:00 PM

It costs five times more to win a new customer than to keep one. Growing an email list helps you stay close to people who already care. It’s a simple way to drive repeat revenue.

Retention fuels long-term growth. Loyal readers buy more and refer others. But loyalty takes work. The best brands earn it with useful content and respectful timing. Email marketing is ideal for this when done well—clear design, good timing, and real value. Below you’ll find simple, proven ways to grow a healthy list.

Covered in this article

A Personalised Call To Action Can Go A Long Way
Slide In With The Slide-Ins For Each Page
Timed Pop-Up Surveys Are The Way To Go
Flash Your Value
Your Email Signature And Social Channels Are Free Real Estate
Load More Landing Pages
Encourage Sign Ups All Over The Show
Your 'About Us' Page Needs A CTA
Do You Even Scroll Box, Bro?

Think Netflix, Spotify, or Woolworths. They grow by helping customers first. Email lets you do the same. Yes, many brands spam or send weak designs. Don’t be that brand. Keep it helpful. Keep it simple. Keep it timely.

Starting from zero? It’s doable. At Velocity Media, we use simple plays that attract the right readers—not just anyone. These tips help you build a list that buys, stays, and shares.

A Personalised Call To Action Can Go A Long Way

Personalised CTAs convert better than generic ones. In one study, they had a 42% higher view-to-submission rate. Match the offer to the page topic and the reader’s intent.

  • Use page-specific offers (guide, checklist, template).
  • Match the language to the problem they’re solving.
  • Segment sign-ups for future relevance.

Example: A “Commercial Leasing Strategy” blog could offer a “Free Commercial Property Guide”. If you lack big assets, try a quiz, a short email course, or an exclusive CEO note on growth. Strong lead magnets win.

Slide In With The Slide-Ins For Each Page

Pop-ups work when they’re respectful and relevant. Time them well. Keep the copy short.

  • Trigger on exit intent, time on page, or scroll depth.
  • Show offers that match the article topic.
  • Hide for recent subscribers to avoid fatigue.

In one case study, a campaign for returning visitors (after 15 seconds) generated 2 689 leads in two weeks and lifted time on page by 54%. Context and timing matter.

Timed Pop-Up Surveys Are The Way To Go

Ask a quick question once your reader is engaged. Keep it simple—two options or a tap choice. Then offer a follow-up resource tailored to their answer.

  • Place surveys on high-intent pages.
  • Use one-click choices (A/B) to reduce friction.
  • Follow with a matching resource + email opt-in.

Flash Your Value

“Sign up” sounds like work. Lead with value instead. Use words like “Download”, “Get access”, “Exclusive”, or “Featured”. Show what they gain today.

  • Explain the benefit above the form.
  • List three things they’ll get by email.
  • Promise and keep a low send cadence.

Your Email Signature And Social Channels Are Free Real Estate

Use what you already have—your audience and network.

  • Add a “Join our newsletter” link in your email signature.
  • Pin a sign-up post on LinkedIn, X, or Facebook.
  • Link to a post or landing page with a clear CTA.

Load More Landing Pages

Different visitors want different things. Create focused landing pages for each topic, persona, or offer. Relevance drives sign-ups.

  • Map top blog themes to matching landing pages.
  • Repeat the value prop above the fold.
  • Keep forms short. Ask only what you need.

Encourage Sign Ups All Over The Show

Place CTAs where readers are most engaged—blogs, templates, tools, and resource hubs. Some visitors want to subscribe right away. Make it easy.

  • Use inline CTAs in articles that earn steady search traffic.
  • Add sticky headers or footers on long posts.
  • Match the copy to your newsletter focus (“Want free SEO tips? Join us”).

Your 'About Us' Page Needs A CTA

People who read “About Us” are warming up. Ask for a lighter step than “Buy now”. Invite them to join your list for updates and guides.

  • Place a short, friendly CTA mid-page.
  • Offer a welcome email with your top three resources.
  • Reinforce social proof nearby (logos, reviews, stats).

Do You Even Scroll Box, Bro?

Timing drives action. Test where and when your CTA appears.

  • Run A/B tests on entry, mid-scroll, and exit.
  • Adjust by device. Mobile needs shorter copy and fewer fields.
  • Suppress for recent subscribers and recent decliners.