Newsletter signup examples showcase the strategy behind capturing attention and turning casual browsers into engaged subscribers.
Each example tells a story of how a simple form can be transformed into a tool for conversion. Whether it’s through clever wording, a good incentive, or compelling design, the right approach can make all the difference.
Newsletter signup forms are a great way to engage website visitors at the right time and convert them into subscribers.
To nail this conversion tool, we will explore 12 great email newsletter signup examples and see how popular brands and content creators not only grow their email lists but also enhance the overall customer experience.
Let’s dive right in.
Create smart popups with Retainful that are triggered based on visitor behavior and convert casual visitors to subscribers.
Essential Elements of Newsletter Signup Forms
A newsletter signup form should turn website visitors into subscribers by grabbing attention, conveying value, and simplifying the sign-up process.
Here are the essential elements to achieve this.
- Compelling headline
- Value proposition
- A strong CTA
- Minimal fields
- Strategic timing
Let’s see these elements in detail.
Compelling headline
Your headline is the hook. It should instantly capture attention and clearly articulate the benefit of subscribing to the email newsletter signup form.
Whether it’s access to exclusive content, discounts, or insider news, make sure your headline speaks directly to the interests of your target audience.
Value proposition
The email newsletter signup form should clearly communicate the value of subscribing and what they get in return.
Whether it’s exclusive offers, free downloads, or valuable insights, your newsletter subscription form should make the case for why joining your newsletter is a no-brainer.
In your popups, the more specific and relevant the offer, the better.
A strong CTA
Your CTA button is where the conversion happens in your email newsletter signup form.
Make it visually prominent and use compelling text that inspires action, like “Get My Discount” or “Join the Club.” The CTA should make the next step obvious and enticing.
Minimal fields
Simplify the sign-up process by asking for only essential information – usually just an email address in your newsletter signup form.
Each additional field can decrease the likelihood of completion. The quicker and easier it is to sign up, the higher your conversion rate will be.
Strategic timing
The timing of your email newsletter signups can make or break its success.
Utilize exit-intent popups to catch visitors who are about to leave or set a timer to display the newsletter subscription form after someone has been engaged with your content for a specific duration.
12 Best Newsletter Signup Examples
The 12 best newsletter signup examples are:
- Founder OS – Targeted Value Proposition
- Wix – Content Promotion
- Elvie and Leo – Converting visitors to buyers
- PCMag – Compelling incentives
- Tim Ferris – FOMO and social proof
- Farnam Street – Clear value proposition
- Woven Store – Immediate incentive
- Casper – Extended Benefits
- Backlinko – Building Credibility
- Shinesty – Setting the tone
- David Perell – Curated content
- Primal pet foods – Collecting data to personalize
Let’s break down these great signup form examples and see what makes them high-converting.
1. Founder OS
Focus: Targeted Value Proposition
This newsletter signup popup example follows a perfect structure – Targeted value proposition -> Incentive -> Email capture -> Social proof.
You could follow the same in yours.
What makes this great email newsletter signup example stand out?
- Capturing the attention of the target audience: The headline immediately grabs the attention of the target audience – business owners and entrepreneurs looking to scale their operations.
It positions this newsletter signup form example as a unique, must-have resource, differentiating it from the myriad of generic marketing content online. - Strategic placement: Positioning the newsletter subscription form on the side rather than at the center ensures it is noticeable without being annoying, allowing visitors to continue engaging with site content while the offer remains accessible.
- Trust element: Including the footer text “100000 founders and counting” can significantly increase trust and perceived value, motivating others to join in hopes of replicating others’ success.
2. Wix
Focus: Content Promotion
This newsletter signup form example promotes the content.
By mentioning “freshest content on creating and marketing,” they suggest that they’ll use email to promote their latest blog posts and resources, keeping you informed about the newest trends and strategies relevant to their platform.
What makes this email newsletter signup example stand out?
- Trust and transparency: Including a footer link to the privacy policy assures users that their information will be handled responsibly mitigating concerns about privacy and data security, increasing the likelihood of sign-ups.
- Brand association: It may be subtle, but the use of the Wix brand name in the headline lends credibility and authority to the offer. Visitors are more likely to see value in subscribing, knowing it comes directly from a reputable source like Wix.
3. Elvie and Leo
Focus: Converting visitors to buyers
In this email newsletter signup example, the tagline “Be in the Know” taps into the natural human curiosity and desire not to miss out on important information or opportunities.
It positions the newsletter as a gateway to exclusive knowledge, insider updates, or early access to deals, making it appealing for users who want to stay ahead of the curve.
What makes this email newsletter signup example stand out?
- Strong incentive
Offering a $30 gift voucher not only provides a direct financial benefit but also serves as a strong incentive to encourage sign-ups. - Converting potential customers
By focusing on new subscribers who are yet to make their first purchase, this newsletter signup form example specifically targets new visitors or potential customers.
It’s an excellent strategy to convert first-time visitors into buyers, increasing the chances that they will engage more deeply with the brand.
4. PCMag
Focus: Compelling incentives
This PCMag newsletter signup popup example is effective because it clearly communicates what subscribers will gain in exchange for their email addresses.
The variety of incentives offered not only captures the attention of diverse visitors but also promises ongoing value, making it a compelling choice for many.
What makes this email newsletter signup example stand out?
- Valuable incentives
The newsletter signup message promises several valuable incentives for signing up. This makes it irresistible for the viewers to sign up. - Targeted appeal
The combination of early sale access, expert advice, and free resources targets a broad yet interested audience. It appeals to tech enthusiasts, savvy shoppers, and information seekers alike, making the newsletter subscription message relevant to a wide demographic.
5. Tim Ferris
Focus: FOMO and social proof
The tagline in this newsletter signup form example taps into a fear of missing out (FOMO). It creates a sense of exclusivity and urgency, suggesting that subscribers will gain access to unique insights and discoveries that they can’t find elsewhere.
What makes this newsletter signup example stand out?
- Clear and concise offer
This email newsletter signup form communicates the offer succinctly: “Join 1.5M+ subscribers and sign up for 5-Bullet Friday.” This clarity ensures that potential subscribers immediately understand what they are signing up for – a weekly email with five curated items. - Social proof
Mentioning that over 1.5 million subscribers are already receiving the newsletter serves as a powerful form of social proof. It reassures potential subscribers that they are joining a large group of like-minded individuals who find value in Ferriss’s content.
6. Farnam Street
Focus: Clear value proposition
Farnam Street’s newsletter signup form example is known for its focus on improving mental models and critical thinking. The newsletter signup message also emphasizes the benefit of providing them with immediate tools for personal and professional growth.
What makes this newsletter signup example stand out?
- Value proposition
The main headline, “Get a mental edge in 5 minutes a week for free” directly appeals to potential subscribers by promising a significant benefit – enhanced mental sharpness – with a minimal time commitment.
The addition of “for free” emphasizes the no-cost aspect, making the offer even more attractive. - Relevance and utility
The Decision Journal Template is a particularly strategic choice of incentive for Farnam Street’s audience, who are typically engaged in continuous learning and improvement in thinking and decision-making processes.
Design attention-grabbing popups effortlessly with Retainful’s drag-and-drop email editor and pre-designed templates.
7. Woven Store
Focus: Immediate incentive
The Woven Store newsletter signup popup example is crafted to maximize conversions by offering immediate discounts and exclusive access to information.
This strategic blend not only attracts a wide array of customers but also sets the stage for sustained engagement and customer retention.
What makes this great newsletter signup example stand out?
- Immediate Incentive
The offer of “10% off” serves as an immediate reward for signing up and provides a tangible benefit right from the outset. - Exclusive Information
By promising that subscribers will be the first ones to hear about their new season launch and deals, the email newsletter signup taps into the desire for exclusivity and insider information.
Customers value early access to new products and special deals, enhancing their sense of VIP status.
8. Casper
Focus: Extended Benefits
Casper newsletter signup popup example effectively uses direct incentives to drive sign-ups and sales.
By combining a clear, value-packed proposition with a straightforward call to action, this newsletter subscription form is poised to grow its customer base and maintain long-term engagement.
What makes this newsletter signup example stand out?
- Immediate and extended benefits
The immediate discount on a mattress offers a strong lure to subscribe now, while the additional discount on other items encourages future purchases.
This combination ensures that the benefits extend beyond a single transaction and increases the lifetime value of each subscriber.
9. Backlinko
Focus: Building credibility
This Backlinko newsletter signup example effectively leverages a clear value proposition and user-friendly design to convert subscribers who are looking for advanced SEO strategies that yield real results.
This targeted approach ensures that this email newsletter signup form appeals to a dedicated and relevant audience, setting the stage for high engagement rates and strong subscriber retention.
What makes this newsletter signup example stand out?
- Clear and Engaging Value Proposition
The introduction “Welcome to Backlinko – Where SEO best practices meet real-world results” immediately clarifies the value of subscribing. It promises practical, actionable SEO insights that directly lead to measurable outcomes. - Authority and credibility
Including a review from the VP of HubSpot, a respected authority in the marketing world, significantly increases the credibility of the newsletter.
Testimonials from industry leaders not only validate the quality and relevance of the content but also position the Backlinko newsletter as a trusted resource in the crowded SEO learning space. - Targeted audience appeal
In the email newsletter signup example, the specific mention of “best practices” and “real-world results” caters to an audience that is tired of generic advice and seeks proven strategies.
10. Shinesty
Focus: Setting the tone
In your email newsletter signup example, showing a tinge of what the tone of your emails will be in the popup will communicate to customers what they can expect from your emails – is it going to be funny and unconventional or informative?
What makes this newsletter subscription example stand out?
- Humorous tone
Using humor in this email newsletter signup example makes the brand feel more human and relatable. This not only captures attention but also sets the tone for what subscribers can expect in their newsletters – content that is likely fun, engaging, and different from the norm. - Strong Call-to-Action
The CTA “Get $10 for free” is direct and appealing, emphasizing the freebie subscribers will receive.
11. David Perell
Focus: Curated content
David Perell’s newsletter signup popup example is crafted to resonate deeply with a broad audience. It combines a personal touch, the promise of exclusive insights, and the effective use of social proof.
What makes this email newsletter signup example stand out?
- Diverse content offering
By mentioning his activities – writing, hosting a podcast, and running a writing school, this great signup form example showcases the breadth of content subscribers can expect.
This would appeal to a wide audience, from aspiring writers to podcast enthusiasts, increasing the chances of subscriptions from people with various interests. - Exclusive and curated content
The offer to receive exclusive insights curated by David himself not only highlights the value of the newsletter but also positions it as a must-have resource for those eager to learn and gain new perspectives weekly.
12. Primal pet foods
Focus: Collecting data to personalize
The information collected using a newsletter signup form allows you to segment your subscribers and send content curated for each segment. This way, your content resonates with subscribers more and increases conversions.
This great newsletter signup example does exactly that – their content and promotions can be customized based on the pet type or dietary preferences.
What makes this newsletter signup message stand out?
- Personalized interaction
By asking for details such as the first name, zip code, type of pet, and what they currently feed their pet, Primal Pet Foods can tailor their communications to the specific needs and interests of each subscriber.
Creating Email Newsletter Signup Form Using Retainful
Retainful is an all-in-one email marketing app that allows you to launch automated email campaigns effortlessly with easy-to-setup email automation.
Along with that, it also offers smart pop-ups/signup forms to grow your email list by successfully capturing the email addresses of visitors in your e-commerce store.
Retainful allows you to create targeted newsletter signup forms using:
- Precise targeting: Geolocation, time spent on a page, language, and more.
- Triggers: Exit-intent, scroll depth, add-to-cart, and more
You can choose a newsletter popup template from a variety of pre-designed ones and customize them to match your branding.
These email newsletter signup forms are triggered automatically based on visitor behavior and can be targeted to a specific group of customers.
Here are the steps to create email newsletter signup forms in Retainful.
Step 1: Choose the type of pop-up/sign-up form
Login to your Retainful dashboard. Go to Sign-up Forms, choose ‘Popup’ and click on ‘Create a Form.’
Step 2: Choose the newsletter signup form template
Retainful has many pre-designed email newsletter signup templates to choose from or you can create your own from scratch.
Step 3: Customize the newsletter signup form template
Retainful’s drag-and-drop editor offers a range of customizable blocks such as text, images, CTAs, and more.
You can add more elements to your newsletter popup, like First name, last name, phone number and legal consent.
Step 4: Choose who should receive the popup
You can target the mailing list signup form to a specific group of customers.
You can add an existing customer segment or create a new empty segment from ‘List and Segments’ for new users using Retainful’s segmentation feature.
Step 5: Set up the trigger and targeting
Choose the trigger to determine when you want to show the email newsletter signup form.
In this case, let’s choose ‘Time Based’.
You can also select multiple triggers to make your newsletter subscription form more tuned to the visitor’s behavior.
In the targeting, choose who should see your newsletter signup form. For example, you can show a popup based on the location they are on.
Step 6: Enable the newsletter sign form
After confirming your settings, enable the pop-up. Your signup form will be set live.
Display popups at the right time to the right people with Retainful and increase conversions.
Wrapping up!!
The newsletter signup examples we’ve explored in this blog underscore the significance of crafting thoughtful and engaging newsletter signup forms.
Each example serves as a blueprint for how effectively combining creativity and personalization can convert a simple form into a tool for converting customers.
Whether it’s through exclusive content, incentives, or social proof, a well-designed newsletter subscription form is your first step toward turning casual visitors into loyal subscribers.
Yes, you can add a newsletter popup to your website using popup builder tools like Retainful that integrate with your site.
Create a mailing list signup by using email marketing software to design a signup form, then embed it on your website. Offer incentives like discounts or free content to encourage signups.
Use engaging headlines, include compelling visuals, write concise and actionable content, and personalize the message to resonate with your audience’s interests and needs.
A clean layout with a mix of text and visuals, start with a compelling header, follow with the main content, and end with secondary information or a call to action.
Design a header with your logo, create sections for different types of content (news, tips, offers), use consistent fonts and colors, and include placeholders for images and links.
Use a unique design, provide valuable content, include interactive elements (like polls or videos), personalize the content, and always aim for a clear, compelling subject line.
Place the signup form prominently on your website’s homepage, blog page, and footer. Consider also using pop-ups or slide-ins for increased visibility without being intrusive.
