Recently, I launched a client's new website alongside a newsletter service and spent some time strategizing the best ways to drive sign-ups. To help you do the same, I’ve put together the most effective ways to integrate newsletter opportunities directly into your website.

Embed a Form

The most popular method is to embed a form on your website. This is usually placed in the website footer, but it can go anywhere. You can use the code provided by your Newsletter service, or you can use other form software like Gravity Forms or Forminator Forms. We also use the built-in form software with our page-building software, Divi 5 by Elegant Themes. If you use form software, you will need to obtain an API key from your Newsletter service to connect the form to it.

It is a good idea to include a statement that explains what the user is signing up for.

This can be:

• Tips & Tricks
• Special discounts
• Announcements
• Press releases

You can also include the frequency. Or you can include a box that lets the user choose the frequency or content they wish to receive.

Pop-up Form

The easiest way to add a pop-up form to your website is with the newsletter service. They have lots of different formats to choose from, and you can style them to suit the design of your website. Once you have the pop-up designed, you will need to decide where you want it to appear and under what circumstances.

It is advisable to enable it to appear only on the front page when your website provides general information. But if someone is reading your blog, you may want it to pop up there as well. You can also trigger the pop-up under different circumstances. Most people trigger the pop-up within a certain period. But, you can have it triggered "on exit intent." Exit intent is identified using tracking logic that differs between desktops and mobile devices.

Be cautious about triggering your pop-up on every page of your website. This practice tires the user, and they will leave sooner than you want.

On Purchase or Contact Form

Most website form software has a consent checkbox field option in their form builder. You can use a consent checkbox field to seamlessly ask users to subscribe whenever they submit any form on your website—including during checkout or when purchasing a product.

I recommend MailChimp for a newsletter service. I am certified in Mailchimp and have a couple of dozen clients connected. It is free if you have fewer than 250 email addresses and send only 2 campaigns a month (500 emails total). We can even manage your Newsletter campaign for you.