How To Collect Emails On Etsy: A 7-Step Guide for Sellers in 2024

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Knowing how to collect emails on Etsy can be a game-changer for your ecommerce business.

As an Etsy shop owner, you understand the importance of building a solid customer base and creating long-lasting relationships with them.

One of the best ways to engage and maintain contact with customers is through email marketing.

You’ll want to grow your email list by effectively collecting email addresses from Etsy visitors and buyers. This process will ultimately help you reach a wider audience and nurture your customer relationships.

In this article, we will delve into the steps and strategies to collect emails on Etsy efficiently and ethically.

Why It’s Vital To Collect Emails On Etsy

Collecting emails is crucial for your Etsy shop, as it helps you grow your audience and enhance engagement.

By building an email list, you can foster long-term relationships with your customers and improve your return on investment (ROI) as you reach out directly to customers via email.

According to a survey by Campaign Monitor, up to 64% of small business owners use email marketing to reach and sell to their customers. In the Etsy landscape, it’s an untapped potential.

Email marketing is a powerful tool for further increasing sales and improving the customer experience.

How To Collect Emails On Etsy: Getting Started

Collecting emails is a vital part of building an audience and engaging with your customers, especially on online platforms like Etsy. Learning how to get email list from Etsy is a crucial step if you are aiming for your shop to succeed.

Before you start, make sure to always seek and respect the privacy of your potential subscribers and adhere to the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) or other applicable data privacy laws in your country.

Here’s a 7-step guide on how to collect emails on Etsy for the purpose of email marketing:

Step 1. Comply With Etsy’s Policies Regards Collecting Email Addresses

Etsy has strict guidelines when it comes to user privacy, and that includes collecting email addresses.

Here’s a summary of what Etsy sellers need to know and comply with regarding Etsy’s policies about collecting email addresses:

Privacy Policy

Etsy requires all sellers to have a clear privacy policy.

In your privacy policy, if you collect email addresses, you must state why you’re collecting them, how you’ll use them, and that you will keep them private.

It’s crucial to follow through with the promises you make in your policy.

No Unsolicited Messages

You cannot send unsolicited messages to users.

This means you can’t send promotional emails to Etsy users unless they’ve explicitly given you permission to do so.

The same rule applies to sending “thank you” emails that contain promotional content or ask for personal information.

Any message that isn’t directly related to an order or a direct inquiry from the customer can be considered spam.

Message System

Etsy’s message system, “Conversations” or “Convos,” is primarily meant for communication related to orders or queries.

It’s not intended for unsolicited marketing or promotions. Misusing this feature to promote your email list can get your shop suspended.

Protection of Personal Information

If you do collect email addresses (or any personal data) with permission, you must store and handle that information responsibly.

Make sure it’s secure and not susceptible to breaches.

This is not just an Etsy requirement but also typically a legal obligation under data protection laws, like the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) in the EU.

Transaction-Related Emails

If a user has made a purchase from you, you can send them an email related to that transaction.

However, unless they’ve explicitly opted into your marketing emails, you cannot add promotional content or links to these transactional emails.

Opt-In vs. Opt-Out

Always use an opt-in system rather than an opt-out.

This means users should actively choose to give their email address and be added to your list, rather than being added by default and having to opt-out if they don’t want emails.

External Websites and Email Collection

If you guide customers to an external website for email collection, be transparent about where you’re directing them and why.

Transparency with External Links

If you’re leading customers off Etsy to a landing page for email sign-ups, always be clear and honest about the purpose.

Any attempt to deceive or “bait-and-switch” can lead to mistrust and possibly violate Etsy’s policies.

Respect Declines

If a customer indicates they aren’t interested in providing their email or receiving marketing emails, respect their choice and don’t press further.

Not only is this good etiquette but being pushy can also lead to negative reviews or complaints.

Record Keeping

Keep records of consent.

If a customer or Etsy ever challenges your email practices, having a clear record of opt-ins can save you a lot of trouble.

This is especially important under certain data protection regulations, like GDPR, where explicit and informed consent is crucial.

Unsubscribe Option

Every marketing email you send should have an easy and clear way for the recipient to unsubscribe.

This is a standard practice in email marketing and is required by many data protection laws worldwide. Once someone chooses to unsubscribe, honor that request promptly.

Stay Updated on Etsy’s Policies

Etsy’s policies can evolve over time.

Regularly review Etsy’s Seller Policy, Privacy Policy, and any related guidelines to ensure you stay compliant.

Joining Etsy’s community forums can also be helpful, as sellers often discuss and clarify policy changes there.

Local and International Laws

Apart from Etsy’s policies, be aware of local and international email marketing laws.

For instance, the CAN-SPAM Act in the U.S. sets rules for commercial emails gives recipients the right to stop emails, and establishes penalties for violations.

Similarly, the GDPR in Europe has strict guidelines on data collection and processing.

By adhering to these guidelines and best practices, Etsy sellers can build a loyal email subscriber base while staying compliant with platform policies and legal regulations.

It’s always about striking the right balance between marketing your business and respecting the privacy and choices of your customers.

Step 2. Select the Right Email Management Platform

Start by looking into various Email Service Providers (ESPs), such as Mailchimp, ConvertKit, GetResponse, Klaviyo, or SendinBlue.

Check their features, pricing, and integration capabilities.

Some ESPs might offer direct integrations with Etsy or third-party tools to make syncing your store and email list easier. Ensure the platform is user-friendly, especially if you’re new to email marketing.

To set up an email sign-up on your Etsy shop, you want to start by creating an attractive and user-friendly sign-up form.

You can use free online tools like Mailchimp or Klaviyo to create a custom sign-up form.

These platforms will provide you with an HTML code to embed in your shop’s announcement section, descriptions, or custom listings.

Take the following steps to implement your new email sign-up form:

1. Design your form: Ensure it matches your shop’s branding and has an enticing call-to-action to encourage visitors to provide their email addresses. Keep the form simple to make the process quick and seamless for your subscribers.
2. Embed the HTML code: After designing your form, copy the provided HTML code from the email service provider. Go to your Etsy shop dashboard; head over to “Settings.” Click on the “Info & Appearance” tab, and then scroll down to “Shop Announcement.” Paste the HTML code in the announcement box, and save your changes.
3. Promote your email sign-up: Make sure to mention the benefits and incentives of signing up for your email list in your product listings, thank you notes, and other communications. You could offer discounts, exclusive content, or early access to new products to entice potential subscribers.

Step 3. Design a Compelling Offer to Encourage Customers to Opt-In

It is vital that you identify value. Think about the offerings that would genuinely excite or benefit your Etsy customers.

Whether it’s a sneak peek at upcoming products, an exclusive discount, or a valuable digital gift, it should be something they can’t resist.

Clarity is paramount, and the simplicity of the message is key.

It’s essential that your audience immediately understand the value of what they’re getting. The clearer the offer, the higher the likelihood of them opting in.

Here are several effective and noteworthy ideas to consider:

• Create a Quiz: Engage your audience with an interactive quiz tailored to their interests. For instance, if you sell jewelry, the quiz could help determine the perfect accessory style. At the end of the quiz, request their email to send the results, possibly with a related product recommendation or discount.
• Offer a Discount Coupon or Display a Coupon Wheel: Everyone loves savings! Entice customers with a one-time discount code in exchange for their email. Or make it fun and interactive with a digital ‘spin the wheel’ experience where they can win discounts or prizes.
• Create a Product Guide: Offer a detailed guide showcasing how to use your products, or perhaps a style guide for fashion items. It’s an excellent way for customers to visualize the value of your products, making them more inclined to purchase.
• Create a Waiting List: Build anticipation by offering a waiting list for upcoming, exclusive products. This not only gauges interest but also creates a sense of exclusivity and urgency.
• Offer a Free Email Course: If your products have an educational angle (like crafting kits, DIY tools, etc.), offer a short email course. For instance, a series of emails teaching them how to create a particular craft ensures they utilize the product they’ve bought to its fullest.
• Offer Extra Freebies such as Templates or Digital Downloads: If you sell art, perhaps offer a free digital wallpaper. If it’s stationery, maybe a printable calendar or digital planner. Freebies showcase your work’s quality and keep your brand on top of their minds every time they use or see the freebie.

Each of these strategies not only provides value to the customer but also deepens their engagement with your brand.

The key is to ensure that what you offer aligns with your products and resonates with your Etsy shop’s target audience.

Step 4. Craft an Engaging Opt-in Page

Opt-in pages are crucial bridges between a potential subscriber’s interest and their actual commitment to joining your email list.

They need to be concise, compelling, and user-friendly.

• Most Email Providers Offer Landing Pages: Whether it’s Mailchimp, ActiveCampaign, Flodesk, or another provider, they usually offer templates for landing pages. This allows for ease of setup and integration with your email list.
• Design: A cluttered design can deter users. Aim for a clean, minimalistic look that emphasizes the opt-in process. Use brand colors consistently and include high-quality images related to your offer, such as a visual of a discount code, a product guide cover, or samples of your digital downloads. The simpler and more straightforward your page design, the less distracted and more likely your potential subscribers are to sign up.
• CTA (Call to Action): Your CTA should pop up and make users want to take action immediately. Instead of bland phrases like “Submit” or “Sign Up”, personalize it to your offer. Phrases like “Grab Your Exclusive Guide!” or “Yes, I Want that Discount!” evoke excitement and urgency.
• Mobile Optimization: A significant number of users will access your page through mobile devices, especially if they’re coming from the Etsy app or mobile site. It’s crucial that your opt-in page is mobile-friendly. Text should be legible, images should load properly, and the opt-in form should be easily accessible and usable on mobile. Test the page on various devices to ensure consistency and functionality.

While it’s essential to emphasize the benefits of signing up, always include a brief line assuring them of their data’s safety and the purpose for which their email will be used.

This builds trust and ensures transparency.

Step 5. Promote Your Sign Up Offer

Promoting your sign-up offer effectively requires tapping into every customer touchpoint.

Here’s a deeper dive into some strategies to do just that:

Utilize Etsy Shop Headers

Your shop header is prime real estate on Etsy.

Craft a visually appealing banner that not only aligns with your brand’s aesthetic but also succinctly conveys the perks of signing up.

Whether it’s an exclusive discount or a free guide, ensure the benefits are prominently displayed. Consider using contrasting colors and legible fonts to make the offer stand out.

Leverage Social Media Platforms

• Instagram: Utilize stories and posts to showcase your offer. An engaging video or carousel post detailing the benefits can capture attention. Also, consider using the ‘Link in Bio’ feature to direct followers directly to your opt-in page.
• Facebook: Post about your offer, pin it to the top of your page, or even run a targeted ad campaign. Facebook groups (if you have one) can also be a great place to share.
• Pinterest: Create compelling pins that highlight your sign-up offer, especially if it’s visually driven, like a freebie or discount. Since Pinterest acts as a visual search engine, it can lead new potential subscribers to your offer.

Engage Current Clientele

• Product Packaging: A small card or flyer in your product packaging with a brief “Thank You” message and an invitation to join your email list can be effective. Ensure it’s concise, offers clear benefits, and provides a straightforward way to sign up, such as a QR code or short URL.
• Thank You Page: After a purchase on Etsy, the thank you or confirmation page is another touchpoint. A well-placed CTA here, with incentives for joining the email list, can capture the customer’s attention at a moment when they’re already engaged with your brand.

Incorporate into Your Official Website

• Pop-ups: While some find them intrusive if done right, pop-ups can be a great way to capture emails. Ensure they’re timed well, perhaps appearing after a visitor spends a certain amount of time on your site.
• Footer or Header Sign-up Forms: A less intrusive method than pop-ups. These are always visible, so visitors can sign up whenever they choose.
• Dedicated Landing Pages: This is especially beneficial if you’re running specific marketing campaigns. These pages can be tailored entirely to the email sign-up process, minimizing distractions and increasing conversion rates.

Each promotion avenue offers a unique way to interact with potential subscribers.

By diversifying your approach and offering clear value, you can effectively increase your email list while providing genuine value to your subscribers.

Step 6. Leverage Tools for Email Collection

Effective email collection requires leveraging the right tools, ones that not only simplify the process but also ensure compliance with both Etsy’s policies and broader data protection regulations.

Let’s delve into these tools and understand their benefits:

• Marketsy: This tool is specifically designed for Etsy sellers. It assists in analyzing customer behavior and offers insights, allowing for better segmentation of your audience. While it doesn’t directly download emails, it can help you target your marketing more effectively to those who have opted into your list.
• Mailchimp: This is one of the most popular email marketing platforms and offers a range of tools to help businesses collect emails, design newsletters, segment their audience, and track performance. Mailchimp emphasizes GDPR compliance and offers tools to help businesses adhere to it.
• Klaviyo: It is an advanced email marketing tool geared toward e-commerce businesses. It’s known for its deep integrations with ecommerce platforms, segmentation capabilities, and automation flows.
• OptinMonster: A widely respected tool in the digital marketing world, OptinMonster allows users to create engaging opt-in forms for their websites. It features pop-ups, floating bars, full-screen welcome mats, and more. While it’s not Etsy-specific, it can be instrumental in collecting emails from interested customers on your personal website or blog. Remember, always guide Etsy users off-platform transparently and with their consent when collecting emails.
• Privy: Popular among e-commerce businesses, Privy offers pop-ups, banners, and spin-to-win wheels to engage potential subscribers. If you have a standalone site in addition to your Etsy shop, integrating Privy can provide visually appealing ways to collect emails.
• SendinBlue: This is both an email marketing and a lead capture tool. It’s great for creating sign-up forms, landing pages, and automated marketing campaigns. If you’re looking to centralize your email efforts, SendinBlue can be a great option.

Tips for Ensuring Compliance

• Clear Opt-in: Make sure it’s evident when and why a user is providing their email address. Avoid pre-ticked boxes or any form of coercive technique.
• Always Communicate Policies Clearly: Always have a clear and accessible privacy policy detailing how you’ll use and protect collected data.
• Consider Double Opt-in: Consider using a double opt-in process. This means that after someone signs up, they’ll receive a confirmation email where they have to click a link to confirm their subscription. This ensures they genuinely want to receive emails from you.

It’s essential to underline the importance of ethical email collection.

Respect for user data, transparency in practices, and compliance with platform guidelines and legal requirements are fundamental to building a sustainable and trustworthy business on Etsy or any other platform.

Always prioritize genuine engagement over sheer numbers.

Step 7. Monitoring and Evaluating Your Email Collection Strategy

An email collection strategy, like any other marketing tactic, is not a ‘set it and forget it‘ operation.

Periodic monitoring and assessment are vital to ensuring it remains effective and aligns with your business objectives.

Always be mindful when evaluating your email campaigns. An unchecked strategy can become stale or even counterproductive.

By continually assessing your approach, you can identify strengths to double down on and weaknesses to improve, ensuring you’re always moving forward and maximizing results.

Key Metrics to Monitor

• Clicks and Traffic: These metrics give insights into how many people are interacting with your email sign-up prompts and how effectively they’re being directed to your opt-in pages.
• Growth Rate of Email List: This is a direct measure of how well your collection strategy is working. A steady or increasing growth rate indicates success, while sudden drops or stagnation might signify issues.
• Conversion Rate: Not everyone who clicks on your sign-up form will complete the process. The conversion rate shows the percentage of visitors who turn into subscribers. If this rate is low, it might indicate issues with the form’s design or the perceived value of the offer.
• Unsubscribe Rate: It’s natural for some users to unsubscribe over time, but a high rate might indicate that your content isn’t matching subscribers’ expectations or that they feel overwhelmed by the frequency of emails.

Analytical Tools to Leverage

• Google Analytics: A comprehensive tool that can track how users interact with your website. You can set up specific goals (like form submissions) and monitor how often they’re achieved. Google Analytics can also show where your traffic is coming from, helping you identify which promotional strategies are most effective.
• Platform-Specific Insights: Email marketing platforms like Mailchimp, Klaviyo, and others offer built-in analytics. These can provide a deep dive into metrics specific to email campaigns, including open rates, click-through rates, and even revenue generated from emails.

Continuous Improvement

• Once you’ve gathered data and insights, the next step is to act on them. If a particular strategy isn’t working, be ready to pivot. This might mean redesigning your opt-in form, tweaking the value proposition, or adjusting where and how you promote your email sign-up.

The monitoring and evaluation phase is where your email collection strategy truly matures.

It’s a cycle of learning, adapting, and refining, driven by concrete data and aimed at consistently delivering value to both your business and your subscribers.

By staying committed to this iterative process, you ensure your email marketing efforts remain vibrant, effective, and rewarding.

How To Collect Emails On Etsy – Understanding the Pros and Cons

Pros:

1. Building Your Email List: One of the biggest advantages is the potential growth of your Etsy email list. This enables you to nurture long-term customer relationships beyond single Etsy orders.
2. Utilizing Acceptable Ways to Collect Email Addresses: Following Etsy’s guidelines for email collection ensures compliance and builds the know, like, and trust factor with your audience.
3. Encouraging Shoppers to Join Your Email List: You can create incentives for shoppers, such as exclusive access to digital products or previews of new Etsy listings, to encourage signups.
4. Choosing an Email Service: Selecting the right email service helps streamline the process of how to capture email addresses, offering efficient tools for managing your Etsy email marketing.
5. Creating a Landing Page to Collect Email Addresses: A dedicated landing page allows for a focused approach to build your subscriber base, showcasing stories from happy customers and clear signup incentives.

Cons:

1. Complexity in Etsy Email Marketing: Understanding the nuances of how to get an email list from Etsy can be complex, especially for new Etsy sellers who need to balance Etsy listing creation and marketing efforts.
2. Risk of Overreaching: While trying to sell your products and services, there’s a risk of reaching out directly to customers in a way that might be perceived as intrusive or spammy.
3. Time and Resource Investment: Etsy email list building requires a significant investment of time and resources, from setting up the Etsy order follow-up emails to maintaining regular communication.
4. Compliance Challenges: Staying updated with acceptable ways to collect email addresses, especially with changing regulations, can be challenging for Etsy sellers.
5. Potential Customer Resistance: Some customers may be hesitant to provide their email addresses, requiring more creative strategies to encourage signups without seeming pushy.

How To Collect Emails On Etsy- Summary

In the ever-evolving realm of Etsy, understanding how to effectively and ethically gather emails is paramount.

Through this journey, we’ve underscored the importance of selecting a suitable Email Management Platform, crafting offers that resonate, and strategically promoting sign-ups across various channels.

These steps aren’t just tactical measures; they’re foundational to building and nurturing lasting relationships with your clientele.

Interested in further enhancing your Etsy expertise? We invite you to explore other Etsy-related posts on our blog, which provide a wealth of insights to elevate your online store, such as;

• eRank Etsy: How to Maximize Your Etsy Business Potential
• Etsy Shipping: A Comprehensive Guide for Sellers and Buyers
• Is Etsy Safe To Buy & Sell On?
• Etsy Store Setup: 10 Step Easy Guide for Beginners

Remember that every successful email campaign starts with a single, well-thought-out subscription.

It’s the quality of connections, not just the quantity, that truly counts.

How To Collect Emails On Etsy- FAQs

How do I collect user emails?

Begin by offering an opt-in incentive on your Etsy shop or through follow-up communications (like thank-you notes).

Use email marketing platforms such as Mailchimp or Klaviyo to manage and segment your subscribers.

Remember, always ensure that customers willingly provide their emails and are aware of the content they’ll be receiving.

Why am I not getting emails from Etsy?

There could be a few reasons.

First, check your Etsy account settings to ensure you’ve opted into email notifications.

Also, ensure that Etsy emails aren’t landing in your spam or junk folder.

If the problem persists, it might be worthwhile to contact Etsy support.

How do I extract an email address from Etsy?

Building an email list involves offering value that prompts clients to share their email addresses willingly.

This could be in the form of newsletters, discount offers, or valuable content. Using sign-up forms on your website, pop-up prompts, and social media call-to-actions are some effective methods.

How do I create an email list for clients?

Start with a compelling call-to-action on your website, inviting visitors to subscribe.

Utilize tools like OptinMonster, Privy, or native features of email platforms like Mailchimp to design and embed forms. Always ensure clarity in what clients can expect by signing up and respecting their data privacy.

How do I ensure that my email list complies with data privacy laws?

Always prioritize explicit consent when collecting emails.

Avoid pre-ticked boxes and ensure there’s a clear privacy policy detailing how you’ll use and protect subscriber data.

Also, consider double opt-in processes to confirm genuine interest and regularly update and clean your email list.

Can I purchase email lists for my Etsy shop’s marketing?

It’s strongly discouraged to buy email lists.

Not only can it violate various data protection regulations and email platform policies, but it also erodes trust and can result in poor engagement.

Building your own list organically ensures genuine interest and better overall engagement.

How often should I email my subscribers?

The ideal frequency varies based on your audience and content.

However, consistency is key. Whether it’s weekly, bi-weekly, or monthly, find a rhythm that keeps your subscribers engaged without overwhelming them.

How can I improve the open rates of my emails?

Craft compelling subject lines, segment your audience to offer personalized content, and experiment with sending times.

Regularly reviewing and analyzing your email performance metrics can provide insights into what works best for your audience.

Why are some of my subscribers not receiving my emails?

Emails can sometimes land in spam or junk folders.

Encourage subscribers to whitelist your email address. Also, maintaining a clean email list by removing unengaged subscribers can improve your email delivery rates. Remember, emails reveal a lot and showcase stories from happy customers.

What content should I include in my emails to engage my Etsy customers?

Share behind-the-scenes looks into your crafting process, offer special discounts, showcase new products, or provide useful content related to your niche.

The more valuable and relevant your content, the more engaged your subscribers will be.