Are you struggling to get your website visitors to notice and engage with your email signup forms? Your search has brought you to the right page. In this article, we’ll show you how to integrate these forms into your web design to increase email signups without disrupting the user experience.
What Is Email Signup Integration?
Email signup integration is the process of embedding email signup forms into a website’s design and functionality and connecting them to an email marketing platform or customer relationship management (CRM) system. The goal is to capture visitors' email addresses effectively for:
Growing your email list for marketing.
Keeping in touch with your audience regularly.
Boosting sales by promoting products or services.
Building loyalty by offering personalized experiences.
Sharing special content and updates with subscribers
7 Best Practices For Integrating Email Signups Into Web Design
As you explore these web design best practices for integrating email signup forms, ask yourself: How can each signup form on my site not only capture an email but also create an opportunity for genuine connection and trust?
1. Keep It Simple To Boost Signups
Limit your form to just 1 or 2 fields, typically an email address and maybe the name. This simplicity increases the chances that users will complete the form. If the form is too complicated or asks for too much information, users may get frustrated and abandon the signup process altogether.
Life Rediscovered is one of our projects and is a prime example of how simplicity can increase signups. Their approach to the signup form on their website is spot-on. They’ve kept it incredibly straightforward – just 2 fields for name and email address, with no unnecessary frills.
The form’s accompanying text is a winner too: “Keep In Touch.” It’s concise, compelling, and welcoming. That little phrase does exactly what it needs to – invites people to stay connected without overcomplicating things.
Use Autofill options where possible, so users can complete the form faster by using saved information on their devices.
2. What’s in It for Them? Highlight Your Clear Value Proposition
Clearly state the benefits of signing up like access to exclusive content, discounts, or early product releases. Users are increasingly protective of their email addresses because of concerns about spam and irrelevant content. If they don’t see a compelling reason to subscribe, they’re likely to leave your site without signing up.
Place the value proposition directly next to or above your signup form, and make it as clear and concise as possible. For example, instead of just saying “Subscribe to our newsletter,” you could say “Get exclusive weekly tips and a free eBook on mastering digital marketing when you sign up.”
3. On-the-Go Access With Mobile Responsiveness
Test your signup forms on various devices to ensure they’re easy to fill out on smartphones and tablets. To make your email signup form mobile-responsive, consider these best practices:
Design your form using a flexible grid system that adjusts to different screen sizes. This lets your form scale appropriately whether it’s viewed on a desktop, tablet, or smartphone.
Make sure form fields are large enough for users to tap easily with their fingers and that buttons are big enough to be easily clickable. Avoid placing buttons too close together to prevent accidental taps.
Keep the entire signup form visible on the mobile screen, so the users don’t need to scroll.
53% of mobile users will abandon a site that takes longer than 3 seconds to load. So, make sure that your signup form is lightweight and doesn’t slow down the page load time on mobile devices.
4. Maximize Engagement With Bold, Eye-Catching CTAs
Your CTA’s design and wording can make a big difference in whether people sign up or not. A strong CTA draws attention and tells users what to do, making them more likely to click and join your email list. Here’s how to create an effective CTA:
Use bold colors that stand out from the rest of your site. The CTA button should be the most noticeable part of the form. For example, if your site is mostly blue, try using a bright orange or green button to grab attention.
Use simple, direct language that tells users exactly what they’ll get. Instead of “Submit” or “Sign Up,” try something like “Get My Free Guide,” “Join the Community,” or “Start Saving Now.” This makes it clear and appealing.
If it makes sense, add a reason to act now, like “Limited Time Offer” or “Join Now Before Spots Fill Up.” This creates urgency and encourages people to sign up right away.
5. Boost Trust With Powerful Social Proof
People will sign up for an email list if they see that others have already joined. Social proof builds trust and credibility to make your signup form more persuasive. Include short quotes from existing subscribers about how your emails have benefited them.
Prosple really hits the mark with their signup form when it comes to using social proof, and that’s why we’re compelled to highlight them. Their approach is a perfect example of how to boost trust and credibility.
Here’s what they did: instead of just asking people to sign up, they’ve included testimonials from students who benefited from their guide. One standout quote is: “The Top 100 Guide was the most practical starting point for me to begin my job search.”
Mention it near your signup form if reputable media outlets or influencers have featured your business or content. Statements like “As seen in Forbes” or “Recommended by industry leaders” can add significant credibility.
You can also add a line near your signup form like “Join 10,000+ subscribers” or include a short testimonial from a satisfied subscriber. This reassures users that others find your emails valuable.
6. Segment Your New Subscribers To Tailor Your Messaging
Not all subscribers are the same – different people have different needs and interests. Segment your audience so you can customize your emails to match what each group wants.
But here's the thing: segmentation requires a high level of expertise. It’s not something you can leave to just anyone, especially if you want to get the best results. It involves analyzing data, understanding customer behaviors, and creating targeted content – all of which need a skilled touch.
That’s why it’s important to hire a marketing assistant who knows their trade. Finding the right person with the expertise you need isn’t always easy, though. You need expert headhunting firms that specialize in connecting you with top talent who have the experience and skills required to handle complex tasks effectively.
While you might consider hiring an in-house expert, working with a headhunting agency has its advantages. These firms have access to a wider pool of talent and can find candidates with the exact skills you need, even if they’re not available locally.
Segment your new subscribers with these 5 strategies:
6.1 Ask for Preferences During Signup
When new email subscribers sign up, include a question or a dropdown menu asking about their interests or the content type they want to receive. For example, you could ask them to choose between product updates, industry news, or special offers. This initial information can help you start segmenting right away.
6.2 Use Behavior-Based Segmentation
Track how subscribers interact with your emails and website. For instance, if a subscriber frequently clicks on links about a particular product category, you can segment them into a group interested in that product and send them more relevant content or offers.
6.3 Demographic Segmentation
If you collect demographic information like age, location, or job title, use it to create segments. For example, you could send location-specific promotions or content for different professional roles.
6.4 Engagement Level Segmentation
Group subscribers based on how engaged they are with your emails. For example, you can create segments for highly engaged subscribers, those who occasionally interact, and those who are inactive. You can then send re-engagement email marketing campaigns to less active subscribers and reward your most loyal readers.
6.5 Personalized Welcome Series
Create a segmented welcome email series that introduces new subscribers to your brand based on their interests.
7. A/B Test Your Signup Forms To Find What Works Best
Small changes in your signup form can have a big impact on your conversion rate. A/B testing lets you identify what works best for your audience. For example, you can test different CTA button colors, your headline’s wording, or your form’s placement. This way, you can see which change is responsible for signup improvements.
Once you’ve identified the winning version, implement the changes across your site. Take what you’ve learned from the test and use it to make thoughtful changes. Keep adjusting and improving your approach to get even better results.
8 Best Places To Add Email Signup Forms For Higher Engagement
It would be way more effective if people could easily see your signup form. If they can't easily find it, they're less likely to subscribe. So, place your signup forms in these high-traffic areas of your website.
I. Above The Fold On Your Homepage
Place your email signup form above the fold on your homepage, so every visitor notices it immediately. This area is crucial because it’s where you make your first impression, and a well-placed signup form here can encourage users to subscribe before they even start exploring the rest of your site.
Add a short line or 2 that explains what subscribers can expect like “Sign up to receive insider tips, special offers, and the latest news delivered straight to your inbox.”
II. In Your Footer
The footer typically contains essential information like contact details, links to privacy policies, and social media icons. It is a strategic spot for a signup form, especially for users who scroll down looking for additional information.
Since the footer appears on every page, make sure the signup form’s design is consistent with the rest of your website’s branding. It should feel like a natural extension of your site.
Avoid asking for too much information; an email address alone is usually sufficient. If your footer is busy, use visual cues like icons, arrows, or contrasting colors to draw attention to the signup form.
Green Supply is a perfect example of how to make the most of your footer for email signups. They’ve placed it in the footer of their product pages, a spot that's both strategic and subtle. This placement is key because it’s where users look for additional information after scrolling through the main content. By putting the form here, they catch visitors’ attention when they're already engaged but looking for more.
The form’s placement above other footer elements ensures that it’s one of the first things visitors see, increasing the likelihood they’ll sign up before they get distracted by other links. The message is clear and enticing – who doesn’t want insider access to new products? Plus, the simple “SIGN ME UP” button makes it easy to join. It’s smart, subtle, and effective.
III. Within Your Blog Posts
When readers are immersed in your blog content, they’re already interested in what you have to say. This makes it an ideal moment to invite them to subscribe for more. For example, if you’re writing a blog post about productivity tips, offer a related freebie, like a “Productivity Checklist” or “Weekly Tips,” in exchange for their email.
Use a brief introduction to the form that ties it to the blog content. Something like, “Enjoying these tips? Get more like this delivered to your inbox every week.” Place the signup form in multiple locations like after the introduction, in the middle, or at the end to increase the chances of capturing the reader’s attention.
IV. In Your Sidebar
Your website’s sidebar is always in view as visitors browse your content, making it a prime spot for an email signup form. Place a form here to give your readers an easy, non-intrusive way to subscribe whenever they’re ready. Drip’s newsletter signup form is a great example to learn from.
It doesn’t disrupt the user experience while still catching attention with a bright button and valuable offers like lifetime access to resources. The quick testimony adds credibility and makes it even more appealing to sign up.
V. As A Pop-Up Or Slide-In
Pop-ups typically cover a portion of the screen, while slide-ins appear from the side or bottom of the web page to draw attention without completely interrupting the user’s experience.
These forms are hard to miss, which makes them powerful tools for growing your subscriber list.
However, the success of a pop-up or slide-in depends heavily on their timing. You don’t want it to show up the moment a visitor lands on your site, as this can be off-putting.
Instead, trigger the pop-up after a user has spent a certain amount of time on the page, scrolled a certain percentage down, or when they’re about to leave (exit-intent pop-up). This ensures that the pop-up appears when the visitor is more receptive to your offer.
Avoid showing the pop-up or slide-in too frequently. If a visitor closes the pop-up without signing up, you should respect that decision and not bombard them with the same form on every page. Always provide a clear and easy way for users to close the pop-up or slide-in if they’re not interested. This could be a small “X” in the corner or a “No Thanks” button.
Wool and the Gang’s popup “JOIN OUR GANG FOR 15% OFF” is one of the finest pop-up examples that shows how using incentives can boost signups. The 15% discount provides immediate value to encourage sign-ups while the phrase “JOIN OUR GANG” adds a sense of belonging and personalization.
VI. Create Dedicated Landing Pages
Unlike regular web pages, landing pages are focused on a single objective like collecting email addresses, promoting a product, or encouraging signups for a webinar.
The key to an effective landing page is simplicity. Remove all distractions like navigation menus, links to other pages, or sidebars. The visitor should have only one clear option: to sign up.
Everything on the page should drive towards that goal. For example, include relevant images or graphics that support the message. This could be a preview of the free resource, a product image, or an infographic that highlights the benefits.
If you’re driving traffic to your landing page through ads or social media campaigns, make sure the messaging and design are consistent. The landing page should deliver on the promise made in the ad to avoid confusion and maintain trust.
VII. In Checkout Pages
For eCommerce sites, the checkout process is a prime opportunity to turn customers into subscribers. Offer them benefits like future discounts, exclusive offers, or updates to easily convert them into subscribers. Just make sure the email capture form doesn’t interrupt the checkout flow. Follow these steps while integrating checkout email signup forms:
Integrate a straightforward opt-in checkbox or a small email field within the checkout process. You can position it near the payment or order summary sections where it’s easily noticeable but not disruptive.
Clearly state what customers will gain by subscribing. For example, “Sign up for our newsletter and get 10% off your next purchase” or “Join our list for exclusive deals and product updates.”
Add a brief note reassuring customers that their email address will be used responsibly like “We respect your privacy and won’t share your email address.”
Ideal spots for the signup form are just below the order summary or near the “Place Order” button.
VIII. On Your About Page
Visitors who take the time to read your About Us page are already interested in knowing more about you. They’re curious about your story, values, and what sets you apart. This makes them more receptive to signing up for your email list.
Create a personal and inviting message that ties into your brand’s story. For example, “Want to stay in the loop? Subscribe to get updates, behind-the-scenes stories, and special offers from us.”
Since this page is about building trust, include a brief note on privacy like “We’ll never spam you, and you can unsubscribe at any time.”
Conclusion
The key to more email signups is to make the process easy for your visitors. Keep your signup forms simple and unobtrusive, and make sure they're clearly visible but not overly intrusive. Remember, a well-placed and attractive signup form can make all the difference. So, don't be afraid to experiment and find what works best for your specific audience.
If you’re unsure whether your forms are optimized for the best results, or if you want to take your web design to the next level, visit Prototype Media Group. We specialize in high-converting website designs that integrate seamlessly with your email marketing strategies.
Sign up for a free project consultation today and learn how our web design services can help you maximize your email signups and drive meaningful engagement with your target audience.
Author Bio:
Sarah Mitchell is a freelance writer dedicated to producing premium blog content for entrepreneurs and SMBs. Her work helps them streamline their content marketing and you may recognize her name from platforms like Hubspot, Outbrain, Flippa, and many more.
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