Newsletters and Email Marketing
Email marketing is one of the most powerful tools for growing your affiliate store. Unlike social media where algorithms control who sees your posts, an email list gives you a direct line to your audience.
Why email marketing matters
When someone visits your store, there's a good chance they won't come back unless you give them a reason to. An email list lets you:
- Bring visitors back to your store with new content and product recommendations
- Build trust and authority in your niche over time
- Promote seasonal deals, new articles, and special offers
- Create a loyal community around your store
Email subscribers are typically your most engaged audience. They've actively chosen to hear from you, which makes them far more likely to click your affiliate links and make purchases.
Collecting emails with FreshStore
FreshStore has a built-in newsletter signup box that appears on your store. Visitors can enter their email to subscribe, and you can view and manage your subscribers from the Messages section of your store dashboard.
You can also add a custom newsletter form from a third-party email platform if you prefer more advanced features like automation and segmentation.
Choosing an email platform
If you want to send professional newsletters with templates, automation, and analytics, consider using a dedicated email marketing platform. Popular options include:
- Mailchimp: free for up to 500 subscribers, easy to use, good templates
- MailerLite: free for up to 1,000 subscribers, great automation features
- ConvertKit: designed for creators, excellent for building email sequences
- Brevo (formerly Sendinblue): generous free tier, good for transactional emails too
Most of these platforms let you create signup forms that you can embed on your store using the Custom HTML feature in FreshStore.
Building your email list
Getting people to sign up requires giving them a reason. Here are some effective strategies:
- Lead magnets: Offer something free in exchange for their email, such as a buying guide, checklist, comparison chart, or discount code
- Content teasers: Promise exclusive content, early access to deals, or weekly round-ups of the best products
- Exit intent popups: Show a signup form when visitors are about to leave your store
- Giveaways: Run a giveaway where one entry method is subscribing to your newsletter
The more specific your offer, the better. "Get our free Pressure Cooker Recipe Guide" will convert far better than "Subscribe to our newsletter."
What to send your subscribers
The key to a successful email list is sending content that your subscribers actually want to read. A good mix includes:
- New articles and guides you've published on your store
- Product roundups: "Top 5 products this month" or seasonal recommendations
- Deals and discounts from your affiliate merchants
- Helpful tips related to your niche
- Personal recommendations and reviews
Aim for a regular schedule. Weekly or fortnightly works well for most niches. Consistency builds trust and keeps your audience engaged.
Important: compliance
When collecting and sending emails, you must comply with email marketing laws:
- CAN-SPAM (USA): Include your physical address and an unsubscribe link in every email
- GDPR (Europe): Get explicit consent before adding someone to your list, and make it easy to unsubscribe
- PECR (UK): Similar to GDPR. Consent is required for marketing emails
Most email platforms handle compliance features (unsubscribe links, consent tracking) automatically, but it's your responsibility to use them correctly.