How to Grow Newsletter Subscribers

How to Grow Newsletter Subscribers

In this guide, we’ll show you how to grow newsletter subscribers using proven, actionable strategies that work for both beginners and seasoned marketers.

Growing your newsletter subscriber list is one of the most effective ways to build a loyal audience and generate consistent engagement for your brand. 

But first, let’s clarify what a newsletter actually is: it’s a recurring email that delivers valuable content, updates, or offers directly to your audience’s inbox, helping you stay top-of-mind and build lasting relationships. 

While social media platforms can be useful for reaching new people, email marketing gives you a direct line to your audience, without the limitations of algorithms or third-party platforms. 

Unlike casual website visitors, email subscribers have already shown interest in your content, products, or services. This means they’re far more likely to read your updates, engage with your offers, and eventually become paying customers. 

Whether you’re starting from scratch or looking to scale your list, these tips, combined with the tools that Depicter Popup Builder provides, will help you attract more subscribers and keep them engaged for the long term.

Use High-Converting Popups

Popups are one of the fastest and most effective ways to turn visitors into subscribers. The key is using the right type of popup at the right time so you capture attention without being disruptive.

Exit-Intent Popups

These appear when a visitor is about to leave your site, giving you one last chance to capture their interest. They work well for offering discounts, free resources, or exclusive content in exchange for an email address.

Scroll-Triggered Popups

These popups appear after a visitor has scrolled a certain percentage down the page. They target people who are already engaged with your content, increasing the likelihood they’ll subscribe.

Time-Delay Popups

Triggered after a visitor has been on your site for a set period, these give people time to browse before asking for their email. This approach feels less pushy and can result in higher conversion rates.

Two-Step Opt-Ins

Instead of showing a form right away, these popups use a button or link that, when clicked, reveals the signup form. This small “micro-commitment” increases engagement and can lead to more signups.

With Depicter, you can easily create and customize all of these popup types without coding — and match them perfectly to your brand’s style.

Offer a Valuable Lead Magnet


Visitors are much more likely to give you their email address if they’re getting something valuable in return. A lead magnet is that value, and it can make a huge difference in your signup rate.

Ebooks and Guides

A free downloadable guide on a relevant topic can position your brand as an expert and give subscribers something they can immediately use.

Free E-Book Popup

Discount Codes or Special Offers

If you’re in eCommerce, offering a discount in exchange for an email is one of the most effective tactics. It works especially well in welcome or exit-intent popups.

Discount Popup

Mini Email Courses

Delivering a short email course over a few days is a smart way to build trust. It keeps new subscribers engaged and gives them ongoing value right after signing up.

Newsletter Popup

Depicter makes it easy to promote and deliver lead magnets. You can design high-converting popups, automatically trigger downloads or redirect users after they sign up, and make every offer feel personalized.

Create Targeted Offers With Display Rules

Not every visitor is the same. So why show everyone the exact same popup? By creating targeted offers based on user behavior or conditions, you can show more relevant messages and significantly improve your signup rates.

In Depicter, targeting options are available under the Display Rules panel.
To access them:

  • Open your popup project in the Depicter editor
  • Click on the Publish Button tab in the right-side panel
  • Under the Display Rules section click on the Configure button
Display Rules Button

This gives you full control over who sees what, when, and how, without writing a single line of code.

Display Rules Window

Here are some of the most useful targeting rules:

Device Type Targeting


You can choose to show different popups on mobile, tablet, or desktop devices. This ensures that your design and message fit perfectly on every screen and don’t disrupt the mobile experience.

Device Type Targeting

URL-Based Targeting


Display your popup only on specific pages or paths. This is great when you want to offer content that’s relevant to a specific product, blog post, or landing page.

URL-Based Targeting

Referral Source Targeting

You can set a popup to appear only if the visitor comes from a certain source (like Facebook, Google Ads, or an affiliate link). This allows you to customize your message based on where the visitor came from.

Referral Source Targeting

Time or Date Scheduling


Schedule your popup to appear only during specific times of day, days of the week, or within a defined date range.

Time or Date Scheduling

Logged-in vs. Guest Users

Target users based on whether they’re logged into your website or not. This is especially useful for membership sites, online stores, or any platform with registered users.

Logged-in vs. Guest Users

With Depicter’s Display Rules, you don’t have to settle for one-size-fits-all messaging. Instead, you can build smarter, more personalized experiences — and turn more visitors into subscribers, based on exactly who they are and what they need.

Bonus: Newsletter Content Ideas That Keep Subscribers Engaged

Getting someone to subscribe to your newsletter is just the first step — keeping them engaged is where the real value comes in. Consistent, relevant, and interesting content helps you build trust, drive traffic, and increase conversions over time.

Here are a few tried-and-true content types to include in your email newsletter strategy:

Tips & How-To Guides

Practical advice related to your audience’s interests keeps your emails useful. Whether it’s a short tip or a full guide, educational content builds trust and positions you as an expert.

Product Updates or Feature Highlights

Let subscribers know what’s new with your product or service. This keeps your community informed and makes sure they’re aware of features they might not be using yet.

Exclusive Offers or Discounts

Send limited-time deals or subscriber-only promo codes. People love feeling like insiders — and this type of email often leads to quick conversions.

Organized Content

Share a roundup of interesting blog posts, videos, or tools your audience would find valuable — even if they’re not yours. This shows you understand their interests and adds value without being overly promotional.

Behind-the-Scenes Updates

Let your audience in on what’s happening inside your brand — upcoming projects, team moments, lessons learned. It adds personality and builds deeper connections.

Community Highlights

Feature user stories, testimonials, or showcase how customers are using your product. This adds social proof and shows appreciation for your audience.

Event or Webinar Invitations

If you’re hosting (or joining) an event, invite your subscribers. It’s a great way to move the relationship from passive reading to active participation.

Ask for Feedback or Input

Use your newsletter to ask readers what they want next — whether it’s a new feature, content idea, or product improvement. This makes them feel heard and involved.

Sample Newsletter Email

Subject: Quick Win: 3 Ways to Improve Your Homepage Engagement

Body:

Hi [First Name],

Want more visitors to stick around on your homepage? Here are 3 quick strategies you can try today:

  1. Add a strong headline — Make sure it’s clear who you help and what problem you solve.
  2. Use a visual popup — Highlight a lead magnet or limited-time offer using Depicter to draw attention.
  3. Simplify your layout — Remove distractions and guide users toward one clear action.

Want more website tips like this? Stay tuned — we’ve got a full guide coming next week.

To your success,
The [Your Brand] Team

Conclusion

Growing your newsletter subscriber list doesn’t have to be complicated, but it does require the right tools and strategies. By using targeted popups, valuable lead magnets, personalized display rules, and engaging newsletter content, you can turn casual visitors into loyal subscribers and long-term customers. The Depicter Popup Builder makes the whole process easier, more effective, and fully customizable — no coding required. 

Start small, test consistently, and focus on providing value at every step. Your list will grow faster than you think.

FAQs 

What is a newsletter and why is it important?

A newsletter is a recurring email sent to your subscribers that includes updates, promotions, or valuable content. It’s important because it helps build trust, drive traffic, and create long-term engagement with your audience — without relying on social media algorithms.

How do I start growing my newsletter subscribers?

Start by offering a clear incentive (like a discount or free guide), use a high-converting popup (like exit-intent or scroll-triggered), and make sure the signup process is simple. Depicter makes it easy to do all of this visually and without code.

What makes a good lead magnet?

A good lead magnet solves a specific problem or delivers quick value — examples include ebooks, checklists, discount codes, or free mini-courses. It should feel relevant and desirable to your target audience.

How can I personalize my popups?

Using Depicter’s Display Rules, you can show different messages based on device type, referral source, logged-in status, page URL, and more. This helps make each visitor’s experience more relevant and effective.

How often should I send newsletters?

There’s no one-size-fits-all answer, but once a week is a good starting point. Focus on consistency and value — quality matters more than frequency.

Cold email vs cold calling feature image

Cold Email vs Cold Call

Cold email vs cold call – which one works better in 2025?

It’s a common question for sales teams, marketers, and founders trying to reach new leads. Both strategies still work, but they work in different ways.

Cold emailing is when we send a message to someone we’ve never contacted before. It’s easy to scale, cost-effective, and lets people respond on their own time. 

On the other hand, cold calling is more direct. It gives us real-time feedback and a chance to build trust instantly if the prospect answers.

In this post, we’ll break down the numbers, pros, cons, and best use cases of both methods. You’ll leave with a clear idea of what works and why.

Is Email Marketing Better Than Cold Calling?

When we compare cold email vs cold call we’re really comparing how modern sales teams start conversations. Both methods still work. But they work differently.

Email gives us reach. We can contact hundreds of prospects a day using smart tools. Cold calling offers real-time feedback. We hear the tone, objections, and interest immediately. One is passive and scalable. The other is active and personal.

In terms of building trust and email feels safer. It gives the reader space. They can click a link, check our site, or forward it to their team. A call feels direct. It can build trust fast or lose it just as quickly.

Here’s a quick comparison between cold email and cold calling:

FactorCold EmailCold Call
ScalabilityHigh (100s per day with tools)Low (manual, one-by-one)
Response Rate8–20% (with strong personalization)2–5% pick-up rate, but higher conversions
InterruptiveNoYes
CostLow (email tools + domains)Medium (tools, reps, call time)
Best ForSaaS, B2B services, agencies, consultantsRecruitment, real estate, insurance
Follow-Up StrategyEasy to automate follow-up email sequenceRequires manual callbacks or CRM setup

For example, a sales prospecting email in a SaaS company might spark interest after two touches. A recruiter might still rely on phone calls to close faster.

So, is email marketing more effective than cold calling? It depends on the goal. If you want scale, low cost, and flexibility then email wins. If you want speed and real-time objections then the phone still holds power.

Let’s break that down further below.

Why Is Email Marketing King?

We’re big fans of cold email. And there’s a reason many modern sales teams rely on it.

First, it scales fast. We can reach hundreds of leads with personalized cold emails using tools like Instantly or Smartlead. These tools use smart sending rules and help avoid spam filters.

Second, it gives high ROI. According to Campaign Monitor’s 2025 B2B ROI report, email delivers up to $36 for every $1 spent. That includes cold email sequences in outbound campaigns.

Third, it’s low-pressure. People can read your email, click the link, or forward it. You’re not forcing a decision at the moment. That helps build trust. Works great in B2B.

And most importantly you control the pace. You can stay top of mind without being pushy with smart follow-ups. That’s something phone outreach can’t always do.

Is Email Marketing the Future?

Cold calling is getting harder. People don’t answer unknown numbers. Some get annoyed when you interrupt their day.

That’s why cold emailing vs cold calling is tilting in favor of email in 2025.

Here’s what’s changing:

  • AI-personalized emails are faster and better than ever.
  • Smart cold email sequences adapt based on opens and replies.
  • Inbox warmup tools keep domains healthy and out of spam.
  • Email fits easily into multichannel outreach strategy (Email + LinkedIn + Retargeting).
  • Gen Z and younger buyers often prefer asynchronous communication.

According to LinkedIn’s B2B Buyer Report, 65% of buyers prefer email as the first point of contact. That number is up from 51% in 2022.

Phone outreach still has a place but email is leading the way for most B2B teams in 2025.

Should I Email or Cold Call First?

This is the question we get all the time: Should I email first or just pick up the phone and call?

When we look at cold email and cold calling, the answer isn’t one-size-fits-all. It depends on the industry, the type of offer, and the personality of the buyer you’re reaching out to.

If you’re selling something simple and fast-moving like a local service then cold calling might work better. But email outreach is better for high-ticket B2B offers. It gives prospects time to think, click, and forward the message internally.

In many cases, the best move isn’t choosing one over the other rather it’s using both. A multichannel outreach strategy gets higher response rates than using just one channel alone.

Here’s how you can do it:

  • Start with a personalized cold email.
  • Follow up with a short call after 2–3 days.
  • Use LinkedIn to add a soft touchpoint.
  • Repeat the process until we get a clear yes or no.

You can also contact a professional B2B cold outreach company like Prospectout. They helps B2B companies book more qualified meetings through cold email.

Phone Call vs Email Statistics

Data helps us decide what works best when comparing phone call vs email outreach.

In 2025, here’s what recent studies show:

MetricCold EmailCold Call
Open Rate45–60% (with a good subject line)N/A
Cold Email Response Rate8–20%N/A
Cold Call Pick-Up Rate2–5%2–5%
Cold Call Success Rate1–3% conversion to meeting1–3%
Touchpoints to Book a Call5–9 (avg. for B2B)5–9 (multi-channel works best)

Cold emails win on volume and asynchronous communication. But calls still convert better when you manage to connect live.

Tip: Use tools like Instantly for smart email sequences and Aircall for cloud calling to make both easier.

Cold Email vs Cold Call: Pros and Cons Breakdown

Now let’s put it all on one page. Here’s a side-by-side look at the pros and cons of cold email vs cold call. This is done based on our experience, data, and what works in 2025.

FactorCold EmailCold Call
CostLow (email tools and domains)Medium (time, tools, phone)
SpeedFast to send, delayed repliesInstant feedback if answered
InterruptiveNo – they read when readyYes – we interrupt their day
InterruptiveNo – they read when readyYes – we interrupt their day
Response RateMedium – varies by subject and timingHigh – but only if they pick up
ScalabilityVery high – can reach 100s dailyLow – limited to rep availability
Ideal ForB2B SaaS, Agencies, ConsultantsRecruiters, Local Businesses, High-ticket Sales

Tools You Need in 2025 for Cold Email and Cold Calling

No matter which channel you prefer — tools make a big difference.

Cold Email Tools

These help you scale without sounding robotic:

  • Instantly.ai – Smart cold email sending
  • Smartlead.ai – AI-powered cold email sequences
  • Lemlist – Personalization at scale
  • Hunter.io / Apollo.io – Email finder + lead data

Cold Calling Tools

Modern calling isn’t just dialing numbers. These tools help with timing, tracking, and connecting:

  • Aircall – Cloud phone for sales teams
  • Dialpad – Business calling with CRM integration
  • Outreach.io – Full sequencing + call + email
  • LeadIQ – Enrich phone numbers and build qualified lists

Now, if you’ve decided that cold email is the better fit for your outreach strategy then the next step is setting up the right tools to make it work. 

Check this list of best cold email plugins for WordPress. 

These plugins will also help you send outreach emails, manage leads, and track replies without relying on third-party platforms. 

Final Verdict – Cold Email vs Cold Call: Which Should You Choose?

Let’s wrap this up.

If we’re comparing cold email vs cold call, we’re not picking sides — we’re choosing strategy.

  • Cold email is scalable, low-pressure, and trackable
  • Cold calling is fast, emotional, and powerful when used at the right time
  • The real answer? Use both.

Our favorite approach:
Email → Call → Follow-Up → LinkedIn → Email Again

That’s how we book meetings in 2025.