How to Build Your Quilt Shop's Email List

If you own a quilt shop, you probably know you should have an email list. But if you're thinking, “Okay, but how do I actually get people to sign up?” you're not alone.

You don't need anything complicated. You just need to make it easy for people to join and give them a reason to want your emails.

Here are a few simple ways to get started.

Start With the Customers You Already Have

The easiest people to add to your email list are the people who are already shopping with you. If you have a physical shop, put a signup sheet at the register. Better yet, have a QR code that takes customers straight to your signup form.

You can also collect email addresses when people:

• Sign up for a class
• Register for a retreat
• Attend an event
• Place an online order
• Stop by for a special shopping day

You're already interacting with these people. Make sure you're giving them an easy opportunity to stay connected!

Give Them a Reason to Sign Up

“Join our email list” isn't much of a reason. Tell people what they're going to get.

Maybe it's:

• New fabric and product announcements
• Class and event information
• Special sales and promotions
• Free patterns or tutorials
• Quilting tips and inspiration
• First looks at new projects and kits

For example, instead of saying: Join our email list!

Try: Want to know when new fabric arrives? Sign up for our emails and we'll keep you in the loop!

It's simple, but it gives people a reason to sign up.

Use Your Social Media

If you have people following you on Facebook or Instagram, those people are already interested in your shop. Use your social media to invite them to join your email list.

You might post: Want first dibs on our new kits and classes? We share them with our email subscribers first. Sign up here: [link]

You don't have to do this constantly. Just remember that your social media followers are potential email subscribers.

Put It on Your Website

Take a look at your website. Can someone easily find where to sign up for your emails? Your signup form should be easy to find on your homepage, in your footer, or both. And don't ask for a ton of information. Name and email address are enough. Does your shop offer special birthday month discounts? Great, ask for their birthday, too!

The easier you make it, the more likely people are to actually do it.

Give Them Something Useful

If you really want to grow your list, consider offering a little something in exchange for signing up. It doesn't have to be complicated.

Maybe it's:

• A free quilt pattern
• A quick tutorial
• A small coupon for their first purchase

The key is to offer something your ideal customer actually wants.

And Then... Send the Emails!

This might seem obvious, but I've seen plenty of shops work hard to build an email list and then barely use it. Don't be afraid to email your customers!

Tell them about the new fabric that just came in. Show them what you're working on. Share a customer quilt. Let them know about an upcoming class. Give them a little peek at what's happening in the shop. Your emails don't always have to be about a sale.

Think of your email list as another way to stay connected with your customers when they're not in your shop.

The Key Takeaway Here: Start Small!

Don't get discouraged if you only have 100 people on your list. Those 100 people have actually asked to hear from you. That's valuable. Keep adding a few people here and there, give them a reason to stay subscribed, and keep sending useful and interesting emails. Your list will grow. And unlike your Facebook or Instagram followers, your email list is an audience you can communicate with directly.