How To Turn Etsy Traffic Into Excited Email Subscribers

Got people visiting your Etsy shop… but not buying?

Or maybe they did buy—once. But you never heard from them again.

It’s frustrating, right? You’re doing all the right things—listing your products, promoting on Pinterest, even making a few sales—but there’s no way to reach out, follow up, or build any kind of relationship.

If someone’s bought from you once, they’re up to 70% more likely to buy again. But Etsy doesn’t give you a way to nurture that connection. No space for real conversation. No way to give them first dibs on new products or a sweet little thank-you discount.

That’s where email comes in.

Email gives you the power to create a personal shopping experience—even inside the big, noisy Etsy marketplace.

It turns one-time browsers into email subscribers and raving fans. And the best part? It doesn’t have to be hard or techy or time-consuming.

You just need a simple system.

I’ll show you exactly how to build one that fits your style—and helps your sales.

Let’s jump in.

 
turn etsy traffic into email subscribers

📌 Pin this post to come back to it anytime.

 

A Lost Sale

I once bought a big batch of leather labels on Etsy for my crochet winter hats. They were perfect—beautiful quality, fast shipping, great price. I was so happy.

But when it came time to reorder?

I couldn’t remember the name of the shop. Couldn’t find the listing. Couldn’t track it down no matter how hard I tried.

I must’ve checked out as a guest, because there was no purchase history to go back to. So I gave up… and bought from someone else.

That seller lost a repeat customer—not because I didn’t love their product, but because they didn’t give me a way to stay connected.

And that’s exactly why email matters.

1 – Why Etsy Traffic Alone Isn’t Enough

Etsy traffic can feels like a win.

You see the views ticking up. A few favourites. Maybe even the occasional cart.

But it’s just noise unless you can do something with it.

On Etsy traffic doesn’t equal control.

You don’t own that traffic. You don’t know who those visitors are. And you definitely can’t contact them once they leave your shop. It’s like renting space at a busy market—sure, the crowd might be huge, but how are you going to invite them back?

This is where building email subscribers becomes everything.

When someone joins your email list, they’re raising their hand. They're saying, “Yes, I want to hear from you again.” That’s powerful. That’s yours. Even if Etsy changes their algorithm tomorrow, or your shop gets buried under 10,000 others—you’ve still got a way to reach your people.

However, most Etsy sellers focus on driving more traffic when they really need to focus on keeping it.

You don’t need more. You need to be smarter with what you already have.

I’ve seen shops with just a few hundred monthly views build thriving email lists—because they had a system.

A way to invite visitors off the Etsy platform and into a space they could actually control.

That’s the key.

Your email list is the bridge between a fleeting browser and a loyal customer. It’s the difference between someone who stumbles on your shop once… and someone who buys again, shares your brand, and tells their friends about you.

And if you're sitting there thinking, "Okay, but how am I supposed to do all that?"—I've got you. This doesn’t have to be complicated. You can set up a whole email collection system in under an hour. I’ve even put together a free Email List Setup Checklist to walk you through the exact steps.

Or, if you’d rather not fiddle with tech at all, I offer a Done-For-You Email System that handles it all—setup, lead magnet, welcome email, and even integration with Etsy-friendly platforms.


The point is: you have options. But no matter what, I think the most important shift is this—

  • Stop trying to just get more Etsy traffic.

  • Start turning that traffic into something that lasts.


2 – What Etsy Does and Doesn’t Allow When It Comes to Emails

Etsy doesn’t allow you to ask directly for email addresses inside their platform—especially not before someone buys.

You can’t send a message saying, “Hey! Want to join my newsletter?” That crosses the line and could put your shop at risk.

But there’s nuance here.

You can invite people to join your list using external links, as long as you're not being pushy or spammy. And Etsy actually gives you several places where you can plant the seeds.

Let’s break this down.

What You Can’t Do:

  • You can’t send unsolicited messages asking for email addresses.

  • You can’t collect emails through Etsy’s checkout process.

  • You can’t trick people with coupon codes that require a sign-up inside Etsy.

What You Can Do:

  • You can link to your website or landing page in your About section.

  • You can mention your freebie or lead magnet in your listing descriptions.

  • You can include an insert in your packaging that says, “Want a free gift? Visit this link.”

  • You can use your Shop Announcement to point people toward a useful free resource.

  • You can even reply to a customer after a sale with something like:
    “By the way, I’ve got a bonus guide for this product if you’d like it—totally free. Just head here to grab it [link].”

It’s not about blasting your newsletter to every visitor.
It’s about creating moments where joining your list just makes sense.


Let’s say you sell handmade crochet kits. You might mention in your listing:
Want help getting started? Download my free Beginner’s Stitch Guide here.
That’s not spam. That’s service. And if that guide leads to a landing page that captures emails? Perfect.


That’s how you take Etsy traffic—traffic you don’t own—and give it a place to land.
A place where it becomes an audience you do own: your email subscribers.

You don’t have to break Etsy’s rules to grow.
You just have to understand them—and work with them.

3 – Where to Collect Emails from Etsy Shoppers

If you’re starting to feel like Etsy’s a walled garden—you’re not wrong.

It’s built that way on purpose. Etsy wants to keep shoppers on their platform, not send them off to your website.

But I believe there are still clever ways to guide that Etsy traffic into your world—without breaking a single rule.

It’s not about tricking people. It’s about offering value, at just the right moment, and making it easy for them to say yes.

So where can you do this?

1. About Section

This is one of the most overlooked places. But it’s yours—Etsy lets you add a link here.

At the end of your story, try something like:
“Want early access to my new designs + a free printable? Grab it here [link].”

It’s low-key. No hard sell. Just an open door for someone curious enough to step through.

2. Listing Descriptions

You can’t write essays in here, but a one-line mention? That’s totally fine.

At the bottom of your product description, try:
“Get 10% off your next order + a behind-the-scenes peek—sign up here.”
Or:
“Need help choosing? I’ve got a free style guide just for you [link].”

This works especially well if the opt-in actually complements the product they’re looking at. Think crochet sizing guide, color combos cheat sheet, or “how to style it” printable.

3. Shop Announcement or Banner

This space is gold. Use your announcement bar to say something simple like:
“Want a free gift? Sign up for the VIP list here [link].”

Better yet, design a shop banner graphic in Canva that features your freebie or discount code opt-in. Visuals grab attention where plain text won’t.

4. Packaging Inserts

Once they’ve ordered from you, the rules shift. That person is now your customer. That means you can gently invite them to stay connected.

Slip in a postcard that says:
“Thanks for supporting handmade! Want 10% off your next order? Grab your code here.”
Use a QR code that links directly to your landing page. No one has to type anything, and you’re making their life easier—not harder.

This is one of the most effective (and underused) ways to turn Etsy buyers into email subscribers.

5. Order Follow-Up Messages

This one’s delicate—but powerful if you use it right.

After someone buys, Etsy lets you send a thank-you message. I believe this is your chance to offer a helpful bonus—not just another promo.

For example:
“Hi! Your order’s on the way. In the meantime, I’ve got a free guide that pairs perfectly with your kit—grab it here if you’d like!”

You’re not asking for an email. You’re offering something valuable. And if the page you send them to has an opt-in? Even better.

6. Social Links

You probably already have your Instagram or Pinterest linked in your Etsy shop, right?

Use those platforms to nudge people toward your list. Maybe your IG bio says:
“✨ Free crochet guide + discounts — get it here [link] ✨”

Let Etsy traffic spill into your social world—and from there, into your list.

I think the magic isn’t in being everywhere. It’s in choosing a few places, and using them with real intention.

Make it about helping, not hustling. Keep the language soft, generous, and clear.

And if setting up all these touchpoints sounds like a headache? You don’t have to do it alone. My Done-For-You Email System includes personalized strategy and branded opt-ins for your shop, so you can start collecting email subscribers without lifting a finger.

Bottom line? You already have Etsy traffic.
Now let’s give it somewhere meaningful to go.


📬 Grab the Free Email
List Setup Checklist

Want more control and connection with your customers?

This free checklist shows you exactly how to start your email list the simple way—step by step.

👉 Get the checklist here and start building a shop that grows with you.


4 – What Kind of Freebie or Opt-In Works Best for Etsy Shoppers

A newsletter? A discount? A freebie?

You don’t want to throw just anything out there. You want something that feels right. On-brand. Useful. Enticing.

  • I believe the best opt-ins do one of two things:

  • They either help or they delight.

And when you’re working with Etsy traffic—shoppers who already care about handmade, details, and design—that gives you a big advantage. These aren’t random scrollers. They value quality. They’re visual. And they love a peek behind the scenes.

So, what actually works?

🎁 1. A Beautiful Freebie That Feels Like a Gift

If you sell crochet kits, maybe it’s a beginner’s stitch guide.
If you sell printable art, maybe it’s a free mini print or phone wallpaper.
If you sell handmade candles, maybe it’s a scent guide or care tips cheat sheet.

Think of it like an appetizer—just enough to give someone a taste of your vibe and leave them wanting more.

💡 2. A Discount That Feels Exclusive

Yes, discounts work—but I think they work best when they’re framed as part of a “VIP” experience.
Not just:
Here’s 10% off.
More like:
Join the list and get 10% off your next order + early access to new drops.

It’s the feeling of being part of something. Like they’re getting in on a secret.

📩 3. An Experience or Resource

This one’s a little more unexpected—but Etsy shoppers love extras.

  • A styling guide for your jewellery.

  • A printable mood board that matches your art.

  • A seasonal gift guide featuring your products.

It doesn’t have to be long or fancy. One well-designed PDF can go a long way.

The important part? It has to connect to what you sell.
If someone finds your opt-in through your Etsy shop, you want them thinking, “Oh yes, this is exactly what I need right now.”

Your freebie doesn’t have to be complicated to be effective. I think people often underestimate how much value lives in something small, well-designed, and clearly explained.

What If You’re Not a Designer?

You can use a free Canva template and keep it super simple. Or you can skip the DIY and let me handle it—I create custom opt-in freebies as part of the Done-For-You Email System, tailored to your shop’s style and audience.

No guessing. Just one clean opt-in that speaks directly to your dream customer.

Bottom line?

  • Your Etsy traffic is already warm.

  • They’ve found you.

  • They’re curious.

Now’s the time to give them something that says, “I see you. And I’ve got something special just for you.”

5 – Simple Landing Page Tips That Actually Convert

You’ve created a great freebie. Now comes the next step—giving your subscribers a place to land.

And no, I don’t mean sending them to your homepage and hoping they figure it out.

You need a landing page. Just one.
A space with one job: to collect email subscribers.

And I believe it should feel like an invitation, not a billboard. If your landing page feels cluttered, confusing, or generic—it’s going to scare people off. But if it feels warm, personal? You’ll be amazed at how many people sign up.

So what makes a landing page actually work?

1. Start With a Headline That Solves a Problem

Not just: Join my newsletter.

That’s vague. And let’s be honest—most people aren’t dying to get more emails.

But this?
Want 15% Off + a Free Crochet Pattern? Grab It Here.
That’s a yes. That’s immediate value.

Lead with the benefit. Show them exactly what they’ll get and why it’s worth it.

2. Keep It Distraction-Free

No nav bars. No endless scrolling.
This isn’t the place to showcase your entire product catalogue. This is a micro-moment of trust. One goal. One action.

Use plenty of white space. Break up your text.
Make it feel calm, not chaotic.

Keep it simple, clear, and easy to sign up.

3. Use a Clear CTA Button

Make sure your call-to-action button actually stands out.
Bright colour. Big text. Easy to tap.

Instead of just “Submit,” try:

  • Send Me the Free Guide

  • Yes! I Want 15% Off

  • Grab My Gift

Use language that feels human. Excited. Inviting.

4. Make It Mobile-Friendly

So many Etsy shoppers are on their phones.
If your page looks weird or slow on mobile, you’ll lose them before they even see the offer.

Test your landing page on your phone. Make sure everything loads fast, text is readable, and buttons are easy to tap.

5. Stay On-Brand

Match the tone and aesthetic of your Etsy shop.
Same fonts. Same colors. Same vibe.

This helps people feel like they’re still in your world. It builds trust and reinforces the connection.

Even something as simple as using your product photos as background images or adding your logo can make the page feel polished and personal.

6 – What to Send Once They Subscribe (So They Stay Excited)

Alright, so you’ve done the hard work—turned your Etsy traffic into email subscribers.

But now what?

This part trips up a lot of sellers. They get the email address, then… silence. Or worse, a generic, boring welcome email that lands in the trash.

Your welcome email sets the tone for everything. It’s the first real conversation you have with your subscriber, and it needs to feel personal, warm, and useful.

Think of it like opening the door to your creative studio and inviting them inside.

What I believe your welcome sequence should do:

  • Deliver the freebie (or discount) immediately.
    Don’t make them wait or hunt for it. Make it easy to find, easy to use.

  • Say thank you, and tell your story—briefly.
    People want to know who you are. Not your whole life story—just enough to create a connection. Something like:
    "Thanks for joining! I’m passionate about handmade, and I can’t wait to share tips and goodies with you."

  • Showcase your best products or popular items.
    This isn’t a hard sell. Think of it as a gentle introduction: “If you loved the free pattern, you might like these too.”

  • Give behind-the-scenes or exclusive content.
    Subscribers love feeling like insiders. Maybe share a sneak peek of a new product or a tip that didn’t make it to Etsy.

  • Invite engagement.
    Ask a question. Encourage replies. Make it feel like a two-way conversation.

Why this matters so much:

I believe email subscribers aren’t just names on a list—they’re people who’ve invited you into their inbox.

That’s a privilege, not a right.

So keeping that excitement alive means respecting their time and attention with emails that bring value and personality.


Keep in mind: The goal isn’t just to get email subscribers from Etsy traffic.
It’s to turn those subscribers into excited fans who actually open, read, and buy.


7 – Tools to Help You Collect and Send Emails Easily

All this sounds great, but what tools do I even use to collect emails from my Etsy traffic and send those emails?

The tech side can feel like a mountain when all you want to do is create and sell.

That’s why I believe choosing the right email service provider makes a huge difference. It should feel like a helpful partner, not a headache.

Since you’re focused on Etsy and want to grow your email subscribers without fuss, here are three platforms I recommend — all great for creatives and Etsy sellers alike:

1. AWeber

AWeber is friendly for beginners. It has drag-and-drop email builders and easy-to-create landing pages, perfect if you want to quickly start capturing Etsy traffic as subscribers. Plus, their automation tools help you send welcome emails without lifting a finger.

👉 Want to grow your list without tech overwhelm? Try AWeber for free

2. Moosend

Moosend offers powerful automation and segmentation but stays simple to use. If you want to personalize your emails and tailor content to different groups of subscribers, this is a solid choice. It’s also budget-friendly, which matters when you’re growing your list from Etsy.

👉 On a tight budget but want powerful tools? Explore Moosend here

3. GetResponse

GetResponse packs a punch for sellers ready to scale. Along with landing pages and email marketing, it offers funnels and webinars. If you want to build a complete marketing system around your Etsy shop and email list, this platform has you covered.

👉 Ready to scale your Etsy brand with serious marketing tools? Check out GetResponse

All three let you:

  • Create clean landing pages that turn Etsy visitors into email subscribers

  • Set up automated welcome emails so your new subscribers get the freebie instantly

  • Track how many Etsy visitors become subscribers and how those subscribers engage with your emails.


Remember, having the right tool isn’t just about features. It’s about feeling confident using it every day to nurture your list and turn Etsy traffic into real connections.


SECTION 8 – Tracking and Improving Your Results Over Time

You’re sending emails. You’re building relationships. Awesome.

But here’s something I think often gets missed:
If you’re not tracking your results, you’re flying blind.

I believe that tracking isn’t just for big businesses with fancy dashboards.

It’s for anyone who wants to grow smarter, faster, and avoid wasting effort.

Why track?

Imagine you’re baking cookies. You follow a recipe, but don’t check if they’re done. Could be undercooked, could be burnt. Same with your email marketing.

Tracking helps you see what’s working, what’s not, and where to tweak your approach.

What should you track?

  • Where your email subscribers come from
    Use tracking links (like UTM codes or link shorteners) in your Etsy About page, listing descriptions, and packaging inserts. This tells you which spots turn the most Etsy traffic into subscribers.

  • Landing page conversion rates
    How many visitors actually sign up? If it’s low, maybe your freebie or CTA isn’t clear enough.

  • Email open rates
    Are your subscribers opening your emails or ignoring them? Low opens might mean your subject lines need work or your emails aren’t hitting the right tone.

  • Click-through rates
    Are people clicking the links inside your emails? If not, maybe your emails need stronger CTAs or more relevant content.

  • Unsubscribe rates
    A high unsubscribe rate tells you you might be sending too often or not delivering what subscribers expect.


Remember: You’ve done the work to bring Etsy traffic in. Now it’s about growing that traffic into a loyal email subscriber base — one small step at a time.


How to track without tech overwhelm

I believe tracking should be simple.

Most email platforms — like AWeber, Moosend, and GetResponse — give you built-in analytics for opens, clicks, and unsubscribes.

Use insights to improve

When something works, do more of it. When it doesn’t, tweak or ditch it.

Maybe your packaging insert gets way more sign-ups than your About page. Then focus there.

Maybe your welcome email gets low open rates. Try changing the subject line or send time.

Tracking isn’t about perfection. It’s about learning what resonates with your Etsy traffic and your unique audience of email subscribers.



Take Control of Your Etsy Success—One Email Subscriber at a Time

I truly believe that your Etsy traffic is more than just numbers on a screen.

It’s a community waiting to be built, a story waiting to be told, and a business waiting to grow.

Turning visitors into email subscribers isn’t just a marketing tactic—it’s a way to take ownership of your creative journey.

You don’t need to be perfect. You don’t need a huge budget or fancy tech. You just need to start—one small step, one subscriber, one email at a time.

So go ahead.

Use what you’ve learned here.

Put your heart into offering value, kindness, and authenticity.

Your email list is your creative home. Build it with care. And watch your Etsy business flourish.


What’s Next?

The real power lies in starting simple and staying consistent with what feels right for you and your creative business.

Pick one email platform that feels manageable—not overwhelming—and start small. Write your first welcome email. Share a freebie or checklist to invite Etsy traffic onto your list. Build that bridge from your shop to email at your own pace.

📥 To help you get going, download the free Email List Setup Checklist. It breaks down exactly what you need to do, step-by-step, so you can set up your list without stress or confusion.

💬 Still unsure which email platform or approach fits your style best? Drop a comment below or send me a message. I’m here to help you find a simple system that respects your energy and supports your sales goals.

🧵 If the tech side feels overwhelming or you want to skip the headaches, check out my Done-For-You Email Setup designed specifically for handmade sellers. It includes:

✅ Custom Lead Magnet Creation (ideas included!)
✅ Monthly Newsletters + Automation that keeps your list engaged

Let me handle the backend, so you can focus on what you do best—creating beautiful things.

📌 Pin this post now, and come back anytime when you’re ready to turn your Etsy traffic into a growing, excited list of email subscribers.


More inspiring posts

Claudia Elliott

Helping crocheters turn creativity into freedom — one digital product at a time.

By Claudia @ Mouse & Sparrow

https://www.mouseandsparrow.com
Next
Next

How To Build An Email List From Scratch: 7 Simple Steps For Handmade Sellers