How to Attract High-Quality Email Subscribers

Hey, it’s Varun from The eCommerce Marketing Newsletter.

So I got this question from another eCommerce brand owner on this list…

"How do I attract high-quality subscribers instead of freebie-seekers?"

It’s a solid question. A list full of bargain hunters who never convert is dead weight. Let’s fix that.

1. Your Offer is Everything

Your email list is only as good as the way people join it. If you're attracting low-intent subscribers, chances are your lead magnet is the problem.

The best brands don’t just throw out a generic 10% off code—they structure their offer to filter out low-value shoppers and attract real buyers.

Instead of “Get 10% Off Your First Order,” test:

• “Get $20 Off When You Spend $100” – Attracts high-AOV customers.

• “Exclusive Early Access to Limited Drops” – Builds brand loyalty.

• “VIP Membership: Unlock Private Sales & Rewards” – Adds long-term value.

2. Freebies vs. AOV-Boosting Offers

Most brands give a discount just for an email signup, but that attracts discount shoppers. Instead, shift your strategy towards offers that drive higher AOV right from the start.

Instead of:

• “Sign up to enter for a T-Shirt” (Low commitment, low quality leads)

Try:

• “Spend $75+ and Get a Free Gift”

• “Get 10% Off Your First Order”

• “Get a $15 Gift Card After Your First Purchase”

• “Buy 2, Get 1 Free – Get Code Now”

These offers force action and increase order value instead of just attracting people who only care about discounts.

3. Shift from Passive to Intent-Driven Signup

Most pop-ups just collect emails and do nothing else. But what if your signup process actually filtered out non-buyers?

Try this instead:

• Mystery Offer: “Unlock a Surprise Offer—Enter Your Email” (Gamifies the process)

• Spending-Based Discount: “Get $10 Off When You Spend $50+” (Sets a minimum purchase)

• Exclusive Access: “Join Our VIP List for Early Access to New Drops” (Targets high-LTV customers)

It’s not just about getting more emails. It’s about getting the right emails.

Some Helpful Links

• For the Scaling Email:
  Want to see how this works in action? Here's how we helped an eCommerce brand generate an extra $75,000 through email marketing: Read the case study here.

• For the High-Quality Subscribers Email:
  We’ve generated over $2M using this exact welcome series. Steal it here: See the breakdown.

• For the Money Left on the Table Email:
  Scaling backend flows is where the real money is: Check it out.

Reply to this email if you have any questions or any content you want covered in the future!

Warmly,

Varun

P.S. If your ecommerce brand is doing more than $50k each month and you're interested in a free email strategy consultation with me, schedule a call here »