Adding a newsletter subscribe option to checkout

Encourage customers to sign up for your newsletter when they buy from your store.

Last updated September 10, 2024

You can encourage customers and donors to subscribe to a newsletter at checkout by connecting it to a Squarespace mailing list or a Mailchimp account. This adds a Join our mailing list checkbox below the email field on your checkout page.

The subscribe option is a great way to build your mailing list, increase customer loyalty, and encourage repeat purchases.

Accessing this feature

The information in this guide doesn't apply to the digital products checkout flow. To learn more about how members subscribe to Email Campaign mailing lists, visit Organizing contacts with lists and segments.

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Step 1 - Create a list

To start, create a mailing list in Squarespace or Mailchimp where you'll store subscribers' information.

Squarespace

Create a mailing list in the Lists & Segments panel. To learn more, visit Building mailing lists. Alternatively, you can skip this and connect to the default list in the next step.

After creating your mailing lists and collecting subscribers, you can use Squarespace Email Campaigns to engage your customers and promote your store. To learn more about how to use campaigns with your online store, visit Using Email Campaigns with Squarespace Commerce.

Mailchimp

If you use Mailchimp for newsletter storage, you'll need to create a new, empty audience in Mailchimp. visit Mailchimp's documentation to learn how to create a new audience.

Step 2 - Connect your account

To connect to Squarespace:

  1. Open the Checkout panel.
  2. Scroll down and switch the toggle on beside Email signup. 
  3. Click Email signup settings.
  4. Select the Mailing list drop-down menu to choose a mailing list to store submissions. If you haven't built a mailing list yet, visit Building a mailing list to set one up.
  5. Under Checkbox label, customize the text that prompts customers to subscribe.
  6. Switch the Select checkbox by default toggle on or off to adjust the default option for your customers. This setting is turned off by default.
  7. Click Save.

To connect to Mailchimp:

  1. Open the Checkout panel.
  2. Scroll down and switch the toggle on beside Email signup.
  3. Click Email signup settings.
  4. Click Connect beside Mailchimp.
  5. Log in using your Mailchimp username and password.
  6. Select a list from the drop-down menu.
  7. Under Checkbox label, customize the text that prompts customers to subscribe.
  8. Switch the Select checkbox by default toggle on or off to adjust the default option for your customers. This setting is turned off by default.

Step 3 - Enable or disable automatic opt-ins (Mailchimp only)

If Mailchimp is your storage option, customers will automatically opt into your newsletter at checkout by default. To disable automatic opt-ins, uncheck Require double opt-in after subscribing.

Mailchimp_Double_OptIn.png

Mailchimp_Double_OptIn.png

Certain merchants may need to uncheck this option to comply with local laws and regulations, such as anti-spam regulations. Canadian merchants can learn more by visiting Tips for Canadian merchants.

Note

Squarespace doesn't provide specific advice on laws or requirements applicable to your site or business.

Step 4 - Save

When you're finished, click Save.

Your customers will now see a Subscribe to our email list checkbox below the email field on the checkout page. If they subscribe, their name and email address will be added to the mailing list.

Checkout_NewsletterSubscribe.png

Checkout_NewsletterSubscribe.png

Note

The newsletter subscribe option won't display for customers who check out with Apple Pay.

Next steps

There are other ways to grow your subscriber list and engage your customers.

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  • Get help from our community on advanced customizations.

  • Hire a Squarespace Expert

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Adding a newsletter subscribe option to checkout