How to Build an Email List for Affiliate Marketing (The Smart Way)

The Modern Day Fisherman
3 days ago
3 min read

You’ve probably heard someone say “email marketing is dead.” But let’s get real—email is more alive than ever.

📊 Nearly 347 billion emails are forecasted to be sent daily this year.

📩 58% of people check email before anything else each morning.

💳 And almost three-quarters of consumers have purchased directly because of an email.

For affiliates, this is gold. Instead of waiting for people to stumble onto your website, an email list lets you build relationships and send affiliate recommendations straight to their inbox.

Step-by-Step: Building Your Email List

1️ Get an Email Marketing Provider

Start with platforms like ConvertKit, Sendinblue, or Constant Contact. These tools let you:

Create beautiful emails

Automate sequences

Track clicks and conversions

Reminder: Follow anti-spam laws (like GDPR & CAN-SPAM). Always use opt-in methods.

2️ Add Opt-In Forms Everywhere

Don’t make your visitors hunt for signup boxes. Place opt-in forms in:

Sidebar

Footer

Blog posts

Popups

Pro Tip: Offer a lead magnet (like a checklist, eBook, or free template) to skyrocket signups.

3️ Optimize Your Opt-In Forms

A plain form is okay—but an optimized one multiplies signups. Try:

Exit-intent popups (catch people before they leave)

Slide-in forms (appear after readers scroll 70% of your blog)

Quizzes (fun, interactive, email-gated results)

Case study: A site using exit-intent popups boosted subscriptions by 4000%!

4️ Create Email Campaigns That Nurture

Start with a welcome sequence:

Email 1: Thank them + introduce your brand

Email 2: Share your best free content

Email 3: Recommend a product with an affiliate link

Email 4+: Continue nurturing with value + occasional offers

The goal: Teach, engage, then recommend.

More Ways to Grow Your Email List

Create a quiz – gate the results behind an opt-in

Encourage sharing – add share buttons everywhere

Slide-in forms – capture engaged readers mid-scroll

Host a giveaway – increase signups + shares

Add social proof – “Join 10,000+ subscribers!”

Preview your newsletter – show what they’ll get before subscribing

5 Affiliate Email Marketing Tips

Tip 1: Share, Don’t Sell

Your emails should feel like a helpful conversation with a friend—not a sales pitch.

Tip 2: Check Provider Policies

Some email providers restrict affiliate links. (Drip allows them but checks for spammy practices.)

Tip 3: Promote Relevant & Profitable Products

Stick to products in your niche and look for higher ROI programs. Example: Promoting luxury items often yields bigger commissions than low-ticket Amazon items.

Tip 4: Sprinkle Links into Existing Emails

Test adding subtle links into your regular emails—like linking to a product in a blog update email.

Tip 5: Create Affiliate-Focused Sequences

Mix affiliate recommendation emails into your automation flow:

Email 3: Share a solution → add affiliate product

Email 6: Recommend a second relevant product

This balance keeps readers engaged without feeling overwhelmed.

Goldmine Secret Tip: Use Storytelling for Affiliate Emails

Most affiliates blast out product features—but features don’t sell, stories do.

Instead of:

❌ “This tool has 10 amazing features to grow your business.”

Try:

✅ “When I first started, I wasted hours doing X manually. Then I discovered [product], and it cut my workload in half. Here’s how I use it daily…”

Why this works: Stories create emotional connection + relatability. People buy into experiences, not bullet points.

Action Step: Write your next affiliate email like a mini case study about how the product changed your workflow.

Can You Really Make Money with Affiliate Email Marketing?

Absolutely. Examples:

Yaro Starak: $40,000 from one affiliate promo

FinvsFin: $17,000/month from affiliate emails

Ryan Robinson: $20,000+/month consistently

The Points Guy: Millions monthly from travel + credit card affiliates

The bottom line: Email is one of the most profitable channels for affiliates.

Final Thoughts

If you’re serious about affiliate marketing, stop relying only on blog traffic. Build your email list now. It’s your most reliable long-term asset.

Remember: Nurture first, sell second. Use storytelling, smart opt-ins, and valuable content. Your list won’t just grow—your affiliate commissions will too.