How can I connect website forms to an email list?

Email & Newsletters

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Connecting website forms to an email list requires a simple, reliable flow. Start by choosing a form builder that can submit to your list and map fields clearly.
Goal: Enable a smooth flow from website forms to an email list with minimal friction.
Approach: Map fields carefully and verify delivery to the list service.

Who is this for?

- Small business owners seeking simple list growth.
- Bloggers needing to capture reader emails.
- Non-profits collecting member or volunteer signups.
- Site owners aiming for quick, low-friction setup.

Before you start

- Access to your website where the form will be placed.
- A signup form built or integrated with your list service.
- Basic privacy and consent language on the form.

General Process (How it works)

Define goal Clarify what data you need and why, to guide field mapping and consent.
Choose a form builder Select a tool that supports list integrations via API or webhook.
Create form and map fields Build essential fields (email at minimum) and map them to your list attributes.
Connect to the list Configure the integration and test the flow from submission to list entry.
Add consent and privacy Include opt-in or double opt-in as required by policy.
Test end-to-end Submit test entries and verify signups, confirmations, and data accuracy.
Review and iterate Check growth metrics and make small tweaks for better conversions.

Jump to tool:

AWeber

MailerLite

🏆 Recommended for this task

🏆 Recommended

AWeber

Best for: Bloggers, coaches, Etsy sellers, and other small businesses seeking to grow their email list and automate communications.

Paid Required$20.00 / month

How to in AWeber

Create Or Select List: In Aweber, navigate to Lists. Click Create a List. Enter your company name, website, and address. Choose a list name (e.g., Newsletter) and set basic list details. Save the list and ensure two-step opt-in is enabled for verification.
Configure List Details: Open the List Settings. Add a clear description of what subscribers will receive, set the from-name and from-email, and choose the default language. Save changes.
Enable Double Opt-In: Ensure two-step (double) opt-in is turned on so sign-ups require confirmation. This reduces fake addresses and spam complaints.
Create Sign-Up Form: Go to Forms > Sign Up Forms > Create Sign Up Form. Choose the form type (Standard on-site form vs. landing page).
Choose Form Template: Select a template that includes Name and Email fields (or only Email if you prefer).
Customize Form Appearance: Edit text, colors, and layout to match your brand. Use the Form Builder to adjust headings and button labels.
Copy HTML Embed Code: In Step 3 of the form setup, select the Raw HTML option and copy the code snippet provided.
Add Form To Website: On your WordPress site, edit the page where you want the form. Insert a Custom HTML block and paste the copied Aweber code. Save the page.
Test The Sign-Up Form: Visit the page on your site, submit a test email, and confirm the opt-in from the confirmation email. Check that the subscriber appears in Aweber.
Import Existing Subscribers: If you have existing clients, go to Subscribers > Import. Upload a CSV and map fields (Email, First Name, etc.). Decide whether to confirm or skip confirmation for existing contacts.
Tag Imported Subscribers: Because you may have only one list on the free plan, apply a tag like 'newsletter' to imported subscribers to segment them.
Create Welcome Email Campaign: Navigate to Automation > Campaigns > Create Campaign. Use a prebuilt Welcome series or build your own. Use the tag 'newsletter' as the trigger.
Publish Welcome Campaign: Edit the welcome emails to reflect your brand. Save changes and set the campaign status to Active.
Create Newsletter Broadcast: Go to Messages > Broadcasts > Create Newsletter. Choose a template, customize content, and add branding.
Schedule Or Send Newsletter: In the broadcast editor, choose recipients (e.g., those tagged 'newsletter'), set subject, and schedule date/time. Confirm time zone and save.
Review Strategy And Compliance: Verify your list strategy aligns with your business goals. Ensure double opt-in, privacy policy visibility, and unsubscribe options are clear.

Try AWeber Tool details

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Alternatives

MailerLite

Best for: Ideal for small businesses, creators, and marketing teams aiming to grow their audience and convert subscribers through automated emails, landing pages, and signup forms.

Free Plan Available$18.00 / month

How to in MailerLite

Define form-to-list objective and prerequisites: Decide which email list will receive signups, consent requirements, and required fields. Verification: list and consent policy documented.
Choose form capture method and placement: Select how visitors will sign up (on-site forms, landing pages, or popups) and where they will appear. Verification: chosen method and locations documented.
Create sign-up list in ESP: Create or select a list in your Email Service Provider and ensure required fields match your plan. Verification: list exists and fields mapped.
Create sign-up form or embed code: Create a sign-up form that collects email (and additional fields) and connect to the chosen list. Verification: form exists and submits to the target list.
Map form fields to ESP fields: Map each form field to the corresponding ESP field (email, name, consent, etc.). Verification: field mappings tested with sample data.
Enable consent options and privacy compliance: Add explicit consent and privacy links; configure double opt-in if required. Verification: consent field present and opt-in tested.
Configure data flow on submission: Define what happens when the form is submitted (new subscriber, updates, tags, automation). Verification: end-to-end submission flow tested.
Embed or publish the form on the website: Place the form on intended pages or widgets; verify responsive rendering and accessibility. Verification: form renders and submits on desktop/mobile.
Test, monitor, and maintain: Run end-to-end tests, confirm signups appear in ESP, monitor for errors, review analytics, and schedule audits. Verification: signups appear; logs reviewed.

Tool details

Quick Comparison

Tool	Free Plan?	Min Price
AWeber	No	$20.00 / month
MailerLite	Yes	$18.00 / month

Which tool should you choose?

AWeber

Aweber offers easy sign-up forms, reliable deliverability, and clear integration with websites and WordPress. Its built-in campaigns and automated welcome emails streamline onboarding, while the free plan supports basic lists. This makes Aweber ideal for quickly connecting site forms to your email list.