How to Build a Print on Demand Email List That Sells in 2025 | Step-by-Step Guide

 

How to Build a Print on Demand Email List That Sells in 2025 [Updated]

Building a high-converting print on demand email list in 2025 is more than just collecting addresses. It's about creating an audience that actually wants your products and will buy from you again and again. For both new shop owners and seasoned POD entrepreneurs, email marketing is still the most direct, reliable way to drive sales—even as social media and new channels get all the buzz.

Smart list-building helps you connect with your perfect customers, stay top-of-mind, and drive more revenue with less effort. If you're ready to stop relying on algorithms and start owning your customer base, you'll want to know how to attract quality leads and turn them into buyers. 

This post covers proven steps for collecting, nurturing, and selling to a print on demand email list that pulls its own weight in your business. If you’re just launching, you’ll also find tips tied closely to getting your store off the ground, as covered in the print on demand startup guide. Let's set you up for bigger, easier wins this year.

Why an Email List Matters for Print on Demand Success in 2025

Staying ahead in print on demand means growing a direct relationship with your buyers. While trends shift on TikTok or Instagram, your email list gives you control over who sees your marketing, what you send, and how often you reach out. 

If you want predictable sales and loyal repeat customers in 2025, email is the single channel you own, no matter what’s happening on social or in paid ads.

Photo by Walls.io

Email’s Unique Value vs. Social or Ads

With print on demand, you don’t get repeat orders on autopilot. You need to remind customers you exist and bring them back with the right offer. 

Social networks bury your posts, and rising ad costs can eat your margins. Your email list?

• You aren’t subject to unpredictable algorithms.
• You pay nothing to send a campaign to 10 people or 10,000.
• You can personalize messages and make your customers feel “seen.”

This just isn’t possible with third-party platforms, where you rent space but don’t own the audience. As more sellers flood marketplaces, the brands with a well-built list come out ahead.

Real Stats: Email Marketing Delivers

If you wonder whether all this talk about email is hype, let’s look at the latest numbers. According to Shopify's 2025 email marketing report:

• Email boasts the highest ROI of any marketing channel, returning an average of $36 for every $1 spent.
• Open rates for ecommerce emails now average about 20-25%. That means a quarter of your subscribers will see what you send.
• Ecommerce brands see average click-through rates around 2-4%. That’s better than organic social by a mile.

And when it comes to print on demand specifically, over 70% of shoppers who buy custom products want to hear from you again about new designs or exclusive offers (see full statistics). 

Customers who join your list are primed to come back for seasonal collections, product launches, or flash discounts.

How Email Lists Drive Repeat Business & Cart Size

Print on demand thrives on regular buyers, not just first-timers. Your email list lets you:

• Run targeted offers to past purchasers based on their style or prior orders.
• Launch segmented win-back campaigns for lapsed shoppers.
• Alert your best fans first about limited editions or restocks.
• Upsell matching items or bundles—think mug plus tote, or branded hats with new colors.

The practical result? According to the same Shopify research, customers reached via email:

• Spend 138% more than those who don’t receive emails.
• Are more likely to buy again within 60 days.
• Move from one-off purchases to “brand fan” status, especially when you personalize offers.

An up-to-date list means you aren’t starting from scratch with every product launch. The right email sequence can help boost your average order value, fill slow sales periods, and make your sales less dependent on paid ads or social buzz.

If you’re worried about issues like customer trust or handling returns for those repeat email buyers, guides like the Print on Demand Returns Guide cover how to keep shoppers happy and coming back, even after a hiccup.

Email Marketing Builds a Brand, Not Just Sales

No one remembers another random shop on Etsy, but they will remember your story or values if you show up regularly in their inbox. With every message, you control how your brand feels—playful, inspiring, helpful, or seasonal. 

Sharing behind-the-scenes stories, asking for feedback, or spotlighting customer photos sets your print on demand store apart from competitors who just blast products or discounts.

For more actionable reasons to grow and nurture your list in 2025, check out this guide on the necessity of email lists for creators.

Your email subscribers are your most valuable asset. When you treat them like VIPs, they’ll reward you with higher open rates, bigger orders, and reliable, long-lasting sales.

How to Attract and Capture High-Quality Subscribers

Getting subscribers for your print on demand email list is one thing. Attracting the right people—the ones who open, click, and actually buy—is a whole different ballgame. You don’t want just anybody on your list. You want fans, future buyers, and loyal supporters who love what you create. 

So what does it take? Smart lead magnets, high-converting opt-in forms, and segmentation strategies from the very start.

Lead Magnet Ideas Proven to Convert for Print on Demand

Your lead magnet is your handshake. It’s what gets skeptical shoppers to trust you with their email. To work well, it should feel relevant, valuable, and fast to claim—especially for people browsing custom products. 

Here are popular lead magnets that get high sign-up rates for POD brands:

• Exclusive Discounts: The classic “10% off your first order” or “$5 off your first custom tee” grabs attention. Shoppers love immediate rewards, and this gives them a reason to try you.
• Free Shipping Promo: Take away the most common checkout objection. “Unlock free shipping on your first purchase when you join” feels tangible and makes conversion more likely.
• Custom Design Pack Download: Offer a free mini bundle of design assets, backgrounds, or printable art to collect emails from creative buyers who care about style.
• Seasonal Product Lookbook: Let subscribers get a first peek at your newest seasonal or holiday collection. People love to feel “in the know.”
• Giveaway Entries: Run a contest for a custom shirt or mug. Entry requires an email. These work best when the prize is highly relevant to your niche—no generic iPads here.

Why do these convert? They provide instant gratification and are tailored to shoppers already interested in unique, custom goods. For more insight on winning lead magnet formulas, see these real-world POD lead magnet examples and how ecommerce shops deploy them.

If you want even more ideas (with templates to get your creative juices flowing), check out this in-depth roundup of 27 list-building lead magnet strategies.

Designing Conversion-Optimized Opt-In Forms and Landing Pages

Photo by Kindel Media

A standout lead magnet is only as effective as the sign-up form or landing page that delivers it. Here’s what separates high-performing opt-ins for print on demand stores:

• Keep It Simple: Ask only for the essentials. Usually just an email (and maybe a name, if you personalize products).
• On-Brand Design: Use your brand colors, product visuals, and playful tones. Stay consistent with your store’s vibe.
• Clear Copy: State the benefit right up top—“Get 10% off your first order” beats “Sign up for updates.”
• Mobile Friendly: Over half of POD shoppers browse on phones. Your form must look sharp on all devices.
• Trust Cues: Add a quick line about privacy (“No spam, ever.”) or customer numbers (“Join 5,000+ happy subscribers”).
• Call to Action: Make your button specific—“Get My Discount,” “Unlock Free Shipping,” “Send Me Designs.”

A/B test your forms. Tiny tweaks (changing button color, headline wording) can double conversion rates. Pop-ups and sticky bars work, but so do embedded forms on your homepage and product pages.

If you want inspiration, see how top shops build irresistible opt-in forms and check out a collection of best opt-in strategies for ecommerce you can swipe today.

For further practical advice on optimizing opt-ins, this guide on opt-in best practices is packed with actionable tips.

Curious about starting your ecommerce journey from scratch? Our step-by-step start your print on demand journey guide walks you through every foundational move.

Smart Segmentation: Starting Your List the Right Way

Getting the right people on your print on demand list is only the first step. Segmenting them—dividing them up by interest, product type, or buying journey—pays huge dividends for open rates and sales right from the start. Here’s how to do it even if you’re brand new:

• Tag by Product Interest: When someone joins, ask “Which products do you love most?” (shirts, mugs, wall art, etc.). Then send them offers for what they care about.
• Segment by Customer Type: Separate artists, gift buyers, corporate clients, or hobbyists. This helps tailor your content and offers.
• Collect Purchase Data: Send different welcome emails to first-time shoppers vs. blog readers vs. contest entrants.
• Engagement Triggers: If a subscriber opens all your emails but never clicks, try a soft nudge. If they order every season, reward them with exclusives.

Segmented emails get higher open and click rates, so you waste less time (and fewer offers) on the wrong people. For a full breakdown and more expert tactics, visit this hands-on email segmentation strategies guide.

For a solid overview on the theory and benefits of segmentation, see What is Email Segmentation? Strategies & Tips and the importance of email segmentation for your campaigns.

If you want a walk-through of print on demand product types and how they influence buyer behavior, give our breakdown on high-profit print on demand products a look.

Smart segmentation is your secret weapon. You set yourself up for big wins later—bigger open rates, more sales, and a community that actually loves your brand.

Crafting Email Campaigns That Turn Subscribers into Buyers

Email can be your secret sales weapon in print on demand—if you do it right. Automated funnels and broadcast campaigns build the bridge between your designs and your customers’ wallets. But subscribers only turn into buyers when your emails strike the right tone, deliver value, and make every message feel personal. 

You don’t need a massive budget or slick tech. You just need a thoughtful approach, some proven tactics, and a brand voice that doesn’t blend in with everyone else.

Welcome Series That Build Trust and Brand Recognition

The welcome series is your first and best shot at turning curious subscribers into real customers. It’s like a virtual handshake where you set expectations, highlight your best products, and show new readers what makes your print on demand shop special.

• Start with a genuine thank you. Open with a warm message that confirms what subscribers will get and how often. This helps set the tone and shows respect right away.
• Share your story and process. Send a short intro about why you started or what makes your shop unique—maybe a quick behind-the-scenes of your first design or favorite order.
• Highlight your bestsellers and customer favorites. Don’t just dump a catalog. Recommend a handful of products people actually love.
• Deliver value before asking for a sale. Toss in helpful tips (like how to wash a custom tee or create photo-ready wall space) before pushing for orders.
• Ease subscribers toward that first purchase. Offer your welcome discount or free shipping code in a fun, friendly way, like “Can’t wait to see what you’ll choose for your first order!”

Each email should feel like it belongs in a real, ongoing conversation. Break up copy with photos, bold buttons, and customer images. Sprinkle in storytelling and keep each message under five quick paragraphs.

Sales Emails That Don’t Feel Spammy: Content Ideas for 2025

Sales emails shouldn’t read like an infomercial. Give people real reasons to open and act. In 2025, your print on demand marketing should focus on exclusivity, authenticity, and interactivity.

Here’s what works best:

• Product Launches: Announce new drops or seasonal designs with excitement. Make subscribers feel like insiders with “first look” privileges, or let them vote on new colorways.
• User-Generated Content: Highlight customer photos or reviews. “Look what Emily made using our blank canvas tote!” Or run mini contests where subscribers can get featured if they share a photo with their purchase.
• Limited-Time Exclusives: Offer early-bird access, preorder windows, or subscriber-only designs. “This mug won’t be on Etsy—only available here this week.”
• How-To and Inspiration: Don’t just sell. Teach. Show off style guides, care tips, or fun uses for your products (“5 ways to rock your custom tee this summer”).
• Re-Stock Alerts and Waitlists: Let shoppers know when a favorite item is back. Waiting lists (even for color restocks) make your products feel in demand.

Mix up your content. Here’s a simple weekly cadence that many top print on demand shops use:

1. New product/collection email.
2. Customer story or UGC spotlight.
3. Occasional promo or flash offer.
4. Educational or “how to” content.

Keep the copy light and conversational. Use a first-person or brand voice that’s fun, open, and real about what you offer.

Photo by Damien Lusson

Leveraging Social Proof and Customer Stories

Social proof turns window shoppers into confident buyers. When subscribers see others loving your print on demand products, fear drops and trust rises. The easiest way? Weave in customer photos, testimonials, and short stories right inside your emails.

Try these quick tips:

• Spotlight real customers. Include a photo and a few lines about their order or how they used your product. For example: “Jane made this pet mug for her rescue pup—swipe to see him in action!”
• Share screenshots of reviews or unboxing moments. These look authentic and break up text blocks.
• Highlight numbers or milestones. “Join over 5,000 happy custom mug buyers!” or “Rated 4.8/5 by our subscribers last month.”

Use testimonials that address common worries—quality, delivery speed, or customer support. Show your audience that happy buyers keep coming back. For even more ideas to build trust with new visitors, peek at our guide on fast shipping print on demand, since quick delivery often leads to stellar reviews and good vibes.

Finally, follow up every story-based email with a clear step—shop now, customize your own, or hit reply with questions. People buy from brands they feel connected to. The more you show (not just tell) about happy customers, the more likely subscribers will hit that “Buy now” button.

Optimizing, Automating, and Scaling Your Print on Demand Email List

Managing a print on demand email list can make you feel like you need eight arms and unlimited coffee. The good news? With the right mix of automation, smart personalization, and consistent tracking, you can grow your list and boost your sales—without getting overwhelmed. 

Let’s break down how to get your time back, keep your emails out of the spam folder, and help your list stay fresh as your shop grows.

Automation and Personalization: Saving Time While Boosting Sales

It’s tempting to blast out the same email to everyone and call it a day. But that’s a fast track to unsubscribes and low engagement. Automation lets you deliver the right message at the right time—even when you’re not at your desk.

Photo by Karen Laårk Boshoff

Here are three essential sequences every print on demand business should automate:

• Welcome Series: Roll out the red carpet for new subscribers. Give them a quick intro to your brand, highlight your bestseller or most unique product, and share your best intro offer. Aim to make them feel part of your “inner circle” from email one.
• Abandoned Cart Emails: Shoppers get distracted. Sending a gentle reminder (or two) can recover plenty of lost sales, especially if you include a photo of the actual product left behind. Bonus points if you reinforce fast shipping or hassle-free returns—two things print on demand customers value. For tips, see how to handle print on demand returns to build trust and reduce cart friction.
• Post-Purchase Follow-Ups: This is prime time to thank buyers, set delivery expectations, and maybe show off other designs they’d like.

It shouldn’t feel robotic. Use merge tags to sprinkle in each customer’s first name, reference the actual product they browsed, and set up “if/then” logic to recommend art prints to print buyers, mugs to gifting customers, and so on.

For a deeper dive into how top shops automate email marketing without feeling spammy, check out these strategies for fully automating your print on demand business. You’ll find step-by-step ideas to scale up while staying human.

Sales get a boost when emails come right on time and actually sound like you—not a bot.

Testing and Tracking: What Metrics Matter Most

Once you’ve got the basics automated, don’t “set and forget” your campaigns. Testing and tracking are key to squeezing the most sales from every send. Email marketing is not about guessing; it’s about watching your numbers and tweaking for success.

The main KPIs every print on demand seller should be watching are:

• Open Rate: Are your subject lines working? High opens mean people care; low opens tell you to rewrite those headers.
• Click-Through Rate (CTR): Are readers taking the next step? Track which products or buttons get the most clicks.
• Unsubscribe Rate: Are you annoying people or sending too often? If this creeps up, it’s time to clean up your cadence or address value.
• Deliverability: Do your messages land in the inbox or the spam folder? Keep off blacklists by pruning dead emails and not using spammy words.
• Conversion Rate: Ultimately, did the subscriber buy? Tweak your call to action and offer if this number feels low.

If you want to step up your tracking game, consider more advanced metrics like revenue per recipient or monitoring which segments (like “first-time buyers”) are worth the most. For more on what the experts track, take a look at Shopify’s essential email marketing metrics for 2025.

Quick tips to improve your numbers:

• Test your subject lines weekly. Simple A/B tests can reveal which type of hook works best for your list.
• Segment and re-segment. Sending relevant product suggestions will always outperform general blasts.
• Watch your sending frequency. Not enough, people forget who you are. Too many, you risk irritations and unsubscribes.
• Use buyer feedback and surveys to enrich your list, then apply what you learn to future emails.

Keep an eye out for industry benchmarks now and then. Your open and click rates may look low until you realize you're actually above average for print on demand stores. 

For a full list of metrics and how to interpret them, Klaviyo’s guide to email KPIs is a handy reference.

Managing List Health as You Grow

As your list balloons, it’s tempting to treat every subscriber the same. But a fat, “dead” list drags down your deliverability and eats up costs. Healthy list management means scrubbing out the dust bunnies before they cause problems.

Best practices for managing your list and keeping it healthy:

• Regular List Cleaning: Remove bounced emails, spam sign-ups, and people who haven’t opened anything in six months. Use list cleaning tools built into platforms like Klaviyo or MailChimp.
• Re-Engagement Campaigns: Before you delete inactive folks, try a quick win-back sequence. Ask if they still want to receive your best designs or offer a one-off freebie. Sometimes, people just need a nudge.
• Permission and Compliance: Always use double opt-in. This keeps spambots away and improves deliverability.
• Segment Inactive Subscribers: Move them to a separate list and send less frequently. If there’s still no response, say a polite goodbye.
• Avoid Spam Traps: Never buy lists. Make it easy to unsubscribe, include your shop’s address, and avoid spammy trigger words like “100% FREE!!!” in your subject.

Want more best practices? Here’s a resource with smart list management tips and tools (Shopify’s email list management guide for small businesses).

A healthy list is an active list. This boosts your deliverability, makes your campaigns cheaper, and keeps your open rates looking sharp. Plus, it signals to mailbox providers (like Gmail) that your print on demand shop is trusted and wanted.

If you’re working hard to scale and sell more (without losing the personal touch), make sure your emails reach the right people every time. It’s better to have a smaller, engaged crew than a giant crowd ignoring you.

By automating thoughtfully, tracking what matters, and keeping your list spotless, your print on demand email marketing will work harder for you—all year long.

Conclusion

Building a print on demand email list that actually sells in 2025 comes down to three things: attracting the right subscribers, nurturing them with useful and personal messages, and consistently offering value they can’t find anywhere else. Your email list isn’t just another business tool—it’s the core of your print on demand success. When you focus on quality leads and treat every email as a chance to build a real connection, sales start to feel a lot more predictable.

Ready to see real results? Take the tips you learned today and set up your first lead magnet or welcome sequence. Every step you take now grows your brand’s reach and profit potential. If you want even more ways to boost your sales or troubleshoot common POD challenges, explore resources like the fast shipping print on demand guide for ideas that keep your customers coming back.

Your print on demand future starts with action. Thanks for reading—and now’s the time to turn those subscribers into your shop’s biggest fans.