Integrating Newsletter Signups into Your Checkout Process

Adding Newsletter Subscriptions to Your Checkout

TL;DR:

• Set up a mailing list in Squarespace or Mailchimp before connecting to checkout
• Enable the email signup toggle in your checkout settings and customize the prompt text
• Choose whether the subscription checkbox is ticked by default or requires customer action
• Test the checkout process to make sure everything works before going live
• Be aware of local regulations around email marketing and opt-ins

Before you can add newsletter subscriptions to your checkout, you need somewhere to collect those email addresses. Here's how to set that up depending on your platform.

Setting Up Your Mailing List

Squarespace Lists

Head to the Lists & Segments panel in your Squarespace dashboard. You can either create a new mailing list or connect to your existing default list. If you're just getting started, using the default list is usually fine.

Mailchimp

If you're using Mailchimp, create a new audience list directly in your Mailchimp account. Keep it empty for now – it'll fill up once customers start subscribing.

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Connecting Checkout to Your Mailing List

Now you need to link your checkout process to that mailing list you just created.

Squarespace Setup

1. Go to your Checkout panel in the dashboard
2. Find the Email signup toggle and switch it on
3. Click into Email signup settings
4. Select your mailing list from the dropdown
5. Customize the checkbox label text (this is what customers will see)

Mailchimp Setup

The process is similar, but you'll need to:

1. Select 'Connect to Mailchimp' instead
2. Log into your Mailchimp account when prompted
3. Choose the audience list you created earlier

Managing Subscription Settings

If you're using Mailchimp, you have an extra decision to make about double opt-ins. This is where customers need to confirm their subscription by clicking a link in their email.

To disable double opt-ins, uncheck 'Require double opt-in after subscribing' in your Mailchimp settings. Whether you need this depends on your local regulations and how strict you want to be about consent.

Testing Your Setup

Once you've configured everything, save your settings and test the checkout process yourself. Buy something small (or use a test mode if available) to see how the subscription checkbox appears to customers.

This is the time to tweak the wording or default settings if something doesn't feel right.

Known Limitations

The newsletter subscription checkbox won't appear when customers pay using Apple Pay or Google Pay. This is a technical limitation of how these express payment methods work, not something you can fix on your end.

FAQs

How do I change the text that invites customers to subscribe?
In the Email signup settings, look for the Checkbox label option. You can edit this text to match your brand voice.

Can I make newsletter subscription optional at checkout?
Yes, adjust the 'Select checkbox by default' setting. If you untick this, customers will need to actively choose to subscribe rather than having to opt out.

Why isn't the subscription checkbox showing when checking out with Apple Pay?
Apple Pay's integration doesn't support this feature. It's a technical limitation that affects all Squarespace stores.

Jargon Buster

Mailing List: A collection of email addresses you use to send newsletters and promotional emails.

Checkbox Label: The text customers see next to the subscription checkbox on your checkout page.

Opt-in: When customers actively choose to receive your newsletter communications.

Double Opt-in: A two-step process where customers must confirm their subscription via email before being added to your list.

Wrap-up

Adding a newsletter subscription to your checkout is one of the easiest ways to turn one-time buyers into long-term customers. The setup process is straightforward whether you use Squarespace's built-in tools or connect to Mailchimp.

The key is making it feel natural for customers rather than pushy. Good checkbox text and sensible default settings will help you build a quality subscriber list without annoying people.

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Remember to stay on the right side of email marketing laws, especially around consent and opt-ins. A smaller list of genuinely interested subscribers is always better than a large list of people who didn't really want to sign up.

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