How to build an email list in HubSpot?

Building an email list in HubSpot involves several steps, including creating lists, collecting contacts, and segmenting them for better engagement. Here's a step-by-step guide:

1. Collect Contacts

Before building an email list, please ensure you have contacts to add. You can collect them through:

  • Forms: Create HubSpot forms and embed them on landing pages.
  • Lead Magnets: Offer downloadable content (e.g., eBooks, whitepapers) in exchange for email addresses.
  • Pop-ups & Chatbots: Use HubSpot's pop-up forms and chatbots to capture emails.
  • Importing Contacts: Upload a CSV file of existing contacts.
  • CRM Integration: Sync contacts from other platforms (e.g., Salesforce, Mailchimp).

2. Create an Email List

  1. Go to HubSpot Dashboard
    Navigate to Contacts > Lists in your HubSpot account.
  2. Click "Create List"
    Choose between Active List (dynamic) or Static List (fixed).
    • Active List: This list automatically updates based on criteria (e.g., contacts who signed up in the last 30 days).
    • Static List: A fixed set of contacts that doesn’t change unless manually edited.
  3. Set Filters to Define Your List
    You can filter contacts based on:
    • Form submissions
    • Email engagement (e.g., opened, clicked)
    • Lifecycle stage (e.g., leads, customers)
    • Website behavior (e.g., visiting a specific page)
  4. Save Your List
    Click Save and give your list an explicit name.

3. Segment Your List

To improve email engagement, segment your contacts using:

  • Demographics: Location, job title, industry, etc.
  • Engagement: Open rates, click-through rates, past purchases.
  • Behavioral Data: Pages visited, lead magnet downloads.
  • Lifecycle Stage: Lead, Marketing Qualified Lead (MQL), Customer.

4. Use Automation for List Building

  • Workflows: Automatically add contacts to lists based on actions.
  • Lead Scoring: Assign points to contacts based on engagement and categorize them.
  • Nurture Sequences: Set up email sequences to warm up new leads.

5. Keep Your Email List Clean

  • Remove bounced emails and inactive contacts regularly.
  • Ensure GDPR & CAN-SPAM compliance by getting explicit consent.
  • Use double opt-in to confirm subscriptions.