How to Grow an Email List Using Webinars
Webinars aren’t just for selling—they’re powerful list-building tools.
When done right, a webinar can attract hundreds (or thousands) of qualified leads who willingly give their email addresses to register. Even better, they engage with your content for 30–60 minutes—far more than most blog posts or ads.
In this guide, we’ll walk through how to use webinars to grow your email list with quality subscribers who are eager to learn and ready to act.
1. Why Webinars Work for List Building
Webinars combine education, trust-building, and interaction. They offer:
High perceived value (free training or insight)
Real-time engagement and feedback
Opportunity to showcase your expertise
Built-in lead capture via registration
They attract people who are actively interested in your topic—making your email list stronger from the start.
2. Choose a Compelling Topic
The right topic makes or breaks your webinar.
Choose something that:
Solves a specific, painful problem
Promises a transformation or quick win
Aligns with your product, service, or expertise
Examples:
“How to Build a 5-Figure Email List Without Ads”
“The 3-Step Formula to Double Your Conversion Rates”
“Master the Basics of Email Automation in 60 Minutes”
Keep the topic clear, results-driven, and audience-focused.
3. Use a High-Converting Registration Page
Your landing page should include:
A clear title and benefit-driven subheading
Bulleted takeaways
A professional headshot or speaker image
Date, time, and time zone
A simple email registration form
Optional: countdown timer for urgency
Use a tool like ConvertKit, Systeme.io, WebinarJam, or your email platform’s native forms.
4. Promote the Webinar Across All Channels
Don’t just rely on your current list—use other free channels to promote:
Social media posts and stories
LinkedIn events or groups
Guest appearances on podcasts or other communities
Blog banners and website popups
Communities (Reddit, Slack, Discord, etc.)
Each promotion should lead to the registration page, not your homepage.
5. Encourage Registrants to Share
After someone registers, show a “thank you” page with a referral link or easy social share buttons.
Example CTA:
“Know someone who’d benefit from this too? Invite them in one click!”
Incentivize sharing with:
Early access
Bonus PDF
Entry into a giveaway
Turn one registration into two.
6. Use Email to Build Anticipation Pre-Webinar
Once they register, engage them with a short email sequence:
Confirmation Email – Thank them and remind of the date/time
Value Preview – Send a tip or free resource related to the topic
Reminder Emails – 1 day before, 1 hour before, and 10 minutes before
This boosts attendance—and builds anticipation.
7. Deliver Massive Value in the Webinar
During the live session:
Deliver what you promised—don’t bait-and-switch
Engage with polls, Q&A, and shout-outs
Keep slides visual, not text-heavy
Include a compelling call to action (CTA)
Tip: Don’t make the entire webinar a pitch. Educate first, then offer.
8. Add Registrants to Your Email List Properly
Everyone who signs up should:
Be tagged or segmented as “Webinar Lead”
Receive follow-up nurturing emails
Be offered a replay if they missed it
Be transparent about what they'll receive going forward. Give them a chance to stay—or unsubscribe.
9. Repurpose the Webinar for Continued List Growth
Don’t stop with the live session. You can:
Offer the replay as an evergreen lead magnet
Break it into video snippets for social
Turn it into a blog post or PDF download
Create a follow-up email course from it
Each format becomes a new way to collect emails.
10. Track Performance and Optimize
Measure:
Registrations
Attendance rate
Engagement (chat, polls, Q&A)
Replay views
Email open/click rates after the webinar
Use the data to improve future webinars and refine your list-building funnel.
11. Webinar Platforms That Help You Grow
Top tools for running webinars and capturing emails:
Zoom Webinars
WebinarJam
Demio
Livestorm
Systeme.io (budget-friendly all-in-one)
Crowdcast
Google Meet or YouTube Live (for basic setups + external landing pages)
Choose a platform that integrates well with your email service provider.
12. Consider a Webinar Series or Monthly Sessions
Instead of one-off events, host recurring webinars:
Build a reputation for value
Keep your list consistently growing
Re-engage your current subscribers
Recurring sessions also give you predictable lead generation.
Final Thoughts: Webinars Are Email List Multipliers
A well-executed webinar can bring in hundreds of qualified subscribers who already trust your voice and value your knowledge.
They give you attention, permission, and connection—all essential ingredients for long-term email marketing success.
So don’t treat webinars as just sales events. Treat them as strategic audience builders—and your email list will grow fast, for free.
