The Ultimate ConvertKit Cheatsheet: Email Marketing Made Simple

Introduction: What is ConvertKit and Why it Matters

ConvertKit is an email marketing platform designed specifically for creators, bloggers, and digital marketers. Unlike generic email services, ConvertKit specializes in audience building, segmentation, and automation—making it ideal for those who want to nurture relationships with subscribers and convert them into customers. Its value lies in its ability to help creators monetize their audience through powerful yet intuitive marketing tools.

Core Concepts and Terminology

Getting Started with ConvertKit

1. Account Setup

   • Create account at convertkit.com
   • Set up sender information (name, email, physical address)
   • Customize email templates with your branding
   • Connect your domain for improved deliverability

2. Building Your First Form

   • Navigate to “Forms” section
   • Choose form type (inline, modal, slide-in, sticky bar)
   • Customize design to match your brand
   • Set up incentive email delivery if offering a lead magnet
   • Embed form code on your website

3. Creating a Welcome Sequence

   • Go to “Sequences” section
   • Name your sequence (e.g., “Welcome Sequence”)
   • Add emails with compelling subject lines
   • Set timing between emails (e.g., 1-3 days apart)
   • Connect sequence to your subscription form

Subscriber Management

Adding Subscribers

• Import existing subscribers (CSV upload)
• Manual entry for individual subscribers
• Create forms for website opt-ins
• Use the ConvertKit API for custom integrations

Organizing Subscribers

• Tags: Manual or automated labels (e.g., “Purchased Course A”)
• Segments: Dynamic groupings based on criteria (e.g., “Active Subscribers who Clicked Link X”)
• Custom Fields: Additional data points beyond name/email (e.g., birthday, preferences)

Subscriber Cleanup

• Run cold subscriber cleanup every 3-6 months
• Use the “Cold Subscribers” filter to identify inactive subscribers
• Send re-engagement campaigns before removing cold subscribers
• Export data before bulk deletion for backup

Email Creation and Management

Types of Emails

• Broadcasts: One-time emails to specific segments
• Sequence Emails: Automated emails in a predetermined order
• Automated Emails: Triggered based on subscriber actions

Email Formatting Best Practices

• Keep width under 600px for optimal display across devices
• Use ConvertKit’s visual editor for easy formatting
• Include plain text versions for improved deliverability
• Personalize using {{ subscriber.first_name }} liquid tags
• Test emails on mobile before sending

Content Enhancement

• Use ConvertKit’s built-in link shortening
• Add countdown timers for urgency
• Insert product cards for merchandise
• Include custom unsubscribe links when needed
• Embed videos or GIFs for engagement

Advanced Automation Workflows

Trigger Types

• Joined a Form: When someone subscribes through a specific form
• Added a Tag: When a tag is applied to a subscriber
• Completed a Sequence: When a subscriber finishes all emails in a sequence
• Clicked a Link: When a subscriber clicks a specific link in your email
• Purchased a Product: When someone buys through ConvertKit Commerce

Action Types

• Add/remove tags
• Subscribe to sequence
• Move to another form
• Delay for specific time period
• Set custom field value

Sample Automation Recipes

Basic Lead Nurturing

1. Trigger: Subscriber joins form
2. Action: Add tag “New Subscriber”
3. Action: Subscribe to Welcome Sequence
4. Action: After sequence completion, add tag “Completed Welcome”

Product Launch Sequence

1. Trigger: Tag “Interested in Product” added
2. Action: Subscribe to Product Launch Sequence
3. Action: If link clicked, add tag “Clicked Sales Page”
4. Action: If purchase made, remove from sequence and add tag “Customer”

Re-engagement Workflow

1. Trigger: Tag “Cold Subscriber” added
2. Action: Subscribe to Re-engagement Sequence
3. Action: If email opened, remove “Cold Subscriber” tag
4. Action: If no engagement after sequence, add “Inactive” tag

Landing Pages and Forms

Landing Page Types

• Squeeze Page: Simple opt-in with minimal distractions
• Webinar Registration: Collects registrations for live events
• Lead Magnet Download: Offers free resource in exchange for email
• Waitlist Signup: Builds anticipation for upcoming products

Form Placement Strategy

• Sidebar: Visible throughout the site
• After post content: Targets engaged readers
• Exit-intent popup: Captures leaving visitors
• Dedicated landing pages: For paid traffic campaigns

Conversion Optimization Tips

• Use clear, benefit-focused headlines
• Include testimonials when possible
• Keep form fields minimal (ideally just email)
• Make CTA buttons stand out with contrasting colors
• A/B test form headlines and button text

Visual Email Editor Guide

ConvertKit Commerce Features

Setting Up Products

1. Navigate to “Products” section
2. Choose product type (digital download, service, etc.)
3. Set pricing (one-time, recurring, or pay-what-you-want)
4. Upload product images and content
5. Configure fulfillment options

Purchase Automations

• Automatically tag customers based on products purchased
• Trigger delivery sequences for digital products
• Set up follow-up sequences for customer nurturing
• Create upsell automations for related products

Analytics and Reporting

Key Metrics to Track

• Subscription Rate: Percentage of visitors who subscribe
• Open Rate: Percentage of subscribers who open emails
• Click Rate: Percentage of openers who click links
• Conversion Rate: Percentage who complete desired actions
• Revenue per Subscriber: Average income generated per subscriber

Report Types

• Subscriber Growth: Track list growth over time
• Broadcast Analytics: Performance of individual emails
• Sequence Performance: Open/click rates across sequence
• Form Conversion: Conversion rates by form
• Revenue Reports: Sales generated through ConvertKit Commerce

Optimizing Based on Data

• A/B test subject lines for important broadcasts
• Test sending time to determine optimal delivery window
• Analyze which content types get highest engagement
• Review unsubscribe reasons to improve content strategy

Common Challenges and Solutions

Integration Capabilities

Popular ConvertKit Integrations

• WordPress: Embed forms directly into posts/pages
• Shopify: Sync customers and purchase data
• Teachable/Thinkific: Connect course sales to email automation
• Zapier: Connect with 3000+ other apps
• Stripe: Process payments and trigger automations
• Wix/Squarespace: Embed forms on these platforms

Integration Tips

• Use tags to track which platform subscribers came from
• Create platform-specific automations for better targeting
• Test integrations thoroughly before fully implementing
• Document your integration setup for future reference

ConvertKit Best Practices and Tips

Email Frequency Guidelines

• Welcome sequence: 5-7 emails over 2 weeks
• Regular broadcasts: 1-2 times per week for most niches
• Launch sequences: Daily emails during launch periods
• Promotional emails: Limit to 20% of total emails sent

Deliverability Tips

• Maintain list hygiene by removing inactive subscribers
• Use double opt-in for better engagement metrics
• Avoid spam trigger words in subject lines
• Include physical address in footer (legal requirement)
• Set expectations about email frequency during signup

Content Strategy

• 80/20 rule: 80% value-based content, 20% promotional
• Create themed email series around core topics
• Repurpose blog content for email sequences
• Use storytelling to increase engagement
• Plan content calendar quarterly for consistency

Resources for Further Learning

• Official ConvertKit Help Documentation: convertkit.com/help
• ConvertKit YouTube Channel: Tutorials and case studies
• ConvertKit Creator Community: Facebook group for peer support
• “Audience Building” free course by ConvertKit
• Creator Chronicles podcast by ConvertKit
• Official ConvertKit blog for latest features and strategies

Time-Saving Keyboard Shortcuts

This cheatsheet provides a comprehensive overview of ConvertKit’s features and best practices to help you maximize your email marketing efforts. Whether you’re just getting started or looking to optimize your existing strategy, these guidelines will help you build and nurture your audience more effectively.