Retain Subscribers Using the Email Opt-Out Page

Plus Templates inside. Never see subscriber count go down again.

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Today, I’m going to show you how to retain subscribers using reverse psychology on your opt-out or unsubscribe page.

Hey Creator,

Every creator faces it: the dreaded unsubscribe.

You pour your heart into your newsletter, but some readers just don’t stick around.

Here’s the truth: unsubscribes aren’t the end of the story.

Your email opt-out page is an underrated tool for saving subscribers. With the right approach, you can turn "I’m out" into "I’ll stay."

Let me show you how.

What Is an Opt-Out Page, and Why Does It Matter?

When someone clicks "unsubscribe," they’re taken to your opt-out page. Most creators ignore this page, but it’s your last chance to reconnect.

Here’s how you can use it:

1. Offer flexible options instead of an all-or-nothing exit.

2. Show them what they’ll miss if they leave.

3. Make it quick, simple, and personal.

5 Proven Templates to Save Your Subscribers

These templates are mad-libs style, so you can easily customize them for your newsletter.

1. The "Frequency Flex" Template

Let readers adjust how often they hear from you.

"Hey there! Not feeling the vibe right now? You can reduce emails to once a [week/month] instead of leaving completely. Click below to customize your experience with [Your Newsletter Name]!"

2. The "What You’ll Miss" Template

Remind readers of the value you bring.

"We get it—your inbox is crowded. But leaving [Your Newsletter Name] means you’ll miss out on [specific benefit, e.g., weekly job leads or insider tips]. Are you sure?"

3. The "Feedback Loop" Template

Ask for feedback and offer a tailored solution.

"Before you go, could you tell us why? We’ll use your feedback to make [Your Newsletter Name] better for you. And hey, we can adjust topics or frequency if that’s the issue!"

4. The "Pause, Don’t Quit" Template

Give readers the option to take a break.

"Too much right now? No problem. You can pause your subscription for [timeframe] and come back when you’re ready. Click below to pause instead of leaving!"

5. The "Exclusive Content" Template

Highlight something valuable they can’t get elsewhere.

"Before you leave, did you know [Your Newsletter Name] subscribers get exclusive [content type: e.g., free templates, early access]? Don’t miss out—stick around!" 

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Why These Templates Work

Each template hits a specific pain point:

• Too many emails? Offer frequency adjustments.

• Not enough value? Highlight what they’ll miss.

• Feeling overwhelmed? Let them pause instead of quitting.

By making unsubscribing a decision—not an impulse—you give readers a reason to rethink their choice.

Quick Wins for Your Opt-Out Page

1. Use friendly, conversational language. Make it feel personal.

2. Include an easy way to change preferences or leave feedback.

3. Add a final confirmation step that gives them a moment to reconsider.

Your opt-out page isn’t just about preventing loss. It’s about showing your audience you care enough to listen.

Here is how to set it up:

Go to settings on your publication dashboard → Scroll to Email settings → Click on Edit Email Opt-out page → Add and customize your template.

Voilà

Your turn

Which of these templates will you try first?

Let me know in the comments.

Also, share your publication link in the comments let’s see it. I will share the ones I think are relevant to my audience.

I’ll also suggest other things you can adjust in your posts to increase your open rates and grow your newsletter.

Until the next issue…

Chat soon.

Philip.

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