Add contacts to mailing lists automatically

Key details

• What are automation rules? They’re settings that automatically add contacts to a list based on actions they take.
• Basic automations: Set up inside an asset’s settings (like a form or product).
• Advanced automations: Set up under Marketing > Automations, with more triggers and options.

How to add contacts to lists automatically

You can subscribe contacts to mailing lists when they do things like:

• Fill out a form
• Make a purchase
• Book a calendar appointment
• Register for an event
• Gain access to a membership

This helps you organize contacts based on what they’re interested in—and send more targeted messages.

Option 1: Basic automations

Most assets (forms, products, memberships) have an Automations tab. Inside, you'll find:

• Quick-action modules: Tags, Lists, and Sequences
• Automations module: For more detailed logic

To auto-subscribe someone to a list:

1. Create or open the asset.
2. Click the Automations tab at the top of the page.
3. In the Lists module, pick a list.
4. Click Add to confirm.

This connects the asset to a list, so contacts are subscribed when they take action—like registering or purchasing.

To create a basic automation rule:

1. Click + New automation in the Automations module
2. Choose a trigger (IF)
3. Add a condition (AND) – optional
4. Choose Subscribe to list as the action (THEN)

Option 2: Advanced automations

Use this when basic triggers aren't enough or you want to subscribe someone based on a broader set of behaviors.

1. Go to Marketing > Automations
2. Click + Automation in the top right
3. Use the drop-downs to build your rule:

• IF something happens
• AND something else is true (optional)
• THEN add the contact to a list

These provide more customization and control over when and how contacts are added to mailing lists. Learn about Advanced Automations Triggers.

Looking to manually add a contact to a list? Learn how to add a contact to a list manually instead.