# Quickstart Guide {% embed url="" %} #### Summary 1. **Understand the Purpose of Listgadget** * Recognize that Listgadget is designed to grow your email list and enhance engagement with existing subscribers. All gadgets created should aim to boost clicks, open rates, and overall interaction. 2. **Create a Gadget** * Choose the type of gadget to create (e.g., poll, reactions, leaderboard). * Follow the specific instructions for each gadget type as outlined in Listgadget’s help documentation. 3. **Embed the Gadget in Your Email** * Copy the HTML code generated for the gadget. * Open your email platform (e.g., ConvertKit). * Locate the HTML block within your email template. * Paste the copied HTML code into the HTML block. 4. **Test the Gadget** * Send a test email to yourself to ensure the gadget displays correctly. * Check for formatting, colors, and link functionality. * Make any necessary adjustments based on the test results. 5. **Send the Email** * Once testing is complete and everything looks good, email your subscribers. #### Cautionary Notes * Always test the gadget after the first creation. Subsequent uses of the same gadget may not require testing unless significant changes are made. * Ensure that the HTML code is correctly copied and pasted to avoid errors in display or functionality. * Be aware of the specific email platform you are using, as some may have limitations on HTML editing. #### Tips for Efficiency * Please familiarize yourself with the different types of gadgets and their use cases to streamline the creation process. * Keep a document of frequently used gadgets and their HTML codes for quick access in future emails. * Regularly review Listgadget’s help documentation for updates or new features that can enhance your email marketing strategy. * Utilize the feedback form provided in Listgadget for any issues or suggestions to improve your experience. # 3 quick strategies for using List Gadget {% embed url="" %} 1. **Create a Feedback Mechanism**: * Open your email service provider (ESP) and navigate to your email templates. * Edit your preferred template (e.g., your 'starting point' template you use to send emails). * Embed a simple feedback question at the end of the email, such as "How was this email?" with options for thumbs up and thumbs down. * For thumbs up, redirect users to a custom thank-you page or content. For thumbs down, set up a feedback form that sends responses directly to your email. 2. **Archive Content Reaction**: * Decide on two pieces of your best content (e.g., top blog posts, YouTube videos). * Create a new reaction in ListGadget titled "Archive Mystery" or similar. * Write a brief description inviting users to check out the content, using engaging language (e.g., "Here are two mystery pieces of content I've created"). * Use custom redirects to link to the selected content pieces. * Save the reaction and consider adding it to your email template or changing it weekly. 3. **Conduct a Poll**: * Prepare a list of content ideas for your next project (e.g., blog post, video). * Create a poll asking your audience which content they want to see next. Limit the options to the top three ideas. * Example question: "Which piece of content do you want to see next?" followed by options (e.g., "Roasting your own coffee," "Building a home server," "Pickleball"). * Send the poll to your email list and analyze the results to determine your next content focus. #### Cautionary Notes * Ensure that the feedback and poll options are clear and easy to understand to avoid confusion. * Test the embedded HTML and links to ensure they work correctly before sending out emails. * Avoid overwhelming your audience with too many options in polls; stick to three choices for clarity. # Polls {% embed url="" %} #### Summary 1. **Access the Polls Screen** * Log into ListGadget and navigate to the polls screen to view existing polls. 2. **Understanding Poll Options** * Familiarize yourself with the following options: * **Delete**: Remove a poll. * **Copy Embed HTML**: Copy the HTML code to embed the poll in emails or websites. * **Copy Poll URL**: Copy the public URL of the poll for sharing. * **Edit Poll**: Access the editing interface for modifying existing polls. * **View Poll**: Preview the poll as it appears to the public. 3. **Sharing the Poll** * **Public Sharing**: When sharing the poll URL on social media, note that users will see the voting options but not the results until they vote. * **Email Sharing**: When embedding the poll in an email, users can vote directly from the email, and they will see the results after voting. 4. **Creating a New Poll** * Click on the "New Poll" button. * Enter a name for the poll. * Provide at least two options (Option 1 and Option 2 are mandatory; Option 3 and Option 4 are optional). * Optionally, select a brand to auto-fill color schemes or manually enter hex codes for custom colors. * Click "Create Poll" to finalize. 5. **Editing Poll Appearance** * Adjust colors by dragging or using the color picker. * Use the dropdown to enter hex codes for specific colors. * Choose to create a plain text poll if you want it to adapt to the email's existing styles. 6. **Feedback and Support** * For questions or feedback, use the feedback button in your account or refer to the documentation for additional resources. #### Cautionary Notes * Ensure that at least two options are provided when creating a poll; otherwise, the poll cannot be created. * Be aware that users can only vote once per poll when shared via email. * Test the poll by viewing it in an incognito window to ensure it appears correctly to the public. # Reactions {% embed url="" %} #### Summary 1. **Access the Reactions Page** * Log in to your List Gadget account. * Navigate to the "Reactions" section from the dashboard. 2. **Review Existing Reactions** * Familiarize yourself with the list of existing reactions. * Note the available actions: Delete, Edit, and Embed HTML. 3. **Create a New Reaction** * Click on the “New Reaction” button. * Fill in the following fields: * **Name**: Enter a descriptive name for the reaction (e.g., "How was this email?"). * **Description**: (Optional) Provide a brief description that will be displayed to users. * Choose the type of buttons (e.g., thumbs up/thumbs down). 4. **Set Custom URLs (if applicable)** * If you want users to be redirected to specific pages upon clicking the buttons, enter the custom URLs for both positive and negative responses. * If no custom URLs are set, the default public-facing page will be used. 5. **Feedback Form (Optional)** * Decide if you want to include a feedback form on the negative response page. * If yes, enter the destination email for feedback and provide a form description (e.g., "What didn't you like about this email?"). 6. **Customize Settings** * Adjust any prebuilt brand settings as needed. * Choose button colors or switch to plain text if desired. 7. **Embed HTML Code** * Once the reaction is created, click on "Copy Embed HTML." * Paste the HTML code into your email provider where HTML can be edited. 8. **Preview and Test** * Use the provided links to preview how the reaction will appear to users. * Ensure that the formatting is correct and that the links redirect as intended. 9. **Save Changes** * After reviewing, click “Save” to finalize the new reaction. #### Cautionary Notes * Be aware that some email providers may display formatting issues in the editor, but these typically do not carry over to the actual email sent. * Always double-check URLs to avoid redirecting users to incorrect pages. # Links {% embed url="" %} ### SUMMARY 1. **Access ListGadget** * Log into your ListGadget account. * Navigate to the "Gadgets" section and select "Links." 2. **Create a New Link** * Click on "Create New Link." * Choose between a simple link (text only) or a fancy link (with styling). * For a simple link: * Enter the URL (e.g., a YouTube video link). * Optionally, add anchor text (e.g., "Click here to watch my latest video"). * Check the box to connect to a leaderboard if desired. * For a fancy link: * Enter the URL and allow the system to auto-fetch the image, title, and description. * Adjust any fetched details manually if necessary. * Style the link according to your brand presets or leave it as plain text. 3. **Embed HTML Code** * After creating the link, click on "Embed HTML." * Copy the generated HTML code. * Open your email provider and navigate to the section where you can add or edit HTML. * Paste the HTML code into the email body. Ensure to check the comments indicating the start and end of the link embed. 4. **Confirm Merge Tag** * Ensure the email provider's merge tag is correctly set in the HTML. This tag is crucial for tracking points. * **Example**: For the provider "Sendy," the merge tag should look like \[Email]. 5. **Test the Link** * Send a test email to yourself to verify that the link works correctly and that points are being tracked. * Click the link in the test email to ensure it redirects properly and that the points are awarded. 6. **Finalize and Send** * Once testing is successful, finalize your email and send it to your subscriber list. #### Cautionary Notes * Always triple-check the merge tag specific to your email provider to avoid issues with point tracking. * Test every link before sending to ensure functionality and correct point allocation. * Be aware that auto-fetching details for fancy links may not always work; manual adjustments may be necessary. # Leaderboards {% embed url="" %} **2/20/25 UPDATE** - you can now choose a "theme" for your subscribers' codenames! **11/15/25 UPDATE** - You can now manually edit your subscriber's points from the /admin screen AND you can choose lower cooldown periods so your subscribers can earn points more often (various use cases **1/8/26 UPDATE** - You can now send a webhook to List Gadget from tools like Zapier, Make.com, or anybody who can send webhooks---to earn points for your subscribers! Watch that video here: {% embed url="" %} Since we d ### Summary 1. **Understand the Purpose of the Leaderboard** * The primary goal is to increase email engagement (opens and clicks) over time. * Recognize that this is a long-term strategy with no immediate benefits (other than it's fun and different!!) 2. **Verify Email Provider Settings** * Ensure that the email provider and merge tag for email addresses are correctly set in your List Gadget account. * This information is crucial for the leaderboard functionality. 3. **Create a New Leaderboard** * Navigate to the "New" section and select "New Leaderboard." * Assign a descriptive name (e.g., "Top Subscribers" or "Most Engaged Subscribers"). * Optionally, include a brief description that will display on the leaderboard page (e.g., "Earn points by engaging with my emails"). 4. **Set Points and Cooldown Period** * Determine the points awarded per action (e.g., 1, 10, or 100 points per click). * Set a cooldown period to prevent users from repeatedly clicking to earn points (suggested: 3 days for most cases). 5. **Customize Button Text and Appearance** * Choose a clear and engaging button text (e.g., "Click to Earn Points"). * Optionally, customize the button colors to align with your brand. 6. **Test the Leaderboard Functionality** * Send a test email to yourself to ensure that the leaderboard displays correctly and that the merge tag populates the subscriber's email address. * Verify the URL generated for the leaderboard button to ensure it includes the correct email address. 7. **Monitor and Adjust as Necessary** * After launching, monitor engagement and adjust leaderboard settings if needed (e.g., changing button text or description). * Avoid frequent changes to points and cooldown settings to maintain consistency. # Idea Battles {% embed url="" %} ### AI-generated notes 👇 **Understanding Idea Battles** [0:00](https://loom.com/share/dbcbdf801f3945fbb0101b138b8c65d2?t=0) generated-image-at-00:00:00 * Idea Battles are a feature in Listgadget designed to crowdsource ideas, suggestions, and feedback from your audience. * They allow users to submit their own ideas and vote on others, helping to prioritize the best suggestions. **Setting Up an Idea Battle** [5:36](https://loom.com/share/dbcbdf801f3945fbb0101b138b8c65d2?t=336) * Log into Listgadget. * Click on 'New Idea Battle'. * Enter the main question or prompt for your audience (e.g., 'What is your favorite pickleball brand?'). * Choose a call-to-action (CTA) button text (e.g., 'Submit your idea'). * Optionally, upload an image or provide an image URL. * Set an expiration date for submissions (e.g., one week from today). **Customizing Your Idea Battle** [8:08](https://loom.com/share/dbcbdf801f3945fbb0101b138b8c65d2?t=488) * Customize the appearance of your Idea Battle to match your branding. * Decide whether to allow comments on submissions (uncheck the box to disable comments). #### Tips for Efficiency * Use clear and engaging prompts to encourage participation. * Regularly review and moderate submissions to maintain quality. * Promote your Idea Battles through newsletters or social media to increase visibility. # Referral Programs (Pro) {% embed url="" %} ### Creating a Referral Program in Listgadget #### Objective This SOP outlines the steps to set up a referral program using Listgadget, enabling email subscribers to refer others and earn rewards. #### Key Steps \ **Understanding Referral Programs** [0:00](https://loom.com/share/700e8e44bcf142a3af0bd3ec6ce85aa7?t=0) generated-image-at-00:00:00 * Referral programs allow email subscribers to refer new subscribers. * Subscribers can earn custom rewards for reaching milestones (e.g., refer 5 people for a t-shirt). * The goal is to increase subscriber growth. \ **Connect Your Email Platform** [0:57](https://loom.com/share/700e8e44bcf142a3af0bd3ec6ce85aa7?t=57) generated-image-at-00:00:57 * Navigate to **Settings > Account > Integrations**. * Ensure your email provider is listed. If not, contact support to add it. \ **Create a New Referral Program** [1:46](https://loom.com/share/700e8e44bcf142a3af0bd3ec6ce85aa7?t=106) generated-image-at-00:01:46 * Click on **Create New Referral Program**. * Enter the name of your email list or brand (e.g., "Pete's Weekly Roundup"). * Select your email integration (e.g., Kit). \ **Set Up Custom Thank You URL** [2:24](https://loom.com/share/700e8e44bcf142a3af0bd3ec6ce85aa7?t=144) * Decide if you want to use a custom thank you page or the built-in page. * If using a custom page, enter the URL. \ **Create Subscriber Call to Action** [3:10](https://loom.com/share/700e8e44bcf142a3af0bd3ec6ce85aa7?t=190) generated-image-at-00:03:10 * Write a short, bold headline encouraging sharing (e.g., "Share my newsletter with your friends and earn swag!"). * Optionally, add an extended call to action with more details. \ **Customize Rewards** [4:01](https://loom.com/share/700e8e44bcf142a3af0bd3ec6ce85aa7?t=241) generated-image-at-00:04:01 * Add at least one reward (up to four). * Provide a name and the number of referrals required to earn it (e.g., "Exclusive Email Content" for 5 referrals). * Enter a URL for reward redemption. \ **Design and Color Customization** [5:37](https://loom.com/share/700e8e44bcf142a3af0bd3ec6ce85aa7?t=337) generated-image-at-00:05:37 * Choose a color scheme for your referral program. * Use brand presets or customize colors as needed. \ **Testing the Referral Program** [6:09](https://loom.com/share/700e8e44bcf142a3af0bd3ec6ce85aa7?t=369) generated-image-at-00:06:09 * Test the integration settings and ensure everything is functioning correctly. * Send a test email to verify links and functionality. \ **Embedding in Newsletter** [8:11](https://loom.com/share/700e8e44bcf142a3af0bd3ec6ce85aa7?t=491) generated-image-at-00:08:11 * Use the provided URL or HTML code to embed the referral program in your newsletter. * Ensure the links direct to the correct dashboard. \ **Final Testing and Confirmation** [10:07](https://loom.com/share/700e8e44bcf142a3af0bd3ec6ce85aa7?t=607) generated-image-at-00:10:07 * Confirm that the email links work and direct to the correct pages. * Test the referral process by subscribing with a different email. \ **Monitor and Adjust** [14:49](https://loom.com/share/700e8e44bcf142a3af0bd3ec6ce85aa7?t=889) generated-image-at-00:14:49 * Regularly check the referral program's performance and make adjustments as necessary. #### Cautionary Notes * Ensure that your email provider is supported before starting. * Test all links and functionalities thoroughly to avoid issues for subscribers. #### Tips for Efficiency * Keep your call to action concise and engaging to encourage sharing. * Regularly review and update rewards to maintain subscriber interest. #### Link to Loom # Timers ### FIXED timer (non-evergreen) instructions: {% embed url="" %} ### EVERGREEN timers 1: What is an EVERGREEN timer? {% embed url="" %} ### EVERGREEN timers 2: Setup instructions: {% embed url="" %} # Comin soon # 50 Idea Battle IDEAS #### 🧪 General Crowd-Pleasers (work anywhere) * What’s a hill you’re willing to die on when it comes to \[topic]? * What’s a controversial opinion you have about \[industry/niche]? * What’s one idea or lesson that completely changed how you think? * What’s something you’ve tried recently that worked way better than expected? *** #### 🔧 SaaS + Product Creators * What’s one tiny feature that would make this product 10x more useful? * If you could wave a magic wand and instantly fix one thing about \[product], what would it be? * What integration should we build next? * What problem do you wish *someone* would build a tool for? * How do *you* use \[product]? Any creative hacks? *** #### 🧠 Coaches / Service-Based Entrepreneurs / Experts These prompts are designed to spark engagement, reveal pain points, and inspire new offers or content ideas. 1. What’s your biggest roadblock right now when it comes to \[topic I help with]? *(e.g., “growing your audience”, “managing your time”, “healing your gut”)* 2. If you had 1 hour of personalized help from me, what would you want to focus on? *(Great for discovering your audience’s most pressing needs)* 3. What’s something you wish more coaches/experts would do differently? *(This can surface insights that help you stand out in a crowded market)* 4. What’s the most helpful advice you’ve ever received (or wish you’d received) in \[topic]? 5. What’s a small daily habit or mindset shift that’s actually made a big difference for you? 6. What would a “dream” service, course, or program look like for you? No limits. *(A goldmine for offer development and messaging)* 7. What stage are you currently in with \[your topic] — just starting, making progress, or trying to scale up? *(Helps segment your audience and tailor future support)* *** #### ✍️ Creators / Bloggers / YouTubers / Podcasters / Newsletter Writers Great for sparking content ideas, surfacing audience desires, and building a deeper connection. 1. What kind of content do you wish more people were creating in \[your niche]? *(Tells you what your audience isn’t getting elsewhere.)* 2. What’s a question you’ve always wanted answered about \[topic I cover]? *(Instant blog/video/show ideas straight from your audience.)* 3. What tools, workflows, or gear do you swear by as a \[blogger/creator/etc]? *(This can turn into affiliate content, reviews, or tutorials.)* 4. What’s something you’ve tried recently that worked way better than expected? *(Reveals what your audience finds valuable or actionable.)* 5. What content from me has been the most helpful to you — and why? *(Pinpoints what to double down on or improve.)* 6. If I were to bring on a guest or collaborate with someone, who would you love to hear from? *(Ideal for podcasters, YouTubers, or newsletter collabs.)* 7. What do you struggle with most when trying to grow \[your blog, channel, email list, etc.]? *(Teases out pain points that can lead to new offers, guides, or mini-courses.)* *** #### 🛍️ Ecommerce / Brands / Products * What’s your all-time favorite product we’ve ever released? * What should we make next? * What’s your biggest frustration when shopping for \[product category]? * What would make our emails more fun or helpful? *** #### 🏓 Hobby Niches (Fishing? Knitting? Pickleball?) * What’s your #1 piece of advice for beginners? * What gear do you swear by and why? * What’s the most underrated strategy/tactic in \[niche]? * What’s your go-to warm-up or drill? *** #### 🎧 Podcasters / YouTubers / Streamers * What topic should we cover next? * Who would be your dream guest on the show? * What’s one moment from the show that stuck with you? * What’s one thing you wish more creators did? *** #### 📚 Authors / Writers / Substackers * What topics do you wish *more* people were writing about? * What book, article, or idea recently *stuck with you* — and why? *** #### 💼 Freelancers / Consultants / Agencies * What’s your biggest struggle when working with clients? * What tools or workflows have saved you the most time recently? *** #### 🧘 Wellness / Health / Lifestyle Brands * What’s one habit or product that’s made a *real* difference in your day-to-day life? * What’s a myth or bad advice you hear way too often in the wellness world? # 17 ideas for polls you can create comin soon # BUG REPORT / Feedback / Ideas {% hint style="danger" %} **NOTE: If you have an URGENT problem, email Pete at !** He'll get back to you either way, but that's usually faster. {% endhint %} \*\* Fill out the quick Google Form below! {% embed url="" %} # Changelog {% embed url="" %} ## CHANGELOG ### January 8, 2026 * LEADERBOARDS - you can now copy a "Webhook URL" (aka an "endpoint") on the Leaderboards page. You can use tools like Zapier, Make.com (or any other tool that can send POST request webhooks) to add points for a subscriber. ### December 11, 2025 * LEADERBOARDS - You can now manually edit your subscriber's points from the /admin screen * LEADERBOARDS - Release some lower cooldown periods so your subscribers can earn points more often (various use cases * POLLS - You can now segment subscriber's in your email provider based on how they vote! ### November 22, 2025 * TIMERS - Release countdown timers! ### September 18, 2025 * FIXES - I updated the actual embed HTML for poll, links, reactions, etc. These should be more "email safe" across all of your email platforms! ### July 10, 2025 * Added "New Gadget" buttons on the /polls page, /links, /reactions, etc. * Upgraded the color picker to be user-friendly! * POLLS - You can now set an expiration date for polls ### June 23, 2025 * Changed/fixed the email formatting for Ideal Battles (should look way better on mobile) * Made the "required" asterisks RED so they're easier to spot * The top menus now "close" after a link is clicked * The "comment window" for Idea Battles now close after a comment is submitted * Added the "Remove Powered By" option for Pro users ### June 16, 2025 * You can now "**duplicate**" an existing poll, link, reaction, or idea battle! * **Leaderboards -** Added an additional embed option, which includes the leaderboard description ### June 5, 2025 * **IDEA BATTLES FEATURE -** crowdsource information from your subscribers * Referrals - "confirm your subscription" emails are now BRANDED for your referral program (it said "List Gadget" before) * Referrals - fixed some bugs ### May 28, 2025 * Change the way image URLs are saved--so now they can function as opengraph images (social sharing images, etc) ### May 19, 2025 * Integrations - Added Drip ### May 13, 2025 * Integrations - Added ActiveCampaign ### May 9, 2025 * Integrations - Added Webhooks (i.e. for Zapier or Make.com) * Integrations - Added SendFox ### May 2025 (List Gadget 2.0) * 'Referral Programs' feature * Pro Plans * Revamped the Integrations process * **Polls**: You can now hide the vote totals when you show results (both on the poll results page, as well as the results email embed) * **Reactions**: We now track unique clicks for each response, and display the totals on the /reactions page * Various bug fixes ### March '25 * Created List Gadget ;)