How to Make Money on Klaviyo: Proven Strategies for Beginners

What is Klaviyo?

Klaviyo (www.klaviyo.com) is a leading email and SMS marketing automation platform designed to help businesses grow revenue through highly personalized communication. Unlike generic email marketing tools, Klaviyo focuses on data-driven marketing, enabling businesses to send targeted messages based on customer behavior, purchase history, and engagement patterns. With integrations for major e-commerce platforms like Shopify, WooCommerce, and BigCommerce, Klaviyo has become a preferred choice for online store owners, digital marketers, and entrepreneurs seeking to maximize customer lifetime value.

At its core, Klaviyo combines marketing automation, analytics, and segmentation in one platform. This means businesses can craft campaigns that feel personal, predict customer behavior, and trigger messages automatically, such as welcome series, cart abandonment reminders, and post-purchase follow-ups. For beginners, it might seem overwhelming at first, but the platform is designed with intuitive workflows, drag-and-drop email builders, and pre-built templates to make setup straightforward.

By leveraging Klaviyo, even small businesses can compete with larger brands by delivering professional, personalized campaigns without needing extensive marketing experience. Its ability to track revenue directly from email and SMS campaigns provides clear insights, allowing users to refine strategies and increase profitability over time. Whether you’re just starting an online store or looking to improve your email marketing ROI, understanding Klaviyo is the first step toward monetizing your digital presence.

If you’re ready, I can move on to 2. How to use Klaviyo for beginners, and explain it in a step-by-step, easy-to-understand way. Do you want me to continue?

How to Use Klaviyo for Beginners

Getting started with Klaviyo may feel daunting at first, but the platform is designed to be beginner-friendly while offering advanced features as you grow. Here’s a detailed, step-by-step guide to help newcomers set up and start using Klaviyo effectively.

"Success in email marketing isn’t about sending more emails—it’s about sending the right emails that drive revenue"

Step 1: Create Your Account

Visit www.klaviyo.com and sign up for a free account. The free plan allows you to manage up to 250 contacts and send 500 emails per month, making it ideal for testing and learning without upfront costs.

Step 2: Set Up Your Profile and Business Information

Fill in your business name, address, and website. This ensures compliance with anti-spam laws and helps maintain your sender reputation.

Step 3: Connect Your E-commerce Platform

Klaviyo integrates seamlessly with Shopify, WooCommerce, BigCommerce, Magento, and more. Connecting your store syncs customer and order data automatically, giving you the foundation for personalized campaigns.

Step 4: Import Contacts

You can import your existing email list via CSV or directly from your e-commerce platform. Make sure all contacts have opted in to receive emails to stay compliant with GDPR and CAN-SPAM regulations.

Step 5: Configure Email and SMS Settings

Set up your sending domain, verified sender email, and SMS number if you plan to use text marketing. This helps increase deliverability and credibility.

Step 6: Explore Pre-Built Templates and Flows

Klaviyo offers ready-to-use email templates and automation flows such as Welcome Series, Abandoned Cart, and Post-Purchase campaigns. Review these to understand how automation works and how to customize it for your audience.

Step 7: Segment Your Audience

Use Klaviyo’s segmentation tools to group customers by behavior, purchase history, location, or engagement. Segmentation improves email relevance and boosts open and conversion rates.

Step 8: Create Your First Campaign

Start with a simple promotional email. Choose a template, add your content, and select your target segment. Use a compelling subject line to improve open rates.

Step 9: Set Up a Flow

Automated flows like welcome emails or abandoned cart reminders run continuously without manual intervention. Customize these flows to match your brand tone and offer.

Step 10: Review Analytics

After sending campaigns, monitor open rates, click-through rates, revenue per recipient, and other metrics in Klaviyo’s dashboard. Analytics will help you optimize future campaigns.

Step 11: Test Your Emails

Before sending live campaigns, use Klaviyo’s preview and testing features to check for broken links, formatting errors, and mobile responsiveness.

Step 12: Optimize for Deliverability

Regularly clean your email list, remove inactive subscribers, and avoid spammy content to maintain a high deliverability rate.

Step 13: Experiment with A/B Testing

Test subject lines, content layouts, and send times to identify what resonates best with your audience. Klaviyo’s reporting makes it easy to analyze results.

Step 14: Scale Gradually

Once you’re comfortable, expand your campaigns, add SMS marketing, and experiment with advanced segmentation and personalization to increase engagement and revenue.

If you’re interested, start here: Sign up for your free Klaviyo account and connect it to your e-commerce platform today to begin tracking customer behavior.

Main Functions and Advantages of Klaviyo

Klaviyo is not just another email marketing tool; it’s a complete platform that combines automation, analytics, and customer segmentation to help businesses grow revenue efficiently. Below is a breakdown of its core functions and advantages, explained for anyone new to marketing or technology.

1. Email and SMS Marketing Automation: Klaviyo allows you to send personalized emails and SMS messages automatically based on customer behavior. For example, you can send a welcome email when someone subscribes, an abandoned cart reminder when a shopper leaves items in their cart, or post-purchase follow-ups to encourage repeat orders. Automation saves time, reduces manual work, and ensures messages reach customers at the right moment.
2. Segmentation and Targeting: Instead of sending the same message to everyone, Klaviyo lets you segment your audience based on purchase history, engagement, demographics, location, and more. This means customers receive highly relevant content, which increases open rates, clicks, and conversions. Segmentation also allows for better personalization, making your brand feel more tailored and professional.
3. Analytics and Reporting: Klaviyo provides detailed insights into how your campaigns are performing. You can track open rates, click-through rates, revenue generated, and customer behavior patterns. These analytics help you refine your campaigns, understand your audience, and make data-driven decisions to maximize ROI.
4. Pre-Built Flows and Templates: Klaviyo includes ready-made email and SMS templates for common business needs like welcome series, abandoned cart reminders, product recommendations, and seasonal promotions. This feature is perfect for beginners because it reduces the learning curve and speeds up campaign setup.
5. Integrations with E-Commerce and Marketing Tools: Klaviyo integrates seamlessly with platforms like Shopify, WooCommerce, Magento, BigCommerce, Meta Ads, Google Ads, and more. These integrations allow you to sync customer data, track purchases, and retarget users across multiple channels, creating a cohesive marketing ecosystem.
6. Personalization and Dynamic Content: You can use Klaviyo to dynamically insert product recommendations, names, or personalized offers into emails. Personalization improves customer engagement and can significantly boost revenue per email or SMS campaign.
7. A/B Testing: Klaviyo offers built-in A/B testing for subject lines, content, and send times. Testing helps you understand what resonates with your audience and continuously optimize your campaigns for better results.
8. Compliance and Deliverability: The platform helps ensure compliance with anti-spam laws (CAN-SPAM, GDPR) and provides tools to maintain high deliverability rates. Verified sending domains, opt-in management, and list cleaning reduce the risk of emails landing in spam folders.

Pros and Cons of Klaviyo

Understanding the strengths and limitations of Klaviyo can help beginners decide how to use it effectively and avoid common pitfalls.

Pros

• Powerful Automation: Automates email and SMS campaigns, saving time and ensuring timely customer engagement.
• Advanced Segmentation: Allows precise targeting based on behavior, purchase history, demographics, and engagement.
• Detailed Analytics: Tracks revenue, open rates, click-through rates, and conversion metrics to optimize campaigns.
• Pre-Built Flows and Templates: Offers ready-made campaigns for beginners, reducing setup time.
• Seamless Integrations: Connects with Shopify, WooCommerce, BigCommerce, Meta Ads, Google Ads, and more.
• Personalization Features: Dynamic content, product recommendations, and personalized offers improve customer engagement.
• A/B Testing Capabilities: Built-in testing for subject lines, content, and send times improves campaign performance.
• Compliance Tools: Helps maintain GDPR and CAN-SPAM compliance and high deliverability rates.

Cons

• Learning Curve: Beginners may find the platform complex at first due to advanced features and data-driven tools.
• Pricing Can Scale Quickly: Paid plans can become expensive as your contact list and messaging volume grow.
• Limited Free Plan: The free plan is useful for small lists but quickly reaches limitations for growing businesses.
• SMS Costs Extra: SMS marketing requires additional credits, increasing the overall marketing spend.
• Requires Integrations: To unlock full functionality, e-commerce or third-party integrations are often necessary.
• Template Limitations: While templates are useful, highly customized designs may require HTML knowledge.
• Focus on E-Commerce: Best suited for online stores; less optimized for service-based businesses.
• Data Overload: Beginners may feel overwhelmed by the amount of data and analytics available.

5 Ways to Make Money on Klaviyo

Klaviyo isn’t just a marketing tool—it’s a revenue-generating engine when used strategically. By leveraging its automation, segmentation, and analytics, even beginners can start monetizing their email and SMS campaigns. Below are five proven ways to make money on Klaviyo, explained step by step.

1. E-Commerce Store Email Marketing

Email marketing for your e-commerce store is one of the most straightforward ways to generate revenue on Klaviyo. By sending targeted campaigns to your subscribers and customers, you can increase sales, reduce cart abandonment, and drive repeat purchases. This method works because emails and SMS can reach customers directly in their inbox or phone, encouraging immediate action. It fits within the broader business model as a revenue multiplier: every subscriber and previous buyer becomes a potential sale when nurtured correctly.

Klaviyo’s automation and segmentation features make this strategy particularly powerful. For example, a welcome series can introduce new subscribers to your brand, abandoned cart emails recover lost sales, and post-purchase campaigns upsell complementary products. Each touchpoint is designed to maximize revenue without additional advertising spend.

How Does It Work? Step by Step

1. Sign Up for Klaviyo and connect it to your e-commerce platform (Shopify, WooCommerce, etc.).
2. Import Your Existing Email List ensuring all contacts have opted in.
3. Verify Your Sending Domain to improve deliverability.
4. Set Up Basic Segments such as new subscribers, repeat buyers, or high-value customers.
5. Create a Welcome Series Flow with 2–3 emails introducing your brand and highlighting popular products.
6. Set Up Abandoned Cart Flow triggered when a customer leaves items in their cart.
7. Design Post-Purchase Flow to encourage repeat sales and product reviews.
8. Customize Email Templates using Klaviyo’s drag-and-drop editor.
9. Schedule Campaigns for promotions, new arrivals, or seasonal offers.
10. Integrate SMS Marketing to complement email campaigns (optional but recommended).
11. Test Emails for mobile responsiveness and broken links.
12. Monitor Analytics such as open rates, click-through rates, and revenue per campaign.
13. Optimize Flows based on performance metrics—adjust subject lines, timing, and content.
14. Scale Gradually by adding segmentation, personalization, and additional flows.

If you’re interested, start here: Sign up for Klaviyo and connect your store to create your first welcome email flow today.

Capital Required

• Klaviyo Plan: Free up to 250 contacts; paid plans start around $45/month for 500 contacts.
• SMS Credits: $0.01–$0.05 per message depending on volume and region.
• Ad Spend (Optional): $50–$200/month to grow your subscriber list.
• Integrations: Usually free with Shopify/WooCommerce; optional apps may cost $10–$50/month.
• Estimated Total: $45–$300 for beginners, depending on scale.

Third-Party Platforms

• Shopify/WooCommerce: Store management and order sync.
• Meta Ads / Google Ads: Grow your subscriber list through paid campaigns.
• Twilio: SMS sending for automated campaigns.
• Yotpo: Collect product reviews for post-purchase flows.
• Recharge: Manage subscriptions if selling recurring products.

Main Strategy and Target Audience

Focus on new and returning e-commerce customers. Use flows like welcome series, abandoned cart recovery, and post-purchase emails. Maintain a cadence of 1–3 emails per week per segment, with personalized offers to encourage repeat purchases.

First Income Strategy (Week 1):

1. Create a welcome series for new subscribers.
2. Add 50–100 email subscribers via a signup form or lead magnet.
3. Send the first email introducing your top-selling products.
4. Launch an abandoned cart flow for visitors who leave items in their cart.
5. Goal: Reach your first $50–$100 in sales within the week.

Estimated Income

• Beginner: $50–$300/month with a small list of 100–500 engaged subscribers.
• Expert: $2,000–$5,000/month with a list of 5,000–10,000 subscribers, 20% CTR, 2–3% conversion rate, and $50 AOV.

Real-Life Success Story

Sophie Turner, a small store owner, shared on a Shopify Entrepreneurs Facebook group that she struggled to generate consistent sales from her handmade jewelry store. She implemented Klaviyo’s welcome and abandoned cart flows and saw a turning point after the first automated campaign went live. “It was incredible to see sales coming in even while I was asleep!” she wrote.

Within the first month, Sophie earned $250 in additional revenue, primarily from abandoned cart emails and targeted promotions to her top subscribers. By consistently optimizing flows and personalizing messages, she was able to steadily increase monthly income to a consistent 3-digit figure. (Sources: Facebook “Shopify Entrepreneurs” group; Reddit r/ecommerce thread)

2. Affiliate Marketing via Klaviyo

Affiliate marketing through Klaviyo is a highly effective way to monetize your email list without needing to sell your own products. By promoting other companies’ products or services to your subscribers, you earn a commission for each sale generated through your referral link. This method works because subscribers who already trust your recommendations are more likely to click links and make purchases. It fits naturally into a business model where email marketing serves as the primary channel for generating passive income.

Klaviyo’s automation and segmentation tools allow you to send personalized affiliate offers to the right audience at the right time. For example, new subscribers might receive an introduction to a recommended product, while loyal customers could get exclusive deals or bundles. Properly structured campaigns can generate consistent commissions without overwhelming your list with too many promotional messages.

How Does It Work? Step by Step

1. Sign Up for Klaviyo and connect it to your website or landing page.
2. Join Affiliate Programs relevant to your niche (Amazon Associates, ShareASale, CJ Affiliate, etc.).
3. Import Your Email List ensuring compliance with opt-in requirements.
4. Segment Your Audience based on interests, past purchases, or engagement.
5. Create an Affiliate Campaign Flow using Klaviyo’s automation tools.
6. Design Emails that highlight the affiliate products with compelling copy and images.
7. Insert Affiliate Links in buttons or text within the email content.
8. Set Up SMS Campaigns if subscribers have opted in for texts.
9. Test Emails and Links to ensure they work correctly on all devices.
10. Schedule Campaigns at optimal times for engagement.
11. Monitor Clicks and Conversions through Klaviyo analytics and affiliate dashboards.
12. Optimize Content based on engagement and conversion data.
13. Experiment with Segmentation to target the most responsive audiences.
14. Scale Campaigns by adding more affiliate products or targeting new segments.

If you’re interested, start here: Join a relevant affiliate program and create your first Klaviyo email campaign promoting one product today.

Capital Required

• Klaviyo Plan: Free up to 250 contacts; paid plans start at $45/month for 500 contacts.
• SMS Credits (Optional): $0.01–$0.05 per message.
• Landing Page Tools (Optional): $0–$30/month if you use a page builder like Leadpages or WordPress plugins.
• Advertising to Grow List (Optional): $50–$200/month to attract more subscribers.
• Estimated Total: $45–$275 for beginners.

Third-Party Platforms

• Amazon Associates / ShareASale / CJ Affiliate: Provide affiliate products and track commissions.
• Shopify / WooCommerce: Manage your website and integrate with Klaviyo.
• Meta Ads / Google Ads: Promote lead magnets to grow your email list.
• Leadpages / Elementor: Build landing pages to capture subscribers for affiliate promotions.

Main Strategy and Target Audience

Target niche-specific audiences who are interested in products related to your email content. Use personalized campaigns to recommend products based on subscriber interests. Frequency should be 1–2 emails per week, with occasional exclusive deals to maintain engagement.

First Income Strategy (Week 1):

1. Select 1–2 affiliate products that fit your niche.
2. Segment your email list to identify the most engaged subscribers.
3. Send a single promotional email highlighting the benefits of the products.
4. Track clicks and conversions to identify the first sale.
5. Goal: Earn your first $20–$50 in affiliate commissions within the week.

Estimated Income

• Beginner: $20–$100/month with a small, engaged list.
• Expert: $500–$2,000/month with a list of 2,000–5,000 subscribers, 2–5% CTR, and 3–5% conversion rate.

Real-Life Success Story

Liam Harper, a fitness blogger, shared on Reddit r/EmailMarketing that he struggled to monetize his newsletter despite growing a list of 1,000 subscribers. After implementing Klaviyo to send segmented affiliate product emails, he experienced a breakthrough. “Seeing commissions from products I genuinely recommend made email marketing exciting again,” he wrote.

Within the first month, Liam earned $75 in affiliate commissions, primarily from a targeted email promoting workout supplements. By continuing to segment his list and optimize email timing, his affiliate revenue steadily grew to a consistent 3-digit monthly income. (Sources: Reddit r/EmailMarketing thread; Facebook “Affiliate Marketing Masters” group)

3. Subscription-Based Newsletter Monetization

Monetizing a subscription-based newsletter via Klaviyo is a proven way to generate consistent revenue. Instead of selling products directly, you provide premium content, insights, or resources that subscribers pay to access. This method works because many audiences are willing to pay for specialized knowledge, curated tips, or insider updates. It fits within the business model as a recurring revenue stream, providing financial stability and predictable cash flow.

Klaviyo’s automation tools make it easy to manage subscriptions, deliver content consistently, and segment your audience based on engagement. You can create free and premium tiers, nurture free subscribers into paying members, and use email flows to upsell special content or exclusive offers. By leveraging analytics, you can continuously refine what resonates with your audience, maximizing retention and lifetime value.

How Does It Work? Step by Step

1. Sign Up for Klaviyo and connect it to your website or content platform.
2. Set Up a Subscription Form on your site to capture email addresses.
3. Integrate a Payment Processor like Stripe, PayPal, or Memberstack for paid subscriptions.
4. Segment Subscribers into free and paid tiers for targeted campaigns.
5. Create a Welcome Series for new subscribers introducing your newsletter benefits.
6. Design Premium Content Delivery Flows to automate sending exclusive content to paying members.
7. Set Up Reminder Emails for subscription renewals or expiring trial periods.
8. Automate Upsells for additional content, courses, or resources.
9. Test Emails for mobile responsiveness and functionality.
10. Monitor Engagement Metrics such as open rates, click-through rates, and churn rates.
11. Optimize Subject Lines and Content to improve conversions.
12. Encourage Feedback to refine content offerings and increase subscriber satisfaction.
13. Scale the Newsletter by promoting it on social media, blogs, and other marketing channels.
14. Refine Campaign Timing and Segmentation based on subscriber behavior and analytics.

If you’re interested, start here: Create your first subscription sign-up form on your website and integrate it with Klaviyo today.

Capital Required

• Klaviyo Plan: Free for up to 250 contacts; paid plans start around $45/month.
• Payment Processor Fees: Typically 2.9% + $0.30 per transaction.
• Website/Newsletter Platform: $10–$30/month if using WordPress, Substack, or similar.
• Optional Marketing Spend: $50–$200/month to drive sign-ups.
• Estimated Total: $45–$300 for beginners.

Third-Party Platforms

• Stripe / PayPal: Manage subscription payments securely.
• Substack / Ghost / WordPress: Host premium newsletter content.
• Meta Ads / Google Ads: Promote newsletter to grow subscriber base.
• Zapier: Automate integrations between Klaviyo and other tools.

Main Strategy and Target Audience

Target niche audiences who value specialized content, such as industry professionals, hobbyists, or enthusiasts. Offer both free and paid tiers to build trust and convert subscribers. Cadence should be 1–2 high-value emails per week, balancing free and premium content.

First Income Strategy (Week 1):

1. Launch a free sign-up form with a lead magnet to attract subscribers.
2. Convert at least 10% of free subscribers to a paid tier within the first week.
3. Deliver premium content via automated Klaviyo flows.
4. Goal: Reach your first $50–$100 in subscription revenue within the week.

Estimated Income

• Beginner: $50–$200/month with a small list of 100–500 engaged subscribers.
• Expert: $1,000–$3,000/month with 1,000–5,000 subscribers and a 5–10% conversion to paid tier.

Real-Life Success Story

Hannah Ellis, a nutrition coach, shared on LinkedIn that she wanted to monetize her weekly tips newsletter but struggled to reach paying subscribers. By using Klaviyo to automate premium content delivery and segment free versus paid members, she converted her engaged audience efficiently.

Within the first month, Hannah earned $120 in subscription fees, primarily from automated flows sending premium meal plans and guides. “Klaviyo made it effortless to scale my newsletter and turn loyal readers into paying members,” she said. (Sources: LinkedIn post; Reddit r/EmailMarketing thread)

4. Product Launch Campaigns

Using Klaviyo for product launch campaigns is an effective way to generate immediate revenue and build anticipation for new offerings. This method works because well-timed, segmented emails create excitement, drive pre-orders, and encourage repeat purchases from loyal customers. It fits within a business model as a revenue accelerator, helping businesses maximize the impact of new product releases.

Klaviyo’s automation, segmentation, and analytics features allow you to plan campaigns that engage your audience at each stage of the launch. You can notify your most loyal customers first, send sneak peeks, countdown emails, and follow-ups post-launch. This strategy not only boosts sales but also strengthens brand loyalty by making subscribers feel part of an exclusive event.

How Does It Work? Step by Step

1. Sign Up for Klaviyo and connect it to your e-commerce platform.
2. Segment Your Audience into highly engaged customers and general subscribers.
3. Plan Your Product Launch Timeline including teaser, pre-launch, launch day, and post-launch emails.
4. Create a Welcome or Teaser Series for new sign-ups leading up to the launch.
5. Design Email Templates with product images, benefits, and CTAs.
6. Set Up Countdown Timers within emails to create urgency.
7. Schedule Pre-Launch Emails to build anticipation.
8. Send Launch Day Email to announce availability and highlight limited stock or bonuses.
9. Set Up Follow-Up Emails for subscribers who didn’t purchase.
10. Integrate SMS Alerts for high-priority announcements (optional).
11. Test All Emails for links, formatting, and responsiveness.
12. Monitor Campaign Metrics including opens, clicks, and conversions.
13. Adjust Follow-Ups based on subscriber engagement.
14. Analyze Launch Results to optimize future campaigns.

If you’re interested, start here: Identify your next product launch and create a segmented teaser campaign in Klaviyo today.

Capital Required

• Klaviyo Plan: Free up to 250 contacts; paid plans start at $45/month.
• Product Development Costs: Varies by product ($100–$1,000+ depending on type).
• Optional Ad Spend: $50–$300/month to grow pre-launch sign-ups.
• SMS Credits: $0.01–$0.05 per message if used.
• Estimated Total: $45–$1,500 depending on product complexity and scale.

Third-Party Platforms

• Shopify / WooCommerce: Manage product inventory and checkout.
• Meta Ads / Google Ads: Drive sign-ups and awareness for the launch.
• Twilio: Send SMS alerts for launch notifications.
• Canva / Figma: Design launch graphics and email visuals.

Main Strategy and Target Audience

Target existing customers and highly engaged subscribers first, then expand to general subscribers and leads. Focus on exclusive access, limited availability, or special offers to drive urgency. Maintain a cadence of 2–4 emails per week during the launch period.

First Income Strategy (Week 1):

1. Segment 50–100 loyal subscribers for an exclusive pre-launch offer.
2. Send teaser emails with product benefits and sneak peeks.
3. Launch the product with a limited-time bonus or discount.
4. Goal: Achieve your first $100–$200 in sales from the launch campaign.

Estimated Income

• Beginner: $100–$500/month depending on product pricing and list size.
• Expert: $2,000–$10,000 per launch with 1,000–5,000 subscribers, 5–10% conversion, and $50–$100 AOV.

Real-Life Success Story

Ethan Clarke, a home decor entrepreneur, shared on Reddit r/ecommerce that he struggled to generate excitement for new products. By using Klaviyo to segment loyal customers and send a countdown campaign for a limited-edition lamp, he experienced a turning point. “The pre-launch teasers created buzz, and sales went live before most people even expected it,” he wrote.

Within the first week, Ethan earned $320 in revenue, primarily from loyal customers who received exclusive early access. “Klaviyo made it easy to automate every step of the launch, and the results were amazing,” he said. (Sources: Reddit r/ecommerce thread; Facebook “Shopify Entrepreneurs” group)

5. Upselling and Cross-Selling Campaigns

Upselling and cross-selling with Klaviyo is a highly effective strategy to increase revenue from existing customers. Upselling encourages customers to purchase a higher-tier product or add-on, while cross-selling promotes complementary products. This method works because it targets buyers who have already demonstrated purchase intent, making them more likely to spend again. It fits within the business model as a post-purchase revenue booster, maximizing the value of each customer.

Klaviyo’s automation and segmentation allow you to deliver personalized recommendations at the perfect time, such as immediately after a purchase or when browsing related products. By using dynamic content, you can showcase items that match customer preferences, increasing the likelihood of additional sales without being intrusive. Properly executed upsell and cross-sell campaigns can dramatically improve your average order value (AOV) and overall profitability.

How Does It Work? Step by Step

1. Sign Up for Klaviyo and connect it to your e-commerce platform.
2. Import Your Customer List to track past purchases and preferences.
3. Segment Customers based on purchase behavior, frequency, and product categories.
4. Identify Opportunities for upselling (premium products) and cross-selling (related items).
5. Create Post-Purchase Flows that include upsell and cross-sell offers.
6. Design Dynamic Email Templates that recommend personalized products.
7. Set Timing Rules for when recommendations are sent (e.g., 1–3 days after purchase).
8. Integrate SMS Campaigns for time-sensitive offers (optional).
9. Test Emails to ensure links and dynamic content display correctly.
10. Schedule Campaigns to maximize engagement based on customer activity.
11. Monitor Metrics like click-through rate, conversion rate, and revenue per email.
12. Refine Recommendations based on performance data.
13. Experiment with Segmentation for different customer groups.
14. Scale Campaigns by adding additional product recommendations and flows.

If you’re interested, start here: Set up your first post-purchase flow in Klaviyo to recommend complementary products today.

Capital Required

• Klaviyo Plan: Free up to 250 contacts; paid plans start at $45/month.
• Optional SMS Credits: $0.01–$0.05 per message.
• Optional Ad Spend: $50–$200/month to grow customer list.
• Estimated Total: $45–$250 for beginners.

Third-Party Platforms

• Shopify / WooCommerce: Track purchases and trigger flows.
• Meta Ads / Google Ads: Promote related products to previous buyers.
• Twilio: Send SMS recommendations.
• Yotpo / Loox: Include product reviews in upsell emails for social proof.

Main Strategy and Target Audience

Target recent buyers and high-value customers. Use automated flows to deliver personalized recommendations based on past purchases. Maintain a cadence of 1–2 emails per week per segment to avoid overwhelming subscribers.

First Income Strategy (Week 1):

1. Segment 50–100 recent buyers for post-purchase recommendations.
2. Create a simple upsell email for a complementary product.
3. Launch the flow and track conversions.
4. Goal: Generate your first $50–$100 in additional revenue from upsells.

Estimated Income

• Beginner: $50–$300/month with a small engaged list.
• Expert: $1,000–$5,000/month with 1,000–5,000 customers, 5–10% CTR, and 5–10% conversion rate.

Real-Life Success Story

Olivia Grant, a small online skincare store owner, shared on the Facebook group “Shopify Entrepreneurs” that her initial post-purchase campaigns were manual and inconsistent. After using Klaviyo to automate upsell and cross-sell flows, she noticed an immediate impact. “I was amazed at how many customers bought additional products just a day after their initial order,” she said.

Within the first two weeks, Olivia earned $180 in additional sales from upsell campaigns. By continuously optimizing product recommendations and segmenting her audience, she grew monthly revenue from upsells to a consistent 3-digit figure. (Sources: Facebook “Shopify Entrepreneurs” group; Reddit r/ecommerce thread)

Comparison Table: 5 Ways to Make Money on Klaviyo

Method	How It Works	Supporting Platforms	Target Market	Capital Required	Estimated Income
1. E-Commerce Store Email Marketing	Send targeted campaigns to promote products, recover abandoned carts, and encourage repeat purchases.	Shopify, WooCommerce, BigCommerce, Meta Ads, Google Ads, Twilio	Online store customers and subscribers	$45–$300/month	Beginner: $50–$300/month; Expert: $2,000–$5,000/month
2. Affiliate Marketing	Promote affiliate products via email/SMS and earn commissions on sales.	Amazon Associates, ShareASale, CJ Affiliate, Shopify, Meta Ads, Google Ads	Niche-specific audiences interested in recommended products	$45–$275/month	Beginner: $20–$100/month; Expert: $500–$2,000/month
3. Subscription-Based Newsletter	Offer premium content via paid subscriptions and automate delivery.	Stripe, PayPal, Substack, Ghost, WordPress, Meta Ads	Niche audiences seeking specialized content	$45–$300/month	Beginner: $50–$200/month; Expert: $1,000–$3,000/month
4. Product Launch Campaigns	Build anticipation for new products through segmented emails and flows to drive pre-orders and sales.	Shopify, WooCommerce, Meta Ads, Google Ads, Canva	Existing customers and engaged subscribers	$45–$1,500 depending on product	Beginner: $100–$500/month; Expert: $2,000–$10,000 per launch
5. Upselling and Cross-Selling	Send automated post-purchase emails recommending higher-tier or complementary products to increase AOV.	Shopify, WooCommerce, Meta Ads, Google Ads, Twilio, Yotpo	Recent buyers and high-value customers	$45–$250/month	Beginner: $50–$300/month; Expert: $1,000–$5,000/month

How to Promote or Market Klaviyo Effectively

Effectively promoting Klaviyo as a tool or leveraging it to market your business requires a strategic approach. Below are actionable methods to maximize visibility, attract subscribers, and boost conversions.

1. Leverage Social Media Channels
Use platforms like Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, and LinkedIn to share lead magnets, newsletter sign-ups, and product announcements. Create engaging posts, stories, or reels that highlight the value of subscribing to your email list. Use paid ads to target specific demographics likely to convert.
2. Optimize Your Website for Sign-Ups
Place prominent email sign-up forms on your homepage, blog posts, and checkout pages. Use pop-ups, slide-ins, and exit-intent forms to capture visitor information without being intrusive. Offer incentives like discounts, free resources, or exclusive content.
3. Run Paid Advertising Campaigns
Invest in Meta Ads, Google Ads, or YouTube Ads to drive traffic to your sign-up forms or landing pages. Segment campaigns by interest, behavior, or demographics to ensure high-quality leads. Track conversions and optimize campaigns continuously.
4. Collaborate with Influencers and Partners
Partner with influencers, bloggers, or complementary brands in your niche to promote your Klaviyo-powered campaigns. Guest posts, joint webinars, and social shout-outs can increase your reach and attract new subscribers.
5. Use Content Marketing
Create high-value blog posts, videos, and guides that attract organic traffic. Include strategically placed CTAs linking to your email or SMS sign-up forms. Focus on topics relevant to your audience’s interests to build trust and engagement.
6. Incentivize Referrals
Encourage existing subscribers to refer friends by offering rewards, discounts, or exclusive content. Klaviyo can track these referrals and automate thank-you or reward emails.
7. Implement Retargeting Campaigns
Use Klaviyo data integrated with Meta Ads or Google Ads to retarget website visitors or past customers. Personalized ads based on previous engagement can increase conversions and boost campaign ROI.
8. Optimize Email Subject Lines and Content
Regularly test subject lines, email timing, and content using A/B testing. Engaging subject lines increase open rates, while personalized content improves clicks and conversions.

5 Mistakes to Avoid When Using Klaviyo

Avoiding common pitfalls is crucial to maximize revenue and engagement on Klaviyo. Here are the top five mistakes beginners often make, along with detailed explanations.

1. Neglecting List Segmentation: Treating all subscribers the same reduces relevance and lowers engagement. Segment your audience by behavior, purchase history, demographics, or engagement level. Sending personalized campaigns improves open rates, click-through rates, and conversions.
2. Overloading Subscribers with Emails: Bombarding subscribers with too many messages can lead to unsubscribes and reduced trust. Maintain a consistent but reasonable cadence—typically 1–3 emails per week depending on your audience. Focus on value-driven content rather than constant promotions.
3. Ignoring Analytics and Performance Metrics: Failing to monitor campaign performance means missed opportunities to optimize. Use Klaviyo’s analytics dashboard to track open rates, CTR, revenue per campaign, and segment performance. Adjust flows and content based on real data, not assumptions.
4. Skipping Automation and Flows: Manual campaigns limit scalability and revenue potential. Automated flows like welcome series, abandoned cart emails, and post-purchase recommendations increase efficiency and consistently drive revenue without constant effort.
5. Poorly Designed Emails: Emails with broken links, unclear CTAs, or unoptimized mobile layouts reduce engagement. Use Klaviyo’s preview and testing features to ensure content displays correctly across devices. Invest in clear design, compelling copy, and actionable CTAs to improve conversions.

FAQs About Making Money on Klaviyo

Klaviyo is an email and SMS marketing automation platform that helps businesses increase revenue through targeted campaigns, automation flows, and personalized messaging. By reaching the right audience at the right time, businesses can recover abandoned carts, promote products, and increase customer lifetime value.

While Klaviyo is optimized for e-commerce, you don’t necessarily need a store. Service-based businesses, subscription newsletters, and affiliate marketers can also leverage Klaviyo for email and SMS campaigns, segmenting audiences and promoting offers to drive revenue.

Klaviyo offers a free plan for up to 250 contacts and 500 email sends per month. Paid plans start around $45/month for 500 contacts, with costs increasing as your subscriber list grows. SMS marketing and third-party integrations may add additional expenses.

Yes. Klaviyo provides pre-built templates, automation flows, and a user-friendly drag-and-drop editor, making it accessible for beginners. Learning best practices and gradually implementing segmentation and personalization will improve results over time.

Results vary depending on your strategy, audience, and effort. Beginners often see initial sales or commissions within the first week using targeted campaigns, while consistent income grows over several months as lists and automation flows expand.

Key integrations include Shopify, WooCommerce, BigCommerce for e-commerce; Stripe or PayPal for payments; Meta Ads and Google Ads for traffic growth; Twilio for SMS campaigns; and Yotpo or Loox for product reviews and social proof. Integrating these platforms allows for seamless automation and data-driven marketing.

What Our Readers Say

★★★★★

“I’ve been trying to monetize my Shopify store for months, but email campaigns were always a challenge. After following the Klaviyo strategies in this article, I set up automated flows and saw my first $150 in sales within a week. The step-by-step instructions made everything so easy to implement.”

Jason Miller

★★★★★

“This guide was a game-changer! I had no prior experience with email marketing, but the detailed beginner instructions helped me launch my first affiliate campaign through Klaviyo. My first $40 in commissions came faster than I expected.”

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“Using the upsell and cross-sell tips in this article, I increased my average order value by 25%. The comparison table was particularly helpful for deciding which strategy to focus on first. Highly recommend it for e-commerce beginners.”

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“I never realized how powerful segmentation could be until I implemented the flows described here. Sending personalized emails to different customer segments boosted engagement and generated consistent revenue. This post saved me months of trial and error!”

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★★★★★

“The subscription-based newsletter strategy was perfect for my niche audience. Klaviyo made it simple to automate content delivery, and I earned my first $80 in subscriptions within two weeks. The real-life examples were motivating and relatable.”

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“I’ve tried several marketing platforms, but Klaviyo’s automation and analytics made a huge difference. Following the product launch campaign method helped me generate $300 in my first launch. The actionable steps in this guide were exactly what I needed.”

Sarah Whitman

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“This guide’s section on affiliate marketing helped me start earning without creating my own products. The detailed step-by-step instructions and recommended third-party tools made everything straightforward. My first $50 commission came quicker than expected.”

Daniel Foster

★★★★★

“Before reading this post, I was overwhelmed by Klaviyo. The article broke everything down into manageable steps, and I now run automated flows that consistently drive sales. I feel lucky to have found such a comprehensive guide!”

Chloe Reynolds