How to create your first contact list on GetResponse

beginner 8 min read Updated 2026-03-19

Quick Answer

Creating your first contact list on GetResponse involves navigating to the Lists section, clicking Create List, and configuring basic settings like name, description, and confirmation options. The process takes just a few minutes and forms the foundation for your email marketing campaigns.

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Prerequisites

Active GetResponse account
Admin or list management permissions
Basic understanding of email marketing concepts
Web browser with JavaScript enabled

Step-by-Step Instructions

Access the Lists Dashboard

Log into your GetResponse account and navigate to the main dashboard. In the left sidebar menu, click on Lists to access your contact list management area. You'll see an overview of any existing lists or a welcome screen if this is your first list.

Bookmark the Lists page for quick access as you'll use it frequently for managing contacts.

Start Creating Your New List

Click the Create List button, typically located in the upper right corner of the Lists page. This will open the list creation wizard where you'll configure your new contact list settings.

Configure Basic List Information

Fill in the required fields:

List Name: Enter a descriptive name (e.g., "Newsletter Subscribers" or "Product Updates")
Description: Add an optional description for internal reference
Industry: Select the industry that best matches your business from the dropdown menu

Choose a clear, descriptive list name that will help you identify the list's purpose months later.

Set Up Confirmation Method

Choose your preferred confirmation method:

Single opt-in: Contacts are added immediately without email confirmation
Double opt-in: Contacts must confirm their subscription via email (recommended for better deliverability)

Select Double opt-in and configure the confirmation email template if desired.

Double opt-in may reduce your list size initially but ensures higher engagement and better deliverability rates.

Configure List Settings and Permissions

Review and adjust additional settings:

From Name: Set the sender name that will appear in emails
Reply-to Email: Enter the email address for replies
Company Details: Add your company information for compliance

Ensure all required fields are completed with accurate information.

Use a recognizable from name and reply-to address to improve open rates and subscriber trust.

Customize Subscription Forms (Optional)

Click Customize Forms if you want to modify the default subscription and confirmation pages. You can adjust colors, add your logo, and customize the messaging to match your brand. Skip this step if you prefer to use the default templates for now.

You can always customize forms later, so don't let this step delay your list creation.

Review and Create Your List

Review all your settings on the summary page. Check that your list name, confirmation method, and contact details are correct. Click Create List to finalize the creation process. GetResponse will create your list and redirect you to the list management page.

Verify List Creation and Next Steps

Confirm your new list appears in the Lists dashboard with a status of Active. Note the unique list ID and subscription form URL provided. You can now start adding contacts manually, import existing contacts, or embed signup forms on your website to begin building your list.

Test your subscription process by signing up with your own email address to ensure everything works correctly.

Common Issues & Troubleshooting

Create List button is greyed out or not clickable

Check that you have the necessary permissions in your GetResponse account. Contact administrators may need to grant you list creation privileges, or you may have reached your account's list limit.

Error message when trying to save list settings

Ensure all required fields are completed, particularly the From Name and Reply-to Email. The reply-to email must be a valid, existing email address that you can access.

Double opt-in confirmation emails not being sent

Verify your account's sending reputation is in good standing and check your Account Settings > Sending for any restrictions. Contact GetResponse support if the issue persists.

Cannot find the newly created list

Refresh your browser and check the Lists section again. If the list still doesn't appear, try logging out and back into your GetResponse account, or check if you're viewing the correct account if you manage multiple.

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