Why your email signup form might be blocked — and what to do

You’ve spent hours perfecting your lead magnet — but no one’s signing up.
If you’re running a coaching website and your email signup form seems to be underperforming, the problem might not be your copy or your offer. It could be that your form is being silently blocked by your visitor’s ad blocker — and they don’t even know it.

In this article, we’ll walk you through how ad blockers might be sabotaging your list-building efforts, how to check if it’s happening on your site, and most importantly, what you can do about it — without annoying your visitors or compromising your values.

First, let’s fix what you can control

Let’s start with what every time-pressed business owner wants: the solution.

If your email signup form isn’t showing up for some visitors — even though it works fine when you check — there’s a real chance an ad blocker is getting in the way. So how do you make your form visible again without resorting to annoying tactics?

Here’s the short answer: simplify and embed.

Instead of using popups or slide-ins (which are frequently blocked), embed your signup form directly into your page content — preferably above the fold or at the end of a blog post.
Avoid using third-party popup tools that inject scripts from external domains. Many ad blockers flag these as “suspicious” and shut them down before they load.
Stick to plain HTML forms whenever possible, or use tools that are known to be ad-blocker friendly, like ConvertKit’s inline embeds or MailerLite’s native integrations.

And yes — if you’re wondering whether your own setup might be triggering blockers, chances are it is. With the rise in privacy tools and heightened awareness around online safety, many users are more cautious than ever. If you’re curious about what your audience might be seeing — or missing — it’s worth checking out the latest cyber news to stay informed.

We’ll cover how to test your site next.

So… what are ad blockers actually blocking?

Most people think ad blockers only stop banner ads or YouTube pre-rolls. But today’s tools go much further.

Modern ad blockers — especially the most aggressive ones — routinely block:

Popups and popunders
Modal overlays (the “wait, don’t leave yet!” boxes)
Exit-intent forms
Chat widgets
Analytics tracking scripts
Affiliate links
Third-party opt-in forms

In other words, the exact tools you may be using to grow your list or understand your site traffic.

And it’s not just one or two people using them. In 2025, over 43% of internet users globally have at least one ad blocker installed — and that number is even higher among tech-savvy audiences like online entrepreneurs and freelancers.

Curious what your visitors might be using? Check out this guide to 10 free popup blockers — it’s an eye-opener.

Why are people blocking more than just ads?

This part’s important — especially for coaches and consultants who care about ethical marketing.

People aren’t just blocking ads because they’re annoying. They’re blocking because they:

Want faster page loads
Are sick of being followed around the internet
Don’t trust popups (even the helpful ones)
Value their privacy

And here’s the kicker: most users don’t realize they’re blocking useful features like your signup form. They install an ad blocker once, forget about it, and never see your opt-ins again.

It’s not personal. It’s invisible.

Signs you might be affected (even if it looks fine to you)

As the site owner, you probably aren’t using an ad blocker when you check your website. But your visitors? Different story.

Here are some subtle signs your forms are being blocked:

Your email list growth has plateaued despite steady traffic
Visitors are spending time on your content but not converting
Your analytics show low opt-in form views (or no data at all)
People message you asking for resources that are clearly “right there” — but they never saw them

If that sounds familiar, it’s time to run a quick check.

How to check if your site is being blocked

This takes just a few minutes.

Step 1: Visit your own website using an ad blocker

Install a common ad blocker like uBlock Origin or AdBlock Plus and visit your site in incognito mode.
Try viewing:

Your homepage
Blog posts with embedded signup forms
Pages that use popups or overlays

Do your opt-ins still show up? If not, you’ve got your answer.

Step 2: Try a detection tool

There are online services that scan your site and tell you what’s likely to be blocked. Some popular ones:

PageFair AdBlock Analytics
AdBlock Tester
Chrome’s built-in developer tools > Network tab (look for blocked resources)

This isn’t about spying on your users — it’s about ensuring they can actually see what you’re offering.

What to use instead: Lead gen that still works

Here’s the good news: You don’t have to fight your users.
You just need to meet them halfway.

Here are strategies that still convert — even in a popup-blocked world:

Use Inline Opt-Ins: Place your signup forms within your blog content or at the end of key landing pages.
This avoids most ad-block filters and blends naturally into the page.
Switch to Native Forms: Use tools that integrate directly with your site platform (like MailerLite for WordPress or ConvertKit for Squarespace). These tend to be “clean” from the ad blocker’s point of view.
Content Upgrades (Embedded): Instead of popups, offer your lead magnet right inside your article. Example: “Want a checklist version of this post? Enter your email below.”
Email Collection via Landing Pages: Dedicated landing pages often avoid blocking — especially if they don’t use popup overlays. Keep them minimalist and mobile-optimized.

What not to do

Let’s get this out of the way: Don’t try to outsmart ad blockers.

There are scripts and tricks that “detect” ad blockers and force popups anyway. But that usually backfires.

You might end up:

Breaking your site on mobile
Slowing down your load time
Losing trust with your audience

Remember, your ideal clients — like Fiona — value integrity and professionalism. They’re not impressed by tech tricks. They just want a smooth, trustworthy experience.

If you’re serious about list building, focus on visibility first

Here’s what it really comes down to.

You’ve put effort into creating something valuable — a lead magnet, a free guide, a helpful resource. You deserve for people to see it.

But the digital landscape has changed. People are more cautious, more protective of their time, and more selective about who they trust.

If your signup forms are being blocked, it’s not a judgment on your value. It’s a nudge to simplify, clarify, and adapt your approach.

It’s about trust, not tricks

Growing an email list isn’t about chasing every click or hack. It’s about building relationships — one signup at a time.

By using respectful, visible, and user-friendly opt-in methods, you’re doing more than just “getting around ad blockers.” You’re showing your audience that you get it.

You understand their time is valuable. Their attention is earned. And your coaching business? It’s built on that kind of trust.