New to Email Marketing? Here’s What You Need To Know

If you’re one of those people who thinks email marketing is dead, you’re really missing out.

With social media use at an all-time high, it’s easy to see something like email communication as outdated and, therefore, ineffective.

But research shows otherwise. Given the fact that email still delivers $44 for every single dollar spent, focusing solely on social media would be a wasted opportunity. In fact, to this day, only 74% of Internet users are on social media, but 92% use email at least once a month.

There are over 100 trillion emails sent every year. A lot of us check our email every day (and some of us do it 15 times a day). Needless to say, email marketing is not dead.

But how do you maximize your return on investment with this strategy?

Simple steps for beginners to successfully use email marketing

Before you start building a relationship with your target audience through emails, you first need to get them to read them (and preferably, to be excited about reading them).

How do you do this? By putting together a sizable group of relevant contacts, also known as an email list.

Here are 10 ways you can do this from scratch:

• Organize a giveaway
• Include a call-to-action on your blog
• Add an email registration form to your website
• Encourage people to sign up on social media
• Use “email only” specials and discounts
• Become an active member of your online community
• Offer downloadable freebies
• Leverage subscription options
• Ask for business cards in face-to-face meetings
• Use pop-ups and Facebook ads

Once you’ve got a solid email list, you need to follow up with your new subscribers and introduce yourself. Only after these steps, you can actually start implementing a campaign.

How to write emails that convert

When it comes to promoting your brand or product through email, empathy goes a long way.

For example, do you hate coming across a sales pitch in your inbox? Then don’t do this to other people.

Think about what would make you click on an email you get out of one hundred, and what would turn you away from opening the other 99. And then use that information in your campaign.

A wholesome, effective email campaign should include a combination of the following:

• Newsletter (focused content about a particular topic)
• Announcements, news, updates (to keep your customers in-the-know about your product or service)
• Invitations to events (to build brand awareness and further engagement)
• Marketing offers (discounts and promotions that compel people to buy your product)

So, now that you know what your email marketing campaign should include, let’s take a look at some real-life examples ?

Image via mailbakery.

• Starbucks always knows how to make its customers feel wanted and welcome. And there’s nothing better than making people feel special, and like they’re “insiders” to something exclusive.

Image via MailFloss.

• Headspace is also a great example. They keep it short and sweet, with a simple design and copy you just can’t say no to.

Image via ActiveCampaign.

• Lastly, don’t be afraid to start strong with a powerful pain point like Caster does above. That gets people to instantly pay attention, relate, and want to tell you all about it.

The key to email marketing success

Effective email marketing boils down to this: consistency.

The worst thing you can possibly do when it comes to this type of marketing is not follow through on what you promise. So, if you promised your subscribers you’ll give them useful product updates or send them an email every week – then it’s important to make sure you do that.

If you provide value to your audience on a consistent basis, you’ll not only strengthen your relationship with them but also foster trust and credibility. And this is the cornerstone of strong customer loyalty (and selling smart).

Interested in learning more about email marketing and other powerful strategies that convert? Check out some of our success stories.