We all know that email marketing is the oldest and most effective marketing method. With the changing marketing landscape and the coming of new tools and technologies, many times we sit down to begin an email marketing project and feel overwhelmed about where to start. Especially when working with a new brand, a completely new audience, or a newbie, it's hard to know where to start.
In layman’s terms, email marketing is a digital marketing method that uses a combination of email as a communication channel and promotional or informational content to advertise old and new products and services to past customers, existing customers, and potential customers. It’s also an irreplaceable asset in situations where a company needs to share a general message related to a controversy, market or industry event, or similar. To get a clear understanding and to leverage the great benefits of email marketing, let's dive into 12 must know tricks and hacks one must understand before starting an email marketing campaign.
What is an email marketing campaign?
Email marketing campaign is a term that gets thrown around a lot, but many people don't know what it really means. To put it simply, an email marketing campaign is "a series of individual emails (or a single email) sent over time to multiple recipients."
A campaign needs to be well-timed and well-planned so that it comes at the best time and provides valuable content and/or relevant offers (more on this in the best practices section). And when a campaign is made up of a number of emails, it's also very important to keep the design and message consistent.
First and foremost, for any email marketing campaign to be successful, it requires a clear goal and objective. Define the purpose of your campaign, whether it's to promote a product, drive website traffic, nurture leads, or engage with your audience. Having a specific goal will help you tailor your campaign effectively.
Here are some frequently asked questions related to email marketing campaigns
How to grow an email marketing list organically?
To grow your email marketing list organically, you can implement strategies such as creating compelling opt-in forms on your website, offering valuable content in exchange for email addresses, promoting your email list through social media and other marketing channels, running contests or giveaways, and optimizing your website for lead generation.
How often should one be sending emails?
The frequency of emailing depends on your audience and the nature of your business. It's important to find a balance between staying in touch with your subscribers and not overwhelming them. Typically, sending emails once a week or a few times a month is a good starting point. However, you can also consider segmenting your email list and sending targeted emails at different frequencies based on subscriber preferences.
What do open rate and click-through rate mean?
Open rate refers to the percentage of recipients who opened your email, while click-through rate represents the percentage of recipients who clicked on a link within your email. Higher open & Click-through rates indicate that your emails are resonating with your audience. These metrics help you measure the effectiveness of your email campaigns and gauge subscriber engagement.
What are the best kinds of subject lines for email marketing?
Email marketing subject line best practices are concise, compelling, and relevant to the email content. They should create a sense of urgency, pique curiosity, or offer a benefit to the recipient. Personalization and segmentation can also improve open rates. A/B testing different subject lines can help you determine what works best for your audience.
What is the best low-cost email marketing tool?
There are several email marketing tools available, including Mailchimp, SendinBlue, and MailerLite. These platforms offer features such as email campaign creation, list management, automation, and analytics. The best tool for you depends on your specific needs and budget.
What metrics should I track after sending out an email?
Key metrics to track after sending an email include open rate, click-through rate, conversion rate, bounce rate, unsubscribe rate, and overall engagement. These metrics provide insights into the performance of your email campaigns and help you identify areas for improvement.
How do I fix emails going to spam?
Emails can end up in spam folders due to various reasons, including poor email deliverability practices, spammy content or subject lines, sending emails to unengaged or purchased lists, and technical issues. To avoid this, follow email deliverability best practices, use reputable email service providers, personalize your emails, avoid spam trigger words, and regularly clean your email list.
How can I improve my call-to-action (CTA)?
To improve your CTA, make it clear, compelling, and action-oriented. Use action verbs, create a sense of urgency, and ensure it stands out visually. Test different CTAs and their placement within your emails to see what resonates best with your audience.email marketing call to action examples are -
1. CTAs that encourage a purchase:
"Shop now and get 20% off!"
"Buy it today before it's gone!"
2. CTAs for the holidays:
"Find the perfect holiday gifts here."
"Spread holiday cheer with our special offers."
3. CTAs for content:
"Learn more about our innovative solutions."
"Download the eBook for expert insights."
4. CTAs for video:
"Watch now to see our product in action."
"Hear from our CEO about our exciting plans."
5. CTAs for events:
"Reserve your seat for our exclusive event."
"Register now for early bird prices."
6. CTAs for service-based businesses:
"Book your next appointment today."
"Start your free trial and experience the benefits."
7. CTAs that focus on results:
"See how your business benefits from our services."
"Start now and see real results."
8. CTAs to collect feedback:
"Complete our quick 5-minute survey."
"Leave a review and let us know your thoughts."
9. CTAs for social media:
"Follow us for exciting updates."
"Like us on Facebook to stay connected."
10. General CTAs:
"Act now and don't miss out."
"Claim your exclusive offer today."
Should I buy an email database to start with email marketing?
It is not recommended to buy an email database. Purchased lists often contain outdated or inaccurate information, and sending emails to such lists can harm your sender reputation, result in high bounce rates, and damage your email deliverability. It's better to focus on building your own email list organically.
What is the best time of day to send emails?
The best time to send emails can vary depending on your audience and industry. However, studies have shown that mornings (between 9 a.m. and 11 a.m.) and weekdays (Tuesday to Thursday) tend to have higher email open and click-through rates. It's important to test different sending times and analyze the response to find the optimal timing for your specific audience.
How long should an email list be?
The ideal email list size depends more on the quality and engagement of your subscribers rather than the quantity alone. It's better to have a smaller list of highly engaged subscribers who open, click, and convert than a large list of unengaged subscribers. Focus on building a quality list by targeting the right audience and providing value to your subscribers.
Should I segment my email list?
Segmenting your email list involves dividing it into smaller groups based on specific criteria such as demographics, preferences, or (purchase/decision making )behavior. Segmenting allows you to send targeted and personalized content to different groups, improving relevance and engagement. It's generally recommended to segment your email list to deliver more tailored messages and achieve better results.
Conclusion
Now that you have the answers to the most important questions email marketers have, you can redouble your email marketing efforts with the kind of clarity that leads to great results. Remember, successful email marketing is a powerful tool that can supplement your conversion funnel and drive impressive outcomes for your business.
If you're looking to take your email marketing to the next level, be sure to check out these valuable resources:
"The 5-Step Process to Write Cold Emails That Actually Work" - This comprehensive guide from Spinta Digital walks you through the essential steps to craft effective cold emails that capture attention and yield results .
"Supplement Your Conversion Funnel with Email Marketing" - Discover how email marketing can seamlessly integrate into your conversion strategy and boost your overall conversion rates. This article from Spinta Digital provides valuable insights and practical tips to get you started.
By exploring these resources, you can further enhance your email marketing prowess and unlock new opportunities for business growth. So, have fun with email marketing and leverage its potential to engage, convert, and retain your audience effectively.
