Having an email list and starting an email marketing strategy as a blogger is a non-negotable. 

In the ever-evolving digital landscape, where trends come and go, there’s one marketing strategy that stands the test of time, email marketing. It’s the tried-and-true method of connecting with your audience, nurturing relationships, and driving conversions.

In fact, did you know that email marketing produces an astounding 4,400% return on investment, making it one of the most effective marketing channels available today?

If you’re ready to harness the power of email marketing but don’t know where to start, grab a cup of coffee, settle in, and let’s embark on a step-by-step guide to get you started.

What is Email Marketing?

Picture this: you’re scrolling through your inbox, amidst a sea of bills, social media notifications, and the occasional chain email from your aunt, and suddenly, an email catches your eye. It’s from your favourite brand, and it’s not just another sales pitch. It’s a personalized message, tailored to your interests and preferences, offering you something you actually care about.

That’s the magic of email marketing, my friend. It’s not about spamming inboxes with unsolicited messages; it’s about building genuine connections with your audience and making them feel valued and appreciated. It’s about creating a conversation, not a monologue.

Think of email marketing as your chance to have a one-on-one chat with each of your customers, without actually having to sit down with them in person. You can introduce them to new products, share exciting news, and even ask for their feedback. It’s a direct line of communication that allows you to nurture relationships and build brand loyalty.

The Benefits of Email Marketing

Email marketing isn’t just about sending emails; it’s about unlocking a treasure trove of benefits that can transform your business. Here are just a few of the gems you can expect to find:

1. Cost-Effectiveness: Email marketing is the epitome of a money-saving superhero. You don’t need to rent out billboards or hire skywriters to reach your audience; a simple email can do the trick.

2. Targeted Reach: With email marketing, you can say goodbye to shotgun marketing tactics. You can segment your email list based on interests, demographics, and purchase history, ensuring that your messages reach the right people at the right time.

3. Personalized Engagement: Email marketing allows you to create personalized messages that speak directly to each recipient. It’s like having a conversation with each customer individually, making them feel valued and appreciated.

4. Measurable Results: Unlike some other marketing channels, email marketing provides clear and measurable results. You can track open rates, click-through rates, and conversions, allowing you to refine your strategies and maximize your ROI.

5. Relationship Building: Email marketing is the foundation of building strong relationships with your customers. It allows you to stay top-of-mind, nurture their loyalty, and turn them into brand advocates.

Getting Started with Email Marketing

Email marketing is much more than sending an email newsletter to a few email addresses with a great subject line. If you’re feeling overwhelmed on how to get started with email marketing here are seven steps to get started in email marketing as a beginner.

Define Your Goals and Target Audience

Before you dive headfirst into the world of email marketing, it’s crucial to define your goals and identify your target audience. This is like packing your backpack for a hike – you need to know where you’re going and who you’re taking with you.

Ask yourself: what do you want to achieve with your email campaigns? Are you looking to increase brand awareness, generate leads, drive sales, or nurture customer relationships? Having clear goals will help you craft targeted and effective emails.

Next, think about who you want to reach with your messages. Are you targeting young professionals, busy moms, or tech-savvy millennials? Understanding your audience’s demographics, interests, and pain points will enable you to personalize your emails and resonate with their needs.

Choose an Email Marketing Platform

Now that you’ve defined your goals and target audience, it’s time to choose the right email marketing platform to be your partner in crime. Think of it like finding your ideal workout buddy – someone who complements your strengths motivates you to push your limits, and makes the journey enjoyable.

With a plethora of email service providers available, the options might seem overwhelming. But fear not, my fellow marketer, for there’s one platform that stands out from the crowd, ready to take your email marketing game to the next level: Flodesk.

Flodesk is like a cool, tech-savvy friend who always has the latest gadgets and knows all the tricks of the trade. It’s packed with powerful features, yet it’s incredibly user-friendly, making it perfect for email marketers of all levels, from beginners to seasoned pros.

Here’s why Flodesk email marketing tool is your email marketing soulmate:

• Drag-and-drop editor: Creating stunning emails is a breeze with Flodesk’s intuitive drag-and-drop editor. No coding or design experience is required!
• Email templates: If you’re short on time or inspiration, Flodesk’s library of professionally designed email marketing templates is your secret weapon.
• Segmentation and personalization: Reach the right people at the right time with Flodesk’s segmentation and email personalization tools.
• Automation: Save time and effort by automating your email campaigns, ensuring that your messages are delivered at the most opportune moments when your audience subscribe to your email list.
• Analytics: Dive into your email campaign data and uncover valuable insights that will help you refine your strategies.

With Flodesk by your side, you’ll be crafting email campaigns that are not only effective but also visually appealing and engaging. Your audience will be eagerly waiting for your messages to land in their inboxes, and your business will reap the rewards.

Build an Email List

Now that you’ve chosen your email marketing platform, it’s time to start building your email list, your very own tribe of loyal followers. Think of it like assembling a team of superheroes, each one with unique talents and skills that will help you achieve your email marketing goals.

Here are some fun and engaging ways to attract new subscribers to your email list:

• Create compelling opt-in forms: Make your opt-in forms irresistible with clear benefits, catchy headlines, and a touch of humor.
• Offer valuable incentives: Entice potential subscribers with exclusive discounts, free e-books, or early access to new products.
• Cross-promote on social media: Spread the word about your email list on your social media channels, encouraging your followers to join your tribe.
• Utilize your website: Integrate opt-in forms into your website’s strategic locations, making it easy for visitors to subscribe.
• Partner with other businesses: Collaborate with complementary businesses to cross-promote each other’s email lists, expanding your reach.

Remember, quality over quantity is key. It’s better to have a smaller list of engaged subscribers than a large list of inactive ones. Focus on attracting individuals who are genuinely interested in your brand and offerings.

With a growing email list, you’ll have a direct line of communication with your audience, enabling you to nurture relationships, drive conversions, and ultimately achieve your business objectives.

Segment Your Email List

Now that you’ve assembled your email list of enthusiastic subscribers, it’s time to unleash the power of segmentation. Think of it like sorting your vast library of books into genres, ensuring that mystery lovers can easily find their favorite thrillers, while history buffs can delve into captivating tales of the past.

Email list segmentation is the key to unlocking hidden gems within your audience, allowing you to send personalized messages that resonate deeply with their interests and preferences. It’s like having a secret superpower that enables you to become a mind reader, understanding what each subscriber wants to hear.

Here’s how to segment your list based on email opt-in type or campaign:

• Delve into the Opt-in Details: Review the different ways subscribers have joined your list and the campaigns they signed up for. This information is like a treasure map, guiding you towards understanding your audience’s preferences.
• Create Segments for Each Opt-in Type or Campaign: Like a skilled organizer, create separate segments for each opt-in type or campaign. This ensures that each group receives emails tailored to their interests, like a personalized playlist for each music lover.
• Craft Targeted Email Content: Become a master storyteller by crafting email content that aligns with the interests or preferences associated with that group’s opt-in type or campaign. For instance, if someone joined your list through a campaign about your travel deals, sending them emails about your cooking classes might not be the most relevant approach.

Remember, segmentation isn’t just about sending emails; it’s about creating personalized experiences that nurture relationships and drive results. By segmenting your list based on opt-in type or campaign, you’ll not only increase engagement and click-through rates but also strengthen relationships with your subscribers by demonstrating that you value their specific interests.

Craft Compelling Email Content

Once you’ve segmented your email list, it’s time to craft compelling content that will grab your subscribers’ attention and make them eager to open your emails. Here are some tips for writing engaging email content:

• Use a catchy subject line: Your subject line is the first thing your subscribers will see, so make it count. Keep it short, relevant, and eye-catching.
• Personalize your emails: Use your email subscribers’ names and address them in a conversational tone. This will make your emails feel more personal and engaging.
• Keep it concise: Get to the point quickly and don’t overload your subscribers with too much information.
• Use strong visuals: Images and videos can help to break up your text and make your emails more visually appealing.
• Include a clear call to action: Tell your subscribers what you want them to do, whether it’s clicking a link, making a purchase, or signing up for an event.

Launch Your Email Marketing Campaigns

Now that you’ve created your email content, it’s time to launch your campaigns. Here are a few things to keep in mind:

• Choose the right time to send your emails: Avoid sending your emails during times when your subscribers are likely to be busy, such as early in the morning or late at night.
• Test your emails: Before you send your emails to your entire list, test them on a small group of subscribers to make sure they look good and work properly.
• Monitor your results: Once you’ve launched your campaigns, monitor your open rates, click-through rates, and unsubscribe rates to see how your emails are performing. Use this information to refine your strategy for future campaigns.

Measure Your Results and Refine Your Strategy

Email marketing is not a set-it-and-forget-it strategy. It’s an ongoing process that requires continuous measurement and refinement. Think of it like a scientific experiment – you test your hypotheses, collect data, and analyze the results to make better decisions.

Here are some key metrics to track in your email marketing campaigns:

• Open rates: The percentage of recipients who opened your email.
• Click-through rates: The percentage of recipients who clicked on a link in your email.
• Conversion rates: The percentage of recipients who took a desired action, such as making a purchase or signing up for an event.
• Unsubscribe rates: The percentage of recipients who opted out of receiving your emails.

By tracking these metrics, you’ll gain valuable insights into how your email campaigns are performing and identify areas for improvement. Use this data to refine your strategies, optimize your content, and improve your overall email marketing effectiveness and email engagement.

Email marketing is a powerful tool in digital marketing that can help you achieve your business goals, whether it’s increasing brand awareness, generating leads, driving sales, or nurturing customer relationships. By following the steps in this guide to email marketing, you’ll be well on your way to creating effective email campaigns that resonate with your audience and deliver results.