Email Marketing Basics

Core Idea

Email marketing is sending messages to people who gave you permission. It works better than social media for most small businesses. People check email every day.

You do not need fancy templates or automation to start. A simple text email sent once a month works fine. The hard part is getting people to open it.

Videos

How It Works

You collect email addresses from customers and website visitors. You write an email. You send it to everyone on your list. People who want to hear from you open it. Some of them click links and buy things.

Email services track opens and clicks. You can see what works and what does not. A 20 percent open rate is normal. A 2 to 5 percent click rate is normal.

Spam filters block emails from new senders. You build trust by sending good content and removing people who do not open. Most email services help you stay out of spam if you follow their rules.

Summary

Start with a simple welcome email. Then send one update per month. Write subject lines that say what is inside. Avoid all caps, exclamation marks, and words like "free" or "guaranteed."

Email marketing is a long game. Your list will grow slowly. People will unsubscribe. Keep sending useful stuff and ignore the noise.

Practical Steps

• Set up an email service provider like Mailchimp or ConvertKit.
• Import any customer emails you already have with permission.
• Write a welcome email that tells people what to expect.
• Create a simple text newsletter template.
• Send one email per month for three months.
• Check your open and click rates after each send.
• Remove people who never open after six months.
• Add a signup form to your website.

Common Mistakes

• Buying email lists.
• Sending too often.
• Sending boring subject lines.
• Using images without text backup.
• Forgetting to test on a phone.
• Not having a clear reason for the email.
• Making it hard to unsubscribe.
• Giving up after one low-open email.

Resources

• Email Marketing Basics Video 1
• Email Marketing Basics Video 2
• Email Marketing Basics Video 3
• Email Marketing Basics Video 4