You might have recently heard phrases such as “email is dead” which led you to think that the whole email marketing topic is just a big scam. Well, think twice because email marketing is clearly not going anywhere out of the picture, any time soon, on the contrary, it’s on a highway to, well, growth!
The number of emails we send out on a yearly basis is increasing. Now you might be wondering why such an ancient way of reaching out to people, since email was there since the existence of internet, is still a hype. Let’s take a look!
- Everyone uses their email
Ok, maybe not really everyone, but the majority of people do use email. Although social media platforms are constantly gaining field, we have to be aware of the fact that not everyone has a Facebook or Twitter account.
Hell, I don’t use Instagram and I am part of the millennials. Whereas email remains as a great way of reaching out since it’s the most traditional, classical and safe way to still keep in touch.
You might even have to have an official, work email address and another personal one along. Point is, people are still going to check their email, although they might overlook your tweet.
- It’s more professional
Some argue that creating contact with people through Facebook is not really a professional way. I believe it’s debatable. At the same time, I also feel that Facebook is my personal space, where I share my personal views and there is LinkedIn and Gmail for more business like matters. Hence, if someone threw me a Facebook message, regarding some services or products not only would I ignore it but I’d also get a little pissed. By reaching out via emails, you keep that necessary distance, without seeming too pushy and also add a level of credibility.
- Stay up to date
As I already mentioned above, social media is growing and we cannot ignore its impact. However, instead of just giving up on email marketing, we have to think of creative ways in which we can make the two go hand in hand. Your list of contacts is always going to be of great value. However, if you have any updates, any news or new services, making it known via social media can significantly increase your popularity and add some names on that list of yours.
- Customization
As we’ve already discussed, in our previous articles regarding email marketing, segmenting your list is of huge relevance. Don’t just create one boring email and send it to a bunch of people. Nobody appreciates being just another brick in the wall. Try to pay attention to your audience, know and own your list and the moment you reach out make it worth their time. This is a great thing that email marketing allows you to do. Lots and lots of customization and tailoring.
- Smartphone users
Let’s face it, how many times do you really sit in front of your laptop thinking “Hm, what should I do, let’s check my email”. Exactly. Most of the time we are bound to do this from our mobile phone. It is said that over 75% of Gmail users access their account through their smartphones. Hence, while sending an email campaign, you always have to make sure your text looks great on all sort of devices. Also, it’s free of charge, whereas other forms of texting might cost. Keep in mind that the younger generation will, most likely, spend the majority of their time on the phone, not in front of a computer.
- The analytics
You cannot ignore the fact that after sending out an email marketing campaign, usually, hopefully, you have access to a great deal of analytics that allow you to notice, analyze your results. By doing this, you can constantly improve your strategy and aim for a higher opening rate, lower bounce back rate and so much more. We cannot neglect this aspect since it offers so much insight.
- Great way of building relations
Email marketing is not all about selling something to a bunch of people. It’s about reaching out, trying to engage and creating long term relationships with your users. Through sending emails you can let your target audience know about what you have been up to, what you plan to do, if you have new services, you can ask for feedback and so much more.
- Think of the costs
Email marketing is one of the cheapest forms of making yourself, your brand and your business known. You have to have a good and valid list of people you intend to reach out to, a creative and engaging email that asks to be read and there you go. Unlike other marketing forms, you will end up spending far less this way.
All these being said, I hope I made a point and managed to convince you that email marketing is not bound to disappear or get extinct any time soon. Hence, instead of worrying about this, let’s focus on what really matters, which is improving our email marketing strategy and getting better at what we do, always keeping up with the latest trends.