Email marketing is one of the oldest and most effective forms of digital marketing. It helps businesses connect directly with users who are already interested in their services or products. If you are just starting out, the idea of sending marketing emails might feel overwhelming. But don’t worry. This guide will break down the process into simple steps.
You will learn what is email marketing, how it works and how to do it effectively. The goal is to help you create campaigns that are useful for your readers and profitable for your business.
What is Email Marketing?
Email marketing is a method of sending messages to a group of people using email. These messages can include updates, promotions, event invitations or valuable content. Marketers use email to grow their brand, increase sales and keep customers engaged
In digital marketing email has a unique place. It’s personal, direct, and easy to track. Unlike social media, you own your email list. You don’t need to rely on algorithms or trends to reach your audience.
Why is Email Marketing Important?
Email marketing works because it is:
- Targeted: You send emails only to people who opt in.
- Affordable: You don’t need a large budget.
- Trackable: You can measure open rates, clicks, and conversions.
- Customizable: You can tailor content to different groups.
- Direct: Your message lands right in the user’s inbox.
It answers the question: how to start email marketing without big investment but with real results.
Step-by-Step Guide to Getting Started
Step 1: Build Your Email List
Before you send anything, you need a list of people who want to hear from you.
How to do email marketing for free starts with collecting emails the right way:
- Use Signup Forms: Add forms on your website or blog.
- Offer a Freebie: Give something like an eBook, checklist, or discount in exchange for emails.
- Host a Webinar or Contest: A fun way to gather contacts.
Make sure users opt-in and give consent. Never buy email lists.
Step 2: Choose an Email Marketing Tool
You need a platform to create, send, and manage your emails. This is where GetResponse comes in. It’s a powerful tool for beginners and professionals.
Why GetResponse is the best for email marketing:
- Easy to use
- Great templates
- Automation features
- Powerful analytics
- Affordable pricing
- Built-in landing pages
You can try GetResponse with free trials and later upgrade as your list grows.
Step 3: Understand the Authentication Process
To protect users from spam, email platforms use security checks like SPF, DKIM, and DMARC. These ensure your emails are trusted and delivered.
How much important is the authentication process in email marketing? Very important.
Without it:
- Your emails may go to spam
- Your sender reputation may drop
- Your open rates may suffer
With it:
- Your email gets delivered safely
- You maintain trust
- Your brand looks professional
Set this up early in your email journey.
Step 4: Plan Your Content
Emails must add value. No one likes to be sold to all the time. Use a mix of the following:
- Educational emails (tips, guides)
- Promotional emails (sales, new products)
- Transactional emails (confirmations, updates)
- Newsletter emails (weekly or monthly updates)
A content calendar can help. Plan at least one month ahead. Make your message personal and clear.
Step 5: Write a Strong Subject Line
Your subject line is the first thing readers see. It should be:
- Short
- Clear
- Catchy
- Relevant
Examples:
- “Your Free Guide Inside”
- “Get 20% Off – Just for You”
- “3 Easy Steps to Boost Sales”
Avoid spammy words like “Buy Now” or “Free $$$” to ensure delivery.
Step 6: Design Your Email
Make your emails look good and easy to read.
Tips:
- Use a clean layout
- Stick to one main idea
- Include a clear call to action (CTA)
- Add your logo and brand colors
- Make sure it’s mobile-friendly
Most digital marketing tools, like GetResponse, offer drag-and-drop builders.
Step 7: Segment Your List
Not all your subscribers want the same thing. Divide your list based on behavior, location, age, or interests.
This is called segmentation. It helps you:
- Send better content
- Increase open rates
- Reduce unsubscribe rates
Example:
- New subscribers get a welcome email.
- Buyers get product tips.
- Visitors who didn’t buy get a reminder.
This is how personalized marketing works.
Step 8: Test and Send
Before sending:
- Test the email by sending it to yourself
- Check for spelling errors
- Make sure all links work
- See how it looks on mobile
Then schedule or send it right away.
Best time to send:
- Weekdays (Tuesday to Thursday)
- Morning (9 AM to 11 AM)
But always test what works for your audience.
Step 9: Track Performance
After sending your email, review the results:
- Open Rate: Who opened your email?
- Click Rate: Who clicked on links?
- Unsubscribe Rate: Who left your list?
These numbers help you learn and improve.
Example:
If your open rate is low, improve your subject line.
If clicks are low, change your CTA or content.
This process helps you do email marketing smarter.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Sending without permission – Always get consent.
- Ignoring mobile design – Most users read emails on phones.
- Writing long paragraphs – Keep it short and readable.
- Sending too often – Space your emails wisely.
- Not testing – Always preview before sending.
Fixing these will help you grow fast.
Benefits of Email Marketing
Still wondering why email marketing is important?
Here are the real benefits of what is email marketing in digital marketing:
- Builds trust
- Increases traffic to your website
- Improves customer loyalty
- Helps in launching new products
- Brings more conversions than many other methods
For small businesses and big brands alike, this channel remains the best.
Types of Email Marketing Campaigns
Let’s look at search engine marketing examples in the email world:
- Welcome Series – First emails to greet new users.
This is your first impression. A welcome email introduces your brand and sets the tone for future communication. You can include a thank-you message, a short intro to your services and a quick link to your best content or offers
- Abandoned Cart – Reminders to finish a purchase.
Sometimes users add items to their cart but leave without buying. These emails remind them to complete the purchase. You can include a discount or highlight product benefits to bring them back
- Re-engagement – Messages for inactive subscribers.
These emails go to users who haven’t opened or clicked in a while. You can ask if they still want to hear from you. Add a survey, a special offer or a preview of what they’ve missed
- Product Launch – New items or services.
Use these emails to announce new products or features. Give users a reason to be excited—early access, discounts, or behind-the-scenes info. Add strong visuals and a clear call-to-action
- Event Invitations – Webinars or physical events
Let your audience know about upcoming events. Include the date, time, topic and a sign-up link. A reminder email closer to the event date also helps boost attendance
Email Marketing vs. Social Media
People often ask: Should I focus more on Instagram or emails?
Here’s a comparison:
| Feature | Email Marketing | Social Media |
| Ownership | You own the list | Platform owns followers |
| Cost | Low | Ads can be expensive |
| Personalization | High | Medium |
| Engagement | Targeted | Broad |
That’s why most marketers use both channels together.
How to Grow Your Email List Fast
Want more subscribers? Try this:
- Add exit popups on your website
- Promote your freebie on social media
- Collaborate with influencers
- Use Facebook or Google Ads to offer a lead magnet
And remember—quality over quantity. A small, active list works better than a large, inactive one.
Using Automation to Save Time
Automation sends emails based on user actions. For example:
- Someone signs up → Send a welcome email
- Someone visits a product page → Send product info
- Someone doesn’t buy → Send a reminder
This is where tools like GetResponse shine. They let you build workflows easily.
GetResponse – The Best Tool to Start
If you want to start now go for GetResponse. It’s simple and powerful
Why it stands out:
- Free trial for beginners
- Great customer support
- Ready templates
- Smart automation
- Integrated landing pages
You can sign up using this link and get started today.
Final Thoughts
Email marketing is more than sending emails. It’s about building relationships. It’s about giving value, being helpful, and showing up regularly.
Even if you’re just starting, the process is not hard. With tools like GetResponse and guidance from expert mentors you can master it fast
If you want to learn deeper, join courses from Learn with Sudhakar. You’ll get step-by-step learning and personal help on how to grow your business using email marketing.
Whether you’re a blogger, coach, store owner, or freelancer, email marketing gives you an edge. Now that you know how to do email marketing take action
Learn with Sudhakar is a trusted platform that offers beginner-friendly courses in digital marketing. Whether you want to learn SEO, email marketing, or ads Sudhakar teaches everything with examples and clarity
Visit Learn with Sudhakar to explore more
And don’t forget to check out GetResponse the easiest way to kickstart your journey