Let’s talk about one of the unsung online marketing heroes – email campaigns. Yes, those emails that land in your inbox are serious weapons that can make money, build confidence, and help you relate to your users on a personal level.
With everything that’s currently hip on social media and everyone’s favorite apps, email is still a tried-and-true companion for organizations that desire substantial connections. It’s time to sip your coffee while I spill the tea on why email marketing still makes other channels look like they’re using dial-up.
Why email marketing still works
In the sea of Instagram stories and TikTok videos, you may ask yourself, “Why email?” Here’s the thing: email is like your reliable friend who’s always available when you need them. With over 4 billion people scanning their email daily – which is predicted to grow to 4.6 billion in 2025 – you’re in front of an enormous, engaged audience.5
Unlike social media, where algorithms often control what gets seen and by whom, email puts you firmly in charge of your message. It’s targeted, it’s personal, and when done right, it’s outrageously effective.
ROI and automation: Let the numbers speak
Now, let’s talk about money – because results ultimately count. Imagine this: for every $1 you spend on email marketing, you receive $36 in return.4 That’s a staggering 3600% ROI! And that’s just the beginning.4 When you combine some automation with your campaigns, it pays dividends. It may be hard to believe but automated emails drive 320% more revenue than hand-crafted ones.4
Make it personal
Come on – no one likes to receive generic, mass-produced messages. Your customers can smell a copy-paste email from a mile away. They want messages that feel like you actually remembered their name for reasons beyond your CRM system. Here’s why that’s important:
- 71% of customers anticipate customized interactions with companies.1
- 80% are more apt to purchase when emails are tailored.1
- Personalized subject lines will increase open rates by 26%, and using compelling images can increase click-through rates by 29%.1
It’s like a conversation with a buddy – when your emails address the reader directly, it makes a huge difference. A touch of personalization does wonders for making your audience feel unique and known.
B2B vs B2C: Different strategies for different audiences
Not every email campaign is created equal. Your approach for a B2B audience completely differs from that used for B2C. Let’s get into the nitty-gritty:
B2B emails:
These kinds of campaigns typically have an open rate of 15.14% and a click rate of 3.18%. They’re more interested in sending rich, value-added content that fosters long-term relationships.1
B2C emails:
These boast a more substantial 19.7% open rate and 2.09% click rate. They tend to be more aggressive, wanting to generate interest in the here and now – think flash sales or limited offers.1
Your soldiers on the battlefield: abandoned carts and welcome emails
These email tactics might look simplistic, but they are giants:
- Abandoned cart emails: With an open rate of 50% and a revenue average of $3.45 per recipient, these reminders are crucial in winning back lost business. They encourage your customers to give a little pushback, reminding them of what they left behind.1
- Welcome emails: These are your chance to make a fantastic first impression. With open rates of over 80% and revenue that can be 320% higher than standard promotional emails, welcome messages set the tone for a long-term relationship.3
Nail the details: what makes people open your emails
You know when you hit “open” on an email? It’s always the small things that count:
- 42% are drawn to the name of the sender.1
- 34% read the subject line carefully.1
- 24% glance at the preview text.1
Each part of your email is a mini-ad – if any of these fail, your email may be ignored. So, spend time crafting a sender name that builds trust, a subject line that creates curiosity, and a preview that entices them further.
Keeping it fresh: avoiding unsubscribes
Nobody enjoys a cluttered inbox, and if your subscribers believe theirs is in disarray, they’ll click the unsubscribe button in a heartbeat.
- 69% unsubscribe because there are too many emails.1
- 56% unsubscribe because the content doesn’t apply to them.1
- 51% fall out because the emails just don’t cut it.1
The key here is balance. Prioritize sending fewer, high-quality emails that bring real value. Limit your calls to action – use only one or two per email – and keep your content relevant and interesting.
Budgeting for email success
Let’s get quantitative – because you need to be sure you’re spending your money wisely.
Companies usually allocate around 7.8% of their marketing budget to email campaigns.2 When 87% of those in the know report holding onto that spending, you can be sure that emails are a proven way to reach out.2
And with 21.2% of all opens happening within the first hour of sending, your return is in pay, more or less immediately.2
Email vs other channels: The clear winner
When you put email up against other marketing channels, the facts speak for themselves:
- Email beats banner ads and SMS by 108% in performance.1
- It outperforms social media posts by 13% and even social media ads by 11%.1
Mark these tips and tricks as important
Alright, let’s get some practical advice:
- Segment your audience: Split your list into niches based on behaviors, interests, and demographics. It lets you tailor your message to each recipient.
- Take advantage of automation: Automation software can ensure your emails arrive precisely at the right moment. With automated emails generating 320% more revenue, it’s a no-brainer.4
- Optimize for mobile: As 81% of customers read their emails on a mobile device, make your emails look as pretty on the phone as on a laptop. Responsive design is nice, but it’s also a must.4
- Test, learn, and optimize: Test forever. Whether your subject line, your call-to-action buttons, or your send time, use data to test and evolve continuously. Minor adjustments can cause radical changes over time.
Real-world wins
Here are a few stories that put these numbers into perspective:
Adidas
Adidas, the biggest sportswear brand, overhauled its email marketing by focusing on hyper-personalization. Rather than blasting generic emails to its vast base, Adidas leveraged customer data to send product recommendations based on purchase history, browsing behavior, and even fitness goals.
The results?
- A 40% increase in email open rates due to personalized subject lines and product recommendations.4
- 30% boost in click-through rates from segmented and behavior-based email campaigns.4
- Millions in additional revenue from abandoned carts and post-purchase emails personalized with customers’ data.4
Netflix
Netflix is well known for its robust algorithms, and it has brought that intelligence to its email marketing efforts. With insight into what users watch, Netflix mails hyper-personalized messages to subscribers, telling them to resume watching a show, informing them about new releases, and even reminding them that their subscription is near expiry.
Wins?
- 80% of the recipients re-watched a show after receiving a personalized recommendation email.5
- Renewal subscriptions increased by 15% by sending timely “Don’t let your membership expire” emails.5
- Over 90% of Netflix’s email content is AI-driven, based on viewers’ activity.5
ASOS
Fashion retailer ASOS was experiencing cart abandonment. With hundreds of potential sales slipping through the net, they turned to email automation and behavior tracking. Their answer? A multi-step reminder email campaign for abandoned carts, lovingly crafted to prod customers into memory with time-sensitive offers.
The impact?
- A 50% reduction in cart abandonment rates.3
- Product image emails converted 35% better than text reminders.3
- 15% of cart abandonment emails resulted in an immediate sale when accompanied by a promo code.3
Trends to watch
What will email marketing be like in the future? Here are some trends that will shape email marketing:
- Sped up lazer-focused personalization: As data analysis advances, expect even more tailored, personal emails that touch an emotional note.
- AI-powered automation: More intelligent automation tools will help you send the right message immediately, making your campaigns even more effective.
- Omnichannel integration: Email will increasingly align with SMS, social media, and other touchpoints to provide an effortless customer experience.
- Data-driven creativity: As marketers, you can use more real-time information to adjust your messaging and ensure that each email is as buzzworthy as possible.
Some parting stats
By the end of 2025, email marketing will not be merely holding on for dear life – it will flourish. With phenomenal ROI, the charm of personalization, and clever automation, email campaigns continue to prove why they remain one of the most incredible instruments for a marketer.
Every email you send can be a way to engage with prospects, capture their attention, and drive accurate results. So, whether you’re fine-tuning an existing campaign or starting out, make every email count and let your stats do the talking.
Frequently asked questions and answers
How can I optimize my email campaign ROI?
Stress intelligent automation and precise segmentation. Automated email and segmented messaging can deliver enormous gains in open and conversion rates.
What’s the best time to send my emails?
Most research shows that sending from 9:00 AM to 3:00 PM EST is most engaging. The first hour is crucial, with over 21% of opens happening immediately.
Why is personalization so important?
Personalized emails have higher open rates and are more likely to convert – 71% of customers expect them, and 80% are more likely to buy when messages are personalized.
How do I reduce unsubscribe rates?
Make your content relevant, and don’t overdo the frequency. Reducing your calls to action and ensuring that each email offers real value will keep subscribers returning.
Sources
- OptinMonster: https://optinmonster.com/email-marketing-statistics.
- Shopify: https://www.shopify.com/za/blog/email-marketing-statistics.
- Porch Group Media: https://porchgroupmedia.com/blog/100-compelling-email-statistics-to-inform-your-strategy-in-2023/.
- Campaign Monitor: https://www.campaignmonitor.com/resources/infographics/24-email-marketing-stats-need-know/.
- HubSpot: https://blog.hubspot.com/marketing/email-marketing-stats.
- Forbes Advisor: https://www.forbes.com/advisor/business/software/email-marketing-statistics/.
- GetResponse: https://www.getresponse.com/blog/email-marketing-statistics.
- Business Insider: https://markets.businessinsider.com/news/stocks/email-marketing-surges-in-2025-digital-silk-unveils-key-statistics-and-trends-1034430972.
- Competitors App: https://competitors.app/email-marketing-stats/.
- Demand Sage: https://www.demandsage.com/email-marketing-statistics/.
- SaaSworthy: https://www.saasworthy.com/blog/email-marketing-statistics.
- Sixth City Marketing: https://www.sixthcitymarketing.com/email-marketing-stats/.
