How to Set Up an Email Marketing System for Your Small Business

​If you’re just getting started with email marketing, follow these steps:

1. Choose an Email Marketing Platform
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​Pick one that fits your budget and needs. Some of the top easy-to-use DIY platforms are: 

• MailerLite helps you design and send beautiful newsletters, promotions, and updates to your customers. It’s super easy to use, even if you’ve never done email marketing before.
• Mailmeteor works with Google Sheets and Gmail to send personalized emails in bulk. Imagine sending 100 emails, but each one feels like it was written just for that person.
• Mailchimp is a popular tool that helps you send emails, build websites, create ads, and manage customer lists—all in one place. It’s more advanced but still beginner-friendly.

2. Build Your Email List (Use my favorite Tech Tool HERE)

• Add a signup form to your website and social media accounts
• Offer a discount or freebie (% off order, eBook, checklist) to encourage sign-ups
• Use your phone to collect emails from customers in-person and other ways online

3. Create an Email Marketing Plan
Decide:

• How often you’ll send emails (weekly, bi-weekly, or monthly)?
• The type of content you’ll share (news, promotions, tips, product recommendations, etc.)?

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4. Execute Email Marketing Plan

​Don't forget to include:
✅ Welcome emails for new form signups
✅ Follow-up emails after an action or purchases on Owned Platforms like your website and emails messages
✅ Abandoned cart reminders to recover lost sales for eCommerce brands
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5. Track & Optimize Your Emails

​Check open rates and click rates to see what’s working, and tweak your strategy accordingly. Statistics by industry are listed below. 
Average Open Rates (Source Mailchimp)

• Government: 40.55%
• Media & Publishing: 34.23% 
• Retail: 35.05%
• E-commerce: 29.81%

Average Click Through Rates (Source: Mailchimp)

• Retail: 2.08%  
• E-Commerce: 17.4%