7 Steps That Will Have You Reaping the Benefits of Email Marketing In No Time

Email marketing is one the most efficient and cost-effective ways to reach your audience. But it's not as simple as typing "Buy this" into the subject line and sending a dozen product links to hundreds of email addresses. You have to know your audience and exercise your creativity.

Below are some email campaign strategies you can employ to grab hold of your readers and drive traffic to your website. They're sure to leave you feeling inspired about how you can take advantage of the benefits of email marketing.

1. The Progress Update

Most email campaign strategies focus on driving revenue. However, charity: water turned this strategy upside-down and flipped it on its side. The nonprofit website allows visitors to donate money to help people around the world in need of clean drinking water. After you make a donation, charity: water sends you automated emails that show where and how your money is being used. An easy-to-read progress report shows your current status in the project. It's clear, simple, and builds loyalty and engagement.

2. The Numbers Game

Numbers are attractive. Save $10.00. Join more than 5,000 subscribers. Get 30% off your first purchase. They build credibility and curiosity, and entice readers to find out where they can apply their discounts. Some companies, including PetFlow, go a step further and offer a flat, X-dollar discount on any store item. It certainly beats "save $5 on any order of $250 or more."

3. The One-Two Punch

Powerful, compelling language catches attention. It's true in news headlines, young adult fiction, and in emails. That's the not-so-secret strategy behind BuzzFeed's emails, which stand out in a cluttered inbox with eye-catching subject lines and preview text. They pack a one-two punch that complements the site's to-the-point content. For example, an email might draw you in with a subject line such as "Don't Act Like These Fools," followed by "They thought they knew it all, but..." The subject line calls you to action, and the preview text expounds upon it and segues smoothly into the main content of the email.

4. Simplicity

Your inbox is cluttered enough. Do you really want to read an email stuffed with text, images, and ads? Websites like Turnstyle Cycle and Drybar catch readers' attention through subtlety and simplicity. A clean color scheme, plenty of white space, and text economy ensures that their message gets across without you having to spend 10 minutes trying to find it.

5. The Feigned Mistake

Admit it. You love when a company corrects their mistake, especially if it's one that didn't affect you and ends up rewarding you. Savvy businesses like beauty product referrer Birchbox will often send emails that read "We Want to Make It Up to You," or "We Forgot to Give You a Gift!" The phrasing positions the company as one that admits and corrects their mistakes. Plus, once you open the email, you'll find a coupon code or other gift waiting for you.

6. Daily/Weekly Tips and Tricks

Websites focused on DIY topics like home improvement, gardening, or cooking already know their readers want to learn. So, they help them. Cook Smarts sends weekly recipe and meal suggestions that combine variety and simplicity. The emails include a list of dishes followed by preparation tips and video links. With salivating photos to accompany each recipe, the emails certainly don't fall short in the eye- (or tongue-) catching department.

7. The Personal Touch

Companies like Amazon know how to customize their email campaign strategies to reach their customers one by one and take full advantage of the benefits of email marketing. By analyzing your purchase and search history, a company can tailor product and content recommendations to you. Did you recently search for a grill? Here are this summer's top sellers. Plus, take a look at some patio furniture to keep you cool and comfy. It's timely, relevant, and keeps readers engaged.

Go forth and email!