Blog

Why Email Marketing Is Your Most Valuable Asset (and How to Do It Right)

If the TikTok ban taught us anything (other than the fact that many of us are highly addicted to it... cough me cough), it’s this: owning your marketing channels is essential.

Social media platforms come and go, algorithms change, and paid ads get more expensive by the day. But your email list? You OWN that. No one can take it from you.

And did I mention it’s... free? (mic drop).

Yet, so many businesses are still sleeping on email marketing. If that’s you, time to open your eyes to all the untapped potential (i.e. REVENUE you're missing out on!). Let these numbers be your wake-up call:

  • Returning site visitors are twice as likely to buy as first-time visitors.

  • People who visit your site from an email are 7x more likely to buy than new visitors.

  • It’s completely possible to generate 40% of your revenue from email alone.

The key? Turning first-time visitors into returning visitors within five days—because that’s when they’re most engaged and most likely to buy.

The beauty? Once it's set up, it runs on autopilot—bringing in leads and driving revenue while you focus on growing your business, or relaxing on the beach with a piña colada, or however else you'd like to spend you time. (Personally, the latter).

Here’s exactly how to do it.

Step 1: Capture Leads with an Offer

Your email strategy starts before you even send an email. You need a way to convert site visitors into leads, and the easiest way to do that is with a compelling offer through a pop-up on your site.

What to offer? A 10% discount, a free resource (downloadable guide, mini course, ebook), or exclusive content (like access to your exclusive podcast)—something your prospects actually want in exchange for their email.

Make it easy—the fewer fields they have to fill out, the better.

Step 2: Set Up an Automated Email Flow (8 Days, 8 Emails)

Once someone joins your list, don’t leave them hanging. Strike while the iron's hot!

Your best chance of making a sale is within the first 5 days, so set up a welcome email automation flow that nurtures them right away.

Example sequence:

  • Day 1: Welcome email + deliver the promised incentive

  • Day 2: Share your expertise—position yourself as the go-to resource

  • Day 3: Address their biggest fear or frustration (and how you solve it)

  • Day 4: Tell a story—brand origin, customer success, or behind-the-scenes insight

  • Day 5: Provide additional value—educational content, tips, or a mini guide

  • Day 6: Social proof—testimonials, reviews, or user-generated content

  • Day 7: Overcome objections—answer FAQs or common concerns

  • Day 8: A strong offer—discount, bundle, or limited-time deal to drive conversion

Step 3: Keep Subscribers Engaged with Weekly Mini-Campaigns

Once subscribers complete your welcome flow, the goal is to keep them engaged and drive repeat site visits.

The strategy: Send at least 1 email per week (ideally 3!) to give them reasons to return to your site. Remember, you can (and should) repurpose content with fresh messaging! 

Content ideas:

  • Product spotlights – Bestsellers, new arrivals, seasonal picks

  • Behind-the-scenes content – Product development, team stories, business updates

  • Educational content – Tips, industry insights, or how-to guides

  • Customer stories – Showcasing real experiences and testimonials

Step 4: Create a Monthly “Event” to Drive Sales

Your email list should feel like an exclusive club—not just another marketing channel.

How? Give subscribers a reason to buy each month with a special event. Ideally, send 2-3 emails per day over a 3-day period to promote your limited-time offer. I know that may sound like a lot, but you don’t need to reinvent the wheel—just repeat the same core message in different ways to showcase your offer.

Ideas for your monthly event:

  • New product launch

  • Limited-edition collection

  • Subscriber-only discount

  • Behind-the-scenes pre-sale

  • Low-stock or last-chance sale

  • Free shipping for one day only

  • $10 gift card to your store (expires at midnight)

Step 5: Segment Your Email List for Higher Conversions

Not all subscribers are the same, and they shouldn’t get the same emails.

Once someone makes a purchase, they should enter a new email sequence focused on turning them into a repeat customer.

Why? Because the best time to get a second order is right after the first order!

Here’s how to structure your funnels:

  • New leads (pre-purchase) – Focus on nurturing, education, and conversions.

  • First-time customers – Encourage repeat purchases (loyalty rewards, related products, restock alerts, come back discounts).

  • Repeat buyers – Treat them like VIPs with exclusive perks, early access, and referral incentives.

“But I Don’t Want to Annoy My Subscribers…”

I hear this concern all the time. And I totally get it!

But here’s the truth: If people signed up for your emails, they expect to hear from you. And if they’re the right customer, they WANT to hear from you.

Most people won’t even open every email you send. The ones who only wanted the freebie will see themselves out—and that’s okay!

If you’re providing value and have a great product or offer, the right customers will keep coming back for more.

Bonus: More Ways to Capture Leads

Not everyone will opt in to your list the first time they visit your site, but that doesn’t mean you can’t capture them later. Here are some other ways to grow your list:

  • Run an inexpensive ad or partner with another brand to promote a giveaway – Offer the chance to win a free product or prize in exchange for an email entry.

  • Use a quiz to capture leads – A fun, interactive quiz related to your product or service can be a great way to engage potential customers while collecting emails.

  • Host a Webinar – Offer a free, value-packed webinar on a topic your audience cares about. Require an email sign-up to register, and use the opportunity to build trust, provide value, and introduce your products or services.

Final Thoughts

Email marketing isn’t just about sending emails—it’s about creating a system that attracts, nurtures, and converts your audience on autopilot.

So many businesses focus only on attracting cold traffic, but they’re leaving money on the table by not nurturing those visitors into loyal customers!

By following this framework, you’ll stop relying solely on social media and build a marketing channel that’s 100% yours.

And best of all? It works!

Ready to level up your marketing with an email strategy that drives real results?

Let’s chat! Email me at kaitlynbrownconsulting@gmail.com to learn more about my freelance marketing services.

Kaitlyn Brown