50 Common Email Marketing Mistakes (and How to Fix Them): The Complete 2024 Guide

📘 GLOSSARY: Email Marketing Terms You Need to Know
Term | Definition |
---|---|
Email Flow | A sequence of automated emails triggered by user behavior. |
Segmenting | Dividing your list into smaller groups based on shared data (e.g. purchase history). |
Bounce Rate | The percentage of emails not delivered due to invalid addresses. |
CAN-SPAM | U.S. law requiring opt-outs, sender info, and permission-based email. |
Preview Text | Text shown next to the subject line in inboxes to improve open rates. |
Deliverability | How likely your email is to land in the inbox instead of spam. |
Zero-Party Data | Data a customer willingly shares (e.g., through quizzes or preferences). |
Table of contents
Why Email Marketing Still Rules in 2025

Email remains a top-performing channel for ROI, with an average return of $36–$42 per $1 spent. But here’s the catch—only if you do it right. One broken link, bloated design, or over-segmented campaign can sink performance and hurt your brand reputation.
That’s why this guide exists: to help you identify and avoid the top 50 mistakes marketers make—many of which cost real dollars daily.
THE 50 EMAIL MARKETING MISTAKES (AND HOW TO FIX THEM)
STRATEGIC + LIST-BUILDING MISTAKES
# | Mistake | Why It Hurts | Fix |
---|---|---|---|
1 | No clear goals | Emails feel aimless | Define a call-to-action for every send |
2 | Buying email lists | Hurts deliverability | Use opt-in forms or lead magnets instead |
3 | Not using automation | Missed revenue opportunities | Set up welcome, cart, post-purchase flows |
4 | Ignoring key flows | Leads fall through cracks | Use templates for abandoned cart, post-purchase, win-back |
5 | Skipping website pop-ups | Lost lead capture | Use welcome pop-ups with incentives |
6 | Complicated opt-in forms | Fewer signups | Keep forms short: name + email only |
7 | No unsubscribe link | Legal violation | Add clear unsubscribe link in footer |
8 | No segmentation | Irrelevant content | Use behavior + purchase history for targeting |
9 | Over-segmentation | Too much complexity | Keep 3–5 meaningful segments max |
10 | Sending without consent | Spam risk | Always collect permission via forms |
TECHNICAL & DELIVERABILITY MISTAKES
# | Mistake | Why It Hurts | Fix |
---|---|---|---|
11 | No mobile optimization | 60%+ open on mobile | Use responsive design templates |
12 | Huge file size (>100 KB) | Gmail clipping | Compress images, reduce text |
13 | No testing across devices | Poor rendering | Use tools like Litmus or Email on Acid |
14 | Broken links | Lost sales | Double-check all CTAs |
15 | No alt text on images | Accessibility fail | Add alt text for every image |
16 | Using “no-reply” emails | Lower engagement | Use real, reply-able addresses |
17 | Spammy language | Triggers filters | Avoid “FREE,” “Act Now,” “Cash,” etc. |
18 | Ignoring dark mode | Emails unreadable | Use transparent PNGs + test designs |
19 | Skipping plain text version | Spam filters notice | Always include text version for accessibility |
20 | Ignoring list hygiene | Poor deliverability | Clean inactive subs every 90 days |
DESIGN & CONTENT MISTAKES
# | Mistake | Why It Hurts | Fix |
---|---|---|---|
21 | Too many fonts | Visual clutter | Use 1–2 max |
22 | Bad preview text | Low open rates | Customize every time |
23 | Not scannable | Readers bounce | Use headings, bullets, short paragraphs |
24 | No clear CTA | No action taken | Highlight one main action per email |
25 | Going off-brand | Confuses readers | Use consistent logos, colors, tone |
26 | Overloading with info | Overwhelm = delete | Stick to one goal per email |
27 | Not writing for mobile | Scroll fatigue | Shorten copy, enlarge buttons |
28 | Ignoring accessibility | Excludes users | Use readable fonts and contrast |
29 | Unengaging subject lines | No opens = no clicks | Personalize, test curiosity-based lines |
30 | Skipping personalization | Feels robotic | Include first names, product recs |
MEASUREMENT & ANALYTICS MISTAKES
# | Mistake | Why It Hurts | Fix |
---|---|---|---|
31 | Not tracking KPIs | Flying blind | Track opens, CTR, conversions |
32 | No revenue attribution | Can’t measure ROI | Use UTM tags + Klaviyo attribution |
33 | Not A/B testing | No optimization | Test subject lines, send times, layouts |
34 | Ignoring bounce rates | Hurts deliverability | Remove soft + hard bounces regularly |
35 | Not segmenting by engagement | Cold subs hurt IP | Use sunset flows or suppress inactive contacts |
CUSTOMER EXPERIENCE & BRANDING MISTAKES
# | Mistake | Why It Hurts | Fix |
---|---|---|---|
36 | Treating VIPs like everyone | Missed loyalty | Offer perks: early access, special deals |
37 | Sending irrelevant promos | Annoying, not helpful | Segment by product category or interest |
38 | Over-emailing | Fatigue, unsubscribes | Monitor frequency + feedback |
39 | Under-emailing | Loss of mindshare | Stay visible with weekly or bi-weekly cadence |
40 | No welcome email | Cold start | Automate a welcome flow with intro + offer |
ADVANCED MISTAKES
# | Mistake | Why It Hurts | Fix |
---|---|---|---|
41 | Using stock email templates | Feels generic | Customize copy + layout to fit your voice |
42 | Ignoring loyalty data | Leaves money on table | Segment by LTV or repeat purchases |
43 | Not collecting zero-party data | Personalization suffers | Use quizzes, polls, or post-purchase questions |
44 | Only emailing to sell | Feels pushy | Include helpful content, UGC, reviews |
45 | Not using SMS + email together | Lost synergy | Combine both in your flows |
46 | No backup for failed codes | Angry customers | Set expiry reminders + test every coupon |
47 | Not reusing successful campaigns | Wasted effort | Repurpose top performers every 90 days |
48 | Inconsistent sending times | Hurts engagement | Pick regular cadence (e.g., Tues/Thurs) |
49 | Skipping seasonal strategies | Missed momentum | Plan emails around key dates/sales |
50 | Not using first-party data | Privacy risk | Use your owned channels (website, email, SMS) to gather insights |
PRO TIPS FOR AVOIDING EMAIL MISTAKES
✅ Test subject lines using tools like CoSchedule Headline Analyzer
✅ Use UTM tags in all outbound links for Google Analytics
✅ Pair emails with SMS, especially around launches or sales
✅ Build segmentation around product engagement—not just demographics
✅ Always include a fallback plain-text version
✅ Set reminders to review flows quarterly
FAQ: Avoiding Email Marketing Mistakes
1. What’s the biggest mistake new email marketers make?
Sending without a clear CTA. Every email should have one clear goal—click, purchase, download, etc.
2. How often should I clean my list?
Every 90 days minimum. Remove hard bounces, unsubscribe complainers, and non-openers.
3. Should I use emojis in subject lines?
Yes—but test them. Emojis can increase opens but may reduce professionalism for some audiences.
4. How do I know if my emails are going to spam?
Use Mail Tester or Postmark to scan your emails for spam triggers. Watch bounce rates and opens.
5. Is plain text better than HTML?
Use both. HTML offers branding and visuals; plain text builds trust and deliverability. Include both versions.
6. What is a good email open and click-through rate?
Benchmarks vary, but aim for:
- Open Rate: 20–25%
- Click Rate: 2–5%
- Unsubscribe Rate: <0.5%
FINAL THOUGHTS: Email Isn’t Dead—Bad Execution Is
You don’t need 10 years of experience to crush email marketing. You need:
- A clear strategy ✅
- Automation and segmentation ✅
- Clean design and clean data ✅
- Testing, tracking, and continual improvement ✅
Don’t fall for the “email is dead” myth. Just stop making rookie mistakes.
Want Help Fixing These Mistakes?
At Blossom Ecom, we design email systems that print money while you sleep. Whether you’re struggling with flows, segmentation, or deliverability—we’ll fix it, fast.
Book your email audit now and get a flow strategy customized to your store.
Need help implementing this?
Let us take the hassle of managing your email marketing channel off your hands. Book a strategy call with our team today and see how we can scale your revenue, customer retention, and lifetime value with tailored strategies. Click here to get started.
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