Glossary (For Quick Navigation)
Term | Definition |
---|---|
ESP (Email Service Provider) | A platform used to design, send, and track email marketing campaigns (e.g., Klaviyo, Mailchimp). |
CTR (Click-Through Rate) | Percentage of email recipients who click a link in your email. |
Open Rate | The percentage of recipients who open your email out of the total delivered. |
Segmentation | Dividing your email list into specific groups based on behaviors or demographics. |
Automation | A system where emails are sent automatically based on triggers (e.g., abandoned cart, purchase). |
A/B Testing | Comparing two versions of an email to see which performs better. |
Deliverability | The ability of your email to reach the recipient’s inbox. |
Personalization | Tailoring email content to an individual user’s behavior, preferences, or profile. |
Table of contents
Why Email Marketing Still Reigns Supreme
Email marketing remains the most ROI-positive channel in digital marketing, with an average return of $36 for every $1 spent. Here’s why it’s your biggest underutilized weapon:

- Owned audience: You’re not at the mercy of a third-party algorithm.
- Segmentation and targeting: Speak to your audience like humans, not segments.
- Automatable and scalable: Save time. Drive sales. Keep customers happy.
- Full-funnel touchpoint: From lead nurturing to post-purchase loyalty loops.
So let’s go beyond the basics. You’re here to win.
1. Build a Healthy Email List (The Smart Way)
A bloated list is not a strong list. Here’s how to build one that’s clean, responsive, and profitable:
Pro Strategies:
- Use multi-step popups: Step 1 = value prop, Step 2 = email, Step 3 = phone. Don’t ask for everything upfront.
- Launch quizzes: Especially in eComm. “Which style fits you best?” is clickbait that converts.
- Gate premium content: Guides, ebooks, discounts, or early access—anything that screams exclusivity.
- Host giveaways or contests: But filter quality—require users to follow or engage beyond just entering.
Avoid:
- Purchased lists (you will tank your deliverability).
- Single opt-ins without any intent signals.
- Asking for too much info early—lowers conversions.
Suggested Image/Table:
Table: Top 5 Lead Magnet Ideas + Their Average Conversion Rate
Image: Visual of a high-converting popup (multi-step)
2. Personalize and Automate with Precision
One-size-fits-all emails = ignore-me-inbox-death. Use automation + personalization to nurture subscribers at scale.
Key Email Flows:
Flow | Trigger | Goal |
---|---|---|
Welcome Series | Email sign-up | Educate + convert |
Abandoned Cart | Item left in cart | Recover lost sales |
Post-Purchase | Order complete | Build loyalty |
Winback | Inactive for 30-90 days | Re-engage |
Personalization Tactics:
- First-name merge tags aren’t enough.
- Use behavior-based triggers: page views, clicks, or products browsed.
- Insert product recommendations based on past purchases.
- Localize: use location to reference weather, events, or time zones.
Pro Tip:
“Automation is NOT set it and forget it. Set it and then obsessively optimize it.”
Suggested Visual/Table:
Flow Diagram: Anatomy of a Post-Purchase Flow
Table: Open/CTR Benchmarks by Flow Type
3. Differentiate Your Content (Segment Like a Surgeon)
Mass emails belong in 2010. Segmentation = relevance = revenue.
Segment Based On:
Criteria | Example |
---|---|
Behavior | Viewed a product category 3+ times |
Purchase history | Bought skincare > recommend complementary products |
Engagement | Opened 3 emails in a row = hot lead |
Demographics | Location, gender, or age-based promos |
Use Dynamic Content Blocks:
Show different messages to different people in the same email. Shopify + Klaviyo users: this is your holy grail.
Sample Segments to Build:
- “One-Time Buyers” → hit them with bundles or repeat-use incentives.
- “VIPs” → early access, exclusive discounts.
- “Inactives” → revive with a re-engagement campaign.
4. Boost Engagement, Not Just Sends
You don’t want opens. You want action.
Split Test Everything:
- Subject lines
- Send times
- Button placement and colors
- Copy vs image-driven layouts
Content That Performs:
- How-tos + tutorials
- Product bundles (with cross-sell logic)
- UGC (user-generated content) + reviews
- Short video embeds or GIFs of products in action
- Educational email series (micro lessons)
Email Copy Tips:
- Start with a hook.
- Use bullets for skimmability.
- Keep it under 150 words, unless it’s editorial-style.
- End with a clear, compelling CTA.
5. Use Analytics Like a Detective
Data tells a story. Learn how to listen.
Top Metrics That Matter:
Metric | Why It Matters |
---|---|
Open Rate | Subject line & timing effectiveness |
CTR | Value of your offer |
Bounce Rate | Health of your list |
Spam Rate | Red flags in your strategy |
Revenue per Email | The ultimate scorecard |
Tools to Use:
- Klaviyo Reports: Track campaign, automation, and list growth trends.
- Heatmaps (via tools like Litmus): See where users click.
- Post-Purchase Surveys: Qualitative insight + attribution goldmine.
Suggested Table/Visual:
Chart: Monthly Email Revenue vs SMS Revenue (Side-by-Side Bar Graph)
Image: Example of an A/B test with winner stats
6. Build a Relationship, Not a Campaign
The secret sauce? Humanity.
People don’t want another promotion—they want to feel seen.
Do This:
- Use storytelling. Share founder notes, BTS content, or values.
- Ask questions. “What should we launch next?” builds buy-in.
- Celebrate milestones (birthdays, anniversaries, order #1000).
- Deliver unexpected value: freebies, tips, resources.
“Email is like dating. If every message is just ‘Buy this now’—they’re ghosting you.”
Bonus Section: Advanced Tips for Experts
- Time Emails Around Buyer Intent Windows: Refer to your campaign calendar and lifecycle benchmarks.
- Use Zero-Party Data Wisely: Ask questions in sign-up forms and actually use that info in campaigns.
- Leverage AMP for Email (if applicable): Make emails interactive without clicks.
- Integrate SMS Smartly: Cross-channel flows (email → SMS for urgency, SMS → email for education).
FAQ: Email Marketing Campaigns
Q1: How often should I send emails to my list?
A1: Start with 1–2x per week. Adjust based on engagement. Watch your unsubscribes—if they spike, you’re sending too much or the wrong stuff.
Q2: What’s a good open rate for ecommerce brands?
A2: Between 20–30% is average. Over 30% means your list is gold. Under 15%? Time to clean it up.
Q3: What’s the best time of day to send emails?
A3: Typically, 9am–11am on weekdays. But always A/B test—your list is unique.
Q4: Should I send plain-text or designed emails?
A4: Both have their place. Plain-text feels personal; designed emails showcase products. Test both.
Q5: How do I reduce spam complaints?
A5: Avoid spammy language (“FREE!!!”, “Act now!”), deliver value, and segment intelligently.
Q6: What’s the best platform for ecommerce email marketing?
A6: Klaviyo. Full stop. Deep integrations, segmentation, and automation built for ecomm.
Need help implementing this?
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