Ah… email. Since its humble beginnings in 1971, this digital communication tool has quietly shaped the way we connect, communicate, and conduct business. Fifty-plus years later, it’s still going strong.
Over the decades, the digital space has evolved dramatically, giving rise to groundbreaking innovations:
The rapid evolution of technology is nothing short of astounding:
- The first cell phone was developed in 1973.
- 1980 brought the dawn of online shopping.
- By 1981, the first laptop was a reality.
- Color plasma displays debuted in 1992.
- The iPod hit the market in 2001, followed by YouTube's launch in 2005, the iPhone's release in 2007, and the iPad in 2010.
And here we are in 2024, communicating through everything from Sanskrit to Slack, navigating an endless array of devices—phones, laptops, and everything in between. Emails have been a cornerstone in this progression.
From Letters to (e)Mail: A Brief History
Before emails, communication was more tactile and personal:
Writing. Letters.
Yes, people wrote letters, talked more on the phone, and even showed up at each other's homes. Imagine that!
The world of sales and advertising mirrored this tangible approach with newspaper ads, TV commercials, telemarketing, and door-to-door selling. However, everything shifted in 1978, just seven years after email's invention. A company sent e-marketing material to over 400 contacts and generated $13 million in sales. This event forever altered the trajectory of communication and marketing.
Over the next two decades, email marketing became indispensable. Computers became household staples, transforming into the new television. Fast forward to today, nearly everyone has an email address—and checks it daily.
In January 2022, 92% of the U.S. population actively used email as a communication tool.
Key Stats on Email Marketing:
- 60% of users prefer brands to contact them via email.
- 59% of consumers say email marketing influences their purchasing decisions.
The takeaway? Email marketing isn’t dead.
Your perception of it—or your strategy—might be.
Email Marketing: A 50-Year-Old Strategy That Works
Despite its age, email marketing remains one of the most effective tools in a marketer’s arsenal. Why? Let’s explore.
The Myths
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“Millennials don’t subscribe to email marketing.”
Wrong. Millennials and Gen X check and use their emails more than any other age group—including Boomers. -
“You need an extensive list to see results.”
Not true. Smaller, well-segmented lists often outperform larger ones. Understanding your audience and solving their problems is the key. -
“Email marketing is complicated and expensive.”
On the contrary, email marketing platforms like MailChimp or Klaviyo are affordable and user-friendly. Campaigns are straightforward to set up, especially compared to the constant demands of social media content creation.
The Reality
Email marketing delivers a 4,200% ROI—a statistic so powerful that 4 out of 5 marketers would choose it over social media marketing. Here’s why it works:
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Targeted Audience
Unlike social media or PPC, email marketing reaches an audience already interested in your brand. Half the battle is already won. -
Cost and Time Efficiency
Email marketing is inexpensive, and setting up campaigns is relatively quick. Unlike the relentless demands of social media, emails can—and should—be simple. -
Personal Connection
Emails allow for unmatched personalization. A simple, heartfelt message connects more than a loud, flashy advertisement. Forget blinding “HUGE SAVINGS” banners. Instead, focus on your customer’s needs and stories.
The Future of Email Marketing
Email marketing isn’t going anywhere—it just needs to evolve. In today’s world, overrun by flashy content and superficial ads, success lies in being intentional, personal, and genuine.
If businesses embraced these principles, not only would they see higher profits, but they’d also build lasting relationships with their customers.
So, what do you want for your business? Maybe email marketing is the answer. The only way to know is to do it right.
If your looking for email marketing done right, we're here to help! Book your Discovery Call today!