Email Marketing for Beginners: How to Get Started & What to Send
If you’re just getting started with digital marketing, email might seem old-fashioned, but don’t underestimate it. Email marketing remains one of the most powerful tools for building relationships, generating leads, and driving consistent sales.
In this guide, you’ll learn how to start email marketing from scratch, what tools to use, and exactly what types of emails to send to grow your list and engage your audience.
📧 Why Email Marketing Still Works (Even in 2025)
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Direct Access: You’re landing in your subscriber’s inbox—not fighting an algorithm.
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High ROI: Email delivers an average of $36 for every $1 spent.
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Personalized Messaging: Segment your audience and tailor your message for better results.
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Owned Audience: Unlike social media, you own your email list. No platform can take it away.
✅ Step 1: Choose an Email Marketing Platform
Start by picking a tool that makes it easy to design emails, manage subscribers, and automate campaigns.
Popular beginner-friendly platforms:
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Mailchimp – free for up to 500 contacts
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MailerLite – simple and affordable
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ConvertKit – great for creators
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Brevo (formerly Sendinblue) – includes SMS + email
Look for features like drag-and-drop editors, templates, automation workflows, and analytics.
🧲 Step 2: Build and Grow Your Email List
Don’t buy email lists. Instead, build your list organically by offering value in exchange for a sign-up.
🔑 Ways to Grow Your List:
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Add sign-up forms to your website and blog
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Offer a lead magnet (e.g., free checklist, ebook, or mini course)
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Create a landing page for newsletter subscriptions
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Use pop-ups or slide-ins on your site
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Promote your opt-in offers on social media
Pro Tip: Make sure to follow privacy laws (like GDPR) and always get permission before emailing anyone.
Step 3: Decide What to Send
You’ve built your list now what? Here are the key types of emails beginners should start with:
1. Welcome Email (or Series)
First impressions matter. Send a warm, helpful welcome right after someone subscribes.
What to include:
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Thank them for subscribing
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Deliver your lead magnet (if you offered one)
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Let them know what kind of emails to expect
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Invite them to connect on social media
Example subject: “Welcome! Here’s your free guide + what to expect next”
2. Weekly or Monthly Newsletters: Email Marketing for Beginners
Keep your audience engaged with regular updates.
What to include:
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Blog highlights or new content
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Tips or industry insights
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Product features or updates
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Personal notes or behind-the-scenes stories
Example subject: “3 Quick Tips for More Productive Mornings”
3. Educational Emails: Email Marketing for Beginners
Teach your subscribers something helpful that relates to your niche or product.
Examples:
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“How to Create a Budget in 3 Simple Steps”
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“SEO Basics: How to Rank on Google”
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“The Best Skincare Routine for Oily Skin”
Goal: Provide value and position yourself as an expert.
4. Promotional Emails: Email Marketing for Beginners
When it’s time to sell, don’t be shy, just do it with clarity and value.
Examples:
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Limited-time offers or sales
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New product launches
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Discount codes or bundles
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Free trial reminders
Example subject: “Just for You: 20% Off Ends Tonight!”
5. Survey or Feedback Emails: Email Marketing for Beginners
Invite your audience to share their thoughts. It boosts engagement and gives you insights for future content or products.
Example subject: “Got 1 Minute? We’d Love Your Feedback”
Step 4: Keep It Simple and Consistent: Email Marketing for Beginners
You don’t need fancy designs to succeed clear writing and consistent value are more important.
Tips for writing better emails:
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Write like you’re talking to one person
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Use short sentences and paragraphs
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Add a clear call-to-action (CTA)
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Use eye-catching subject lines
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Always include an unsubscribe option
Step 5: Track, Test & Improve
Use your email platform’s analytics to monitor performance. Key metrics to watch:
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Open rate – are your subject lines working?
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Click-through rate (CTR) – Are people engaging with your content?
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Unsubscribe rate – are you sending relevant content?
Try A/B testing different subject lines, send times, or content formats to see what your audience likes best.
✅ Final Thoughts on Email Marketing for Beginners
Email marketing is one of the simplest and most cost-effective ways to grow your business, but it only works when you’re intentional.
Start with the basics: grow your list, send valuable content, and stay consistent. As your confidence grows, you can dive into segmentation, automation, and advanced strategies.
