Why Email Marketing Still Works (and How It Can Grow Your Business)

If you’re a small business owner, you’ve probably heard all the buzz around social media, SEO, paid ads, and the latest marketing trends. And sure, those strategies can work wonders—but there’s one proven tool that often gets left out of the conversation: email marketing.

Let me tell you—email is not dead. In fact, it’s one of the most effective ways to connect with your audience, build relationships, and grow your business. I’ve seen it firsthand, and I want to walk you through why it works and how you can start using it today—even if you feel like you're starting from scratch.

Let’s Talk About Why Email Works

Here’s the thing: most of us check our email every single day. Multiple times a day, actually. That means when someone gives you their email address, they’re giving you permission to show up where they already are. No need to fight with social media algorithms or hope your post gets seen. When you send an email, it lands directly in someone’s inbox.

That’s powerful.

Unlike social media followers—who can disappear overnight if a platform changes its rules—your email list is yours. It’s a direct line to people who’ve already shown interest in your business. That kind of connection is priceless.

You Don’t Need a Giant List to See Results

One of the biggest misconceptions I hear is, “I don’t have a big list, so email won’t work for me.” Let me just clear that up right now.

It’s not about having a huge list—it’s about having a quality list. I’ve seen businesses get amazing results from lists with just a few hundred subscribers. Why? Because those people are paying attention. They know who you are, they’re interested in what you do, and they’re more likely to take action when you send them something valuable.

So whether you have 20 subscribers or 2,000, your email list can be a goldmine when you use it the right way.

What You Can Use Email For

There are so many ways to use email marketing. Here are just a few:

• Newsletters: Share what’s new, what you’re working on, or useful tips related to your industry.

• Promotions: Offer exclusive deals or limited-time offers to drive sales.

• Event Invitations: Whether it’s a webinar, sale, or in-person event, email is a great way to get the word out.

• Customer Follow-Up: Stay in touch after a sale or check in with customers who haven’t bought in a while.

• Storytelling: People connect with stories—share your journey, introduce your team, or highlight customer wins.

It’s not just about selling—it's about staying top of mind and building a relationship over time.

The ROI Is Real

Email marketing has one of the highest returns on investment of any marketing channel—some studies say it can bring back $36 or more for every $1 you spend. That’s not a typo. Compared to running Facebook or Google ads, email is a budget-friendly option that actually works.

And tools like Constant Contact, Mailchimp, or ConvertKit make it easy to get started. You don’t need to be tech-savvy, and you don’t need to write like a professional copywriter. You just need to be clear, authentic, and consistent.

But What If You Don’t Know Where to Start?

Totally fair. Email marketing can feel overwhelming if you’ve never done it before. So here’s a super simple way to begin:

1. Pick a platform – Try Constant Contact (it’s beginner-friendly, and I use it myself).

2. Create a freebie or incentive – Something small but useful, like a checklist, discount, or guide, that encourages people to sign up.

3. Add a signup form to your website – Put it where people can see it.

4. Start emailing regularly – Once a week is great, but even once a month is better than nothing. Just start.

And if you're already collecting customer emails through purchases or consultations, you’re halfway there. You’ve got a list—you just need to start using it.

Keep It Simple

A lot of folks overthink their emails. Here’s my advice: don’t. Your emails don’t need to be fancy. They just need to be helpful, honest, and consistent.

If you’re a roofer, share seasonal tips to protect your home. If you’re a local coffee shop, promote your new drinks or events. If you’re a consultant, share a helpful insight or a success story.

Your email doesn’t have to be long. Just make it personal and useful. Imagine you’re writing to one customer—not a whole list. That shift in mindset makes a big difference.

Real Talk: It Takes Time

Like anything else in marketing, email takes time. You won’t send one email and magically make thousands of dollars. But if you stay consistent, offer value, and treat your audience like real people, you will see results.

I’ve seen clients go from “I don’t even know what email marketing is” to generating 20–30% of their monthly revenue from their email list. No joke.

You Don’t Have to Do It Alone

If you’re still on the fence or just don’t want to mess with it, that’s totally fine. You can bring someone in to help (yes, that’s something I do). Whether you want help setting it up, writing your first emails, or creating a full strategy, I’ve got your back.

My goal is simple: help you use email to grow your business in a way that feels doable—not stressful.

My Final Take

If you’ve made it this far, thanks for reading. Seriously. My hope is that this gives you a new way of looking at email marketing. It’s not about spamming people or filling inboxes with fluff. It’s about creating value, building trust, and staying connected with the people who matter most—your customers.

Email marketing isn’t the shiny new toy, but it’s steady, reliable, and crazy effective when done right. If you’re ready to give it a shot, or you want to see examples of what’s working, I’d love to talk.

Let’s put email to work for your business.