Beefree blog

Keep planning your 2021 email marketing campaign calendar

Dalila Bonomi
Dalila Bonomi
May 11, 2021
Keep planning your 2021 email marketing campaign calendar

Believe it or not, we’re almost halfway through the year, making this the perfect time to plan out your email marketing calendar for the remainder of 2021. You might be tempted to rush through this part, but don’t! You’ll save yourself a lot of time and headaches later by figuring out your email marketing calendar now. Here’s your guide of what to do and when to do it for email marketing during the second half of 2021.We've also created a holiday marketing calendar to make your job even easier. From large global holidays (think Christmas and Easter) to smaller, more niche holidays that are a marketer's dream (Waffle Day or Singles Awareness Day), everything is included on this helpful marketing calendar. Click the plus sign by the "Google Calendar" text in the bottom right-hand corner so you'll never miss a holiday!

June

LGBTQ Pride Month (all month)

LGBTQ Pride Month will be celebrated around the world throughout the month of June, with LGBTQ+ communities and their allies flooding the streets — and our inboxes — with an infusion of color, pride and love. With exuberant rainbows as the defining symbol of the festivities, the design possibilities are endless! Draw on our LGBTQ Pride Month email templates to create your own rainbow-filled email!

Use this template in Beefree!

Use this template in Beefree!

Father’s Day (June 20)

In the U.S., Father’s Day is celebrated on the third Sunday of June every year. Get creative with your copy, colors and CTAs as you design a Father's Day email to promote your Father’s Day sales. A simple, sleek Father’s Day message like this Joe’s Jeans email can promote your products or event as the holiday approaches.Subject line: Last chance for Father’s Day

email marketing calendar

Other June Holidays

  • Republic Day, June 2
  • World Environment Day, June 5
  • Dragon Boat Festival, June 14
  • Juneteenth, June 19 (If you choose to send a Juneteenth email, make sure to be sensitive and thoughtful of the BLM conversation — and to share how you’re taking action.)
  • First Day of Summer / Summer Solstice, June 21
  • Social Media Day, June 30

July

Independence Day (July 4)

A patriotic email for Independence Day (July 4 in the United States) can help boost your engagement and sales this summer. Make a splash and increase your conversions like Unsun Cosmetics did with this creative, patriotic email.Subject line: Happy Independence Day!! ?? ?? ??

fourth of july email example

World Emoji Day (July 17)

World Emoji Day might not be on your customers’ calendar. But for email marketing purposes, this holiday presents a wide range of fun opportunities! Using emojis in email adds personality to your brand. Emojis also grab attention and help get your point across. Celebrate the power of the emoji with Navid Nosrati’s template Emoji World Day or with our other World Emoji Day email templates.

Use this template in Beefree!

Use this template in Beefree!

Other July Holidays

  • Amazon Prime Day, July 12 - 13
  • Bastille Day, July 14
  • Olympic Games begin, July 23
  • International Day of Friendship, July 30

Get to Know Your Customers Day (July 15 and October 21)

Get to Know Your Customers Day takes place every quarter — the third Thursday of January, April, July and October. It’s the perfect time to focus on creating strong customer relationships, so it's a must-add for your email marketing calendar. Get to know your customers by sending out a survey that asks for their opinion. We love this survey email from Alpyn Beauty. Check out our other Get to Know Your Customers Day email templates for more inspiring examples.Subject line: Complete our survey. $25 gift ?

survey email

August

Back to School Month (all month)

It’s that time of year again: Back to School Month (in the U.S.). Advertise your school supplies for sale and connect with parents through a smartly-designed back to school email. We love this Back to School Discount Code email from Instacart: It combines a cute infographic with convincing copy to create the perfect email advertising Instacart’s sales.Subject line: Back-to-school made easy with $10 off and Staples

back to school email

Other August Holidays

September

Labor Day (September 6)

Next up on the email marketing calendar: Labor Day, a U.S. holiday that marks the end of summer. In other words, it’s the perfect time for brands to squeeze in one last summer sale. Dropps got the job done with user-generated content, a funny GIF (keep scrolling to see) and cool blue tones.Subject line: Labor Day just got even easier…

labor day email
gif in email example

First Day of Fall (September 21)

Usher in a new season by creating a special sale or promotion for the First Day of Fall on September 21. First Day of Fall emails are a lot of fun to design — think pumpkins, GIFs and warm tones of orange and brown. If you’re launching a new collection of products, check out our New Fall Collection It’s Here template by Yorbi Barriento.

Use this template in Beefree!

Use this template in Beefree!

Other September Holidays

  • Video Games Day, September 12 (Some people also celebrate this holiday on July 8; check out our Video Games Day email templates.)
  • Oktoberfest, September 18 - October 3
  • International Day of Peace, September 21
  • World Tourism Day, September 27

October

Breast Cancer Awareness Month (all month)

Kick off the month of October by recognizing Breast Cancer Awareness Month. Chances are, this disease has personally touched many of your customers. Sharing a Breast Cancer Awareness Month email helps raise awareness about the disease and connect with people who have been there. Get your inspiration from MANGO to take action for a good cause.Subject line: Together we’re stronger | Breast cancer awareness monthThe image of the email is no longer available.

Halloween (October 31)

For email marketers, Halloween is a can’t-miss holiday. Combine spooky stock images, creative CTA buttons and vibrant HTML colors to share a special fall promotion or some Halloween-oriented content. Take a look at this adorable Halloween email from Carter’s to kickstart your email design:Subject line: First Halloween’s deserve spooky cute costumes! ?

Other October Holidays

  • International Coffee Day, October 1 (Check out our International Coffee Day email templates.)
  • World Vegetarian Day, October 1
  • Cinnamon Bun Day, October 4
  • Dia de los Muertos / Day of the Dead, October 3 - November 2

November

Thanksgiving (November 25)

Is your target audience based in the U.S.? Don’t forget to send a Thanksgiving email on or before November 25. When it comes to Thanksgiving email marketing, authenticity is key: Show genuine appreciation for your customers and make them feel like part of the family. Check out this Thanksgiving Day email by Andrea Dall’Ara to send a heartfelt thanks to your email subscribers.

Use this template in Beefree!

Use this template in Beefree!

Black Friday (November 26)

Black Friday is a major retail holiday brands can’t afford to miss. And since your customers’ inboxes will be flooded with emails, it’s your job to do everything you can to grab their attention. Black Friday email templates make your email design job easy. This sparkly Lord & Taylor email is a great way to promote products and sales.Subject line: A Black Friday deal SO good, we brought it BACK!

email marketing calendar

Other November Holidays

December

Hanukkah / Chanukah (November 28 - December 6)

We’ve made it all the way to December and it’s time for some holiday celebrations! Start with a Hanukkah email to mark the Jewish festival of lights that in 2021 runs from November 28 to December 6. Naja’s colorful and attractive Hanukkah email is the perfect way to kick off the season.Subject line: Happy HanukkahThe email template is no longer available

Christmas (December 25)

When December rolls around, it’s time to get your Christmas marketing emails out the door! Come up with a creative campaign, such as sending a holiday gift guide or offering 12 days of deals, to get your subscribers engaged. Milligram chose a wintry blue-and-silver color scheme in this Christmas email example.Subject line: Give a Milligram gift card this Christmas

christmas email campaign

Kwanzaa (December 26 - January 1) 

Kwanzaa celebrates African-American culture and heritage. Each day in this week-long festival is centered around one of the seven principles: Unity, Self-Determination, Collective Responsibility, Cooperative Economics, Purpose, Creativity and Faith. The holiday is inspired by African tradition, although individual families celebrate in different ways. It typically culminates in a feast called Karamu, which takes place on New Year’s Eve.

New Year’s Eve (December 31)

Close out your 2021 email marketing calendar by ushering in the New Year with style. Sending a New Year’s Eve email to wish your customers a Happy New Year can help ensure your brand is top of mind as your readers move into the new year. Michael Kors created a helpful lookbook for subscribers who want to ring in the New Year looking their best.Subject line: Level up your New Year’s Eve look

new year's eve email

Other December Holidays

  • Saint Lucy’s Day, December 13
  • First Day of Winter / Winter Solstice, December 21
  • Boxing Day, December 26

Looking ahead to 2022

Email marketers know better than anyone that the holiday grind never stops. Before you even put up your Christmas tree, it’s time to start thinking about New Year’s, and then Valentine’s, and everything starts all over again. Use these email design ideas to prep for 2022 and start off your New Year marketing on the right foot.

January

New Year’s Day (January 1)

Start the new year off strong by celebrating with a fun New Year’s Day email. Don't be afraid to pull out the glitter and fireworks for this fun holiday! Consider creating a special discount code or offering a sale for email subscribers. You could also share a year-in-review email, hitting the highlights your brand experienced over the last 12 months — like this email ClassTag sent at the end of 2019.Subject line: 2019: Year in review!

year in review email

Other January Holidays

February

Black History Month (all month)

Black History Month is celebrated in the U.S. during the entire month of February. This monthlong observance is a time to honor Black Americans and everything they’ve contributed to the world. Use your email newsletters to support Black communities and share how your company supports racial justice initiatives. This free Honoring Black Stories email template, created by Derek Brumby, is a great way to highlight influential Black voices and encourage your readers to support Black creatives. You can draw inspiration from our other Black History Month email templates, too — and from real-life email examples like this Cratejoy message.Subject line: Support Black-owned business | This & every month

Valentine’s Day (February 14)

Consumers are ready to spend some serious money for Valentine’s Day. A little strategic email marketing can position your brand as the best option for the reader's gift-giving needs. Hearts, colorful pink backgrounds and elegant typography can be the best way to go if you’re designing a Valentine’s Day email. For example, this Cute Root email uses a pink background color and the code “LOVELETTER” to create a seasonal promotion for subscribers to enjoy.Subject line: Eco-friendly Valentine’s Day ideas for you and your valentine

valentine's day email example

Other February Holidays

March

St. Patrick’s Day (March 17)

This traditional Irish religious holiday is celebrated today with parades, music and lots of food and beer. No matter what industry you’re in, it’s a great time to get on top of some email marketing! Send a festive green and gold St. Patrick’s Day email offering a deal that will help your customers feel the luck of the Irish. If you have products to showcase, this Sur La Table email demonstrates a few great ways to highlight those items. Our other St. Patrick's Day email templates will provide you with some lucky design inspiration as well!Subject line: Get ready for St. Patrick’s Day

st. patrick's day email

International Women’s Day (March 8)

International Women’s Day is a holiday designed to bring awareness to the ongoing struggle of gender equality and to celebrate the powerful women in our communities. Our Happy International Women’s Day template, created by Martin Nikolchev, is highly versatile: Use it to announce a sale, launch a fundraising campaign or simply design a thoughtful email that will resonate with readers. Or check out our other International Women's Day templates.

Use this template in Beefree!

Use this template in Beefree!

Other March Holidays

  • Maslenitsa, March 8 - 14
  • Mother’s Day, March 14 (Check out our Mother's Day email templates.)
  • Father’s Day, March 19 (Some countries celebrate this holiday in March; check out our Father's Day email templates.)
  • First Day of Spring, March 20
  • World Water Day, March 22
  • Waffle Day, March 25
  • SDG Global Festival of Action, March 25 - 26
  • Earth Hour Day, March 27
  • Holi Festival, March 29

April

Easter (April 4)

Pull out your fuzzy bunnies, chocolate eggs and pastel email backgrounds to create a springtime Easter email for your clients. This year, Easter is on April 4, which means you’ll need to get started early with your Easter email design. We recommend using one of our Easter email templates to shorten the design process — like this Special Easter email designed by Martin Nikolchev. We’re also loving the design of this Too Faced email that popped up in our inbox this spring.Subject line: Peep this: 30% OFF Easter sale starts now!

email marketing calendar

Earth Day (April 22)

Encourage people to make the world a better place by sending a well-designed Earth Day email. Your customers care about climate change and the world they live in. Sharing an Earth Day email that outlines how you’re taking action can inspire them to do the same. Levoit uses a creative product photo, strong fonts and earthy colors to create an email sharing info about the company’s Earth Day initiative.Subject line: Happy Earth Day! ?

earth day email

Other April Holidays

  • April Fool’s Day, April 1 (Check out our April Fool's Day templates.)
  • Tulip Festival, April 1 - 30
  • Carbonara Day, April 6
  • World Art Day, April 15
  • Shakespeare Day, April 23

Wrap-up: Holiday email templates

We don’t know about you, but this email marketing planning template is making us excited to start designing! Check out our full catalog of HTML email templates to find the best option for every holiday — it’s simple to edit these responsive templates using the BEE Pro email editor. Take your email marketing to new heights in 2021 by using an email marketing calendar so you don't miss a beat!

Related posts

How to Create a Newsletter in 9 Simple Steps

Emily Santos
Nov 22, 2023

In our latest blog post, we explored the importance of email newsletters and the value that they can bring to your organization. In short, they serve as a way to ensure consistent and timely communication between businesses and their diverse audience. While many factors influence the outcome of your email newsletters, there are a few tried and true strategies and steps for creating newsletters that we suggest following to ensure their success.Whether you're a seasoned marketer or a small business owner venturing into the email marketing realm, this step-by-step guide, enriched with tips and insights, will illuminate the path from conceptualizing your newsletter to hitting that send button and beyond.

What is the Purpose of a Newsletter?

The purpose of email newsletters is often condensed to brand awareness, promotion, education, and retention, but what's underneath that:

  • Brand Loyalty: By providing useful content, tips, or insights, you can add unimaginable value to your audience that, in turn, will make you the go-to brand for your audience in your specific niche.
  • Stronger Relationship: Sending consistent, cohesive, and timely communications keeps your audience engaged and helps nurture a relationship between your brand and its followers.
  • Traffic: If your content resonates with your audience, they'll want to learn more. This helps drive traffic to your social, website, and any other resources linked in your email newsletter. 

A step-by-step guide to creating an email newsletter

Navigating through the nuanced newsletter creation process, we'll explore a 10-step journey that marries strategic thinking with creative execution. Each step, from defining your newsletter’s purpose to meticulously tracking its performance, serves as a crucial milestone, ensuring your message not only lands but also captivates and engages your audience.

Step 1. Define Your Newsletter Goal

Embarking on the newsletter creation journey without a clearly defined goal can make defining your email's content, design, and overall strategy a challenge. Whereas a clearly defined goal helps harmoniously align each element towards a singular purpose.Let’s delve into a few examples of newsletter goals to spark your inspiration:

  • Engage and Inform: Keep your audience abreast of the latest industry news, trends, and insights.
  • Drive Sales: Promote new products, offers, or discounts to boost sales.
  • Increase Participation: Encourage participation in events, webinars, or surveys.
  • Build Community: Foster a sense of community among subscribers by sharing user-generated content or stories.

In addition, your goal should also take into consideration the following:

  • Who is your audience? Identifying your audience's demographics, preferences, and behaviors will help tailor the goal to an action you know your readers will take. For example, you wouldn't promote events in New York if most of your audience is based in Australia. 
  • What's the primary value of this email? Every newsletter delivers something of value - be it knowledge, discounts, or entertainment.
  • What are our business goals? Internally, what is your organization trying to achieve, and what is your current focus? 

Step 2. Build a Newsletter Subscriber List

Building a robust, engaged subscriber list is paramount to ensuring your newsletter’s voyage is fruitful and impactful. A subscriber list isn’t merely a collection of email addresses; it’s a community of individuals, each with their unique interests, preferences, and needs, all uniting under the banner of your brand.Here are a few tips to guide you in building your subscriber list:

  • Craft Compelling Sign-Up Forms: Ensure your newsletter sign-up forms are visible, accessible, and enticing across your digital platforms.
  • Leverage Multiple Channels: Utilize your website, social media, and other digital channels to promote your newsletter sign-up.
  • Offer Incentives: Entice potential subscribers with exclusive content, discounts, or insights available only to newsletter crew members.
  • Ensure Ease of Subscription: Make the subscription process as seamless and straightforward as possible to encourage sign-ups.

Step 3. Segment Contacts and Create Lists

As your subscriber count grows, understanding and organizing them becomes pivotal to ensuring that your newsletters resonate and engage with your unique audiences. Segmenting your contacts allows you to tailor content to their specific interests, allowing for highly personalized experiences. This action helps build a deeper connection between your brand and its audience. Here are some tips for audience segmentation:

  • Understand Subscriber Preferences: On your sign-up form, ask questions beyond the simple "name and email address" to understand their interests. For example, something as simple as a job title can provide much insight. 
  • Monitor and Adapt: Continually assess the effectiveness of your segments, and their actions will help you make necessary changes to optimize your email newsletter's design, content, and overall strategy.

Step 4. Select an Email Newsletter Tool

Finding the right tool for you and your team can be a formidable quest. Yet, it’s a pivotal step in ensuring your newsletter engages and delights your audience.When embarking on the selection of an email newsletter tool, consider the following key features:

  • User-Friendliness: Find a tool that allows anyone on your team to seamlessly craft, edit, and visualize your newsletter without too big of a learning curve. Complex tools can often result in a loss of productivity. 
  • Deliverability: Your email newsletter tool should ensure your emails are rendered beautifully regardless of email client or device to ensure your newsletters reach the inbox, not the dreaded spam folder.
  • Template Variety: Mostly, every email tool offers templates to help you kick-start your email newsletters. Before committing, ensure those templates align with your brand, audience, and needs. Extra points if the platform allows you to create, save, and reuse your own

PRO Tip: Find a tool that allows collaboration to happen within the platform to minimize juggling between multiple tools and further increase your team's productivity.Now, an email newsletter tool is not to be confused with an email-sending platform or an email marketing platform. While these may overlap, an email newsletter tool is often an additional tool added to help optimize your email design process. Because of this, it is important that the email newsletter tool you choose should seamlessly integrate with your existing sending platforms like HubSpot, Mailchimp, or Gmail.A great example of this is Beefree.

Beefree: Email creation without limits.

Beefree is an intuitive email builder whose agnostic nature allows easy export to your sending platforms of choice. Its collaborative features allow for decentralized teams to work together on email newsletters and campaigns effortlessly. With a catalog of 1,600+ email templates, we pride ourselves in having something for everyone, and our drag-and-drop editor makes the learning curve a breeze.

Step 5. Start From Scratch or Use a Template

You have two choices when it comes to creating a newsletter: to personalize an existing template or to craft your own from the blank canvas of possibility. Both paths, while divergent, lead to the creation of a newsletter that is uniquely yours. Let’s explore these two options, ensuring your newsletter is not only a reflection of your brand but also a beacon that resonates with your subscribers.

Option 1: Personalize an Existing Newsletter Template

This path allows you to embark on your newsletter journey with a sturdy vessel crafted by experts and ready to be infused with your unique brand essence. This option comeswith its own range of benefits:

  • Efficiency: Save time and resources by starting with a pre-designed structure.
  • Consistency: Ensure your newsletters maintain a consistent, professional appearance.
  • Inspiration: Draw inspiration from expertly crafted designs.
  • Flexibility: Adapt and modify the template to align with your brand and message.

As mentioned, Beefree’s newsletter template library offers thousands of free options, ready to be molded, adapted, and transformed into a newsletter that speaks your brand’s language and connects with your audience.

Beefree's free email newsletter tempaltes

Option 2: Start with a Blank Newsletter Template

The "start from scratch" approach allows you to build your newsletter from the ground up, ensuring every element, from layout to content, is meticulously curated and distinctly yours. This path unveils its own unique advantages:

  • Unbridled Creativity: Experience the freedom to explore your creativity without being bound by pre-designed constraints.
  • Unique Design: Develop a newsletter that is distinctly yours, ensuring it stands out in the crowded inbox.
  • Full Control: Maintain comprehensive control over every component, ensuring each aspect aligns perfectly with your brand.
  • Tailored Experience: Design a user experience that is meticulously tailored to your audience’s preferences and journey.

Step 6. Must have elements to have in your email newsletters

Let's get to work designing your newsletter with Beefree, where designing your newsletter becomes a seamless blend of creativity and functionality. While the ensuing steps are crafted with Beefree’s email editor in mind, these are all elements that any email newsletter must have to ensure your newsletter design is visually compelling and effectively communicates your message, regardless of the tool you choose. Let’s dive into the meticulous art of newsletter design.

Carefully Crafted Layout

Whether you're starting from scratch or using a template, the content sections needed will be determined by the purpose and goal of your newsletter. Ask yourself: "What is the information that my readers need to know to be enticed to complete the desired action?"The layout of your emails should be placed in a manner that is easily digestible and helps guide and engage the reader through the newsletter. This can be done by maintaining a balance between text and visual elements.Tips for adding content:

  • Maintain Consistency: Ensure your content aligns with your overall message and brand voice.
  • Be Concise: Craft your message to be clear and to the point, respecting your reader’s time and attention.

With Beefree, drag and drop your content blocks, such as text, images, and buttons, into your email. If you're starting with a template, our first suggestion is to first assess the email and see if any sections don't align with you. Like we did for our template below:

Beefree drag and drop email editor to build email newsletters

Regardless, a well-crafted layout is has a balance of text and visual elements, ensuring your content is both engaging and easily digestible.

Visual Elements

Long gone are the days of text-only emails. Images, videos, and GIFs are visual anchors in your newsletter, capturing attention and enhancing your narrative. They also help provide balance in your emails to help guide and break up text-heavy sections.Tips for including images:

  • Quality Matters: Ensure your images are optimized for emails viewed on desktop and mobile. 
  • Alignment: Your images should be visual representations of your brand and the message that you are trying to convey in the email. Otherwise, they might distract the reader from your message rather than engage. 

If you're starting with a template on Beefree, you can easily change the images by clicking on the image and clicking "change image" on the sidebar. If you're starting from scratch, you can navigate to the “Content” tab and simply drag the “Image” content block into your template. You can upload your own images and store them using our File Manager to retrieve them for future use.Beefree also offers a stock image and GIF library to incorporate visual elements into your newsletters easily.

Beefree drag and drop email editor to build email newsletters: adding images

Brand Elements

Infusing your newsletter with your brand elements ensures that your emails are recognized immediately by your readers. Brand elements include your logo, brand colors, pre-defined fonts, icons, etc.Tips for adding brand elements:

  • Consistency is Key: Ensure all elements, from colors to fonts, are consistent with your brand guidelines.
  • Visibility: Ensure your logo is placed prominently, ensuring immediate brand recognition.

Within Beefree, you can easily set your style guidelines to ensure everyone on your team can design on-brand messaging. You can also save content blocks that are frequently used to save time when building your emails.All of these are better known as "email design systems," which are built to help you save time, resources, and cohesiveness in all of your communication efforts.https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GCmxbuk4PRA&t=56s

Prominent CTA Buttons

CTA buttons should be influenced by the goal you want the reader to take. They should be placed throughout the newsletter to ensure the reader can take action at any time.Tips for creating CTA buttons:

  • Stand Out: Ensure your CTA is visually prominent. This means not hiding them in between elements, adding ample spacing around the CTA, and ensuring the color of the button doesn't blend in with its background. Although it should stand out, it should still remain harmoniously integrated into your overall design.
  • Concise Text: Use clear and concise copy that clearly communicates the action you want the reader to take. Do not leave any room for interpretation.

In Beefree, you can create pre-defined CTA buttons that align with your most frequently sent emails. Adding new buttons is as easy as dragging the “Button” content block into your email.

Beefree drag and drop email editor to build email newsletters: adding buttons

Step 7. Make Sure Your Newsletter is Legally Compliant

Navigating through the realm of email marketing also involves ensuring that your newsletter adheres to the various legal standards and regulations that govern digital communication. Ensuring legal compliance is not merely a step but a fundamental pillar that upholds the integrity and legality of your email marketing endeavors. From adhering to data protection regulations to ensuring transparent communication, legal compliance safeguards your brand, reputation, and the trust that your subscribers place in you.Here are some general suggestions to ensure your emails are compliant:

  • Adhere to Regulations: Ensure your newsletter complies with regulations such as GDPR or CAN-SPAM, safeguarding both subscriber data and communication.
  • Transparent Opt-In: Ensure that your subscription process is clear, transparent, and provides adequate information regarding the nature of your newsletters.
  • Easy Opt-Out: Provide a clear and straightforward process for subscribers to opt out of your newsletters anytime.
  • Protect Data: Ensure that subscriber data is stored, processed, and protected in adherence to relevant data protection regulations.

In addition, email footer requirements are upheld by email-sending platforms. In Beefree, under "Rows," you will see various footer options that adhere to HubSpot and Mailchimp guidelines ready for use. If you use a different ESP, be sure to build your footer with their unique requirements in mind.

Step 8. Preview and Test Emails

In the final stages of our newsletter creation journey, previewing and testing stand as crucial waypoints, ensuring that your crafted message is not only visually appealing but also functionally flawless across various email landscapes. This step involves scrutinizing your newsletter through the lenses of different devices and email clients, ensuring that each subscriber, regardless of their digital window, experiences your message in its full splendor.

Beefree "preview mode"

Beefree "preview mode"Here are a few tips to ensure your previews and tests lead to a standing ovation in every inbox:

  • Multi-Device Testing: Ensure your newsletter shines across all devices, from desktops to smartphones.
  • Different Email Clients: Verify that your design and functionality remain intact across various email clients, such as Gmail, Outlook, and Yahoo.
  • Link Functionality: Ensure all your links, from CTAs to social icons, are functioning and leading to the correct destinations.
  • Spelling and Grammar: A final check on the language, ensuring that your message is not only clear but also error-free.

Step 9. Track Performance and Create Iterations

This final step involves diving into the analytics, exploring how our subscribers interacted with our newsletter, and uncovering triumphs and areas ripe for enhancement.This step is crucial for ensuring that each newsletter is a stepping stone towards deeper engagement and connection with our audience.Here are some navigational tips when it comes to tracking performance:

  • Analyze Engagement: Dive into metrics like open rates, click-through rates, and engagement with specific content.
  • Subscriber Feedback: Pay attention to any direct feedback or responses from your subscribers.
  • Iterate and Enhance: Use the insights gained to refine and enhance subsequent newsletters, ensuring continual improvement.
  • A/B Testing: Consider employing A/B testing in future sends, exploring what content, design, and strategies resonate most.

Start Creating Your Own Newsletters Today

The path to creating your own successful newsletter lies ahead! We hope that with the knowledge, insights, and tools shared, you feel equipped and ready to start forging connections, telling stories, and engaging your audiences in a way that is unique to you!If you need somewhere to get started and inspired, browse through our extensive catalog of free templates. We guarantee you'll find something that fits your needs ;)Happy designing!

Email Marketing Ideas for Small Businesses + Tips

Emily Santos
Dec 1, 2023

In an era where algorithms evolve and trends shift faster than we can catch up, one timeless strategy stands resilient for small businesses - email marketing.A well-crafted email newsletter has the power to transcend the virtual clutter, connecting businesses directly with their audience. Yet, the challenge lies not just in sending emails but in sending the right ones.

Is Email Marketing Good for Small Businesses?

For small businesses with limited resources, budgets, and time, email marketing serves as a reliable strategy to maintain consistent communication. Communication efforts that are essential for sustainable growth and building a loyal customer base. Let's dive into some of the benefits:

  • Personalized messaging:  According to Epsilon, 80% of consumers are more likely to engage with a brand that offers a personalized experience. Unlike broad advertisements, emails allow you to connect with your customers on a personal level.
  • High ROI: The average ROI for email marketing, as stated by Constant Contact, is $36 for every $1 spent, making it affordable for businesses with limited funds.
  • Builds Relationships: Regular emails help nurture relationships, turning one-time buyers into loyal customers.
  • Flexibility: Whether it's newsletters, promotions, or updates, there's an email type for every message you want to convey.

If you're looking for a cost-effective way to make a big impact, then yes, email marketing is for you.

10 Engaging Email Marketing Ideas for Small Businesses

In the dynamic realm of email marketing, standing out is the name of the game. For small businesses, this means crafting emails that inform, engage, and captivate their audience with visuals and impactful messaging. Here are 10 engaging email marketing campaign ideas to help you showcase your brand's personality, all while keeping conversion top of mind.

Highlight and Share Customer Testimonials 

There's a reason why word-of-mouth remains one of the most trusted forms of marketing. Hearing real experiences from real people carries a weight that no amount of traditional advertising can match. For small businesses, showcasing customer testimonials in emails is like sharing little nuggets of trust and authenticity with your audience.This email resonates because it's all about relatability. When potential customers see others vouching for your products or services, it builds confidence and credibility. It's like having a friend recommend their favorite restaurant; you're more inclined to give it a try.In the image of an email below, Cladwell includes two different customer testimonials. Both reviews share their love for the brand and support Cladwell's mission to help people get more out of the clothes that they own with a capsule wardrobe.

Cladwell small business newsletter example

By highlighting these experiences in your emails, you're not just showcasing your offerings but also building a community of trust around your brand. So, the next time a customer sings your praises, don't keep it to yourself—share it with your email subscribers and let the testimonials do the talking!

Send Birthday and Anniversary Promotions

Who doesn't love a little extra love on their special day? Sending birthday and anniversary promotions is a personal touch that goes a long way. In a simple way, this message says, "Hey, we remember you, and we appreciate you being with us!" Not only does this foster goodwill, but it also encourages sales. After all, who can resist a tempting offer, especially when it's wrapped up in birthday confetti?

But here's the real kicker: these promotions aren't just about sales. They're about building a bond. When customers feel valued and remembered, they're more likely to stick around. And in the world of business, loyalty is golden.

Read more: 10 Engaging Birthday Email Examples + Strategies 

Share Behind-the-Scenes Stories

Pulling back the curtain and giving a sneak peek into the day-to-day happenings can create a genuine connection. It humanizes your brand, making it more than just a logo or a product. It's about the people, the process, and the passion.

Here are some behind-the-scenes stories that can make a splash:

  • The Making of a Product: Showcase the journey from idea to final product. It's fascinating to see how things come to life.
  • Employee Spotlights: Introduce the rockstars behind your brand. Share their stories, hobbies, and why they love what they do.
  • Office Shenanigans: Do you have a fun office tradition or a quirky team-building activity coming up? Share it! It adds a touch of fun and personality.

Remember, every brand has a story. And sharing yours can make all the difference in building a loyal community.

Create a Brand Ambassador Program

A Brand Ambassador Program helps cultivate a community of customers who love what you do so much that they can't help but shout it from the rooftops.

As we mentioned earlier, word-of-mouth is powerful. Recommendations from friends or family hold weight. When someone raves about your product or service, their circle listens. And guess what? That's organic marketing at its finest.

Brand ambassadors also provide invaluable feedback. They're your frontline, interacting with your product or service regularly. Their insights can help refine your offerings, ensuring you're always at the top of your game. So, think of a Brand Ambassador Program as a win-win: your brand gets love and loyalty, and your ambassadors get perks and a sense of community.

Utilize Subscriber-Only Discounts

It's simple: everyone loves a good deal. And they love them even more when it's exclusive. By offering special deals just for your email subscribers, you're letting them know that you value their readership enough to offer them unique opportunities.

PRO Tip: Go the extra mile and put to use your segmented groups to use! Create personalized offers to make discounts more relevant to your unique audiences and their needs, increasing the likelihood of conversion.

In a digital world, it's easy for brands to come off as faceless entities. But here's a little secret: people connect with people, not logos. Taking the time to humanize your brand can be the difference between a subscriber who engages and one who hits the 'unsubscribe' button. It's about building trust, showcasing authenticity, and creating genuine connections.

Take Time to Humanize Your Brand

In a digital world, it's easy for brands to come off as faceless entities. But the truth is, that people connect with people, not logos. Taking the time to humanize your brand can be the difference between a subscriber who engages and one who hits the 'unsubscribe' button. It's about building trust, showcasing authenticity, and creating genuine connections.

Here's how you can add that human touch:

  • Share Your Origin Story: Every brand has a beginning. Share yours. How did you start? What challenges did you face? What's the passion driving you?
  • Celebrate Milestones: Did you hit a significant number of subscribers? Launch a new product? Celebrate with your email community. They're part of your journey.
  • Introduce Your Team: Put faces to the names. Share fun facts, birthdays, or even the office pet. It adds warmth and personality to your brand.

Remember, at the end of the day, business is about relationships. And relationships are built on trust, authenticity, and, most importantly, human connections.

Create a Monthly Newsletter

Newsletters are a chance to share updates, stories, and maybe even a few secrets. For small businesses, a monthly newsletter is a golden opportunity to keep your audience in the loop. It's a consistent touchpoint that reminds your subscribers, "Hey, we're here, and we've got some cool stuff to share!"

Why should you jump on the newsletter bandwagon?

  • Consistency is Key: Regular updates mean you're always on your subscribers' minds. It's a gentle nudge that says, "Remember us?"
  • Value-Packed Content: Share tips, industry news, or even a fun fact. It's not just about selling; it's about providing value.
  • Builds Community: A newsletter can foster a sense of belonging. It's a space where you and your subscribers can connect and engage.

Offer Exclusive Previews

There's something undeniably thrilling about being in the know, getting that first look before anyone else. For small businesses, offering exclusive previews to their email subscribers is a golden ticket to building anticipation and excitement. It's like inviting your most loyal fans to a VIP backstage pass, giving them a sneak peek into upcoming products, services, or events.

By offering these exclusive glimpses, you're not only rewarding your subscribers for their loyalty but also creating a sense of community and belonging. They feel valued, special, and more connected to your brand. And when people feel a part of something bigger, they're more likely to engage, share, and, most importantly, shop.

So, the next time you're launching something new, consider giving your email subscribers the first look.

How Do I Start Email Marketing For My Small Business?

While the journey might seem a tad overwhelming at first, with the right steps, you'll be on your way to crafting compelling campaigns in no time. Let's look at the initial stages to ensure you kick things off on the right foot.

Step #1 Choose the Right Email Marketing Platform

Before you send out your first email, you'll need a reliable platform to do the heavy lifting. An email marketing platform helps you manage your subscriber list, design emails, and track performance metrics.

  • Research Platforms: Look into options to see which platform is best suited for your needs.
  • Features Matter: Ensure the platform offers templates, analytics, and automation tools.
  • Ease of Use: Especially for beginners, a user-friendly interface can make all the difference.

Step #2 Segment Your Email List

Not all subscribers are created equal. Segmenting your email list allows you to tailor your content to different groups, ensuring it resonates and engages.

  • Demographics: Group subscribers based on age, location, or purchasing behavior.
  • Engagement Levels: Separate active readers from those who might need a re-engagement campaign.
  • Personalization: Use segments to send personalized offers or content, enhancing the subscriber experience.

Step #3 Start with a Template! 

The design of your email plays a pivotal role in capturing your subscriber's attention. While crafting a visually appealing email from scratch might seem daunting, a template does all the heavy lifting!

Beefree offers a vast collection of over 1,600+ email templates, made with conversion and engagement in mind. Whether you're looking for a minimalist design or something vibrant and colorful, there is something for everyone. 

Beefree's drag-and-drop intuitive builder also makes it easy for those with limited design experience to build beautiful on-brand templates with minimal effort.

Step #4 Analyze and Iterate for Continuous Improvement

Once your emails are out in the wild, the journey doesn't end there. It's essential to keep an eye on how they're performing. Are your subscribers opening them? Are they clicking through? Or perhaps, are they sending them straight to the trash?

  • Use Analytics: Most email platforms offer insights into open rates, click-through rates, and more. Dive deep into these metrics to understand what's working and what's not.
  • Feedback is Gold: Consider sending out surveys or directly asking for feedback. Your subscribers can offer invaluable insights into what they love and what could be better.
  • Iterate and Improve: Based on the data and feedback, make necessary tweaks to your content, design, or strategy. Remember, email marketing is a continuous process of learning and improving.

By adopting a mindset of continuous improvement, you ensure that your email marketing efforts remain effective and relevant, adapting to the ever-changing needs and preferences of your audience.

Additional email marketing tips for small businesses

While we've covered some essential steps to kickstart your email marketing journey, there are always more tricks up the sleeve to enhance your game. Here are a few additional tips to keep in mind:

  • Personalize Beyond the Name: Sure, addressing subscribers by their first name is great, but dive deeper. Tailor content based on their preferences or past interactions.
  • Avoid the Spam Folder: Ensure your emails are compliant with regulations and avoid spammy tactics. A high-quality email list and relevant content are your best allies.
  • Celebrate Special Occasions: Birthdays, anniversaries, or local holidays—these are opportunities to connect and offer special deals or messages.
  • Visuals Matter: Incorporate high-quality images and graphics that resonate with your brand and message.
  • Mobile-first: According to Litmus, 47% of email opens occurred on a mobile device, surpassing desktop opens. This makes having mobile-friendly emails not just a nice-to-have but an absolute must for small businesses.

Small business email marketing made easy with Beefree

In the bustling world of small business, every minute counts.

Beefree's email builder is tailored to help small businesses create visually stunning and engaging emails without the fuss. Whether you're starting from scratch or using one of their myriad templates, you're in for a seamless experience.

Ready to elevate your email marketing game? Dive into the world of effortless email design with Beefree. The best part? It's free for small businesses with a limited budget! 

10 Engaging Birthday Email Examples + Strategies

Emily Santos
Nov 17, 2023

When it comes to making your customers feel special, nothing says "We're glad you're here" like a personalized birthday email. Not only that, but they are great sources for driving up engagement and strengthening brand loyalty.After all, who doesn't love a freebie or a discount to spoil themselves with?Whether you're currently sending birthday emails or want to start, below you'll find some of our best strategies for crafting and optimizing birthday messages that delight your recipients.

What is a Birthday Email?

Birthday emails are powerful automated email campaigns brands use to provide a more personalized customer experience. While on the surface, they might seem like a simple gesture to brighten your customer's day. These emails are strategically crafted and inserted into every big e-commerce brand’s email marketing efforts.

What is the Purpose of a Birthday Email?

Birthday emails have multi-purposes. While they are created to help celebrate a subscriber's special day, they also drive up email engagement and brand loyalty. Here’s how:

  • Deepen Subscriber Connection: A personalized birthday wish can strengthen the bond between a brand and its subscribers. A simple message can make your subscribers feel important, keeping you at the top of their minds the next time they purchase. 
  • Drive Sales: Exclusive birthday discounts or offers can incentivize subscribers to purchase. 
  • Boost Engagement: Birthday emails often see higher open and click-through rates than regular promotional emails.

Do Birthday Emails Work?

Absolutely! When it comes to engagement metrics, birthday emails are the party animals of the email marketing world. In fact, according to Experian, birthday emails generate “179% more clicks, 481% more transactions, and 342% more revenue per email.”Our educated hypothesis is that everyone loves a little extra attention on their birthday, and when brands deliver that in the form of tailored offers and heartfelt messages, subscribers are more likely to engage (and buy)!

10 Happy Birthday Email Examples (and  their strategies)

Birthday emails are a unique blend of celebration and strategy; finding the right balance is important. We've scoured the email universe and handpicked 12 of the best birthday emails. Each example showcases a different approach, from heartwarming messages to irresistible offers.As we unwrap each one, you'll discover what makes them stand out and drive results. By the end of this list, you'll be brimming with ideas and ready to craft birthday emails that resonate and convert.

Make your offer stand out 

This birthday email example from Chipotle showcases a brilliant marketing strategy. The "Gift of Guac" is not only quirky and engaging but also entices the receiver with a tempting offer on one of Chipotle's delicacies. Not only that, but the offer is applicable anytime during their birthday month, which promotes return visits.In addition, the call-to-action button attracts the reader's eye and offers clear instructions for the next steps.

chipotle birthday email example

Keep it Simple and Stay on Brand 

When it comes to birthday emails, Outdoor Voices nails it by embracing the beauty of simplicity.A common mistake with birthday emails is that it is really easy to go overboard. Outdoor Voices does a great job of embracing the “less is more” approach to design and copywriting, which aligns with their overall brand identity.Another differentiating factor, when compared to Chipotle’s approach above, is that the offer is not the star of the email. Instead, the customer is. This strategy is great for strengthening connections with readers as they often feel less “sales-y. ”Regardless, they do a great job of ensuring the offer is still noticed by adding an on-brand CTA that stands out.

Outfoor voice birthday email

Nike's birthday email also beautifully embodies its athletic and dynamic brand essence. Featuring an athlete surrounded by playful hand-drawn elements, the email captures attention and reinforces Nike's iconic image. The straightforward offer of a 10% discount on a $100 purchase, combined with the exclusive feel of 'Member Access,' effectively incentivizes the recipient to shop.

nike birthday email example

Use a Humorous Approach

The following birthday email from Markiplier incorporates humor to create a memorable and light-hearted message. The message feels personable as it makes a joke about aging that a friend would make, yet emphasizes genuine appreciation.The offer for a discount on Markiplier store items adds an incentive to the comedic touch. If there's a lesson here, it's this: a good laugh can reel 'em in, but pairing it with a genuine offer? That's the cherry on top!

Markiplier humorous birthday email example

Exclusivity For The Win

If you're an avid Sephora shopper, you'll know their birthday mini sets are (unfortunately) not curated for the individual; however, this email makes you feel like it is.While using your reader's name is a great example of personalization, in this case, it isn't the star of the show.Sephora's unique layout, design, and use of high-quality images exude the feeling of "these were hand-picked just for you." The use of supersized imageslaid out was intentional to make these "minis" feel larger (and, in turn, more exclusive) than they are, which likely makes "Mary" feel special.They also subtly hint with a subtitle that "Mary" is receiving this exclusive offer because they are part of their "beauty insider" program, further promoting the feeling of exclusivity and encouraging customer loyalty.

sephora beauty insider exclusive birthday email

Time Is Of The Essence? or Not? 

The following two emails offer a different approach to birthday offer expiration dates.PixelBoosts offers a 30% discount to be redeemed within three days. Crafted for those looking to renew their subscriptions, this birthday email does a good job of blending the personal touch of a birthday email with a gentle nudge toward "stick around with us!"

PixelBoost birthday email example

On the other hand, the email below extends the festivities and gives the reader the entirety of their month to redeem their discount. The phrase "pick your own present" offers a sense of autonomy and personalization.

birthday email campaign

There are pros and cons for both strategies.While offering limited-time offers such as PixelBoost can be a great way to encourage urgency and conversion, finding the right time to send this email is important. According to Campaign Monitor, 55% of birthday emails are sent on the recipient's birth date. For limited offers such as 3 days, the challenge comes with not knowing whether the recipient will open the email in time as they might be taking some much-needed R&R.For birthday emails with a much longer deadline, while they offer recipients ample time to open and purchase, you risk them forgetting about your offer. In this case, reminder emails will be essential, turning birthday emails into birthday campaigns.As always, we recommend testing and monitoring what works best for you and your organization.

Personalized Product Recommendations

According to Epsilon, "80% of consumers say they're more willing to purchase when provided with a personalized experience." While, a birthday email alone is a strong example of this, Rachel Jackson's birthday email takes it one (or ten) steps further. 

While we usually see product recommendations being personalized with the power of dynamic content and consumer behavior, Rachael Jackson takes a unique, maybe simpler, but still impactful approach using the recipient's birthstones. 

The use of high-quality images and meaningful descriptions engages the recipient to learn more about their birthstone, which only further helps promote the feeling that "this was made for me." 

rachel jackson jewelry birthday emails

Use Interactive Elements 

When done right, videos, gifs, and polls are great ways to catch your readers' attention and guide them toward the desired action.While the email below is simple, the animated birthday cake and candle GIF catches the reader's eye and embodies the essence of celebration, warmth, and festivity. Again, while simple, the GIF enhancesthe user experience, making the offer more enticing and the email more interactive.

animated birthday cake and candle GIF

Loyalty Points Boost

Simons' birthday email effectively leverages a loyalty program by offering double points on the largest purchase made during the birthday month. The CTA "treat yourself" is strategically used to encourage a larger-than-usual purchase, possibly enticing the reader to buy something they might have been eyeing for a while. The double points incentivize the consumer as they are more willing to buy, knowing they will receive something in return.

Simon isn't just sending out birthday wishes but making it a win-win for everyone.

simon birthday email

Best Practices for Engaging Birthday Email Campaigns

The best birthday emails are more than just a celebratory message; they're an opportunity to deepen your connection with your subscribers. To make sure that your birthday wishes stand out in a crowded inbox, it's important to follow some tried-and-true best practices.From creating an automatic birthday campaign to the art of the perfect call-to-action, here are our top secrets to crafting unforgettable birthday emails.

Automation is Your Birthday Campaign BFF

No one is to be left behind. Setting up an automated birthday campaign ensures subscribers feel acknowledged on their special day. It's not just about convenience; it's about consistency.Automation permits timely and personalized gestures that say, "We remember, and we care."

Send More Than One Birthday Email 

One email is great, but why stop there? Celebrating a subscriber's birthday isn't just about the day itself; it's about the anticipation and the afterglow.Start with a warm pre-birthday greeting, followed by the main birthday wish, and perhaps a gentle reminder or a thank-you note a day or two later. It's a prolonged celebration that keeps the connection alive and makes your brand memorable.

Ensure a Smooth Redemption Process 

If you're gifting your subscribers a birthday treat (and we highly recommend you do!), make the redemption process a breeze. The last thing you want is for them to jump through hoops on their special day. Whether it's a discount code, a freebie, or exclusive access, ensure they can claim it effortlessly.Part of this is ensuring a clear and compelling CTA. Whether you're nudging them to shop a birthday sale, read a special message, or claim a gift, your CTA should stand out.

Design Unforgettable Birthday Emails with Beefree

Whether it's a heartfelt message, a special discount, or an exclusive offer, it is proven that birthday emails strengthen brand-consumer relationships. And with only 31% of retail email marketers sending birthday greetings, there's a huge opportunity for you to stand out.As shown above, playing with color, layouts, images, and interactive elements is the name of the game. And while it might seem challenging and time-consuming at first, it doesn't have to be.With an intuitive drag-and-drop interface and a catalog of over 1,600 templates, Beefree makes designing birthday emails a piece of cake ;).Not sure where to start? Try this free birthday email template.

How to Create a Newsletter in 9 Simple Steps

Emily Santos
Emily Santos
22 Nov
2023

In our latest blog post, we explored the importance of email newsletters and the value that they can bring to your organization. In short, they serve as a way to ensure consistent and timely communication between businesses and their diverse audience. While many factors influence the outcome of your email newsletters, there are a few tried and true strategies and steps for creating newsletters that we suggest following to ensure their success.Whether you're a seasoned marketer or a small business owner venturing into the email marketing realm, this step-by-step guide, enriched with tips and insights, will illuminate the path from conceptualizing your newsletter to hitting that send button and beyond.

What is the Purpose of a Newsletter?

The purpose of email newsletters is often condensed to brand awareness, promotion, education, and retention, but what's underneath that:

  • Brand Loyalty: By providing useful content, tips, or insights, you can add unimaginable value to your audience that, in turn, will make you the go-to brand for your audience in your specific niche.
  • Stronger Relationship: Sending consistent, cohesive, and timely communications keeps your audience engaged and helps nurture a relationship between your brand and its followers.
  • Traffic: If your content resonates with your audience, they'll want to learn more. This helps drive traffic to your social, website, and any other resources linked in your email newsletter. 

A step-by-step guide to creating an email newsletter

Navigating through the nuanced newsletter creation process, we'll explore a 10-step journey that marries strategic thinking with creative execution. Each step, from defining your newsletter’s purpose to meticulously tracking its performance, serves as a crucial milestone, ensuring your message not only lands but also captivates and engages your audience.

Step 1. Define Your Newsletter Goal

Embarking on the newsletter creation journey without a clearly defined goal can make defining your email's content, design, and overall strategy a challenge. Whereas a clearly defined goal helps harmoniously align each element towards a singular purpose.Let’s delve into a few examples of newsletter goals to spark your inspiration:

  • Engage and Inform: Keep your audience abreast of the latest industry news, trends, and insights.
  • Drive Sales: Promote new products, offers, or discounts to boost sales.
  • Increase Participation: Encourage participation in events, webinars, or surveys.
  • Build Community: Foster a sense of community among subscribers by sharing user-generated content or stories.

In addition, your goal should also take into consideration the following:

  • Who is your audience? Identifying your audience's demographics, preferences, and behaviors will help tailor the goal to an action you know your readers will take. For example, you wouldn't promote events in New York if most of your audience is based in Australia. 
  • What's the primary value of this email? Every newsletter delivers something of value - be it knowledge, discounts, or entertainment.
  • What are our business goals? Internally, what is your organization trying to achieve, and what is your current focus? 

Step 2. Build a Newsletter Subscriber List

Building a robust, engaged subscriber list is paramount to ensuring your newsletter’s voyage is fruitful and impactful. A subscriber list isn’t merely a collection of email addresses; it’s a community of individuals, each with their unique interests, preferences, and needs, all uniting under the banner of your brand.Here are a few tips to guide you in building your subscriber list:

  • Craft Compelling Sign-Up Forms: Ensure your newsletter sign-up forms are visible, accessible, and enticing across your digital platforms.
  • Leverage Multiple Channels: Utilize your website, social media, and other digital channels to promote your newsletter sign-up.
  • Offer Incentives: Entice potential subscribers with exclusive content, discounts, or insights available only to newsletter crew members.
  • Ensure Ease of Subscription: Make the subscription process as seamless and straightforward as possible to encourage sign-ups.

Step 3. Segment Contacts and Create Lists

As your subscriber count grows, understanding and organizing them becomes pivotal to ensuring that your newsletters resonate and engage with your unique audiences. Segmenting your contacts allows you to tailor content to their specific interests, allowing for highly personalized experiences. This action helps build a deeper connection between your brand and its audience. Here are some tips for audience segmentation:

  • Understand Subscriber Preferences: On your sign-up form, ask questions beyond the simple "name and email address" to understand their interests. For example, something as simple as a job title can provide much insight. 
  • Monitor and Adapt: Continually assess the effectiveness of your segments, and their actions will help you make necessary changes to optimize your email newsletter's design, content, and overall strategy.

Step 4. Select an Email Newsletter Tool

Finding the right tool for you and your team can be a formidable quest. Yet, it’s a pivotal step in ensuring your newsletter engages and delights your audience.When embarking on the selection of an email newsletter tool, consider the following key features:

  • User-Friendliness: Find a tool that allows anyone on your team to seamlessly craft, edit, and visualize your newsletter without too big of a learning curve. Complex tools can often result in a loss of productivity. 
  • Deliverability: Your email newsletter tool should ensure your emails are rendered beautifully regardless of email client or device to ensure your newsletters reach the inbox, not the dreaded spam folder.
  • Template Variety: Mostly, every email tool offers templates to help you kick-start your email newsletters. Before committing, ensure those templates align with your brand, audience, and needs. Extra points if the platform allows you to create, save, and reuse your own

PRO Tip: Find a tool that allows collaboration to happen within the platform to minimize juggling between multiple tools and further increase your team's productivity.Now, an email newsletter tool is not to be confused with an email-sending platform or an email marketing platform. While these may overlap, an email newsletter tool is often an additional tool added to help optimize your email design process. Because of this, it is important that the email newsletter tool you choose should seamlessly integrate with your existing sending platforms like HubSpot, Mailchimp, or Gmail.A great example of this is Beefree.

Beefree: Email creation without limits.

Beefree is an intuitive email builder whose agnostic nature allows easy export to your sending platforms of choice. Its collaborative features allow for decentralized teams to work together on email newsletters and campaigns effortlessly. With a catalog of 1,600+ email templates, we pride ourselves in having something for everyone, and our drag-and-drop editor makes the learning curve a breeze.

Step 5. Start From Scratch or Use a Template

You have two choices when it comes to creating a newsletter: to personalize an existing template or to craft your own from the blank canvas of possibility. Both paths, while divergent, lead to the creation of a newsletter that is uniquely yours. Let’s explore these two options, ensuring your newsletter is not only a reflection of your brand but also a beacon that resonates with your subscribers.

Option 1: Personalize an Existing Newsletter Template

This path allows you to embark on your newsletter journey with a sturdy vessel crafted by experts and ready to be infused with your unique brand essence. This option comeswith its own range of benefits:

  • Efficiency: Save time and resources by starting with a pre-designed structure.
  • Consistency: Ensure your newsletters maintain a consistent, professional appearance.
  • Inspiration: Draw inspiration from expertly crafted designs.
  • Flexibility: Adapt and modify the template to align with your brand and message.

As mentioned, Beefree’s newsletter template library offers thousands of free options, ready to be molded, adapted, and transformed into a newsletter that speaks your brand’s language and connects with your audience.

Beefree's free email newsletter tempaltes

Option 2: Start with a Blank Newsletter Template

The "start from scratch" approach allows you to build your newsletter from the ground up, ensuring every element, from layout to content, is meticulously curated and distinctly yours. This path unveils its own unique advantages:

  • Unbridled Creativity: Experience the freedom to explore your creativity without being bound by pre-designed constraints.
  • Unique Design: Develop a newsletter that is distinctly yours, ensuring it stands out in the crowded inbox.
  • Full Control: Maintain comprehensive control over every component, ensuring each aspect aligns perfectly with your brand.
  • Tailored Experience: Design a user experience that is meticulously tailored to your audience’s preferences and journey.

Step 6. Must have elements to have in your email newsletters

Let's get to work designing your newsletter with Beefree, where designing your newsletter becomes a seamless blend of creativity and functionality. While the ensuing steps are crafted with Beefree’s email editor in mind, these are all elements that any email newsletter must have to ensure your newsletter design is visually compelling and effectively communicates your message, regardless of the tool you choose. Let’s dive into the meticulous art of newsletter design.

Carefully Crafted Layout

Whether you're starting from scratch or using a template, the content sections needed will be determined by the purpose and goal of your newsletter. Ask yourself: "What is the information that my readers need to know to be enticed to complete the desired action?"The layout of your emails should be placed in a manner that is easily digestible and helps guide and engage the reader through the newsletter. This can be done by maintaining a balance between text and visual elements.Tips for adding content:

  • Maintain Consistency: Ensure your content aligns with your overall message and brand voice.
  • Be Concise: Craft your message to be clear and to the point, respecting your reader’s time and attention.

With Beefree, drag and drop your content blocks, such as text, images, and buttons, into your email. If you're starting with a template, our first suggestion is to first assess the email and see if any sections don't align with you. Like we did for our template below:

Beefree drag and drop email editor to build email newsletters

Regardless, a well-crafted layout is has a balance of text and visual elements, ensuring your content is both engaging and easily digestible.

Visual Elements

Long gone are the days of text-only emails. Images, videos, and GIFs are visual anchors in your newsletter, capturing attention and enhancing your narrative. They also help provide balance in your emails to help guide and break up text-heavy sections.Tips for including images:

  • Quality Matters: Ensure your images are optimized for emails viewed on desktop and mobile. 
  • Alignment: Your images should be visual representations of your brand and the message that you are trying to convey in the email. Otherwise, they might distract the reader from your message rather than engage. 

If you're starting with a template on Beefree, you can easily change the images by clicking on the image and clicking "change image" on the sidebar. If you're starting from scratch, you can navigate to the “Content” tab and simply drag the “Image” content block into your template. You can upload your own images and store them using our File Manager to retrieve them for future use.Beefree also offers a stock image and GIF library to incorporate visual elements into your newsletters easily.

Beefree drag and drop email editor to build email newsletters: adding images

Brand Elements

Infusing your newsletter with your brand elements ensures that your emails are recognized immediately by your readers. Brand elements include your logo, brand colors, pre-defined fonts, icons, etc.Tips for adding brand elements:

  • Consistency is Key: Ensure all elements, from colors to fonts, are consistent with your brand guidelines.
  • Visibility: Ensure your logo is placed prominently, ensuring immediate brand recognition.

Within Beefree, you can easily set your style guidelines to ensure everyone on your team can design on-brand messaging. You can also save content blocks that are frequently used to save time when building your emails.All of these are better known as "email design systems," which are built to help you save time, resources, and cohesiveness in all of your communication efforts.https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GCmxbuk4PRA&t=56s

Prominent CTA Buttons

CTA buttons should be influenced by the goal you want the reader to take. They should be placed throughout the newsletter to ensure the reader can take action at any time.Tips for creating CTA buttons:

  • Stand Out: Ensure your CTA is visually prominent. This means not hiding them in between elements, adding ample spacing around the CTA, and ensuring the color of the button doesn't blend in with its background. Although it should stand out, it should still remain harmoniously integrated into your overall design.
  • Concise Text: Use clear and concise copy that clearly communicates the action you want the reader to take. Do not leave any room for interpretation.

In Beefree, you can create pre-defined CTA buttons that align with your most frequently sent emails. Adding new buttons is as easy as dragging the “Button” content block into your email.

Beefree drag and drop email editor to build email newsletters: adding buttons

Step 7. Make Sure Your Newsletter is Legally Compliant

Navigating through the realm of email marketing also involves ensuring that your newsletter adheres to the various legal standards and regulations that govern digital communication. Ensuring legal compliance is not merely a step but a fundamental pillar that upholds the integrity and legality of your email marketing endeavors. From adhering to data protection regulations to ensuring transparent communication, legal compliance safeguards your brand, reputation, and the trust that your subscribers place in you.Here are some general suggestions to ensure your emails are compliant:

  • Adhere to Regulations: Ensure your newsletter complies with regulations such as GDPR or CAN-SPAM, safeguarding both subscriber data and communication.
  • Transparent Opt-In: Ensure that your subscription process is clear, transparent, and provides adequate information regarding the nature of your newsletters.
  • Easy Opt-Out: Provide a clear and straightforward process for subscribers to opt out of your newsletters anytime.
  • Protect Data: Ensure that subscriber data is stored, processed, and protected in adherence to relevant data protection regulations.

In addition, email footer requirements are upheld by email-sending platforms. In Beefree, under "Rows," you will see various footer options that adhere to HubSpot and Mailchimp guidelines ready for use. If you use a different ESP, be sure to build your footer with their unique requirements in mind.

Step 8. Preview and Test Emails

In the final stages of our newsletter creation journey, previewing and testing stand as crucial waypoints, ensuring that your crafted message is not only visually appealing but also functionally flawless across various email landscapes. This step involves scrutinizing your newsletter through the lenses of different devices and email clients, ensuring that each subscriber, regardless of their digital window, experiences your message in its full splendor.

Beefree "preview mode"

Beefree "preview mode"Here are a few tips to ensure your previews and tests lead to a standing ovation in every inbox:

  • Multi-Device Testing: Ensure your newsletter shines across all devices, from desktops to smartphones.
  • Different Email Clients: Verify that your design and functionality remain intact across various email clients, such as Gmail, Outlook, and Yahoo.
  • Link Functionality: Ensure all your links, from CTAs to social icons, are functioning and leading to the correct destinations.
  • Spelling and Grammar: A final check on the language, ensuring that your message is not only clear but also error-free.

Step 9. Track Performance and Create Iterations

This final step involves diving into the analytics, exploring how our subscribers interacted with our newsletter, and uncovering triumphs and areas ripe for enhancement.This step is crucial for ensuring that each newsletter is a stepping stone towards deeper engagement and connection with our audience.Here are some navigational tips when it comes to tracking performance:

  • Analyze Engagement: Dive into metrics like open rates, click-through rates, and engagement with specific content.
  • Subscriber Feedback: Pay attention to any direct feedback or responses from your subscribers.
  • Iterate and Enhance: Use the insights gained to refine and enhance subsequent newsletters, ensuring continual improvement.
  • A/B Testing: Consider employing A/B testing in future sends, exploring what content, design, and strategies resonate most.

Start Creating Your Own Newsletters Today

The path to creating your own successful newsletter lies ahead! We hope that with the knowledge, insights, and tools shared, you feel equipped and ready to start forging connections, telling stories, and engaging your audiences in a way that is unique to you!If you need somewhere to get started and inspired, browse through our extensive catalog of free templates. We guarantee you'll find something that fits your needs ;)Happy designing!

Email Marketing Ideas for Small Businesses + Tips

Emily Santos
Emily Santos
1 Dec
2023

In an era where algorithms evolve and trends shift faster than we can catch up, one timeless strategy stands resilient for small businesses - email marketing.A well-crafted email newsletter has the power to transcend the virtual clutter, connecting businesses directly with their audience. Yet, the challenge lies not just in sending emails but in sending the right ones.

Is Email Marketing Good for Small Businesses?

For small businesses with limited resources, budgets, and time, email marketing serves as a reliable strategy to maintain consistent communication. Communication efforts that are essential for sustainable growth and building a loyal customer base. Let's dive into some of the benefits:

  • Personalized messaging:  According to Epsilon, 80% of consumers are more likely to engage with a brand that offers a personalized experience. Unlike broad advertisements, emails allow you to connect with your customers on a personal level.
  • High ROI: The average ROI for email marketing, as stated by Constant Contact, is $36 for every $1 spent, making it affordable for businesses with limited funds.
  • Builds Relationships: Regular emails help nurture relationships, turning one-time buyers into loyal customers.
  • Flexibility: Whether it's newsletters, promotions, or updates, there's an email type for every message you want to convey.

If you're looking for a cost-effective way to make a big impact, then yes, email marketing is for you.

10 Engaging Email Marketing Ideas for Small Businesses

In the dynamic realm of email marketing, standing out is the name of the game. For small businesses, this means crafting emails that inform, engage, and captivate their audience with visuals and impactful messaging. Here are 10 engaging email marketing campaign ideas to help you showcase your brand's personality, all while keeping conversion top of mind.

Highlight and Share Customer Testimonials 

There's a reason why word-of-mouth remains one of the most trusted forms of marketing. Hearing real experiences from real people carries a weight that no amount of traditional advertising can match. For small businesses, showcasing customer testimonials in emails is like sharing little nuggets of trust and authenticity with your audience.This email resonates because it's all about relatability. When potential customers see others vouching for your products or services, it builds confidence and credibility. It's like having a friend recommend their favorite restaurant; you're more inclined to give it a try.In the image of an email below, Cladwell includes two different customer testimonials. Both reviews share their love for the brand and support Cladwell's mission to help people get more out of the clothes that they own with a capsule wardrobe.

Cladwell small business newsletter example

By highlighting these experiences in your emails, you're not just showcasing your offerings but also building a community of trust around your brand. So, the next time a customer sings your praises, don't keep it to yourself—share it with your email subscribers and let the testimonials do the talking!

Send Birthday and Anniversary Promotions

Who doesn't love a little extra love on their special day? Sending birthday and anniversary promotions is a personal touch that goes a long way. In a simple way, this message says, "Hey, we remember you, and we appreciate you being with us!" Not only does this foster goodwill, but it also encourages sales. After all, who can resist a tempting offer, especially when it's wrapped up in birthday confetti?

But here's the real kicker: these promotions aren't just about sales. They're about building a bond. When customers feel valued and remembered, they're more likely to stick around. And in the world of business, loyalty is golden.

Read more: 10 Engaging Birthday Email Examples + Strategies 

Share Behind-the-Scenes Stories

Pulling back the curtain and giving a sneak peek into the day-to-day happenings can create a genuine connection. It humanizes your brand, making it more than just a logo or a product. It's about the people, the process, and the passion.

Here are some behind-the-scenes stories that can make a splash:

  • The Making of a Product: Showcase the journey from idea to final product. It's fascinating to see how things come to life.
  • Employee Spotlights: Introduce the rockstars behind your brand. Share their stories, hobbies, and why they love what they do.
  • Office Shenanigans: Do you have a fun office tradition or a quirky team-building activity coming up? Share it! It adds a touch of fun and personality.

Remember, every brand has a story. And sharing yours can make all the difference in building a loyal community.

Create a Brand Ambassador Program

A Brand Ambassador Program helps cultivate a community of customers who love what you do so much that they can't help but shout it from the rooftops.

As we mentioned earlier, word-of-mouth is powerful. Recommendations from friends or family hold weight. When someone raves about your product or service, their circle listens. And guess what? That's organic marketing at its finest.

Brand ambassadors also provide invaluable feedback. They're your frontline, interacting with your product or service regularly. Their insights can help refine your offerings, ensuring you're always at the top of your game. So, think of a Brand Ambassador Program as a win-win: your brand gets love and loyalty, and your ambassadors get perks and a sense of community.

Utilize Subscriber-Only Discounts

It's simple: everyone loves a good deal. And they love them even more when it's exclusive. By offering special deals just for your email subscribers, you're letting them know that you value their readership enough to offer them unique opportunities.

PRO Tip: Go the extra mile and put to use your segmented groups to use! Create personalized offers to make discounts more relevant to your unique audiences and their needs, increasing the likelihood of conversion.

In a digital world, it's easy for brands to come off as faceless entities. But here's a little secret: people connect with people, not logos. Taking the time to humanize your brand can be the difference between a subscriber who engages and one who hits the 'unsubscribe' button. It's about building trust, showcasing authenticity, and creating genuine connections.

Take Time to Humanize Your Brand

In a digital world, it's easy for brands to come off as faceless entities. But the truth is, that people connect with people, not logos. Taking the time to humanize your brand can be the difference between a subscriber who engages and one who hits the 'unsubscribe' button. It's about building trust, showcasing authenticity, and creating genuine connections.

Here's how you can add that human touch:

  • Share Your Origin Story: Every brand has a beginning. Share yours. How did you start? What challenges did you face? What's the passion driving you?
  • Celebrate Milestones: Did you hit a significant number of subscribers? Launch a new product? Celebrate with your email community. They're part of your journey.
  • Introduce Your Team: Put faces to the names. Share fun facts, birthdays, or even the office pet. It adds warmth and personality to your brand.

Remember, at the end of the day, business is about relationships. And relationships are built on trust, authenticity, and, most importantly, human connections.

Create a Monthly Newsletter

Newsletters are a chance to share updates, stories, and maybe even a few secrets. For small businesses, a monthly newsletter is a golden opportunity to keep your audience in the loop. It's a consistent touchpoint that reminds your subscribers, "Hey, we're here, and we've got some cool stuff to share!"

Why should you jump on the newsletter bandwagon?

  • Consistency is Key: Regular updates mean you're always on your subscribers' minds. It's a gentle nudge that says, "Remember us?"
  • Value-Packed Content: Share tips, industry news, or even a fun fact. It's not just about selling; it's about providing value.
  • Builds Community: A newsletter can foster a sense of belonging. It's a space where you and your subscribers can connect and engage.

Offer Exclusive Previews

There's something undeniably thrilling about being in the know, getting that first look before anyone else. For small businesses, offering exclusive previews to their email subscribers is a golden ticket to building anticipation and excitement. It's like inviting your most loyal fans to a VIP backstage pass, giving them a sneak peek into upcoming products, services, or events.

By offering these exclusive glimpses, you're not only rewarding your subscribers for their loyalty but also creating a sense of community and belonging. They feel valued, special, and more connected to your brand. And when people feel a part of something bigger, they're more likely to engage, share, and, most importantly, shop.

So, the next time you're launching something new, consider giving your email subscribers the first look.

How Do I Start Email Marketing For My Small Business?

While the journey might seem a tad overwhelming at first, with the right steps, you'll be on your way to crafting compelling campaigns in no time. Let's look at the initial stages to ensure you kick things off on the right foot.

Step #1 Choose the Right Email Marketing Platform

Before you send out your first email, you'll need a reliable platform to do the heavy lifting. An email marketing platform helps you manage your subscriber list, design emails, and track performance metrics.

  • Research Platforms: Look into options to see which platform is best suited for your needs.
  • Features Matter: Ensure the platform offers templates, analytics, and automation tools.
  • Ease of Use: Especially for beginners, a user-friendly interface can make all the difference.

Step #2 Segment Your Email List

Not all subscribers are created equal. Segmenting your email list allows you to tailor your content to different groups, ensuring it resonates and engages.

  • Demographics: Group subscribers based on age, location, or purchasing behavior.
  • Engagement Levels: Separate active readers from those who might need a re-engagement campaign.
  • Personalization: Use segments to send personalized offers or content, enhancing the subscriber experience.

Step #3 Start with a Template! 

The design of your email plays a pivotal role in capturing your subscriber's attention. While crafting a visually appealing email from scratch might seem daunting, a template does all the heavy lifting!

Beefree offers a vast collection of over 1,600+ email templates, made with conversion and engagement in mind. Whether you're looking for a minimalist design or something vibrant and colorful, there is something for everyone. 

Beefree's drag-and-drop intuitive builder also makes it easy for those with limited design experience to build beautiful on-brand templates with minimal effort.

Step #4 Analyze and Iterate for Continuous Improvement

Once your emails are out in the wild, the journey doesn't end there. It's essential to keep an eye on how they're performing. Are your subscribers opening them? Are they clicking through? Or perhaps, are they sending them straight to the trash?

  • Use Analytics: Most email platforms offer insights into open rates, click-through rates, and more. Dive deep into these metrics to understand what's working and what's not.
  • Feedback is Gold: Consider sending out surveys or directly asking for feedback. Your subscribers can offer invaluable insights into what they love and what could be better.
  • Iterate and Improve: Based on the data and feedback, make necessary tweaks to your content, design, or strategy. Remember, email marketing is a continuous process of learning and improving.

By adopting a mindset of continuous improvement, you ensure that your email marketing efforts remain effective and relevant, adapting to the ever-changing needs and preferences of your audience.

Additional email marketing tips for small businesses

While we've covered some essential steps to kickstart your email marketing journey, there are always more tricks up the sleeve to enhance your game. Here are a few additional tips to keep in mind:

  • Personalize Beyond the Name: Sure, addressing subscribers by their first name is great, but dive deeper. Tailor content based on their preferences or past interactions.
  • Avoid the Spam Folder: Ensure your emails are compliant with regulations and avoid spammy tactics. A high-quality email list and relevant content are your best allies.
  • Celebrate Special Occasions: Birthdays, anniversaries, or local holidays—these are opportunities to connect and offer special deals or messages.
  • Visuals Matter: Incorporate high-quality images and graphics that resonate with your brand and message.
  • Mobile-first: According to Litmus, 47% of email opens occurred on a mobile device, surpassing desktop opens. This makes having mobile-friendly emails not just a nice-to-have but an absolute must for small businesses.

Small business email marketing made easy with Beefree

In the bustling world of small business, every minute counts.

Beefree's email builder is tailored to help small businesses create visually stunning and engaging emails without the fuss. Whether you're starting from scratch or using one of their myriad templates, you're in for a seamless experience.

Ready to elevate your email marketing game? Dive into the world of effortless email design with Beefree. The best part? It's free for small businesses with a limited budget! 

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