Decoding the jargon > > >
Email marketing is one of the most effective tools in any marketer’s toolkit. Whether you’re a small business owner or part of a large team, email campaigns can boost engagement, build relationships, and drive sales. However, if you’ve found yourself asking what’s the difference between email newsletter marketing Vs email marketing, you’re not alone. Confusingly the terms are often used interchangeably but they are different. Let’s break it down so you can better understand how each works – and which one might be right for your business.
Email newsletter marketing
Email newsletter marketing is all about sending regular updates to a list of subscribers. These newsletters usually mix up different types of content (like news, tips, trends and updates from your business – to keep your audience engaged and in the loop. It’s a great way to inform your readers and keep them connected with what’s going on in your world.
Key features and goals:
- Consistent schedule: newsletters usually go out on a regular basis – whether that’s weekly, bi-weekly, or monthly.
- Variety of content: they mix things up with a blend of articles, blog posts, product updates, tips, and news to keep things fresh and interesting.
- Building relationships: the goal is to create a lasting connection with your audience by giving them content they’ll look forward to getting.
- Soft sales: e-newsletters are a great way to keep your subscribers feeling connected and front of mind when you have upcoming offers & promotions with early access and exclusive deals.
Example: An outdoors apparel brand might send out a weekly newsletter with the latest arrivals, gear tips, recommended hikes, and customer reviews. The aim? Keep subscribers engaged and excited about what’s coming next!
Content Marketing Institute
31% of B2B marketers say that sending e-newsletters is the best way to nurture leads
Email marketing
Email marketing is a broader term that covers any email you send to promote your product, service, or brand. Unlike email newsletter marketing, which focuses on sharing ongoing content, email marketing can include different types of campaigns aimed at specific goals – like driving sales, getting sign-ups, or boosting event registrations.
Key features and goals:
- Varied purposes: email marketing can cover all kinds of campaigns – like promotional offers, order confirmations, or special events (flash sales, product launches, or seasonal deals).
- Targeted campaigns: unlike newsletters, email marketing often targets specific groups of people based on their actions, interests, or demographics.
- Sales and conversions: the main goal is usually to get people to take action right away – whether that’s making a purchase, signing up for an event, or grabbing a freebie.
- Shorter content: the content is usually more to the point, with a clear call to action.
Example: An e-commerce store might send an email with a discount for a customer’s next purchase. It’s a sales-driven campaign meant to get them to act fast, not just build a long-term relationship.
49% of consumers are happy to receive promotional emails from the brands they love on a weekly basis.
Statistica
Email newsletters VS email marketing
Key differences in summary:
- Objective: Email newsletters are about keeping subscribers engaged, informed, and building a long-term connection. Email marketing is more focused on getting quick actions like sales, sign-ups, or clicks.
- Content: newsletters mix up content to offer value and education, while email marketing usually focuses on one main message with a strong call to action – like a time-sensitive offer or big announcement.
- Frequency: newsletters tend to go out regularly (weekly, monthly, etc.), while email marketing campaigns are more tied to events or specific goals, so they might be sent less often depending on the promotion.
- Audience segmentation: email marketing often targets smaller, specific groups with personalised messages. Newsletters are usually more general and go out to a wider audience.
Which is right for your business?
At the end of the day, both email newsletter marketing and email marketing should play key roles in your overall strategy. Which is right for your business depends on your goals and where your audience is in their journey.
Email newsletter marketing: perfect if you’re looking to build relationships and keep your audience engaged long-term. If you want to position your brand as a trusted resource and turn followers into loyal fans, newsletters are the way to go.
Email marketing: ideal for getting people to take action – whether it’s making a purchase, signing up for a workshop, or promoting a time-sensitive offer. If you’re all about quick results and conversions, email marketing campaigns are your best bet.
Businesses with a smart strategy leverage both to grow their following, and their business.
For every dollar you spend on e-marketing, you’ll get a $36 return on average – more than any other channel (Litmus).
Need a hand getting started with one or both?
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