When it comes to email newsletters, it seems like everyone has a love-hate relationship with them. Some people can’t get enough of the deals and promotions they offer, while others try to unsubscribe from everything. But despite the mixed feelings, email marketing is still a powerful tool for businesses.
The Reality of Email Newsletters
Have you ever wondered how effective email newsletters really are? According to MailChimp’s statistics, open rates for newsletters are low, and click rates are even lower. It seems like most people either unsubscribe or simply ignore newsletters altogether.
But don’t lose hope just yet. While the stats may be discouraging, email marketing can still be a valuable asset for startups and small businesses. The key is to provide content that your audience finds valuable and engaging.
Bottom line: If you’re giving people what they want, they’ll open your emails.
Case in point: Our own email campaigns at Grasshopper saw an increase in clickthrough and open rates when we offered a customer survey with prizes. It just goes to show that when done right, email marketing can drive traffic to your website.
Discovering What Works
To uncover the secrets of successful email newsletters, I turned to social media and asked people about the newsletters they read consistently. The responses were insightful and revealed some common themes:
- Deals and promotions
- Relevant industry news
- Updates on interests
- New ideas and inspiration
- Customized and easy-to-read content
Based on these insights, I identified nine email newsletters that people actually enjoy reading and analyzed what makes them so effective.
Examples of Exceptional Newsletters
1. Quora Weekly Digest
The Quora newsletter stands out by showcasing intriguing questions and answers from the platform. By delivering thought-provoking content directly to subscribers’ inboxes, Quora keeps readers engaged and interested.
Key takeaway: Engage subscribers with fascinating and relevant content.
Continue reading in the next blog.