11 Proven Tips for Beginners on How to Make Money with Email Marketing

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How to make money with email marketing. Sounds like one of those things that’s only for the pros, right? Wrong. If you’ve ever thought email marketing is just for big brands with fancy budgets, I’m here to tell you it’s not.

It’s one of the easiest ways for beginners like you and me to start earning real money online. But here’s the thing most people won’t tell you, it’s not about sending random emails and hoping for the best.

It’s about strategy, and I’ve got 11 proven tips to help you get started.

Now, I get it. The idea of building an email list or writing campaigns might feel overwhelming. Trust me, I’ve been there. But what if I told you that with a little effort, you could turn a simple email into a money-making machine?

Sounds better than scrolling through social media for the tenth time today, doesn’t it?

In this post, I’m breaking down everything you need to know to start making money with email marketing.

No fluff, no jargon, just actionable tips that work. So, if you’re ready to stop scrolling through “get rich quick” schemes and start building something real, let’s get to it.

Don’t forget to pin this post to your Pinterest board! This is a valuable resource you can come back to whenever you need a refresher on How to Make Money with Email Marketing.

1. Build a Targeted Email List

So, you want to make money sending emails. Cool. But before you start dreaming about dollar signs flooding your inbox, let’s talk about the one thing that can make or break your email marketing game. Building an email list.

And not just any list, but a targeted one filled with people who care about what you have to say.

When I first started blogging, I made the classic rookie mistake. I poured all my energy into creating content and completely ignored my email list. Big mistake. Huge.

Once I shifted my focus to building a list of engaged subscribers, everything changed. My blog’s engagement went up, my revenue started growing, and I finally felt like I was getting somewhere.

So, how do you build a targeted email list that works? Here are some effective strategies you can use:

• Offer lead magnets tailored to your niche audience, like free eBooks, checklists, or exclusive guides that solve a specific problem for your ideal subscribers.
• Place signup forms strategically on pages that attract your target audience, such as blog posts or product pages aligned with their interests.
• Use exit-intent popups with niche-specific messaging, offering something valuable to capture the attention of visitors about to leave.
• Leverage social media to attract your ideal followers, using clear calls-to-action and content that appeals to their needs and preferences.
• Host niche-focused webinars or challenges, targeting topics your ideal subscribers care about to ensure you’re attracting the right people.

One thing I want to stress here is that it’s not about stuffing your email list with a million names. It’s all about finding the right people who are interested in what you have to say.

You want people who will actually open your emails, read them, and maybe even click on your links.

Once you’ve got your list, keep it personal. Write emails that feel like you’re talking to a friend, not a sales pitch. Focus on building trust and providing value.

That’s how you turn subscribers into paying customers.

2. Choose the Right Email Marketing Platform

Email marketing platforms. Automation. Features. Pricing. Blah blah snoozefest. Okay, maybe not that boring, but picking the right email marketing platform can feel like trying to choose a Netflix show with too many options.

Over the years, I’ve tested a ton of them, and while there are some solid choices out there, my personal favorite is Kit (formerly ConvertKit). Why? Because it’s built by bloggers, for bloggers.

It gets what we need simplicity, creativity, and the ability to make money sending emails without feeling like you need a tech degree to figure it out.

Anyway, your choice depends on what you’re after. Think about how easy it is to use, whether it can handle automation, how much it costs, and if it plays nicely with the tools you already have.

Oh, and don’t forget to check if it helps you hit your business goals.

The right email marketing platform can change the game for your campaigns. So take your time, test a few, and find the one that feels like it was made just for you. And if you’re a blogger like me, Kit might just be your perfect match.

Related read: Getresponse VS Convertkit. Which one to choose?

3. Crafting High-Converting Email Subject Lines

Email subject lines are like the cover of a book, the trailer of a movie, or the first impression on a blind date. Get it right, and you’ve got their attention. Get it wrong, and well…you’re probably headed straight to the spam folder.

Did you know 47% of people decide to open an email based solely on the subject line? That’s almost half of your audience making a snap judgment before they even read a single word.

So, how do you write email subject lines that work? First, keep it short and sweet. Aim for around 50 characters or less. Nobody’s got time to read a novel in their inbox.

Second, create a little urgency. Phrases like “Last chance” or “Ending soon” can nudge people to open your email before it’s too late.

Curiosity works wonders too. Think of it like a cliffhanger in your favorite TV show. You just have to know what happens next.

And if you can throw in a little humor or personality, even better. People love feeling like they’re hearing from a real human, not a robot.

Oh, and personalization? It’s not just a buzzword. Using someone’s name or referencing their past behavior can make your email feel like it was written just for them.

Here’s a pro tip test your subject lines. Implementing the A/B testing feature is a cheat code for figuring out what your audience loves. Don’t be afraid to get creative.

Emojis can add a fun twist, and asking a question can make your email impossible to ignore. Just make sure your subject line matches what’s inside. Nothing kills trust faster than clickbait.

4. Writing Persuasive Email Copy

Writing emails that get opened, read, and clicked doesn’t have to feel like rocket science. But most emails end up in the trash faster than you can say “spam folder.”

So, how do you write emails that people want to read? It’s all about making your message feel human, relatable, and worth their time.

First things first, stop sounding like a robot. Your subscribers aren’t interested in a corporate monologue. They want to hear from you. Tell a story, share something personal, or make them laugh.

When your email feels like a conversation, not a sales pitch, people are way more likely to stick around.

Your email copy should do three things. Keep it engaging, make it personal, and guide your readers toward action. Sounds simple, right?

But here are a few email copywriting tips to make it happen:

• Write like you’re talking to a friend. Ditch the jargon and keep it casual.
• Focus on benefits, not features. Tell your readers what’s in it for them.
• Use social proof. Show them why others love what you’re offering.
• Keep it short and scannable. No one has time for a novel in their inbox.
• Add a clear call to action. Tell them exactly what to do next.

And don’t forget to personalize. Use their name, reference their past purchases, or tailor your message based on what they care about. A little effort goes a long way in making your emails feel special.

5. Email Design and Layout Best Practices

Email marketing strategies are great, but if your emails look like a cluttered mess, no one’s going to stick around to read them. Let’s talk about how to design emails that don’t just look good but get people to click, read, and take action.

You know, one of the reasons I love Kit is how simple it is. They focus on clean, white backgrounds and layouts that don’t make your readers’ eyes cross. You’re not designing a Picasso masterpiece here.

And you just want something easy on the eyes and easy to understand. You want people to read your emails, not get distracted by a bunch of crazy designs.

Here’s how to make your emails work harder for you:

• Keep it clean and focused: One or two goals per email. That’s it. Too many options and your readers will bounce faster than a rubber ball.
• Make your call-to-action buttons pop: Use bold colors that stand out, and keep the text clear and action-driven. “Shop Now” or “Grab Your Freebie” works way better than “Click Here.”
• Stick to simple fonts and colors: Arial or Helvetica for body text, sized at least 14px. And please, no rainbow color schemes. Two or three colors max.
• Use high-quality images: Blurry pics are a no-go. Add alt text too, because over a billion people worldwide live with disabilities. Accessibility isn’t optional it’s a must.
• Nail your subject lines: Keep them short and sweet 60 characters for desktop, 25-30 for mobile. Your preview text? Use it to hook readers, not repeat what’s already in the subject line.
• Test, test, test: Send your email to yourself first. Check how it looks on your phone, your laptop, or even your grandma’s tablet. Responsive design isn’t a suggestion it’s a requirement.

At the end of the day, great email design isn’t about being flashy. It’s about being clear, functional, and downright irresistible. Follow these tips, and you’ll be crafting emails that not only look good but get results.

6. Use Email Segmentation for Personalization

Email marketing sounds straightforward, right? Just hit send and watch the magic happen. Except, it’s not that simple.

If you’re blasting the same email to everyone on your list, you’re missing out big time. Think about it. Would you send the same message to someone who just signed up as you would to a loyal customer who’s been around for years? Probably not.

That’s where email segmentation comes in. Imagine having a one-on-one conversation with someone you know what they’re interested in, right? Segmentation is like that for your email list. You’re sending messages to people who care about what you have to say.

So, email segmentation is basically like sorting your friends into groups. You put your best friends in one group, your workout buddies in another, and maybe your book club in a third group.

With email segmentation, you do the same thing with your subscribers. You group them based on things like what they’ve bought, how often they open your emails, where they live, or even what stage they’re at in their journey with you.

This way, you can send emails that feel super personal to each person, instead of blasting everyone with the same message. And trust me, people love getting emails that feel like they were written just for them.

But wait, it gets better. Brands that use customer journey insights for email personalization see conversion rates that are 8.2 times higher. And if you throw behavior-based insights into the mix? Those rates skyrocket to 29.3 times higher. Yeah, you read that right.

So, how do you start segmenting your list? Here are a few ideas:

• Purchase history: Send tailored recommendations based on what they’ve already bought.
• Email engagement levels: Reward your most active subscribers with exclusive offers.
• Geographic location: Share local events or region-specific deals.
• Customer lifecycle stage: Welcome new subscribers differently than you’d re-engage inactive ones.

7. Monetize with Affiliate Marketing

It’s one of those things that sounds like it’s only for the big players, but guess what? It’s not. If you’ve ever wondered how to make money with email marketing, this is your golden ticket.

I’ve seen firsthand how blending affiliate marketing with emails can turn a simple newsletter into a money-making machine. But here’s the catch, it’s not about shoving products down your readers’ throats. It’s about building trust and offering real value.

When I first started, I was clueless. I didn’t know how to pick the right products or how to talk about them without sounding like a walking infomercial.

But over time, I figured out the secret it’s all about balance. You want to recommend products your audience will love, not just what pays the highest commission.

If you’re new to affiliate marketing, don’t worry. Starting is easier than you think. You can begin by joining beginner-friendly programs or platforms that match your niche.

I’ve got a whole guide on how to start affiliate marketing as a beginner if you need a step-by-step walkthrough.

Here’s how you can make affiliate marketing work in your emails without being too salesy:

• Pick products your audience needs. If you’re in the fitness niche, recommend workout gear, not random kitchen gadgets.
• Write emails that help, not just sell. Share tips, tutorials, or personal stories that naturally lead to the product.
• Be upfront about affiliate links. Transparency builds trust, and trust keeps your readers coming back.
• Only promote stuff you’d use yourself. Your audience can smell a fake recommendation from a mile away.

For example, if you’re into tech, you could suggest hosting services or software tools. Some programs pay seriously well, but the real win is when your readers thank you for the recommendation. That’s how you know you’re doing it right.

And that’s how to make money with email marketing without losing your soul.

8. Sell Your Digital Products or Services

Everyone’s quietly making money online with these strategies, and you can too. Digital products like ebooks, courses, and software are everywhere now, and people are using them to create real income.

The best part? You don’t need a huge audience or a fancy website to get started. All you need is a solid email list and a plan.

If you’re wondering how to make money with email marketing, it’s simpler than you think. Start by showing your products to people who care about what you’re offering. For example, if you’re selling an online course, send a series of emails that:

• Highlight the value of the course.
• Address common problems your audience faces.
• Share success stories from past students.

And don’t forget about pricing. When setting up your digital products, keep an eye on the fees from different platforms.

But email marketing isn’t just for selling digital products. You can also use it to promote services like coaching or consulting. Share useful tips in your newsletter, showcase your expertise, and let your subscribers see why they should work with you.

The key to making this work? Always provide value. Mix promotional content with helpful advice to keep your subscribers engaged.

9. Upselling and Cross-selling Strategies

Okay, I get it. These terms might sound like something only marketers in suits care about. But what if I told you these strategies could help you make money with email marketing? And not just a little money.

We’re talking about turning your subscribers into loyal customers who keep coming back for more. Sounds better than sending random emails into the void, right?

Let’s start with upselling. It’s not about being pushy. It’s about understanding what your customers already love and suggesting something even better. For example, if someone buys a basic plan from you, why not recommend the premium version? It’s a win-win.

They get more value, and you get a bigger sale. If you want to dive deeper into this, I’ve got a whole post on upselling techniques that’ll show you how to do it right.

Then there’s cross-selling. Imagine this. Someone buys a laptop from your store. A few days later, you send them an email suggesting a sleek laptop bag or a wireless mouse. It’s not random. It’s helpful. And they’re more likely to buy because you’re making their life easier.

Sounds like a lot of work? Yeah. But you don’t have to do all this manually. Automated email sequences can handle the heavy lifting for you.

Here are a few tips to get started:

• Look at past purchases to recommend upgrades or add-ons.
• Highlight why the premium option is worth the extra cost.
• Create bundle deals that feel like a steal.
• Use automation to send follow-ups at the right time.
• Add a sense of urgency with limited-time offers.

10. Leverage Automated Email Sequences

I use email automation to deliver my FREE 7-day training on how to start a blog and make money. It’s a lifesaver. Instead of manually emailing every new subscriber, the system does it for me. If you’re curious, you can join the training too just let me know, and I’ll send you the details.

So, how does email automation work? It’s all about sending the right message to the right person at the right time.

Here’s how you can use it to make your email marketing efforts smoother and more effective

• Welcome series for new subscribers
  First impressions matter. A warm, friendly welcome email series helps you connect with new subscribers right away. It’s like rolling out the red carpet for them.
• Abandoned cart emails
  Someone left without buying? No problem. A gentle nudge can bring them back and turn that almost sale into a real one.
• Re-engagement campaigns
  For subscribers who’ve gone quiet, a simple “Hey, we miss you!” email can reignite their interest.
• Cross-sell sequences
  Show off products that complement what your customers already love. It’s like saying, “Hey, you might also like this!”
• Behavior triggered emails
  These are emails sent based on what your subscribers do. Clicked on a link? Browsed a specific product? Boom, they get a relevant email.

11. Track and Optimize Your Campaigns

So, you’ve started sending emails. Great. But here’s the real question are they working? If you’re not tracking and optimizing your campaigns, you’re throwing spaghetti at the wall and hoping something sticks.

Spoiler alert: that’s not how you make money with email marketing.

Think about it. You wouldn’t drive a car without checking the fuel gauge, right? The same goes for your email campaigns. You need to know what’s working, what’s not, and where to tweak things to get better results. And trust me, the numbers don’t lie.

Here’s what you should be paying attention to:

• Clickthrough rate (CTR): This tells you how many people are clicking on your links. If your CTR is low, your content might need a little more oomph.
• Bounce rate: If this number is high, it’s time to clean up your email list. No one wants to send emails to dead ends.
• List growth rate: Are you gaining subscribers or just treading water? A healthy list growth rate keeps your audience fresh and engaged.
• Engagement rate: This one’s a biggie. It combines clicks, replies, and downloads to show how much your audience cares about what you’re sending.

Oh, and don’t forget to track your conversion rates. Because at the end of the day, it’s not just about opens and clicks it’s about turning those emails into real, tangible results.

Conclusion – How to Make Money with Email Marketing

So, here’s the bottom line email marketing isn’t just about sending messages. It’s about creating connections that matter.

When you focus on giving value, personalizing your approach, and optimizing for mobile, you’re not just building an email list you’re building a community. And that’s where the magic happens.

If you’re curious about how to make money with email marketing, remember this it’s not a get-rich-quick scheme. It’s a slow burn that pays off big time.

Start with small steps, keep your audience at the heart of everything you do, and don’t be afraid to tweak your strategy as you go.

The numbers don’t lie. With an average ROI of 3500%, email marketing is one of the most powerful tools in your arsenal.

So, take what you’ve learned, put it into action, and watch your efforts turn into real results.

FAQ – How to Make Money with Email Marketing

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