Email marketing is one of the most effective ways to connect with your audience and build long-lasting relationships. It gives you a direct line of communication with the people who care about your business, without relying on algorithms or the ups and downs of social media. But if you’re just starting out, email can feel overwhelming. What do you write? How do you set it up? And will people even open your emails? The good news is that it doesn’t have to be complicated.
We’ll explore:
- Why email marketing is worth your time
- Why Flodesk is a great choice for beginners
- Step-by-step instructions for setting up your first emails
Tips to keep your emails simple and consistent
Let’s break down email marketing step by step so you can see how simple it really is to get started, and how much it can do for your business.
Why email marketing still matters
Isn’t email old news?
It’s easy to think email is outdated when we’re surrounded by flashy social media platforms. But email continues to be one of the most stable and personal ways to reach your audience. Unlike social media, where your content is filtered through algorithms, emails land directly in someone’s inbox. That kind of access is powerful.
You own your list
One of the best parts about email marketing is that you own your list. Social media platforms can change overnight, but your email list belongs to you. That means you can reach your subscribers whenever you want without worrying about whether your posts will be seen.
The return on investment
Email marketing delivers one of the highest returns of any marketing channel. On average, businesses earn about $36 for every $1 spent. That kind of ROI makes email a smart investment, especially for small businesses that want to make the most of their budget.
Small lists are still powerful
You don’t need thousands of subscribers for email marketing to work. A smaller list of engaged people often performs better than a big list of people who aren’t interested. Quality always matters more than quantity. And as your business grows, those early subscribers can become some of your most loyal advocates.
Why Flodesk is one of my favorite email marketing platforms
Whenever any of my clients ask me for recommendations on an email marketing platform, Flodesk is always my go-to choice. And, you can get 50% off your first year of Flodesk!
Professional design made simple
There are plenty of platforms out there, but Flodesk is built for small business owners and creatives who want something beautiful without the tech headaches. Their templates are clean, modern, and easy to customize. That means your emails will look professional right from the start.
Beginner friendly
You don’t need to be a designer or a developer to use Flodesk. The drag-and-drop editor makes it simple to add your brand colors, fonts, and voice so your emails feel like you. It’s approachable and easy to learn, which is exactly what beginners need.
Affordable and straightforward
Flodesk keeps pricing simple with a flat monthly rate, which includes unlimited subscribers and emails. You don’t have to stress about costs going up as your list grows, which is especially helpful when you’re just getting started.
Built for growth
As your business evolves, Flodesk grows with you. You can start with simple newsletters and later explore features like automated workflows, audience segmentation, and sales pages. It’s a platform that supports you at every stage.
How to get started with email marketing (even if you’re just starting out)
The best way to build momentum is to take it step by step. Flodesk makes the process easy, and you’ll be surprised at how quickly you can go from zero to sending your first email.
Step 1: Create your account
- Sign up at Flodesk.com and set up your basics (and be sure to enter in code: THENAVIAWAY to get 50% off of your first year!).
- Add your logo, colors, and business details.
- Set your sender name and email so subscribers recognize you.
- Verify your domain to improve deliverability.
- Send yourself a test email to see what your subscribers will see.
Taking the time to get your account right at the beginning saves headaches later and makes sure your emails reach inboxes, not spam folders.
Step 2: Add Your first subscriber
- Import any contacts you already have using a CSV file.
- Create a signup form in Flodesk with the drag-and-drop builder.
- Add the form to your website, blog, or social media bios.
- Give people a reason to join, like a guide, checklist, or quick win.
Remember, your list does not need to be huge. Start small and focus on quality. Even 10 engaged subscribers are better than 100 people who never open your emails. You can grow by sharing your signup form across multiple channels and making it easy for people to find.
Step 3: Set up a welcome sequence
- Go to Workflows in Flodesk and choose a template.
- Write your first email: introduce yourself, share what subscribers can expect, and deliver your freebie or tip.
- Add a short time delay, then send a second email with a personal story or helpful resource.
- End with a simple question, like “What’s one thing you’re working on right now?”
A welcome sequence ensures that new subscribers hear from you right away. It sets the tone and makes them feel connected to your brand before your regular newsletters even begin. Over time, these small touchpoints build trust and keep people engaged.
Step 4: Send your first newsletter
- Go to Emails in Flodesk and create a new campaign.
- Pick a template and make it your own with your branding.
- Focus on one main idea or update per email.
- Send yourself a test and preview it on mobile.
- Schedule or hit send.
Your first newsletter doesn’t have to be perfect. A quick update, a tip, or a peek behind the scenes is often more than enough. What matters is showing up and starting the habit. Once you build the rhythm, it becomes easier to create content that feels natural to you and valuable to your audience.
Step 5: Keep learning and improving
- Track your open and click rates to see what works.
- Experiment with subject lines, timing, and style.
- Pay attention to replies and feedback from your audience.
- Stick with a rhythm you can realistically handle.
The most important part of email marketing is consistency. Whether you send once a week or once a month, commit to a schedule you can stick with. Over time, your list and your confidence will grow.
Think long-term
Email is not about quick wins. It’s about building trust and relationships that lead to long-term growth. The more you show up consistently, the more your audience will see you as a reliable part of their routine. Over months and years, that trust can turn into stronger loyalty, more sales, and a community that truly values what you share.
Tips to keep your emails simple and consistent
Focus on one message
Each email should have one main purpose. Trying to fit too much into one message can overwhelm readers and lead to fewer clicks.
Write like you talk
The best emails feel like they’re written by a real person, not a robot. Keep your language conversational and approachable. Imagine you’re writing to a friend or a customer you already know.
Use design to support your message
Good design makes your emails easier to read, not more complicated. Stick to clean templates, simple layouts, and clear calls to action. Even a plain-text email can perform well if the message is thoughtful.
Stay consistent
Pick a sending frequency that works for you and stick with it. Even if it’s just once a month, consistency builds trust. Over time, people will start to look forward to hearing from you.
Add value every time
Every email should offer something useful, whether it’s advice, inspiration, or a quick win. If people know they’ll get value from opening your emails, they’ll be more likely to keep engaging.
Building connection, one email at a time
Email marketing continues to be one of the best ways to grow your business and build genuine connections with your audience. With Flodesk, getting started is simple. You don’t need a big list, a design background, or complicated tech skills. What matters most is taking the first step and staying consistent.
Think of email as more than just a marketing tool. Each message is a chance to connect, share, and build relationships. Over time, these small moments add up to stronger trust and more loyal customers. The best part is that you can start today, one email at a time!
