Send a marketing email on Shopify to boost sales by using built-in tools or connecting easy-to-use apps. It’s about talking to your customers, sharing cool stuff, and making them want to buy!
Hey there! So, you’ve got a Shopify store buzzing with awesome products, and you’re ready to tell the world. But how do you actually talk to your customers and get them excited to buy? Sending marketing emails can feel a bit like a puzzle when you’re just starting out. You might wonder, “Where do I even begin?” and “Will anyone even read my emails?” Don’t worry, that’s totally normal!
Think of email marketing as having a friendly chat with people who already like what you do. It’s a super powerful way to build relationships and, yep, unlock more sales for your Shopify store. It doesn’t have to be complicated, and I’m here to show you exactly how to do it, step-by-step. We’ll make it fun and easy!
Why Sending Emails from Shopify is a Game-Changer
Sending marketing emails is like giving your customers a VIP pass to your brand. It’s your chance to share exciting news, special offers, and helpful tips directly with people who are already interested. This builds trust and keeps your store top-of-mind.
When you send the right message at the right time, you’re not just sending an email; you’re inviting someone to discover something new or grab a deal they’ll love. This can lead to more people clicking on your products and, you guessed it, more sales!
Your Step-by-Step Guide to Sending Marketing Emails on Shopify
Let’s dive in! We’ll cover how to get started, what to send, and how to make sure your emails land in inboxes and get opened. You’ve got this!
Step 1: Grow Your Email List (The More, The Merrier!)
Before you can send emails, you need people to send them to! Think of your email list as your treasure chest of potential customers. The bigger and more engaged it is, the better your chances of making sales.
Easy Ways to Collect Emails:
- Pop-ups on Your Store: Offer a small discount (like 10% off their first order) in exchange for their email address. It’s a win-win!
- Checkout Opt-in: Add a checkbox during checkout where customers can agree to receive marketing emails.
- Contests & Giveaways: Ask people to sign up with their email to enter.
- Social Media: Share links to a signup page on your social profiles.
Step 2: Choose Your Email Marketing Tool
Shopify has some built-in options, but for more power and flexibility, you’ll likely want to connect an email marketing app. Don’t let this scare you; there are many super friendly ones!
Popular Email Tools for Shopify:
Here’s a quick look at some great choices:
| Tool Name | What Makes It Great for Beginners | Good For |
|---|---|---|
| Shopify Email | Super simple, built right into Shopify. Great for basic newsletters and promotions. | Quick, easy campaigns without leaving Shopify. |
| Mailchimp | User-friendly interface, lots of templates, and helpful guides. | Getting started with a good all-around email tool. |
| Klaviyo | Powerful automation, great for more advanced segmentation and personalized emails. | Growing businesses that want to get serious about email. |
| Omnisend | Combines email with SMS and push notifications for a full marketing approach. | Stores looking to use multiple channels to reach customers. |
My Tip: If you’re just starting, Shopify Email is a fantastic place to begin. As you grow, you can explore apps like Mailchimp or Klaviyo.
Step 3: Design Your First Email
Now for the fun part – creating your message! Most email apps have easy-to-use drag-and-drop builders. You don’t need to be a designer to make something that looks great.
What to Include in Your Email:
- Catchy Subject Line: This is the first thing people see! Make it exciting.
- Your Logo: Keep your brand consistent.
- Clear Message: What are you offering or talking about?
- Awesome Images/Videos: Show off your products!
- Call to Action (CTA): What do you want people to do? (e.g., “Shop Now,” “Learn More,” “Get Your Discount”).
- Unsubscribe Link: This is important and usually added automatically.
Example: A Welcome Email
When someone signs up, send them a warm welcome! You could say:
- “Welcome to the [Your Brand Name] Family!”
- “Thanks for joining us! Here’s 10% off your first order: WELCOME10”
- “Check out our bestsellers here!” [Link to Bestsellers Page]
Step 4: Write Compelling Content
What you say is just as important as how it looks. Keep it simple, friendly, and focused on your customer.
Tips for Writing Great Email Content:
- Speak Like a Friend: Use a warm, conversational tone.
- Highlight Benefits: How does your product make their life better?
- Keep it Concise: People scan emails. Get to the point quickly.
- Use Emojis (Sparingly!): They can add personality. ✨
- Proofread: Check for typos before sending.
Step 5: Send Your Email (and Watch the Magic Happen!)
Once your email is ready, it’s time to hit send! Most tools allow you to send it immediately or schedule it for a later time.
When to Send:
There’s no single “perfect” time, as it depends on your audience. However, some common wisdom suggests:
- Mid-morning on weekdays often sees good open rates.
- Avoid late evenings or very early mornings.
- Experiment! See what works best for your customers.
Pro Tip: Many email apps let you test send your email to yourself first. Do this to catch any mistakes!
Step 6: Track Your Results
How do you know if your email worked? Look at your stats! Your email tool will give you important numbers.
Key Metrics to Watch:
- Open Rate: The percentage of people who opened your email.
- Click-Through Rate (CTR): The percentage of people who clicked a link in your email.
- Conversion Rate: The percentage of people who made a purchase after clicking.
Example Performance Goals:
| Metric | Good Example | Great Example |
|---|---|---|
| Open Rate | 20-25% | 30%+ |
| Click-Through Rate | 2-5% | 6%+ |
These numbers help you understand what your audience likes and how to improve future emails. For more on understanding your data, check out Google Analytics Academy. It offers free courses to help you get smarter with numbers!
Types of Marketing Emails You Can Send
Don’t just send sales offers! Variety keeps your subscribers engaged.
Email Ideas to Spark Sales:
- Welcome Emails: Greet new subscribers and offer an incentive.
- Promotional Emails: Announce sales, discounts, or special offers.
- New Arrival Announcements: Show off your latest products.
- Abandoned Cart Emails: Remind customers about items left in their cart. (These are GOLD!)
- Back-in-Stock Alerts: Let people know when a popular item is available again.
- Content Emails: Share blog posts, guides, or tips related to your products.
- Customer Loyalty Emails: Reward your best customers with exclusive perks.
Quick Tip: Automated emails, like abandoned cart reminders, work wonders because they’re sent at the perfect moment without you lifting a finger once set up!
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Got more questions? We’ve got friendly answers!
How can I start email marketing with no money?
Great question! You can start with Shopify Email, which has a free tier for sending a certain number of emails per month. Many other apps like Mailchimp also offer free plans for small lists. Focus on building your list first!
How do I write subject lines people click?
Keep them short, intriguing, and benefit-driven. Use emojis sparingly. Create urgency (e.g., “Ends Tonight!”) or curiosity (e.g., “A Surprise Inside…”). Personalize them if you can (e.g., “John, Your Next Favorite [Product] Awaits!”).
How often should I email my list?
There’s no one-size-fits-all answer. For most stores, 1-2 emails per week is a good starting point. The key is consistency and providing value. Pay attention to your open rates – if they drop, you might be sending too often.
How do I know if my email is working?
Look at your open rates, click-through rates, and conversion rates. Are people opening your emails? Are they clicking the links? Are they buying? These stats tell you if your emails are hitting the mark.
How do I stop my emails from going to spam?
Always get permission to email people (don’t buy lists!). Use a clear “from” name. Write clear, concise content without spammy words. Make sure your unsubscribe link is easy to find. Keep your email list clean by removing inactive subscribers.
Can I send emails directly from Shopify without an app?
Yes! Shopify has a built-in app called “Shopify Email” that lets you create and send marketing emails right from your Shopify admin. It’s a great way to start if you want something super simple.
What’s the most important part of a marketing email?
The Call to Action (CTA)! It’s the button or link that tells people exactly what you want them to do next, like “Shop Now” or “Claim Your Discount.” Make it clear, visible, and compelling.
Ready to Send Your First Email?
You’ve learned the ropes of sending marketing emails on Shopify! From building your list to designing compelling messages and tracking your success, you now have the tools and knowledge to connect with your customers and unlock more sales.
Remember, email marketing is a journey, not a race. Every email you send is a chance to learn, improve, and build a stronger relationship with your audience. Don’t be afraid to experiment and find what works best for your unique brand. You’ve got this, and I’m excited to see you shine!