Why Email Remains Indispensable

The onset of COVID-19 over a year ago greatly spurred the frequency of brand communications with consumers via email. Initially, brands communicated new COVID-19 protocols and programs, but as the need to drive online purchases increased, so too did brand marketing emails. In fact, Forrester's recent Predictions 2021: B2C Marketing report forecasts that email marketing message volume will increase by 40% this year.

How can brands use this traditional marketing tool in new and innovative ways? Build brand affinity while also reaching new audiences? Avoid spamming customers and instead engaging users with dynamic visuals? While email may have been around for ages, there are new technologies unlocking engaging experiences for retailers and customers alike and ushering in a new era of email marketing.

It's Easily Personalized

Brand marketers can't undervalue the importance of personalization, especially in email. Today's modern shopper expects a seamless experience across digital. Marketers doubled down on email and digital marketing last year, and brands now can expect that competition for attention in the inbox to only increase. How can brands stand out? Personalize. Email is one of the most easily personalized marketing channels.

Take, for example, Sephora. The brand earns top marks each year in the Retail Personalization Index (RPI) with its personalized emails integrated with the Beauty Insider loyalty program across mobile, so that customers have the same experience regardless of their entry point. How? By leveraging data insights, predictive analysis, past purchases and customer journey touchpoints. Even the slightest bit of personalization can make a user feel more connected to a brand.

Email Is Trusted Across Generations

Email is a trusted channel by both consumers and brands. According to a 2020 study from Bluecore and NAPCO Research, consumers find email to be the preferred (and most personal) channel to hear from brands. 73% of Millennials prefer that brand marketing communications come via email.

Even Gen Z considers email an important mode of digital communication, despite the common assumption that social media is the best way for marketers to connect with this generation. A recent report from Campaign Monitor found 58% of this in-demand demo check email multiple times a day, and 81% reported checking email at least once a day. Gen Z users do expect an elevated digital experience, though, so brand marketers must consider innovative and engaging ways to connect via email. How?

Revolutionizing the Inbox With AMP

What's AMP? An open-source framework that makes mobile pages load faster. In your email inbox, AMP is a more engaging and dynamic experience. For users, this means the ability to submit RSVPs to events, fill out questionnaires, browse catalogs or respond to comments all within your inbox. Emails can also stay up to date, displaying the freshest content from comment threads or the latest recommendations.

For marketers, AMP makes that communication between a brand and customer seamless. It essentially lets users engage with emails as they would a webpage, all without needing to open an external browser. For brands, that means their customers can browse the latest offers, browse dynamic listings and carousels, and even make purchases, all without ever leaving their email inbox. A truly frictionless and engaging experience.

When thinking through your email marketing strategy always remember these core tenants: the email campaign must be useful, relevant, personal, engaging and actionable. All too often, email marketing is considered a passive strategy, but the technology tools today have made the email inbox incredibly dynamic. If you haven't already, now is the time to rethink your email marketing strategy and tap new utilities available to connect with your customers.

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The opinions expressed here are the author's views and do not necessarily represent the views of MediaVillage.com/MyersBizNet.