9 Things That Are a Big NO-NO in Email Marketing This Year

While we can’t argue with the power of email marketing, the way we send out newsletters and promotional offers to our customers’ inboxes has changed a lot over the years.

We live in a world of advanced technology where people check their emails from all kinds of smart devices, not just their desktop computers or laptops.

Even 50-year olds use email, which means that the benefits of a well-crafted email marketing campaign are numerous. However there are big NO-NOs you should steer clear of.

Let’s check out 9 common email marketing mistakes everyone should avoid when crafting a campaign.

1. Email Marketing Without an ESP

The benefits of segmenting your email list are numerous. Just think about it – sending special offered targeted at women only have no place in the email of a male subscriber. Customization is the core purpose of your email list segmentation. Slice your list and categorize subscribers after:

Gender
Age
Buying habits
Professional background

Afterwards, you can start sending those emails. The right email in the right inbox increases open rates and eventually return on investment (ROI). Without a segmented email list, it’s impossible to increase awareness and compel subscribers to gain an interest in your brand and business.

2. No Email List Segmentation

Gender
Age
Buying habits
Professional background

Related : 10 Most Secure Email Providers

3. Exaggerated CTAs

There are best practices for crafting CTAs (calls-to-action) and bad practices when using email as your main marketing strategy. Your CTA should be compelling without forcing a recipient to take action. Let them decide what to do next; your goal is to stir their interest. Make sure your calls-to-action are:

Visually appealing
Brief (stick to 5 words maximum)
Action-oriented (consider using verbs like “register here” or “download ebook”
Have a contrasting color (make the action buttons stand out)
Concise and easy to understand

4. Salesy Emails

Rather than use email marketing for sales purposes only, it might be a better idea to focus on providing useful information first. Use your emails to build customer loyalty and engagement. Your ultimate goal is to sell and promote your company, but don’t make the message sound too evident when sending out emails.

Focus on instilling a curiosity with useful information first. Don’t bombard them with too much promotional content and offers they can’t refuse. At the end of your email, use a CTA to invite them to take action; let them decide what to do next.

5. Frequent Emailing

Sending out too many emails in a short interval is one of the main reasons your email marketing campaign fails. Doing it every month is also a mistake. There has to be a balance! All you need to do is find your rhythm; and you can only do that in time after you’ve gotten to know what your audience likes, when, and how often.

6. Ignoring Data Privacy Laws

Ignoring data privacy laws is a significant “no-no” in email marketing and can have serious legal and reputational consequences. Data privacy laws are in place to protect individuals’ personal information and provide guidelines for how businesses can collect, use, and manage data. Comply with data privacy regulations such as GDPR (in Europe) and CAN-SPAM Act (in the United States). Ensure that you provide easy ways for recipients to opt out and respect their data rights.

7. Neglecting Mobile Responsiveness

Neglecting mobile responsiveness in email marketing is a significant mistake, especially in 2023, as a substantial portion of email opens and interactions occur on mobile devices. Prioritizing mobile responsiveness in your email marketing efforts is crucial to engaging your audience effectively and achieving better results.

8. Using Too Many Images

Using an excessive number of images in your email marketing campaigns is a common pitfall that can significantly hinder your email’s effectiveness. One of the primary concerns is the impact on load times, especially for recipients on slower internet connections or mobile devices.

Slow-loading emails can lead to frustration and prompt recipients to abandon the email before it fully loads, reducing engagement and diminishing the chances of your message being seen.

Additionally, image-heavy emails can consume a significant amount of recipients’ data, which is a concern for those with limited data plans.

9. Ignoring Unsubscribes and Complaints

Ignoring unsubscribes and complaints in email marketing is a significant blunder that can have dire consequences. When someone opts out of your email list by unsubscribing, it’s crucial to respect their decision promptly. Not only is this a legal requirement in many countries, but it’s also a matter of ethical communication. Ignoring unsubscribes not only risks legal trouble but also tarnishes your brand’s reputation and erodes trust with your audience.

Additionally, complaints from recipients should never be overlooked. When someone marks your email as spam or reports an issue, it’s a clear signal that something in your email strategy needs attention. Ignoring these complaints can lead to even more recipients marking your emails as spam, ultimately harming your sender reputation.

Find: 10 of the Best Free Email Signature Generators

Conclusion:

Don’t make the mistake of assuming that sending 20 emails per week to the same subscriber will increase your sales. Assess how people respond to your campaign with analytics. Do an A/B test to check mail fulfillment, and try different email segmentation strategies. Eventually (and with a lot of patience) you’ll begin to understand how your audience reacts. It’s very important to be patient. Always monitor response rates and click rates of CTAs. Use a professional software tool to help your out, and constantly think beyond the eyes of the marketers eager to boost ROI.