How can I improve email click rates when my manager disagrees with segmentation and sunsetting campaigns?
Summary
What email marketers say10Marketer opinions
Email marketer from Reddit shares that implementing a sunset policy is crucial for maintaining a healthy email list. They explain that removing inactive subscribers improves engagement rates and deliverability. They suggest convincing the manager by showing the positive impact of sunsetting on key metrics like open and click rates.
Email marketer from Neil Patel emphasizes personalization as a tactic. He explains that tailoring email content to individual subscriber preferences and behavior can significantly increase engagement and click rates. Use data to personalize emails with names, locations, or past purchase history to enhance relevance.
Marketer from Email Geeks questions the assumption that clicks can be improved from people who are not already clicking, suggesting the manager needs to realize those people are not interested.
Marketer from Email Geeks suggests comparing results between the original poster's suggestions and the manager's to illustrate the case, suggesting a split send between the standard audience and one with engagement criteria.
Email marketer from Email Marketing Forum suggests using advanced segmentation techniques based on subscriber behavior. They explain that segmenting subscribers based on purchase history, website activity, and email engagement can improve click rates. Present data-backed evidence of segmentation's effectiveness to convince the manager.
Email marketer from HubSpot suggests focusing on data-driven email marketing. They explain that using analytics to track email performance and make informed decisions about segmentation and content can improve click rates. Tracking key metrics like open rates, click-through rates, and conversion rates can help optimize email campaigns.
Marketer from Email Geeks explains that focusing on the click rate is important, as a smaller, more engaged audience will have a better percentage even if the raw number of clicks is the same.
Email marketer from Email on Acid states that list hygiene, including removing inactive subscribers, is crucial for improving deliverability and engagement. He suggests that while the audience size might decrease, the overall engagement rate will improve due to a higher concentration of active and interested subscribers. He recommends showing the long-term benefits of list hygiene to the manager.
Email marketer from Litmus emphasizes that segmentation is key. He explains that targeting subscribers with relevant content based on their preferences and behavior significantly improves engagement and click-through rates. He suggests demonstrating the positive impact of segmentation through A/B testing to convince the manager.
Email marketer from EmailMonday discusses the importance of subject lines to improve open rates. They explain that using strong, benefit-driven subject lines can significantly increase open rates. A/B test different subject lines to see what resonates best with the audience and use the insights to persuade the manager to test new strategies.
What the experts say2Expert opinions
Expert from Word to the Wise explains that focusing on list segmentation provides significant benefits by improving engagement. By tailoring content to specific segments, you improve relevance and thus click rates. Demonstrating this through testing can help influence a manager.
Expert from Spam Resource explains the relationship between engagement and deliverability. Low engagement negatively impacts sender reputation, and thus deliverability. Implementing sunsetting, and showing the data can lead to better click rates and overall inbox placement, and can make the manager see the light.
What the documentation says3Technical articles
Documentation from RFC explains the technical specifications of SPF (Sender Policy Framework) records. RFC 7208 specifies how to create and implement SPF records to prevent email spoofing. Properly configured SPF records authenticate email sources and improve deliverability.
Documentation from Microsoft Docs recommends monitoring sender reputation using Microsoft's SNDS program. Monitoring sender reputation helps identify and address deliverability issues promptly. Positive sender reputation improves the likelihood of emails reaching the inbox.
Documentation from Google Postmaster Tools advises senders to adhere to email authentication standards (SPF, DKIM, DMARC). Google says properly authenticated emails are more likely to reach the inbox and less likely to be marked as spam. Implementing these standards enhances sender reputation and improves deliverability.