DIY Email marketing vs done for you - which is for you?
As you’re scrolling your social media feed under the guise of finding inspiration for your next post, you come across another carousel pointing out the benefits of starting an email list.
“Yeah, yeah. I know I should start an email list. But I don’t have the time,” you think to yourself. But as a 5-minute scroll break turns into 33 minutes, you shriek at the time you lost. Maybe this email marketing thing is exactly what you need.
What is email marketing?
Email marketing is defined as “a form of digital marketing that involves sending promotional messages or newsletters to a list of subscribers via email,” according to Hubspot.
But I relate more with Alex Cattoni’s definition that “Modern email marketing is building a relationship with qualified leads. It’s like dating.”
Email marketing is magical. It opens up worlds. And it’s wayyyyyy more approachable when you think of it like dating.
Ugh, but dating is not fun? Or is it? It can be fun if you make it fun (like how I do it).
Your email marketing as an online service provider, coach, or educator is different than if you are a product-based busines. You get to show up as a human. You don’t have to be running scammy sales reminders all the time.
DIY email marketing
Do-It-Yourself (DIY) email marketing is most common for people in the beginning stages of business.
This is for you if …
You’re smart and resourceful. You either know you want email marketing to be part of your content strategy from the very beginning of business, or you feel comfortable enough with social media that you’re ready to expand into emails.
You have the gift of time (or the gift of being intentional with your resources), and genuinely like learning how and why email marketing will benefit your business for the better.
You believe in understanding how email marketing works so you can repeat and scale your skill as your business grows.
I also recommend the DIY email marketing route for online business owners who genuinely enjoy writing.
Elements of Do-It-Yourself Email Marketing
You’ll need a system to curate and store the content you want to share in your newsletter. You’ll also need 1-2 hours each week to write and schedule send out. Beyond that, all you need is the desire and drive to do email marketing consistently.
Even if you don’t enjoy writing, can I suggest this? Writing is a skill that will benefit you in SO many ways.
Writing your newsletter and nurture funnels is only one piece of the content strategy pie. Writing emails to pitch or respond to clients is writing. Writing your social media captions is writing.
Responding to your best friend’s group text is writing.
See? You know how to write. And you are the BEST person to translate the magic of transformation that only you can provide to your dream clients. (Can you tell I’m a bit biased to you writing your own email copy?).
DFY email marketing
Done-For-You email marketing is most common for people with established businesses or the ability to invest in services.
This is for you if …
You understand that only you can do what you do. And you’re ready to lessen the load on your plate so you can focus on the best version of yourself for your 1:1 client calls, coaching programs, or latest program launch.
But you’re ready to timeline shift to the upgraded version of yourself. The one who leverages skilled people to do the work that you no longer have the time or interest to do.
You may or may not have invested in another entrepreneur’s services before, and you want to make sure you hire someone you vibe with. This is your personal brand we’re talking about here.
I recommend Done-For-You email marketing for online business owners who no longer have the time or mental capacity to be the Chief of Everything (“CEO”).
Elements of Done-For-You Email Marketing
Get help and support where you need it.
You don’t have to worry about learning another platform. You don’t have to worry about learning how to be a better writer (although good writing does benefit you in multiple places!). And you don’t have to worry about creating content for one more place on the internet.
Is setting up your email marketing platform and strategy eternally on your to-do list? Hire out set-up and strategy as a one-time investment in your business.
Does writing a weekly newsletter make you want to procrastinate harder than writing copy for the first version of your website? Hire out your newsletter in a monthly retainer package.
Do you draft your newsletter then consistently forget to schedule it or set up the automated workflow? Hire it email marketing management.
Writing and email marketing isn’t for everyone. I get that.
And you have options.
A secret third option
Done-With-You (DWY) email marketing is your secret third option.
This is for you if …
In this hybrid approach, you get a shortcut to the strategy and reasoning of email marketing. You also get the tools to carry out your own email marketing.
Learning from someone else who has done the things you desire is incredibly useful. It allows you to skip the struggle line. You jump right to the front of the VIP entrance.
Because you understand why and how email marketing works for your business, you’re able to replicate your knowledge for your future launches.
You have the tools and you know what to do. Doesn’t that confidence feel amazing?
I recommend DWY email marketing for business owners who enjoy connecting with their community and are seeking guidance as they get started.
Elements of Done-With-You Email Marketing
It’s my favorite way to work with clients because you get real-time feedback as you’re creating your newsletter, welcome series, or mini sales funnel.
DWY means you aren’t spinning your wheels jumping from Youtube video to Youtube video (or blog to blog) trying to find content that *actually* solves the problem you’re seeking. It cuts through the fluff. And you’re a person who doesn’t need fluff.
Why you need to leverage email marketing to strengthen your personal brand
No matter which option you choose, you are smart for even thinking about starting your email marketing.
You are even smarter if you take action towards it.
I always say that email marketing is for the smart girls.
When you leverage email marketing in your business, you are leveraging a direct line of communication to your warmest leads. You get to build that relationship, week after week, and get paid for being you (isn’t that the best?).
Weekly newsletters are special because they aren’t subject to any algorithms. The people that want to read your content, will. 99% of all humans open their email inbox daily. For myself and the clients I work with, our weekly newsletters are getting an average open rate of 60%.
Ready to implement email marketing in your business?
Welcome to my sparkly corner of the internet. I’m Alexa McAfee – email marketing x human design strategist for online service providers, coaches, and educators.
If you like what you’re learning and want more, here are a few more things I think you’ll like:
Download the “Launch Your Email Marketing Checklist” freebie. You’ll receive clarity on the set-up, systems, and tips needed to start building your email list today.
Get Sparkle Notes delivered to your inbox every Friday morning. It’s my weekly newsletter that’s your little black book of email marketing and copywriting tips. There are some fun extras in there too.
Browse my menu of services. I offer email marketing strategy, audits, and full implementation of evergreen and launch funnels. I write email sequences and blog posts for online entrepreneurs. And as always, everything I offer is uniquely aligned with your human design.
Apply to join my live coaching program if private shopping is more your vibe. The Email Experience is a customizable program where you get 1:1 support and guidance as you build out your email marketing strategy according to your human design. Choose from setting up your email marketing system, creating a lead magnet + nurture sequence, or building out a mini sales funnel for an existing offer. No matter what you choose, you’ll walk away knowing how to monetize your expertise through email marketing.
If you’re here for a good time and the view, I get it. My blog is where you can wander and window shop until you’re ready to buy. You’ll find plenty of inspiration to help you with your email marketing, copywriting, human design, and business.
To get in touch with me directly, send me a DM or email hello@sparklylex.com.
I’m always cheering you on xx.