Mastering Email Marketing at December Lioness Networking

Email marketing is a cornerstone of modern entrepreneurship – but with the average inbox in the thousands, how can you stand out? At our most recent round of Lioness Networking, we talked all about more effective, efficient and engaging email strategies. Watch the full recording or check out these highlights for valuable takeaways.

How important is email, anyway?

According to our attendees, it’s among the most important marketing channels – if not the very top. 23 percent of attendees considered email their most important channel, while 50 percent saw it as one of several important channels. Who says that email’s dead?

Strategies for building and maintaining your email list

Throughout the event, one of the more recurring themes was the importance of a well-targeted email list. (After all, a high audience count doesn’t mean much if they won’t engage with your emails.) Creating lead magnets like downloadable resources or utilizing social media promotion are great ways to attract subscribers. Organic search on platforms like Substack can help, too.

To maintain a consistent schedule, attendees shared practical tips like time-blocking, task managers and relying on automation tools. Some use good ol’ spreadsheets to plan content.

Crafting engaging emails

Engagement is the lifeblood of email marketing. To improve your open and click-through rates, keep these tips in mind:

• Focus on the 80/20 rule: 80 percent valuable, educational content, and only 20 percent sales or promotional content. This helps retain subscribers and build trust.
• Use email newsletters as a way to “soft sell” to your audience with tips, resources and content that positions you as an expert.
• Practice list hygiene. Try sending three personalized emails to inactive subscribers and give them an opt-in to stay.
• Experiment with different subject lines and content structures to see what resonates best. For example, try more fun, playful titles to catch readers’ attention.
• Study your analytics to identify the most engaging types of content.
• Avoid being overly sales-y in every email, as that can turn subscribers off.
• Segment your list and create more personalized campaigns that stay relevant to their interests. (For example, our Lioness newsletters are split up into weekly content roundups, event announcements and networking reminders – with even more to come!)

Tools and resources mentioned:

• MailerLite: A beginner-friendly option offering essential features like automation and analytics. Perfect for startups and solopreneurs on a budget.
• LinkedIn Newsletter: A unique way to engage a professional audience directly on the LinkedIn platform. Great for thought leadership and building visibility.
• MailChimp: A robust platform with extensive customization options. While powerful, it can have a steep learning curve.
• Zoho: Part of a larger CRM ecosystem, Zoho offers email marketing tools that integrate well but may feel clunky to some users.
• Substack: Ideal for creators and writers, Substack’s newsletter-centric approach simplifies monetization and subscriber engagement.
• Kit: Praised for its user-friendly interface and efficient workflows, KIT is a solid choice for small to medium-sized businesses.
• Campaign Monitor: A versatile platform offering customizable templates and detailed analytics for tailored campaigns.
• Wix: An all-in-one website builder that includes email marketing capabilities, making it a convenient choice for those already using Wix.
• SuiteDash: A comprehensive platform combining email marketing with CRM functionalities, suitable for businesses with complex needs.
• beehiiv: Highlighted for its user-friendly design and community-building focus, Beehiiv is a top pick for startups looking to grow their audience.

Want more networking? Join us for Building Your Brand in 2025!

Date: Tuesday, January 7th
Time: 2 – 3 p.m. EST
Theme: Brand development

Kick off the new year with reinvention! This is the perfect time to craft or refine a compelling brand identity. Connect with fellow female entrepreneurs to share inspiration, set goals, and make your business unforgettable.

Lioness Networking is your monthly opportunity to expand your business network and connect with female entrepreneurs like you. Join us for enriching insights and camaraderie. Through a series of engaging breakout rooms and guided discussions, we’re here to provide valuable support for founders everywhere.

Check out the last networking recording all about podcasting and guesting.