Why Email Marketing Still Matters in 2025
In a world where new social platforms pop up every few months, one thing hasn’t changed: email marketing is still the most reliable way to reach your audience.
Social media algorithms can hide your posts. Paid ads can drain your budget. But email? You land directly in someone’s inbox — a space they check daily (in fact, 99% of people check their email every single day).
Whether you’re a solopreneur, small business owner, or blogger, email marketing in 2025 is your best tool for:
- Building customer loyalty
- Driving consistent sales
- Growing your audience without relying on social media
This guide will walk you step-by-step through email marketing for beginners, covering what it is, why it works, the tools I recommend (MailerLite + ConvertKit), and how to launch your first campaign.
What is Email Marketing?
Email marketing is simply the process of sending emails to prospects and customers with the goal of building trust, providing value, and turning readers into loyal fans.
Instead of shouting into the void on social media, email lets you:
- Speak directly to your audience
- Control your message (no algorithms interfering)
- Build a long-term asset you own
Why Start Email Marketing in 2025?
Still wondering if email marketing is worth it? Let’s look at the numbers:
- 📧 99% of email users check their inbox every day (Statista email usage report)
- 💰 Email delivers an average ROI of $36 for every $1 spent (higher than social or paid ads) (Litmus ROI report)
- 📱 Over 60% of emails are opened on mobile — meaning you’re literally in someone’s hand
Email is the only channel where your message doesn’t compete with algorithms — it lands front and centre. Put simply: email is where attention lives.
The Tools You’ll Need
To do email marketing well, you’ll need an email service provider (ESP).
An ESP gives you:
- Signup forms and landing pages
- Email templates and drag-and-drop builders
- Automation (welcome sequences, newsletters, promotions)
- List management and compliance (GDPR, unsubscribes)
- Analytics to see what’s working
⚠️ Don’t try this with Gmail — you’ll run into compliance and deliverability issues fast!
MailerLite vs ConvertKit: Which Is Best for Beginners?
There are dozens of ESPs out there, but for solopreneurs and creators, two stand out: MailerLite (affiliate link) and Kit (formerly ConvertKit)(affiliate link). Let’s break them down.
| Provider | Price | Free Plan | Ease of Use | Landing Pages | Automations | Support | Best For | | --------- | --------- | --------- | --------- | ------------- | --------- | --------- | --------- | | Mailerlite | from $10/month | Up to 500 subscribers, automation included | Very beginner-friendly with drag-and-drop builders | Included on free plan | Included on free plan | Email & Chat | Beginners & Small Businesses | | Kit (formerly ConvertKit) | from $29/month | Up to 1,000 subscribers, no automation on free | Clean design, more advanced setup | Paid only | Paid only | Email only | Creators + advanced email marketers |
👉 My recommendations
- If you’re just starting out and want the easiest and most affordable option, go with MailerLite. Their free plan is generous and lets you automate from day one. Start free with MailerLite here.
- If you’re a content creator ready to scale, then Kit (formerly ConvertKit) is built for you. It excels with tagging, segmentation, and creator-focused features. Try Kit (formerly ConvertKit) free here.
Both are excellent choices — the right one depends on where you are in your journey.
How to Build Your Email List
Before you can send emails, you need subscribers. Here’s how beginners can grow a list:
- Create a lead magnet — something free and valuable (like a checklist, template, or guide).
- Add signup forms — place them on your blog, homepage, and even in your blog posts.
- Use landing pages — both MailerLite and Kit offer easy builders.
- Be clear about what people get — “weekly tips,” “exclusive discounts,” or “first access to new posts.”
⚡ Remember: Always use opt-in permission if you're subscribers are in the EU (this is GDPR and CAN-SPAM compliant). Never add people without their consent.
Creating Your First Campaign
Once you’ve got a few subscribers, it’s time to send your first email. Here’s how:
- Write a welcome email — thank your subscriber, deliver your lead magnet, and introduce yourself.
- Create a nurture sequence — 3–5 emails that build trust and show your value.
- Stay consistent — whether it’s weekly or monthly, pick a frequency you can stick with.
- Use clear calls to action — guide readers to your blog, products, or services.
Staying Compliant
Email marketing is powerful, but it comes with rules:
- Always include an unsubscribe link
- Get explicit permission to email
- Be transparent about what subscribers will receive
Tools like MailerLite and Kit make compliance easy by automating unsubscribe links and GDPR features.
Growth Tips for Beginners
Once you’re comfortable sending campaigns, here’s how to level up:
- Segment your list (new vs returning customers, interests, etc.)
- Test your subject lines — they’re the gatekeeper to opens
- Check your reports — track what people click most
- Promote on multiple channels — blog posts, Pinterest, and socials should all lead back to your signup forms
Time to Go BOLD with Email Marketing
Email is the one marketing channel you own — no algorithm, no gatekeepers, just direct access to your audience.
If you’re just starting out, MailerLite gives you everything you need for free. If you’re a creator who wants advanced automation, Kit (formerly ConvertKit) will help you scale.
👉 Go BOLD with your marketing — start building your email list today with MailerLite or Kit (formerly ConvertKit).
FAQs: Email Marketing for Beginners
What’s the best free email marketing tool for beginners?
MailerLite. Their free plan includes automation, which most others don’t.
How often should I email my list?
Start with weekly or bi-weekly. Consistency matters more than frequency.
Do I need a big list to make money?
No! Even a few hundred subscribers can generate sales if you’re delivering value to the right people.