If I Were Starting My Email Marketing From Scratch… Here’s Exactly What I’d Do

No overwhelm. No fluff. Just smart strategy that actually works. Whether you’re launching, nurturing, or just trying to stop ghosting your list, this is your sign to finally get it together and start emailing with purpose.

As a marketing expert, here’s what I’d do if I were building out my email marketing from day one:

1. Choose the Right Platform (We Love Flodesk!)

First things first. I’d sign up for Flodesk (yes, that’s our referral link, but no, we don’t get paid to say this!). We’ve worked with dozens of platforms over the years, and Flodesk continues to be our favorite for its intuitive design, beautiful templates, ease of use, plus it’s practically free! It’s a perfect fit for creatives, service providers, and small businesses who want to make a big impact without tech headaches.

2. Organize the List From the Start

Even if your list is small (hi, Mom!), organizing it now will save you time and stress later.
Set up:

• Audiences based on service or product types
  
• Tags for interests, past purchases, or engagement
  
• Segments so you can send the right messages to the right people
  

Clean, intentional organization = better targeting and better results.

3. Get Clear on Your Goal

Before you write a single email, ask yourself: What do I want this email marketing to do?

• Drive sales?
  
• Nurture new leads?
  
• Educate and provide value?
  
• All of the above?
  

It’s okay if your goals shift month to month, but knowing your primary objective helps guide your tone, content, and call to action.

4. Understand Your Audience (Like, Really Know Them)

Who are you talking to? And how do they want to be talked to?

This is where so many people miss the mark. Think beyond demographics — get into the mindset, habits, and language of your ideal audience. Speak directly to their pain points, dreams, and what they need from you.

5. Write 1–5 Evergreen Emails (You’ll Thank Yourself Later)

Before you send out your first “Heyyyyyy, it’s been a while” message, have a few go-to emails in your back pocket:

• A Welcome Email (introduce yourself and set expectations)
  
• A Value Email (teach, share, or inspire)
  
• An Offer Email (promote a product or service)
  
• A Testimonial or Social Proof Email (build trust)
  
• A Follow-Up Email (re-engage or upsell)
  

Pro tip: Set these up as an automated sequence. Work once, and let it serve you over and over again.

6. Lock in Your Messaging

This one’s underrated. What do you want people to feel when they read your emails? Are you witty, professional, warm, hype-y, or educational?

Consistency in tone builds trust and brand recognition. It makes people want to open your emails — and actually read them.

Let’s Wrap It Up

Email marketing doesn’t have to be overwhelming. With a solid foundation, clear goals, and messaging that speaks directly to your audience, it can become one of your most profitable (and personal) marketing tools.

Need help turning your list into sales? Contact us here — let’s build your email strategy together.