Email Marketing Channels Deliver Superior Results to Social Media

Any time I talk about using email to reach and retain customers, someone inevitably asks:

But Jeff, isn’t email marketing dead? Isn’t it all about social media now?

Given my line of work, you can probably guess my answer! For my money, email marketing isn't just a great bet, it's an essential approach to running an effective business.

That’s the short answer.

I remember being in a mastermind with the guy who literally wrote the book on email marketing, and at one point during one of our gatherings, he was banging his fists on the table in an impassioned rant about the death of email.

He was predicting the end and was emphatic that everything was going to shift to socials and we should all move on.

That was in 2003. Yep… 20 years ago.

How many billions upon billions of dollars have been made through email marketing since that prediction?

Few years back, I put out a video about the importance of building your list and nurturing your list relationship.

In response, someone asked me about a guru who claimed email marketing is dead, suggesting we all switch to social media marketing. This took me back to that mastermind meeting in 2003.

Why Email Marketing is Still King

Since that 2003 meeting, billions of dollars have been made through email marketing.

Email is not dead. It’s not even dying. It’s very much alive and thriving.

Here’s why:

• Direct Connection: Email marketing allows you to connect directly with your audience, delivering your message straight to their inbox.

• Higher Engagement: Engagement rates for emails are significantly higher than social media posts, where changing algorithms mean inconsistent engagement.

• Ownership: You own your email list. Social media platforms can change their rules, but your email list is yours to keep.

The Social Media Hype

Don’t get me wrong—social media marketing plays a key role in your marketing. But it’s not the end-all-be-all.

In fact, the primary role of social media should be driving traffic to your website and getting people onto your email list.

This is what happens when you focus too much on social media:

• Algorithm Changes: Social media algorithms are constantly shifting. One day your post might reach thousands, and the next, only a handful.

• Low Conversion Rates: Even with a large following, social media posts often result in minimal visits to your website unless you make this a core focus of your strategy.

• Temporary Presence: You don't own your social media accounts, so trends and platform rules can change, but your email list remains a stable asset you control.

Reason You Should Prioritize Email Over Social Media

Let me share a story from another mastermind. A very prominent business person shared his regret over shifting focus from his email list to social media.

Despite a great presence on social platforms, it didn’t move the needle like email. Now, he’s scrambling to rebuild his relationship with his list.

Every day you neglect to build your list, and the relationship with your list, you’re losing out. When you prioritize social media over email, you’re missing out on the incredible potential of email marketing.

Consider this…

You might have 100,000 Facebook followers and a post might drive a handful of visits to your website.

With 10,000 or 20,000 email subscribers, hitting send on an email can create instant acceleration—far more impactful than a social media post.

Here’s why:

• Emails feel more personal and direct, making your audience feel valued.
  
• You can segment your email list and tailor messages to specific groups, increasing relevance and engagement.
  
• Email marketing consistently delivers a higher return on investment compared to social media.

Building & Nurturing Your List

Let’s get practical. Here’s how you can effectively build and nurture a relationship with the people on your email list:

Lead Magnets

Think of lead magnets as irresistible offers. Create something your audience craves..

• Ebooks packed with actionable insights.
• Webinars where you share insider secrets.
• Exclusive tips or checklists that solve a specific problem.

Consistent Communication

Keep showing up in their inbox with value..

• Share your latest blog posts with a personal touch.
• Send newsletters that feel like a conversation with a friend.
• Offer special deals or early access to your new products.

Engagement

Turn your email list into a community..

• Ask questions and encourage replies. People love to share their opinions.
• Run surveys to gather valuable feedback and make your audience feel heard.
• Create content that sparks discussion and invites interaction.

This way, you'll not only grow your list but also build a loyal community that's excited to hear from you.

Email Is Here to Stay

Remember that famous Mark Twain quote, “The rumors of my death are greatly exaggerated”?

The same applies to email marketing. Despite what some might say, email is here to stay and remains one of the most effective marketing channels available.

Email marketing channels deliver superior results to social media. While social media can play a significant role in attracting people into your world, your email list is where the magic happens of turning those prospects into buyers.

It’s your most valuable asset in reaching and retaining customers. So, don’t neglect it. Focus on building your list and nurturing the relationship with those on your email list to maximize your business potential.

Want to go deeper? Get my free Launch Quickstart training now and learn the proven formula to build a successful online business. Enter your best email address here.