Email Marketing for Local Businesses—Simple, Smart, Effective
Even with all the new platforms out there, email remains a top performer for local businesses. It’s direct, personal, and cost-effective—and with the right approach, it can drive real engagement.
Here’s how to get started (or level up):
1. Build Your Email List (the Right Way)
Don’t buy a list. Instead, grow your own with real customers who want to hear from you.
Ideas:
Offer a discount or freebie in exchange for an email
Add a sign-up form to your website
Collect emails in-store with a clipboard or tablet
2. Start Simple with a Monthly Email
You don’t need to send something every week. A monthly update with value goes a long way.
What to include:
A personal note or local story
Upcoming events or seasonal promotions
A featured product or service
A review or testimonial
3. Use a Free Tool Like Mailchimp or Flodesk
Most platforms have easy drag-and-drop editors and templates you can customize.
Pro tip: Start with a welcome email that goes out automatically when someone subscribes. It sets the tone and builds trust.
4. Keep It Local and Personal
Your subscribers likely live nearby—talk to them like neighbors.
Try this:
Mention local events, holidays, or landmarks
Use your real name and photo in the sender details
Sign off with warmth and personality
5. Track What Works (and Tweak It)
Check your open rates, click rates, and unsubscribes to learn what resonates.
Typical benchmarks to aim for:
Open rate: 25–35%
Click-through rate: 2–5%
Unsubscribe rate: under 1%
Test different subject lines, send times, and content formats to improve performance.
Final Thought: It’s About Connection, Not Perfection
Email marketing isn’t about having the flashiest template—it’s about staying in touch and delivering value. Keep it simple, consistent, and customer-centered.
At Galley Marketing, we help local businesses craft emails that feel personal and drive results. Let us help you build a list worth writing to.