Email marketing is one of the oldest digital marketing tactics, but it’s also one of the most misunderstood. With social media, AI tools, and paid advertising dominating the conversation, you might be wondering: is email marketing still relevant?
The short answer is absolutely.
When done strategically, email continues to deliver one of the highest returns on investment of any marketing channel.
At Stellar Digital Media, we’ve seen first-hand how businesses across Australia, New Zealand and beyond use email marketing to nurture leads, build trust, and drive measurable results. Let’s break down what email marketing really is, why it still works, and how to do it well.
What Is Email Marketing?
Email marketing is the process of sending targeted messages to a list of subscribers or customers with the goal of driving engagement, conversions, or brand loyalty. Unlike social platforms, where you’re competing with algorithms, email goes directly to your audience’s inbox.
Types of email marketing include:
- Newsletters: Updates, tips, and insights from your business.
- Promotional campaigns: Sales, discounts, and special offers.
- Lead nurturing sequences: Automated workflows that guide prospects through the sales funnel.
- Customer retention emails: Check-ins, loyalty rewards, and re-engagement campaigns.
Why Email Marketing Is Still Effective?
Despite newer marketing channels, email continues to perform because:
- Direct and personal: You own your list, unlike followers on rented platforms.
- High ROI: Studies show email can return up to $36 for every $1 spent.
- Automation friendly: Email platforms allow for smart sequences that save time while boosting results.
- Data driven: Open rates, click-throughs, and conversions are easily tracked.
- Mobile optimised: More people read emails on mobile, making it a quick touchpoint with customers.
How Email Marketing Fits Into a Modern Digital Strategy
Email doesn’t exist in isolation, it works best when it complements your wider marketing activity. For example:
- Use Google Ads to generate leads, then nurture them with automated email sequences.
- Pair social media campaigns with follow-up emails to deepen engagement.
- Drive traffic to high converting landing pages and capture email signups.
At Stellar Digital Media, we build strategies that combine website design and development, content marketing, and paid advertising with email campaigns for maximum impact.
Best Practices for Email Marketing in 2025
To keep email effective, businesses need to adapt:
- Segment your lists: Send relevant content to the right people.
- Personalise beyond the name: Use behaviour-based triggers and interests.
- Optimise for mobile: Ensure short subject lines and responsive design.
- Test and measure: A/B test subject lines, CTAs, and send times.
- Prioritise value: Provide useful content, not just promotions.
The Verdict: Is Email Marketing Still Worth It?
Yes. Email marketing is not only still effective, it’s essential. It remains one of the most powerful tools to build trust, nurture customer relationships, and deliver measurable ROI. If your business hasn’t refreshed its email marketing strategy in a while, now is the time. Done right, email can be the steady engine that powers your growth alongside newer digital tactics.
Our Final Thoughts
At Stellar Digital Media, we craft email marketing strategies that connect with audiences and deliver results. Whether you’re starting from scratch or looking to optimise existing campaigns, we’ll help you integrate email into a modern, data-driven marketing plan.
Ready to see how email marketing can work for your business? Get in touch with our team today.
FAQs We Are Often Asked:
- Q: Is email marketing better than social media?
A: Email marketing isn’t better, it’s different. Social media builds awareness, while email nurtures relationships and drives conversions. - Q: How often should I send marketing emails?
A: It depends on your audience, but consistency is key. Weekly or fortnightly emails often perform well without overwhelming subscribers. - Q: What makes a good email subject line?
A: Keep it short, relevant, and benefit-driven. Curiosity or urgency can boost open rates, but always stay authentic. - Q: Does email marketing work for small businesses?
A: Yes, in fact, small businesses often see outsized results because email is cost-effective and personal.