How to Start Using Email Marketing (and Actually Get Results Fast)

How to Start Using Email Marketing (Without Wasting Months Learning the Hard Way)

A step-by-step guide for ecommerce brands to launch, grow, and actually profit from email - written so even your dog could understand it.

Step 1. Pick the Right Email Tool (Hint: Klaviyo Wins for E-commerce)

Most people get stuck before they even begin: “Which platform should I use?”
Here’s the simple answer:

• If you’re in ecommerce, use Klaviyo. It was built for Shopify, WooCommerce & BigCommerce stores.
• If you’re not in ecommerce → ConvertKit (creators), HubSpot (B2B).

👉 Don’t waste weeks testing 10 tools. Start with one that fits your business model. (You can migrate latter if you really don't like it)

Step 2. Build Your Email List (The Right Way)

Forget buying email lists (spam city 🚫). Instead:

• Add popups with a clear incentive (discount, guide, free shipping).
  • In klaviyo go to "Sign-Up Forms" --> "Create Form" --> choose a template that you like --> Choose list "Newsletter" --> "Create"

• Next thing is to activate you PopUp
  • When you have changed the text and added images that you want press "Publish", and your SignUp will be live in your site

• Use zero-party data tricks → like the 1-tap button segmentation hack

🔥 Pro Tip: Collect more than just emails. Ask for one extra detail (style preference, product interest). This fuels personalization later.

Step 3. Send Your First Flow (Automation Before Newsletters)

Most beginners start with newsletters. Wrong move.
Flows = money.

Your starter kit flows:

1. Welcome flow (introduce your brand, build trust).
2. Abandoned cart (remind, then close the sale).
3. Post-purchase thank you (turn buyers into repeat buyers).

👉 These 3 flows will make you more money than 20 random newsletters.

Most Important is to create a Welcome flow for the SignUp so that your new audience would receive confirmation that they have successfully signed up

• Go to "Flows" --> "Create Flow" --> "Welcome Series" – > "Use Template" --> Now you will have to go in each flow email design and change the text an design to your preferences.

Step 4. Write Emails People Actually Open

Let’s kill the boring “Company Newsletter #57” vibe.

Do this instead:

• Subject lines: Use curiosity or value (“Your cart misses you 👀”).
• Body: Short, punchy, conversational.
• CTA: Big button. One action.

Bonus: Use meme GIFs

Step 5. Track Results (Don’t Just Pray)

The beauty of email marketing: you get instant feedback.

Metrics to watch in the beginning:

• Open Rate (are subject lines working?)
• Click Rate (is your CTA irresistible?)
• Revenue per Recipient (are you making $$$ or just sending pretty emails?)

👉 Use these numbers to iterate, not guess.

Step 6. Scale with Segmentation & Personalization

Once you’ve nailed the basics, it’s time to go pro:

• Segment by engagement tiers (30-day, 60-day, 90-day actives).
• Personalize with dynamic blocks (location, purchase history, AOV).
• Test, test, test.

This is where email stops being a “channel” and becomes your printing press for money.

Conclusion: Starting Is Easier Than You Think

Most people overcomplicate email.
Truth: You only need three things to start:
✅ A tool like Klaviyo
✅ A signup form with a great offer
✅ 3 basic flows

From there → test, learn, grow.

Email marketing is still the highest ROI channel in ecommerce ($36 for every $1 spent). So if you haven’t started, you’re already leaving money on the table.