Email Marketing in 2024: Personalization and Automation for Better Engagement

24-10-2024

INTRODUCTION

Hey, remember when getting an email from a company meant the same generic "Dear Valued Customer" message that everyone else got? Well, those days are about as outdated as flip phones! These days, email marketing has gotten pretty smart - like "knows-what-you-want-before-you-do" smart.

Think about it like this: imagine going to your favorite coffee shop. The barista knows your name, remembers your usual order, and might even suggest trying that new caramel latte because they know you love caramel-flavored drinks. That's exactly what good email marketing looks like in 2024 - it's personal, it's thoughtful, and it just... gets you.

Let's talk about what makes it so special:

First up - Personalization (or as I like to call it, the "Hey, this company actually knows me!" factor) It's wild how sophisticated this has gotten. Companies aren't just slapping your name at the top of an email anymore. They're looking at things like:

  • What you've bought before
  • What you've been eyeing on their website (yeah, they noticed you checking out those shoes for the fifth time!)
  • How you interact with their emails
  • What time you usually open your emails

And they use all this info to send you stuff you actually want to see. Pretty neat, right? It's like having a personal shopper who really knows your style.

Now, about Automation (the behind-the-scenes magic) This is where things get really cool. Imagine having a super-efficient assistant who:

  • Sends you a welcome message right when you sign up
  • Reminds you about that item you left in your cart (we've all been there!)
  • Checks in after you buy something to make sure you're happy
  • Wishes you happy birthday with a special discount

The best part? This all happens automatically, but it feels totally natural and personal. It's like the company is reading your mind, but in a good way!

Why does all this matter?

Well, let's be honest - we all get too many emails. But when you get one that actually speaks to you - maybe it's showcasing those hiking boots you've been researching, right when you're planning your next outdoor adventure - that's an email you're probably going to open.

And the numbers don't lie - people are about 26% more likely to open emails that feel personally relevant to them. That's huge! It's like the difference between someone shouting random stuff through a megaphone versus having a friend give you a specific recommendation.

The Secret Sauce? Mixing Personalization and Automation

The real magic happens when companies combine both. It's like having a really attentive friend who always knows exactly what you need and when you need it. They might send you:

  • A heads-up about a sale on your favorite brand
  • Tips for using something you just bought
  • A gentle reminder about restocking your favorite items
  • Special deals around your birthday or anniversary

The Bottom Line

Email marketing in 2024 isn't about blasting out as many emails as possible - it's about sending the right emails to the right people at the right time. It's less "spray and pray" and more "hey, I saw this and thought of you."

And here's the thing - whether you're running a tiny Etsy shop or a massive online store, there are tools out there that can help you do this. You don't need a huge team or a massive budget - you just need to understand your customers and use the right tools to reach them.

Pretty cool how far we've come from those "Dear Valued Customer" days, right?

Thank You.

Benjungbenla Tzudir

Digital Marketing Executive