What is email marketing? (Simple Definition)

Email Marketing is the act of sending content to users via email. Users are referred to as contacts, people, or subscribers in email marketing. 

The acceptable way of collecting emails is through opt-in forms. Some people do buy or extract emails from social media sites and search engines. However, such an approach is not recommended and is considered illegal in some territories. 

How Does Email Marketing Work? 

To send marketing emails you need an SMTP Server. To build email lists and create campaigns, you need an email marketing system or software. Therefore, to send marketing emails, you need an SMTP server and email marketing system or software. 

You can check our Dictionary page on what SMTP and Email Marketing System are

Most email marketing platforms like Convertkit, Mailchimp, Aweber, Infusionsoft by Keap, etc, have everything set up for you.  

Types of Email Marketing Systems 

There are three types of email marketing systems.  

• Subscription-based: When you subscribe to an email marketing service like convertkit, Aweber, MailChimp, Keap e.t.c, you will have everything set up for you. All you need is to build your email list and create campaigns.  
• License Based: You need to buy a onetime payment email marketing application license like Sendy, install in your server, and connect to an SMTP service provider like Amazon SES. 
• Custom Email Marketing system: You need to build your email marketing application from scratch or use open source applications like Mautic and connect to an SMTP service provider.  

What do you need to start Email Marketing? 

To start email marketing, you need an email marketing system. You can either build your system, use open-source applications, or use email marketing companies.  

Best Email Marketing Platforms 

Some of the best email marketing platforms that you may consider using include MailChimp, AWeber, Convertkit, and Drip.

You can also Read about the top 10 email marketing platforms.