The Role of Email and Social Media in Marketing
In the digital marketing landscape, email and social media serve distinct purposes. Think of email as your tool for direct sales. It’s personal, direct, and less susceptible to the whims of algorithm changes. On the other hand, social media, particularly Instagram in our discussions, is your go-to for brand marketing—perfect for first purchases, brand storytelling, and customer engagement.
Why Silo Your Marketing Efforts?
One key strategy I advocate for is marketing siloing. This approach involves tailoring your marketing messages according to the platform and the audience segment. For example, our website showcases a curated selection of services, whereas our emails might offer exclusive deals to our subscribers that aren’t available publicly.
Social Media: The Gateway to First-Time Purchases
Social media channels are ideal for converting new customers. They are platforms where you can showcase your brand values, share engaging content, and introduce potential customers to your offerings. The goal? Build that initial interest and convert it into first-time sales.
Email: The Powerhouse for Personal Connection and Sales
Email marketing allows for a deeper connection. It’s a controlled environment where you can be more personal and direct. For instance, after a major social media outage, I leveraged email to connect with my audience and offer them a significant discount on my course, resulting in substantial sales on a day when others couldn’t transact.
The Perils of Over-Reliance on Social Media
The volatility of social media platforms is a significant risk. Changes in algorithms, platform rules, or even temporary bans can disrupt your access to your audience. That’s why building your email list is crucial—it’s a marketing asset you own outright, much like owning a house compared to renting.
Client Insights: Tiffany Chaplin on Email vs. Social Media
A valuable insight from Tiffany Chaplin of Good on Paper Agency compares email to owning a house and social media to renting one. While both have their place, owning your communication channel ensures you are not at the mercy of a landlord—or in this case, a platform’s changing policies.
Balancing Both Worlds
Both email and social media are essential, but they serve different purposes in a marketing strategy. Email is for deeper engagement and direct sales, while social media excels at brand exposure and attracting new customers. The most effective strategy? Use each for their strengths while ensuring they complement each other.
Looking to hear more? Click here for the full podcast episode on The Unfiltered Entrepreneur.