THE EMAIL GROWTH SHOW EPISODE 171
Let me guess – you’re tired of pouring hours into content, only to see it barely scratch the surface of your audience’s feeds. The algorithm feels like a moving target, and honestly? You’re not alone.
But here’s the good news: there’s a better way to grow your business in 2025 – one that doesn’t rely on algorithms, endless scrolling, or hoping your post gets seen. That way?
Email marketing.
Today, I want to talk about why email marketing needs to be your #1 focus this year – and why it’s not just another strategy, but the most powerful tool in your business tool belt.
Click play to listen to this episode in full:
We’re also diving into what’s ahead for 2025:
→ Key trends and predictions, like the growing shift away from social media reliance.
→ Changes coming to email marketing (spoiler alert: it’s about to get even more exciting).
→ Simple ways to stay ahead of the curve and make email your secret weapon.
Here’s the thing: it’s not about choosing between email and social media. If you love social? Amazing – keep doing what works for you. But whatever you do, DO NOT sleep on email marketing.
That’s the one mistake I don’t want you making in 2025. Let’s make this the year you take control, grow your audience, and create results that don’t depend on algorithms.
Why Email Marketing is the Queen of ROI
Let’s break it down: Why is email marketing so damn powerful?
First off, it gives you something social media can’t – direct access to your audience.
When you send an email, it lands right in someone’s inbox. No algorithms deciding if you’re “worthy” of visibility, no guesswork about whether your message gets seen.
Now, compare that to social media. Even your absolute best content? It might only reach a teeny-tiny percentage of your followers. The difference is staggering.
And then there’s the ROI – return on investment.
For every $1 spent on email marketing, you can expect to make an average of $36. Let’s just take a moment to let that sink in… $36 for every $1?! Now stack that against paid ads, which are becoming pricier and less effective by the minute. It’s clear why email marketing doesn’t just stand out – it completely steals the show.
But here’s the real mic drop moment: you OWN your email list.
You don’t own your social media followers. Platforms change. Algorithms shift. And yes, we’ve seen platforms straight-up disappear. Your email list? That’s an asset you control. It’s the foundation of a sustainable, reliable, and scalable business. No matter what trends come and go, your list is yours – and it’s priceless!
This is why email marketing isn’t just “a strategy.” It’s THE strategy for growth, connection, and long-term success. Let’s make it your priority in 2025.
Email Marketing vs. Social Media
First off, let me just say – I’m not here to talk shit about social media. When used intentionally, it’s an incredible tool. But if we’re comparing apples to apples, let’s talk about the key differences between email marketing and social media.
- Visibility:
The average open rate for emails? 20–30%. And for some of us, it’s even higher (my current 90-day average is sitting pretty at 50.35% 👀). Compare that to organic social media posts, where reach is often less than 5%.
- Longevity:
Emails live in someone’s inbox until they’re opened, read, or deleted. Social media posts? They’re here today, gone in hours – swallowed whole by the algorithm.
- Trust:
Email is personal. It’s like sitting down for a one-on-one conversation with your audience, creating connection and trust in a way that’s hard to replicate on social.
Here’s what I see coming in 2025 – more business owners will shift away from relying solely on social media and start focusing on sustainable platforms like email. Algorithms are exhausting you guys. If you want your content to convert into actual sales, email is where you need to plant your flag
BUT… inboxes are going to get noisier.
This means one big thing: you’ll need to email more often – and do it in a way that feels good for both you and your audience. Now’s the time to take a hard look at what your email marketing strategy looks like, find opportunities to dial it up, and build a plan that’s both impactful and sustainable.
Because in a world of fleeting posts and changing algorithms, email marketing isn’t just your safety net – it’s your secret weapon for growth in 2025.
The Power of Strategic Messaging
Let’s talk about messaging, because if there’s one thing that can make or break your email strategy, it’s this: Personalization matters more than ever.
- Segment your audience.
Stop sending blanket emails to everyone and start creating targeted messages that speak directly to the person on the other end.
- Get real.
With AI tools like ChatGPT everywhere, people can sniff out a generic, one-size-fits-all script from a mile away. Your audience craves authenticity. They want to feel like your email was written just for them.
Here’s how to make your messaging magnetic:
→ Speak to their pain points. Show them you get it – and then show them how you can solve it.
→ Be YOU. Write how you speak. Bring your personality into every word.
→ Stay clear and strategic. Don’t overcomplicate. Make it easy for them to say, “Yes, this is exactly what I need.”
Data Is Your Secret Weapon
One of the best things about email marketing? The data doesn’t lie.
You can’t hide from:
Your open rates, your click rates or which topics and CTAs are resonating with your audience!
This data? It’s pure gold. It tells you what’s working, what’s not, and where you need to tweak and pivot.
Pro tip: Different audiences perform differently, so knowing your numbers is essential. Use that insight to fine-tune your strategy and give your audience exactly what they need.
Prediction for 2025: Make It Personal or Miss Out
Here’s the truth: audiences are getting more discerning. Generic emails just won’t cut it anymore, and you might see conversion rates start to drop if you’re not connecting on a personal level. But don’t let that scare you. Let it motivate you to step up…
- Focus on emails that feel personal, real, and human.
- Lean on your data to guide your strategy.
- Build deeper connections.
In 2025, data will continue to be the driving force behind what works and what doesn’t. The brands that pay attention – and use it to create connection-driven content – are the ones that will win.
Speaking to Different Types of Buyers
Here’s the tea: your audience isn’t one-size-fits-all. You’ve got buyers in all different stages of their journey – some are ready to hit “buy now,” others need a little more nurturing, and some? They’re just browsing the shelves, curious about what you offer.
Your job? Craft emails that speak to ALL of them.
When you tailor your messaging to meet buyers where they are, you’re showing them something powerful:
You see them.
You hear them.
You understand what they need.
And guess what? When people feel like you’re talking directly to them, they’re way more likely to take action.
Prediction for 2025: Personalization is the New Standard
This year, personalized, audience-specific messaging is going to be everything.
Gone are the days of tossing all your subscribers into the same sales sequence or funnel and hoping for the best. That approach doesn’t feel good now – and it’s going to feel even worse as buyer expectations evolve.
Here’s where the magic happens: Start thinking about the customer journey. Your subscribers don’t all need the same thing, so stop treating them like they do.
Instead:
Segment your audience into groups based on their stage in the journey.
Craft emails that resonate with each type of buyer—whether they’re ready to buy now, need nurturing, or just want to learn more.
Focus on connection. Make every email feel personal, intentional, and aligned with their needs.
The goal? To make your subscribers feel seen, heard, and loved every step of the way. When you do that, the conversions will follow.
This year is all about stepping up your email game, thinking deeper about your customer journey, and showing up in a way that makes your audience excited to hear from you.
So, how do you make email marketing your top priority in 2025? Here are three simple steps to get started:
- Create a lead magnet that speaks directly to your ideal audience and start growing your list.
- Map out a simple welcome sequence to make a strong first impression with new subscribers.
- Commit to sending one valuable email each week to nurture your audience and build trust.
Email marketing is your ticket to stability, scalability, and deeper connections with your audience. It’s not just another strategy – it’s THE foundation of a sustainable business.
Ready to Make 2025 Your Email Year?
Check out The Email Growth Club – the ultimate toolkit to help you grow your list, nurture your audience, and make email marketing work for you.
Here’s to making 2025 your most impactful year yet.
And if you’re ready to really dive into these strategies and grow your email list faster, grab my free Your Next 1000 Subscribers – Ultimate Collaborations Guide. It’s packed with actionable steps to get started with collaborations right away – click here to grab it today!
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Full Transcript:
Kylie Kelly [00:00:00]:
In a world of fleeting posts and changing algorithms, email marketing isn’t just your safety net. It’s your secret weapon for growth in 2025, but you need to do it right. Are you a female business owner frustrated with battling the algorithm and looking for growth strategies that don’t involve awkwardly pointing or dancing online or throwing cash at paid ads? Welcome to the Email Growth Show. I’m your host, Kylie Kelly, visibility and email marketing strategist. I grew my email list from 0 to almost 10,000 subscribers in less than 2 years, and the same is possible for you too. Are you ready to build your email list and start making more money in your online business? Let’s head into today’s episode. Hello, my loves. And welcome back to the Email Growth Show episode 171.
Kylie Kelly [00:00:53]:
Today, we’re talking all about why email marketing should be your top priority this year. Because, let me guess, I am willing to bet that you’re tired of pouring hours into content only to see it barely scratch the surface of your audience’s feeds. The algorithm sometimes feels like a moving target that you just can’t fucking hit. And honestly, you are not alone. But here’s the good news. There’s a better way to grow your business in 2025. One that doesn’t rely on algorithms, endless scrolling, or hoping your post gets seen. The way? Email marketing.
Kylie Kelly [00:01:28]:
Now, today, I want to talk about why email marketing needs to be your number one focus this year and why it’s not just another strategy, but the most powerful tool in your business tool belt. In this episode, we’re also diving into what’s ahead for 2025. Changes coming to email marketing, spoiler alert, it’s about to get even more fucking exciting, and simple ways to stay ahead of the curve and make email your secret weapon. Because here’s the thing, it’s not about choosing between email and social media. If you love social, amazing, keep doing what works for you. But whatever you do, do not sleep on email marketing. That’s the one mistake I do not want you making in 2025. Let’s make this year the year you take control, grow your audience, and create results that don’t depend on algorithms.
Kylie Kelly [00:02:14]:
Are you ready? Let’s dive in. Why is email marketing so damn powerful? First off, it gives you something social media can’t, direct access to your audience. When you send an email, it lands right in someone’s inbox. No algorithms deciding if you’re worthy, using air quotes there, of visibility. No guesswork about whether your message gets seen. Now compare that to social media. Even your absolute best content. It might only reach a teeny tiny percentage of your followers.
Kylie Kelly [00:02:46]:
The difference is actually staggering. And then there’s the ROI, your return on investment. For every $1 spent on email marketing, you can expect to make an average of $36 Let’s just take a moment to let that sink in. $36 for everyone. Now, stack that against paid ads, which are becoming pricier and less effective by the minute. It’s clear why email marketing doesn’t just stand out, it completely steals the show. But here’s a real mic drop moment. You own your email list.
Kylie Kelly [00:03:18]:
You don’t own your social media followers. Platforms change, algorithms shift, and yes, we’ve seen platforms straight up fucking disappear. Your email list, that’s an asset you control. You own it. It’s the foundation of a sustainable, reliable, and scalable business. No matter what trends come and go, your email list is yours and it’s priceless. This is why email marketing isn’t just a strategy, it’s the strategy for growth, connection, and long term success. I want it to be your priority for 2025.
Kylie Kelly [00:03:54]:
So, let’s talk for a minute around email marketing versus social media. Now, first off, again, let me say I’m not here to talk shit about social. When used intentionally, it’s an incredible tool. But if we’re comparing apples to apples, let’s talk about the key differences between email marketing and social media. Firstly, is the visibility piece. The average open rate for email is 20 to 30 percent. And for some of us it’s even higher. My current 90 day average right now is sitting pretty at 50.35%.
Kylie Kelly [00:04:25]:
That’s pretty bloody good. Compare that to organic social media posts where reach is often less than 5%. Massive, massive difference. Also is the longevity. Emails live in someone’s inbox until they’re opened, read, or deleted. Social media posts? They’re here today, gone in hours, not even tomorrow. Swallowed whole by the algorithm. And then lastly is trust.
Kylie Kelly [00:04:48]:
Email is personal. It’s like sitting down for a 1 on 1 conversation with your audience, creating connection and trust in a way that’s really hard to replicate on social. Not impossible by any means, but it’s hard to replicate. So here’s what I see coming this year. More business owners are going to shift away from relying solely on social media and they’re going to start focusing on sustainable platforms like email. As most of you know, algorithms are exhausting. If you want your content to convert into actual sales, email is where you need to plant your flag. But because of that, inboxes are going to get a little noisier.
Kylie Kelly [00:05:23]:
This means one big thing, you need to email more often and do it in a way that feels good for both you and your audience. Now’s the time to take a hard look at what your email marketing strategy looks like, find opportunities to dial it up, and build a plan that’s both impactful and sustainable. Spoiler alert. This is what I help my members do in the email growth club. I have just launched a new version of the club, of the membership, and this is why. This is one of the biggest pieces, because I don’t want people sitting back, not taking action on email, and not being ahead of the curve when these changes happen. We need to send more emails. So how do we do that in a way that sounds like us, that feels really good, without overwhelming our audience? That is what I’m here to help with.
Kylie Kelly [00:06:10]:
Because in a world of fleeting posts and changing algorithms, email marketing isn’t just your safety net, it’s your secret weapon for growth in 2025. But you need to do it right. You need to be ahead of the curve of the trends, of the changes that we’re going to see as more people turn away from social and turn towards email marketing. So that is the prediction for 2025, the big shift. We know that email gives us more visibility. It’s seen by more people, lives longer in the inbox, and builds more trust. It’s kind of a no brainer to make sure that we’re growing and email full of our ideal clients whether we’re on social or not. Now, let’s talk about messaging.
Kylie Kelly [00:06:48]:
Because if there’s one thing that can make or break your email strategy it’s this, personalization matters more than ever. So because people will be sending more emails, we wanna make sure that we’re sending the right emails to the right people. Right? We’re looking after and respecting our subscribers. How do we do that? We segment our audience. Stop sending blanket emails to everyone and start creating targeted messages that speak directly to the person on the other end. And we also need to get real. Of course, I love productivity tools like Chativity. Saves me so much time every week as a solo business owner.
Kylie Kelly [00:07:24]:
But with the prevalence of AI tools, people can sniff out generic one size fits all scripts from a mile away. Your audience craves you, craves authenticity. They want to feel like your email was written just for them. So, this is how we make our messaging magnetic. We speak to their pain points. We show them that we fucking get it. And then we show them how we can solve it. We be ourselves.
Kylie Kelly [00:07:47]:
We write how we speak. And we bring our personality into every word. I’m going to link a past episode with Marisa Corcoran in the show notes below. She talked a lot about our accessories closet and the words that we use and how we can actually bring our personality out in really easy ways. I think it’s going to be worth listening to if this is something that you want to focus on in 2025. And then lastly, we need to stay clear and strategic to make sure our messaging is magnetic. Don’t over complicate it. Make it really easy for your subscribers to say, yes, this is exactly what I need.
Kylie Kelly [00:08:23]:
Now, one of the best things about email marketing is that the data doesn’t lie. Right? We can’t hide from our open rates, our click rates, and which topics and calls to actions are resonating with our email list. This data is pure gold. It tells you what’s working, what’s not, and where you need to tweak and pivot. So a little pro tip, different audiences perform differently. So knowing your numbers is essential. Use that insight to fine tune your strategy and give your audience exactly what they need. So my prediction for 2025 when it comes to data and messaging is that you need to make it personal or you’re going to miss out.
Kylie Kelly [00:08:56]:
Because here’s the truth, audiences are getting more discerning. They’re smart. Right? Generic emails won’t cut it anymore, and you might see conversion rates start to drop if you’re not connecting on a personal level. Level. But don’t let it scare you. Let it motivate you to step up and focus on emails that feel personal, real and human. Lean on your data to guide your strategy and build deeper connections. In 2025, this year, data will continue to be the driving force behind what works and what doesn’t.
Kylie Kelly [00:09:23]:
The brands that pay attention and use it to create connection driven content are the ones that are going to win out. The next thing I want to talk about was speaking to different types of buyers. So here’s the tip, your audience isn’t a one size fits all. You’ve heard me talk about that already multiple times. You’ve got buyers in all different stages of their journey. Some are ready right now to hit buy. Others need a little more nurturing. And some of them, they’re just browsing the fucking shelves, curious about what you offer.
Kylie Kelly [00:09:50]:
That’s okay. It’s our job to craft emails that speak to every single kind of buyer, to speak to all of them. When you can tailor your messaging to meet buyers where they are, you’re showing them something powerful. You see them, you hear them, and you understand what they need. And guess what? When people feel like you’re talking directly to them, they’re way more likely to take action. So my prediction for this year is personalization is going to become the new standard. This year audience specific messaging is going to be everything. Gone are the days of tossing all your subscribers into the same sales sequence or funnel and hoping for the best.
Kylie Kelly [00:10:26]:
That approach, it actually doesn’t feel good now as a subscriber on the other end. And it’s going to feel even worse as the buyer expectations evolve. So here’s where the magic happens. Start thinking about the customer journey right now. Your subscribers don’t need all the same thing. So stop treating them like they do. Instead, I want you to segment your audience into groups based on the stage in their journey. How do you do that? Ask them some questions, poll your audience, get them to vote, tag and segment them based on what they click on, on what they vote on.
Kylie Kelly [00:10:58]:
Start to do that now even in smaller sections so that going into this year you’re going to be able to really craft emails that resonate with each type of buyer. Whether they’re ready to buy now, whether they need nurturing, or whether they just want to learn more. And then I also want you to focus on connection. Make every email feel personal, intentional, and aligned with their needs. Yes. You can still use email templates. That’s okay. They still have a place here.
Kylie Kelly [00:11:23]:
But I want you to make sure that you’re doing everything that you can to personalize that template so that it feels you’ve written it just for that person that’s reading it. So that they feel connected. So that they feel seen. So that they feel heard. So that they feel that you know exactly what they need. The goal here is to make your subscribers feel seen, heard, and loved every step of the fucking way. And when you can do that, then the conversions will follow. This year is all about stepping up your email game, thinking deeper about your customer journey, and showing up in a way that makes your audience really excited to hear from you.
Kylie Kelly [00:11:58]:
So I know that was a lot. How do you make email marketing your top priority in 2025? Here are 3 simple steps to get started. Number 1, I want you to create a lead magnet, a free resource that speaks directly to your ideal audience and starts growing your list. If you haven’t started growing your list or you have a small list and you need more eyes, more people, more ideal clients on there, please don’t sleep on this. Let’s get that thing rocking and rolling. And if you need support the email growth club is where you need to be. I’ll put the link in the show notes. Come and join the membership and let me help you grow your email list full of the right people.
Kylie Kelly [00:12:38]:
Then secondly, if you have an email list that is humming, that is doing really well, I want you to make sure that you’ve mapped out a simple welcome sequence to make a strong first impression with new subscribers. I want you to make sure in that first email, that delivery email where they’re signing up and they’re hearing from you, that very first email that they get, I want you to ask them a question and get them to click on a anchor link or vote on a poll so that you can start to segment them from that very first interaction that you have. Data is power. Information is power. The more we can have when it comes to who’s on our list and what kind of buyer they are, the better content you’re going to be able to send them. So map out that simple welcome sequence. Or if you already have one, go to that first delivery email and make sure that you are asking them a question or getting them to click on a link or vote in a poll and tagging and segmenting them and getting that data about where they are in their customer journey. And then lastly, I want you to commit to sending at least one valuable email each week to nurture your audience and build trust.
Kylie Kelly [00:13:41]:
Like I said, this year there’s going to be more people sending emails than ever. So yes, ideally I want you to be sending more than 1 email a week. However, if you were not doing that now. If you are not comfortable doing that now, if you are feeling afraid to send more than 1 email a week, if you’re not consistent, get consistent first. Email marketing, my loves, is your ticket to stability, scalability, and deeper connections with your audience. Hence why I’m so fucking passionate about it. It’s not just another strategy. It’s the foundation of a sustainable business.
Kylie Kelly [00:14:12]:
I hope that you found this episode helpful. I know that there was a lot in it. If you need to listen to it again and take notes, please do. And if you’re ready to make 2025 your email year, please check out the Email Growth Club. It’s the ultimate membership to help you grow your list, nurture your audience, and then make email marketing work for you. The link is in the show notes, as I mentioned. And don’t forget, please hit reply on any of my emails. Here’s to making 2025 your most impactful year yet.
Kylie Kelly [00:14:39]:
Thank you again for tuning in to The Email Growth Show. I have so much love for all of you. I’m cheering you on, and let’s make this year one to remember. Alright, my loves. I will see you next week. Thank you so much for tuning into this episode of The Email Growth Show. I hope you found valuable insights into the next steps you can take to grow your email list and boost your business without relying on social media or paid ads. If you enjoy this episode, please take a moment to rate and review the show and share it with others.
Kylie Kelly [00:15:08]:
Your feedback helps me reach more female entrepreneurs just like you, who are ready to say goodbye to social media and leverage email marketing to grow their business and make a bigger impact. Thank you so much for listening and I’ll see you in the next episode.
