Podcast Summary: “THE FIRST EMAIL MATTERS! Boosting Engagement & Deliverability”

Podcast Information:

• Title: Small Business Quick WINS w/ Jay Schwedelson Presented By Thryv
• Host: Jay Schwedelson, GURU Media Hub
• Description: A how-to podcast dedicated to empowering small business owners with actionable strategies and insights to foster business growth. Each episode delves into critical aspects of business expansion, leveraging behavioral science, decision-making, and effective marketing tactics to maximize success.

Introduction

In this episode titled “THE FIRST EMAIL MATTERS! Boosting Engagement & Deliverability,” host Jay Schwedelson emphasizes the pivotal role that the initial email interaction plays in sustaining long-term communication with customers. Presented by Thryv, a comprehensive business management platform, the discussion pivots around optimizing email marketing strategies to enhance engagement and ensure deliverability.

The Critical Role of the First Email

Speaker B (Jay Schwedelson) [01:13]:
"Over the last 25 years, I've grown multiple small businesses that have generated over $300 million in revenue. Along the way, I've learned pitfalls to avoid and quick wins that can transform your business immediately."

Jay introduces the concept that the first email sent to a new contact is not merely a courtesy but a foundational step that can dictate the future of customer relationship and communication efficacy.

Timing: The Importance of Speed

Speaker A [01:59]:
"If it takes longer than six hours, six hours for you to send that email after somebody gave you their information, the lifetime value of that contact for you to be able to communicate with them drops by over 200%."

Responding swiftly to customer inquiries is crucial. Delayed responses can lead to diminished interest and trust, significantly reducing the potential revenue from that contact. Jay underscores the necessity of sending the initial email within the first three hours to maximize engagement and revenue potential.

Common Pitfalls: Generic Autoresponder Emails

Speaker A [04:32]:
"And that is an epic failure. Why is that an epic failure, by the way? That's what everybody does."

Many businesses rely on standard autoresponders that offer nothing beyond a basic acknowledgment of the customer’s action. Jay labels this approach as a substantial failure because it misses the opportunity to engage the customer meaningfully right from the start.

Technical Implications: Email Deliverability

Speaker A [04:32]:
"If the person receiving that first email that you send opens up, that email, clicks on that email, the likelihood of your future emails staying in that person's inbox goes up by over 80%."

Engagement metrics such as open and click rates on the first email significantly influence the technical deliverability of future communications. Positive interactions with the first email signal to email service providers that the sender is trustworthy, thereby enhancing the chances of subsequent emails landing in the inbox rather than the spam folder.

Strategies for Crafting Effective First Emails

Crafting the Subject Line

Speaker A [04:32]:
"You need to put things in that subject line like thank you and VIP discount included or thank you. You got to see what's inside... you need to put something in that subject line to get that email opened."

A compelling subject line is paramount. Instead of mundane phrases like “Thank You” or “Confirmation,” incorporating enticing elements such as exclusive discounts or intriguing teasers can significantly boost open rates.

Content of the Email

Speaker A [04:32]:
"Once it does get opened, what is in there? Something awesome. Some cool new discount, Something cool, some piece of content that's amazing for them... future emails from this company are going to be interesting."

The email's content should deliver immediate value. Whether it’s a special discount, exclusive content, or valuable resources, the first email should leave the recipient eager for more, establishing a foundation of trust and interest.

Beyond the First Email: Building a Relationship

Speaker A [04:32]:
"The first few emails have to be total value. Not what's in it for you, the business owner, not what's in it for you, the marketer. What is in it for the recipient."

Following the initial email, subsequent communications should continue to provide genuine value rather than overt marketing pitches. This approach helps in nurturing the relationship, ensuring that recipients remain engaged and less likely to disengage or mark emails as spam.

Avoiding Repetitive Offers

Speaker A [04:32]:
"The fail that most businesses do is they immediately start pounding with offers. Great, you bought this thing... you inquired about this thing. Now we're going to send you offer after offer after offer. That is boring."

Bombarding new contacts with constant offers can lead to disengagement. Instead, a gradual and value-driven communication strategy fosters a more meaningful and sustained relationship with the customer.

Establishing a Technical and Relational Connection

Speaker A [04:32]:
"You're establishing that relationship and that person can get an understanding of is this stuff I want to interact with moving forward."

The initial interactions set the tone for the relationship. By prioritizing engagement and value, businesses ensure that their communications are anticipated and welcomed, thereby enhancing both deliverability and customer loyalty.

Conclusion and Final Recommendations

Speaker A [04:32]:
"In my opinion, there is no email that is more important that you will send than the very first email that you send to somebody. So prioritize that in any setup that you're doing."

Jay wraps up by reiterating the paramount importance of the first email in the email marketing strategy. Prioritizing its effectiveness can lead to improved engagement rates, better deliverability, and ultimately, higher revenue generation.

Notable Quotes

1. Jay Schwedelson [01:13]:
   "Over the last 25 years, I've grown multiple small businesses that have generated over $300 million in revenue."

2. Jay Schwedelson [01:59]:
   "If it takes longer than six hours to send that email after somebody gave you their information, the lifetime value of that contact drops by over 200%."

3. Jay Schwedelson [04:32]:
   "The first few emails have to be total value. Not what's in it for you, the business owner, not what's in it for you, the marketer. What is in it for the recipient."

4. Jay Schwedelson [04:32]:
   "In my opinion, there is no email that is more important that you will send than the very first email that you send to somebody."

Final Thoughts

This episode serves as a crucial reminder for small business owners about the intricate balance between promptness and value in email marketing. By focusing on crafting meaningful first interactions and sustaining a value-driven communication strategy, businesses can significantly enhance their engagement rates and ensure their messages consistently reach their audience.

For more actionable tips and insights, subscribe to Small Business Quick WINS and stay ahead in the competitive landscape with expert guidance from industry leaders.