When it comes to marketing, Neil Patel needs no introduction. If you’re serious about scaling your business or personal brand, you’ve likely stumbled across his name—and for good reason. As one of the true OGs of digital marketing, Neil has been at the forefront of the industry for years, and he’s seen every trend come and go. But amidst all the talk about AI, social media, and chatbots, one thing remains crystal clear: email marketing still rules.
So, I had to ask: Neil, is email marketing still relevant today?
His answer? “Absolutely. Email marketing is still one of the most powerful tools out there, and it’s only growing.”
Why email is still king
Let’s face it: in a world where everyone is chasing TikTok virality and Instagram likes, email marketing might seem like the old guy at the party. But here’s the kicker—it still has the highest ROI of any marketing channel out there.
Neil hit the nail on the head when he said:
“The problem isn’t that email marketing is outdated; it’s that people aren’t adapting to the new technology.”
Neil Patel
Co-Founder at Neil Patel Digital
He’s referring to innovations like AMP technology, which allows users to take action (like making a purchase) without ever leaving their inbox.
Imagine your customer selecting a product, choosing the size, and clicking “buy” right inside their email—no more redirects, no extra steps. That’s frictionless buying, and it’s a game-changer.
How to evolve your email strategy (So you don’t fall behind)
Here’s where most people get it wrong: they’re still using the same email tactics that worked 10 years ago, but today’s consumers want more. They don’t want generic, one-size-fits-all messages—they want personalized, relevant content.
Neil emphasized the importance of segmentation:
You can’t blast the same message to your entire list and expect great results. You’ve got to send the right message to the right person.
And he’s spot on. Email isn’t just a tool for blasting promotions—it’s a way to build real relationships with your audience.
So, how do you keep your email strategy fresh? Here’s the formula:
1. Treat email as the hub of your marketing strategy
Your email list isn’t just another channel; it’s the foundation of your entire marketing ecosystem. Whether you’re running a podcast, a YouTube channel, or an e-commerce store, everything should funnel back to your email list. You own that relationship. You’re not at the mercy of an algorithm deciding how many people see your content (looking at you, Instagram).
Pro Tip: Make it a habit to drop email sign-up CTAs into every piece of content you create—videos, blog posts, social media captions. It’s not a “nice-to-have” anymore; it’s essential.
2. Leverage AMP to make emails interactive
We live in a fast-paced world, and consumers want convenience. AMP technology lets your audience take action without leaving their inbox. That’s the future of email marketing, and if you’re not using it, you’re missing out.
Think about this: What if your customer could select a product, pick the color, and make a purchase—all within the email? That’s not futuristic—it’s happening now. And it’s a frictionless experience that can seriously boost your conversion rates.
3. Segment, Segment, Segment
Sending one generic message to your entire list is a missed opportunity. Your audience is diverse, and their needs are too. Break your list down into segments based on interests, behaviors, or even where they are in their buyer journey.
Neil is a big advocate of this: “When you send personalized, relevant content, your open rates and engagement will skyrocket.” And the data backs him up—personalized emails consistently deliver higher open and click-through rates compared to one-size-fits-all campaigns.
4. Consistency is everything
Here’s the harsh reality: if you’re not showing up consistently in your audience’s inbox, someone else will. But this doesn’t mean spamming them with “Buy Now!” emails every day. It’s about delivering value on a regular basis.
Here’s a tip: Think of your emails like conversations. Would you call someone only when you need a favor? Of course not! Your emails should offer something useful—whether it’s a tip, a free resource, or exclusive content.
5. Make your emails personal
Automation is great, but people still crave human connection. When you send an email, it should feel like it’s coming from a real person, not a faceless brand. One thing I always tell creators is: your emails should feel like you’re talking directly to a friend.
Neil and I are aligned on this—when your audience feels like they have a personal connection with you, they’ll stick around for the long haul.
Building a list: It’s not rocket science, but It takes strategy
So, how do you start building that list? If you’re not sure where to begin, here’s a step-by-step approach:
- Offer value: People won’t give up their email addresses for nothing. Offer something of value—whether that’s a free guide, exclusive content, or early access to your products.
- Promote it everywhere: Your email sign-up should be in every piece of content you create. Whether it’s a blog post, YouTube video, or Instagram bio, make sure your audience knows the benefits of signing up.
- Consistency is key: Don’t let your email list sit dormant. Send regular, valuable content that keeps your audience engaged. You don’t want people forgetting why they signed up in the first place.
- Use data to improve: Look at your open rates, click-through rates, and conversion rates. If something isn’t working, tweak it. Email marketing is part science, part art, and the more you learn, the better you get.
Engage & convert: Your guide to winning with email
Download the Engage & Convert ebook and discover data-driven strategies to dramatically boost engagement and drive revenue.
Ready to level up?
At the end of the day, Neil Patel’s advice is gold: email marketing isn’t just alive—it’s thriving. And with the right tools and strategy, you can leverage it to drive engagement, build relationships, and grow your business.
Want to make email marketing work for you? Check out GetResponse’s Content Monetization Tools. Whether you’re looking to build your email list, create automated funnels, or turn your audience into paying customers, GetResponse has the tools to help you succeed.