How To Get Email Marketing Clients

Introduction.

Email marketing remains one of the most effective ways for businesses to connect with their audience.

With a return on investment (ROI) that can be as high as $36 for every $1 spent, it’s no surprise that companies are increasingly looking for experts to manage and optimize their email strategies.

For marketing professionals and freelancers, the big question is: how do you find those clients who value email marketing and are willing to pay for your expertise?

Getting email marketing clients can feel intimidating at first. You might worry about competition or think that only seasoned marketers have a chance.

But the reality is, businesses of all sizes need email marketing help—whether it’s to grow their subscriber lists, create engaging newsletters, or improve open and click-through rates.

So if you know your stuff, there are opportunities out there. This guide will walk you through practical ways to find clients and help them see the value you bring to the table.

The Importance of Finding Email Marketing Clients

I can’t stress enough how crucial email marketing is in today’s digital landscape. Research consistently shows that email is more effective than social media when it comes to conversions.

People who buy products marketed through email spend 138% more than those who don’t receive email offers.

And given that nearly 4.3 billion people are expected to use email by 2024, there’s a massive market for email marketing services.

If you’re ready to carve out a piece of that market, understanding how to attract and secure clients is essential. Whether you’re a freelance marketer, an agency, or a business owner expanding your service offerings, this article will guide you through the best ways to gain traction, even if you’re just starting.

How Do I Get Email Marketing Clients?

1. Show Off Your Expertise.

The first thing any prospective client will want to know is if you have the skills to back up your claims. One way to showcase this is through your own email marketing efforts.

Make sure your portfolio or website includes a section dedicated to successful campaigns you’ve managed.

Use case studies, sample newsletters, and screenshots of improved metrics to demonstrate your impact.

Even if you’re new to the game, consider creating mock email campaigns for fictional companies to illustrate your design and strategic skills. Or offer to manage a campaign for a friend’s business in exchange for a testimonial.

2. Leverage LinkedIn.

LinkedIn is a goldmine for networking with potential clients. Start by optimizing your profile to highlight your email marketing skills. Post content that showcases your expertise, like tips on increasing open rates or recent email marketing trends.

You can also join groups where business owners are looking for marketing advice, participate in discussions, and answer questions.

Sending personalized connection requests can also be effective. When reaching out, be genuine and don’t go straight into a sales pitch.

Engage with their content first, and once you’ve established a connection, you can mention how your email marketing services could benefit them.

3. Use Cold Emailing.

While it might seem ironic to use email to get email marketing clients, cold emailing can be incredibly effective.

However, the key is to make your emails personalized and relevant. Do your research on each company you reach out to, and tailor your message to their specific needs.

A well-crafted cold email can show that you’re not just another generic marketer but someone who has put thought into their challenges and how to address them.

Example opening lines:

• “I noticed your latest product launch announcement on Instagram and thought of a few email strategies to amplify your reach.”
• “I read your recent blog post on [topic], and it inspired some ideas on how email marketing could further engage your audience.”

4. Network in Marketing Communities.

There are tons of online communities where marketers, entrepreneurs, and business owners hang out. Platforms like Facebook Groups, Reddit, or even Slack channels can be great places to share insights and answer questions.

Don’t just promote your services; instead, focus on adding value. People will remember you for your helpful advice and be more likely to reach out when they need email marketing help.

5. Offer a Free Audit.

Sometimes, the best way to land a client is to give them a taste of what you can do. Offering a free email marketing audit can be a win-win.

You analyze their current campaigns, provide suggestions for improvement, and highlight areas where they’re leaving money on the table.

This not only shows your expertise but also provides immediate value to the client.

Pros and Cons of Different Approaches

1. Cold Emailing
   • Pros: Direct and scalable; allows for a personal touch.
   • Cons: Can be time-consuming and may come across as spam if not done right.
2. Networking in Communities
   • Pros: Builds relationships and creates a sense of trust.
   • Cons: Takes longer to yield results; requires consistent participation.
3. Offering Free Audits
   • Pros: Demonstrates value upfront; great for converting hesitant clients.
   • Cons: Potentially time-consuming and may not always convert to paid work.

FAQ

1. How long does it take to get your first client?

It varies. Some marketers land their first client within a week or two by leveraging their existing network, while others might take a couple of months using cold outreach or building their brand on platforms like LinkedIn.

2. Do I need to have a huge portfolio?

No, but you should have something to show. Even if it’s a few well-done mockups or a successful campaign you ran for a small client, it’s better than nothing. Quality trumps quantity.

3. How much should I charge for email marketing services?

Pricing can depend on your experience, the scope of the project, and industry standards. Freelancers typically charge anywhere from $300 to $2,500 per month for ongoing email services. Make sure to factor in the complexity of the campaigns and the value you bring.

4. What if a client asks for results I can’t guarantee?

Be transparent. Marketing results, especially with email, depend on many factors. You can discuss typical outcomes and share past success stories but never promise specific numbers like a 50% open rate unless you know it’s achievable.

Conclusion

Landing email marketing clients is part art, part science. It requires a mix of showcasing your skills, building meaningful connections, and offering value before asking for anything in return.

While there’s no one-size-fits-all strategy, consistent effort and a genuine passion for email marketing will set you apart.

What strategies have worked for you so far in attracting clients? Or, if you’re just getting started, which approach do you think you’ll try first?