Why Email Marketing Still Delivers One of the Best ROIs in 2025

With so many shiny new marketing tools at our fingertips—AI, TikTok, AR—you might think email marketing is a thing of the past. But here’s the truth: email is still one of the most effective and cost-efficient marketing channels available in 2025.

While social media algorithms fluctuate and ad costs rise, email remains a direct, reliable line of communication to your customers. If you’re not making email a key part of your marketing mix, you’re missing out on big opportunities to connect, convert, and retain.

At 39 North Marketing, we help small and mid-sized businesses turn email into one of their most valuable marketing assets. Here’s why it works—and how you can use it to grow your business.

1. The ROI Is Unmatched

According to recent data, email marketing delivers an average return on investment (ROI) of $36 to $42 for every $1 spent. That’s significantly higher than most other digital channels.

Why does it perform so well?

• You own your list (no dependency on third-party platforms)

• Messages go straight to the user’s inbox

• Email allows for deeper, more personal engagement than a social media post or quick ad

  
  

Pro Tip: The better your segmentation and personalization, the higher your ROI will climb.

2. It Nurtures Leads Automatically

Many business owners are focused on lead generation—but what happens next? That’s where email shines.

With an automated welcome series, nurture campaigns, or lead magnets, you can:

• Guide new leads through your sales funnel

• Educate them on your services or products

• Build trust over time without one-on-one follow-up

  
  

Whether you’re a real estate agency, contractor, medical office, or boutique, a well-crafted email series can be the difference between a lead going cold or converting.

3. Email Builds Long-Term Customer Relationships

Repeat customers spend more, refer others, and cost less to retain than to acquire. Email keeps your brand top-of-mind between purchases and creates more opportunities to:

• Upsell or cross-sell products/services

• Share helpful content

• Offer exclusive deals

• Collect reviews and testimonials

  
  

The key here is to provide consistent value—not just sell. Think of it as a conversation, not a billboard.

4. It’s Ideal for Segmentation and Personalization

Modern email platforms (like Klaviyo, Mailchimp, Constant Contact, and others) allow you to segment your audience by:

• Purchase history

• Location

• Behavior on your website

• Interests or service preferences

  
  

You can then send personalized content that speaks directly to what that segment needs.

Example:

• A landscaping company might send different emails to residential vs. commercial clients.

• A retail shop could highlight women’s apparel to one group and men’s accessories to another.

  
  

This kind of tailored messaging increases open rates, engagement, and conversion.

5. Email Pairs Perfectly With Other Channels

Email doesn’t have to work alone—it complements everything else you’re doing. Promote your:

• New blog posts or podcast episodes

• Seasonal sales or special events

• Social media contests or giveaways

• Customer stories and case studies

  
  

Use email to drive traffic to your website, boost engagement on social media, and amplify your campaigns across platforms.

6. You Can Start Small and Scale Easily

Email marketing is beginner-friendly. Even if you only have a list of 50 people, you can:

• Create a simple monthly newsletter

• Announce promotions or events

• Introduce yourself and your services

  
  

Then as your list grows, your strategy can evolve with it—adding automation, segmentation, A/B testing, and more.

Bonus: Unlike ads, email cost doesn’t scale dramatically with reach. Your monthly platform fee stays predictable.

7. It's Mobile-Friendly by Nature

Over 60% of email opens now happen on mobile devices—which means you’re reaching your audience in the palm of their hand.

With responsive templates and short-form copy, email is a natural fit for today’s always-on-the-go consumer. Whether they’re standing in line or scrolling before bed, your message gets seen.

Simple Ways to Level Up Your Email Marketing

Here are some quick improvements any business can make:

• Add an email opt-in form to your website and social media pages

• Use a lead magnet (like a guide, coupon, or checklist) to build your list

• Create a simple welcome series that introduces your brand

• Send consistent value-based content—not just sales promos

• Track open and click-through rates to see what’s working

  
  

And remember: the quality of your list matters more than the size. A small but engaged list can generate more business than a large one that never clicks.

Final Thoughts

In a world of ever-changing algorithms and fleeting trends, email marketing remains a timeless powerhouse. It’s personal. It’s trackable. And it works.

Whether you’re just starting out or looking to refresh your current strategy, 39 North Marketing can help you craft emails that people actually want to open—and act on.

Let’s connect and turn your inbox into a revenue-driving machine.