The internet is filled with billions of internet users worldwide. According to Statista, as of July 2023, there are more than 5.19 billion internet users worldwide, which amounts to 64.6 percent of the global population.
Of the total internet users, 4.88 billion are social media users, making them 59.9 % of the global population. Similarly, according to Statista, there are 4.37 billion email users worldwide.
Hence, despite the evident popularity and influence of social media platforms in our lives, the number of email users is also fiercely running at the same pace as social media users. So, if you think email marketing is just a fad, know that it is going nowhere and is here to stay for long.
This brings us to the real question: Email Marketing or Social Media Marketing? Let’s dig deeper into this question and find out the clear winner, shall we?
Is Email Marketing Still Relevant?
Over the past few years, there has been a surge in social media visitors on the internet, which has grown exponentially. Hence, it is quite obvious that social media is no fad either.
Social Media is just another channel similar to email, and businesses must utilize both channels in their marketing effort to reach their preferred audience and maximize conversions.
With the boost in social media channels, traditional emails may seem outdated. However, email marketing is still alive and kicking while being a persuasive marketing channel. Because when it comes to email marketing, sending out personalized emails gives personalized results.
Personalization is key to effective marketing of your products and services. Even internet users would agree that an email is more personal to them than a random post on social media. And when customers can relate to your emails, they are more likely to convert.
Moreover, email marketing lets you easily segment your audience based on their preferences, demographics, age, and purchasing behavior, unlike social media marketing, wherein you are supposed to share content with everyone.
Hence, to answer your question, yes, email marketing is very much relevant and will continue to be so for several years down the line.
The Influence of Social Media Marketing
The number of social media users surpasses the total number of email users. Furthermore, social media platforms certainly hold the upper hand when it comes to the engagement factor, which is crucial to maintain your brand awareness and reach. Social Media can get your brand viral and build reach in real-time.
Also, let’s not forget that GenZ and millennials rule the internet in the current times. Hence, if your target audience is especially youth and the young generation, then without a doubt, social media should be your foremost choice.
Additionally, social media marketing has the upper hand if you are a brand looking to create a brand identity in the digital space. Social Media Marketing contributes to establishing a unique identity for your brand.
By sharing your brand and product information and logos and expressing values associated with your brand, you will be able to reach your target audience and create a loyal community whose values align with your brand’s values. Creating a trusting and reliable customer base is not something email marketing can do.
Comparing Key Metrics
Varied Marketing Goals
Every business has a unique marketing goal, depending upon which the most effective strategies are chosen. For instance, if the business aims to drive immediate sales, email marketing may be a better choice due to its high conversion rates. Similarly, social media marketing is an ideal choice to increase awareness and reach for your brand.
Varied Cost and ROI rates
Both email and social media marketing are cost-effective strategies; however, the cost structure and return on investment (ROI) may vary. Businesses should analyze the costs incurred for email marketing, such as email service provider fees and advertising budgets for social media marketing, and compare them with the respective ROI.
Varied Targeting Options
Email Marketing offers advanced targeting options that allow businesses to segment their audience based on specific criteria. Social Media Marketing offers fewer targeting options than an email platform. Hence, businesses must decide the importance of targeting in their marketing strategy to make an informed decision.
Varied scope for engagement
Social Media platforms allow businesses and brands to foster engagement and build relationships through direct interactions. At the same time, emails allow for a more direct and personalized approach. Could you identify your marketing strategies and determine how you reach your audience that better aligns with your marketing goals? You can identify the marketing platform that best serves your brand or business.
Wrapping Up
It is time to reveal the clear winner between Email Marketing and Social Media Marketing. The clear winner is undoubtedly Email Marketing for a business looking to reach a more professional and targeted audience and is more focused on maximizing conversions.
Similarly, the clear winner is definitely Social Media Marketing if you are a business looking to create brand awareness and connect with a community by showcasing business personality, values, and unique selling points.
In conclusion, the choice between Email and Social Media Marketing depends solely on the specific marketing goals and targeting choices of the particular business. However, a well-rounded marketing strategy includes a balanced blend of elements between email and social media marketing.