Email Marketing

Explore email marketing strategies, tips, and tools to create engaging campaigns, optimize autoresponders, and boost conversions for your business.

After 20+ Years Online, I Think We Quit Too Soon

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Online marketer at a crossroads choosing steady progress over constantly starting over

Hello!

One thing I’ve noticed after more than 20 years online is that marketers are really good at starting things.

Sticking with them?

That’s a little harder.

There’s always something new competing for our attention.

A new program. A new traffic source. A new page. A new strategy.

And lately, of course, a new AI tool every five minutes.

I’m certainly not immune to it.

But the longer I do this, the more I think constantly moving on to the next thing can keep us from learning what actually works.

There’s a Difference Between Testing and Starting Over

I test things all the time.

But testing only teaches you something if you give the test a chance to produce useful information.

Let’s say you send an email and don’t get the response you hoped for.

Next time you change the subject line, rewrite the email, promote a different page, and use a different traffic source.

Maybe the next mailing does better.

Great.

But what did you learn?

Was it the subject line?

The email?

The page?

The audience?

You really don’t know.

Sometimes the boring approach—doing something consistently and paying attention—is where the useful information comes from.

My Safelist Experiment Reminded Me of This

My Safelist Attention Project started with a pretty simple question:

Are people actually paying attention to the pages they’re clicking?

I could have run the experiment for a few days, looked at the first batch of numbers, and moved on.

Instead, I kept going.

That’s when it got interesting.

I started seeing differences between traffic volume and attention.

Some smaller traffic sources produced surprisingly strong engagement.

Repeated exposure started showing patterns of its own.

And eventually I was looking at things I hadn’t even thought to measure when I started.

None of that would have happened if I had looked at the first few hundred visits and decided I already had my answer.

Sometimes People Need to See Something Again

That experiment also changed the way I think about advertising.

It’s easy to assume that if somebody sees an ad and doesn’t click, the ad failed.

But people don’t always respond the first time.

Or the second.

Sometimes something has to become familiar before it becomes interesting.

I explored that more in How Many Times Do People See an Ad Before They Actually Click?.

That doesn’t mean you should run a bad ad forever.

It just means that replacing something because it didn’t produce an immediate result may be a little premature.

Persistence Isn’t the Same as Being Stubborn

Of course, some things really don’t work.

Some programs die.

Some traffic sources stop producing.

Some offers just aren’t very good.

There’s nothing wrong with walking away when the evidence tells you to.

But I think there’s a big difference between quitting because something isn’t working…

…and quitting because something newer caught your attention.

I’ve probably done plenty of both over the years.

These days, I try to know which one I’m doing.

Give It Enough Time to Teach You Something

When I try something now, I’m less interested in whether it immediately hits a home run.

I want to know what happened.

Who responded?

What didn’t happen?

Did anything surprise me?

Would the result look different if I kept going?

You can’t answer many of those questions if you keep changing everything.

That may be one of the biggest differences between how I approached Internet marketing when I started and how I approach it today.

I don’t feel nearly as much pressure to chase every new thing.

Sometimes the better move is to keep doing what you’re already doing…

and pay closer attention.

Thanks for reading,

Jerry

P.S. Before you abandon something you’re working on, ask yourself one question:

Has it really failed, or have I just not given it enough time to teach me anything yet?

Why Some Ads Make You Curious Enough To Click

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Person sitting at a desk staring toward a glowing keyhole surrounded by question marks representing curiosity and hidden opportunities in advertising

One thing I’ve been thinking about lately is how often curiosity is probably the real reason people click on ads online.

Not necessarily because they’re ready to buy something.

Not because they fully understand the offer.

But because something about the ad creates a tiny little mental itch that makes them want to know more.

I notice this happening to myself all the time.

Sometimes I’ll scroll past hundreds of ads without thinking twice.

Then suddenly one catches my attention.

Not because it explained everything perfectly.

Not because it had the most impressive claims.

But because it made me curious.

There was some missing piece that my brain suddenly wanted to fill in.

And I think that feeling is a much bigger part of online advertising than most people realize.

Curiosity Creates Mental Tension

The interesting thing about curiosity is that it creates a kind of tension in your mind.

Once people feel like there’s something they almost understand, they naturally want closure.

They want the missing piece.

That’s why people click headlines.
That’s why people watch the next video.
That’s why people keep scrolling through comment sections.
That’s why cliffhangers work so well in movies and TV shows.

The brain doesn’t really like unfinished information.

It wants resolution.

And good advertising often taps into that feeling in subtle ways.

Why Clickbait Works

This is also why clickbait became such a massive thing online.

Clickbait is basically curiosity pushed to the extreme.

“You won’t believe what happened next.”
“This one weird trick.”
“Doctors hate him.”
“The secret they don’t want you to know.”

A lot of clickbait works because it creates an information gap.

You feel like there’s something important being hidden from you.

The problem is that clickbait often creates artificial curiosity without delivering anything meaningful afterward.

That’s why people eventually get frustrated with it.

The curiosity itself isn’t the problem.

The disappointment is.

The Difference Between Curiosity and Confusion

I think this is where a lot of marketers accidentally go wrong.

Some ads create curiosity.

Other ads just create confusion.

Those are not the same thing.

If an ad is too vague, people don’t become curious.

They become suspicious.

Or annoyed.

Or they simply move on because they have no idea what they’re even looking at.

But if an ad gives people just enough information to understand the general idea while still leaving something unresolved, curiosity starts kicking in naturally.

That balance is incredibly important.

This Happens Extremely Fast Online

I think this is even more important today because people process ads incredibly fast now.

Especially in places like safelists and traffic exchanges.

People are scanning constantly.

Split-second decisions.

Most ads barely get a moment of attention before somebody moves on to the next thing.

Which means curiosity often has to happen almost instantly.

Sometimes it’s just a phrase.
Sometimes it’s the tone.
Sometimes it’s a strange image.
Sometimes it’s simply the feeling that there’s more to the story.

But when curiosity appears, people pause.

And that pause matters.

Sometimes Saying Less Creates More Interest

One thing I’ve noticed over the years is that ads sometimes become weaker when they explain too much upfront.

If people already feel like they fully understand everything immediately, there’s often no reason to continue.

No reason to click.
No reason to explore.
No reason to learn more.

That doesn’t mean you should hide what you’re promoting.

It just means there’s a difference between:

  • explaining something
    and
  • exhausting all curiosity about it

The best ads often leave a little bit of space for the imagination to participate.

Final Thoughts

The more I think about it, the more I believe curiosity is probably one of the biggest forces behind clicks online.

Not hype.
Not pressure.
Not giant promises.

Curiosity.

That natural desire to resolve something unfinished.

And I think the best ads usually understand this intuitively.

They don’t force people to click.

They simply create a strong enough feeling that people want to know what comes next.

What Makes Someone Actually Click?

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Row of envelopes with one glowing envelope standing out, representing what makes people clic

I was looking through a list of ads in my inbox the other day.

Just scanning through them the way most people do.

And honestly… not many of them made me want to click.

That’s not unusual.

But it got me thinking.

What actually makes someone click?

First, You Have to Get Noticed

Before anything else happens, an ad has to get your attention.

If it blends in with everything else, it doesn’t matter how good the idea is.

It never gets seen.

One thing I noticed while scrolling is how similar most ads look.

Same kinds of words.
Same kinds of promises.
Same overall feel.

After a while, your brain just filters them out.

The Ones That Stood Out

The ads that caught my attention weren’t necessarily better.

They were just… different.

They didn’t look like typical ads.

They didn’t lead with the usual words like:

– exciting
– opportunity
– viral
– bonus
– launch

Instead, they felt a little more natural.

Almost like something I’d actually want to read.

That alone was enough to make me pause for a second.

Attention Comes First. Curiosity Comes Second.

A lot of people talk about curiosity like it’s the main thing.

And it is important.

But it’s not the first step.

Curiosity only happens after you’ve already stopped scrolling.

If your ad doesn’t get noticed, nobody ever gets curious.

That’s the part that’s easy to miss.

The Moment Something Feels Different

The ads that made me want to click had one thing in common.

They didn’t immediately feel like ads.

They felt like something slightly unexpected.

Something that made me think:

“What is this?”

That moment is where curiosity starts.

It Still Has to Be Relevant

Even if something gets your attention, you’re not going to click it unless it connects with you in some way.

Most ads in my inbox were promoting the same types of things:

– traffic
– opportunities
– systems

And after seeing enough of those, they all start to feel the same.

But every once in a while, something shows up that promises something a little different.

Sometimes it’s something I didn’t even realize I was interested in until I saw it.

Those are the ones that get clicks.

What This Means

If I had to break it down simply, it looks like this:

– first, it gets noticed
– then, it creates curiosity
– then, it connects

Most ads try to skip straight to the last part.

But if the first two steps don’t happen, nothing else matters.

Final Thoughts

Looking through that inbox was a good reminder.

People aren’t sitting there waiting to click your ad.

They’re scanning.

They’re filtering.

They’re ignoring most of what they see.

If you want someone to click, you don’t just need a good idea.

You need a way to present that idea so it actually gets noticed first.

Then curiosity can do its job.

Avoid These Common Email Marketing Mistakes

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Email marketing remains one of the most effective ways to connect with your audience and drive conversions. However, even seasoned marketers can fall into traps that harm their campaigns. In this guide, we’ll explore the most common email marketing mistakes and how to avoid them, so your emails always deliver results.

1. Not Personalizing Your Emails

Generic emails feel cold and impersonal, leading to lower engagement rates. Use personalization to address subscribers by name and tailor content to their interests.

Pro Tip: If you’re using safelists, remember to include personalized subject lines and calls-to-action. Check out Maximizing Engagement: The Art of Email Crafting in Safelist Marketing for detailed tips.

2. Sending Too Many or Too Few Emails

Finding the right balance is critical. Bombarding your subscribers with emails can lead to unsubscribes, while infrequent messages can cause them to forget about you.

Solution: Develop a consistent email schedule that keeps your audience engaged without overwhelming them.

3. Ignoring Mobile Optimization

Over half of all emails are opened on mobile devices. If your emails aren’t optimized for smaller screens, you risk losing a significant portion of your audience.

What to Do:

  • Use responsive design.
  • Ensure buttons and links are easy to tap.
  • Preview your emails on different devices before sending.

4. Neglecting to Segment Your List

Sending the same email to your entire list is a missed opportunity. Different subscribers have different needs, so segment your list based on factors like behavior, demographics, or preferences.

Example: Create separate segments for safelist users and traffic exchange marketers to send targeted content that resonates with each group.

5. Writing Weak Subject Lines

The subject line is the first thing your audience sees. A dull or misleading subject line can result in your email being ignored or marked as spam.

How to Fix It: Write compelling, curiosity-piquing subject lines. For inspiration, check out How to Write Winning Safelist Email Ads.

6. Not Testing Before Sending

Sending emails without testing them first can lead to formatting issues, broken links, or other mistakes that hurt your credibility.

Solution:

  • Test emails on multiple devices and email clients.
  • Double-check links, images, and personalization tokens.

7. Failing to Provide Value

If your emails are purely promotional, subscribers will tune out. Make sure you’re offering value, whether through tips, exclusive offers, or helpful resources.

Example: Share links to valuable blog posts like Lead Magnets for Safelists.

8. Ignoring Analytics

If you’re not tracking your email campaigns, you’re missing out on valuable insights. Analytics can help you understand what’s working and where you need to improve.

Key Metrics to Track:

  • Open rates.
  • Click-through rates (CTR).
  • Unsubscribes and spam complaints.

9. Skipping a Call-to-Action (CTA)

Every email should have a clear purpose and a strong call-to-action. Whether you’re asking subscribers to read a blog post, join a program, or make a purchase, the CTA should be compelling and easy to follow.

Final Thoughts

Avoiding these common email marketing mistakes will help you build stronger relationships with your audience and achieve better results. By personalizing your emails, providing value, and staying consistent, you’ll see your campaigns thrive.

From Prospect to Customer: The Stages of an Effective Email Funnel

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Email funnel stages guide – Turning prospects into customers.

In the world of email marketing, stages of an effective email funnel are the essential steps that transform curious prospects into loyal customers. Unlike one-off email blasts, a well-structured email funnel guides subscribers through a journey, starting with an enticing lead magnet and ending with meaningful conversions.

This guide will show you how to craft an effective email funnel for safelists, traffic exchanges, or direct opt-ins. Whether you’re capturing leads or nurturing long-term relationships, understanding the stages of an email funnel is key to achieving success.

Stage 1: Attraction and Capture

Attracting and capturing leads is the foundation of any effective email funnel. This stage sets the tone for your entire campaign.

  • Create a High-Value Lead Magnet: Offer an ebook, checklist, or quick-start guide that aligns with your audience’s interests. For safelist marketers, a resource like “10 Steps to Double Your Click Rates” can be highly effective.
  • Design a Compelling Opt-In Form: Use strong, benefit-focused language like “Get Instant Access” to encourage sign-ups.
  • Communicate a Clear Value Proposition: Highlight exactly what subscribers will gain, such as “Boost your email results in just 7 days.”

Once prospects opt in, they’re primed for the next stage in your funnel.

Stage 2: The Welcome Email

The welcome email is the first interaction in your email funnel stages, and it’s critical for setting expectations and building trust.

  • Warm Greeting: Open with a friendly tone to make subscribers feel valued.
  • Introduce Yourself: Share your expertise and explain how your content will benefit them.
  • Reiterate the Value Proposition: Remind them why they signed up and what they’ll gain from your emails.
  • Include a Soft Call-to-Action: Link to your blog or offer a bonus resource as an additional value add.

This email establishes the connection and lays the groundwork for future engagement.

Stage 3: Building Interest with Engaging Content

In this stage of the effective email funnel, your goal is to maintain subscriber interest by delivering actionable insights and helpful tips.

  • Provide Actionable Advice: Share quick wins, like improving safelist email subject lines for better open rates.
  • Address Pain Points: Discuss common challenges, such as low engagement rates, and offer practical solutions.
  • Share Examples and Insights: Use real-life success stories or case studies to build credibility.

By consistently delivering value, you position yourself as a trusted authority in your niche.

Stage 4: Guiding Toward Action (Soft Sell)

Introduce solutions subtly while maintaining a focus on the subscriber’s needs. This stage bridges the gap between value delivery and product promotion.

  • Soft CTAs: Encourage further exploration with links like, “Discover more strategies here.”
  • Highlight Benefits: Frame your product or service as a solution to their pain points, focusing on results rather than features.
  • Incorporate Social Proof: Include testimonials or success stories to build credibility.

This approach keeps your funnel conversational and non-salesy, guiding subscribers naturally toward taking action.

Stage 5: The Offer

The offer email is where your stages of an effective email funnel culminate in a direct pitch.

  • Create a High-Impact Offer: Showcase your product or service as a must-have solution, emphasizing key benefits.
  • Add Urgency: Encourage quick action with limited-time discounts or bonuses.
  • Clear Call-to-Action: Use direct language like “Claim Your Offer Now” to drive conversions.

A compelling offer paired with trust-building efforts leads to higher success rates.

Stage 6: Follow-Up for Loyalty and Conversions

Even after making an offer, your email funnel stages continue. Follow-ups are essential for converting hesitant subscribers and nurturing new customers.

  • Send Reminders: Gently remind subscribers about the offer with additional benefits or bonuses.
  • Nurture New Customers: Provide onboarding emails that help them maximize the value of your product or service.
  • Gradually Introduce New Offers: Once trust is established, offer complementary products or services.

Building loyalty ensures your funnel delivers long-term results.

Conclusion

An effective email funnel isn’t just a series of emails—it’s a journey that builds trust, provides value, and guides subscribers toward conversion. By carefully structuring each stage, you can turn prospects into loyal customers while keeping them engaged long after the initial purchase.

For more detailed strategies, check out my book, Autoresponder Profit System, where I share step-by-step techniques for building and monetizing email lists effectively.