Free guide ยท Email

Email marketing
the channel you actually own

How to build a list, which automations to set up first, how often to send, and how to stay POPIA-friendly while you do it.

Your email list is the audience
you do not have to rent.

Search rankings shift and social reach drops, but people who chose to hear from you are yours to keep.

Email works best when a few automations run in the background and you send campaigns only when you have something worth saying.

01Building a list

Get people to sign up

Give people a real reason to subscribe: something useful, not just a newsletter.

Sign-up ideas
Checklists and templates
Discounts or early access
Useful updates in your industry
A simple form on key pages
First automations
Welcome seriesIntroduce yourself and your best content.
Abandoned cart or enquiryNudge people who nearly finished.
Post-purchaseThank, review request, cross-sell.
Win-backRe-engage people who went quiet.
02Automations

Start with these flows

Automations are sent when someone does something. They run quietly and often do more than your campaigns.

03Doing it yourself

Campaigns people open

Write like a person, keep one clear purpose per email, and make sure it reads well on a phone.

Checklist
One message, one call to action
A subject line that says what is inside
Mobile-friendly layout
Test before sending
Track clicks, not just opens
The basics
Clear opt-in on forms
Easy unsubscribe in every email
Record when and how people joined
Do not buy lists
04POPIA

Stay on the right side of POPIA

Only email people who opted in or who are existing customers for similar products, make unsubscribing easy, and keep records of consent.

Frequently asked
questions

Which email platform should I use?

Choose one that matches your size and the integrations you need, such as your website or online shop. Most small businesses do not need the most expensive option.

How often should I email my list?

Only when you have something useful to say. For many businesses that is every two to four weeks, with automations doing the rest.

Is email marketing POPIA compliant?

It can be, if people opted in, can unsubscribe easily, and you keep records. Buying lists is not compliant.

Keep reading
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oonie teaches. NoGravy does.

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NoGravy works with a small number of businesses on growth strategy, including the automations that turn leads into customers.