Email Marketing
Quick Definition
Email marketing is the practice of building a subscriber list and sending targeted emails — newsletters, promotions, automated sequences — to grow your audience, drive traffic, and generate sales from your WordPress site.
What Is Email Marketing?
Direct marketing channel: build subscriber list, send newsletters/promotions/automations. You own your list — unlike social media. $36 ROI per $1 spent.
Why It Matters for WordPress
- You own the list — no algorithm risk
- $36 ROI per $1 spent
- Direct inbox access
- Drives repeat traffic
- Automation (welcome sequences, cart recovery)
Popular Platforms
| Platform | Free Tier | Paid | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|
| Brevo | Unlimited contacts, 300/day | $9/mo | Budget, per-email pricing |
| Mailchimp | 500 contacts | $13/mo | Beginners |
| Kit | 10K subscribers | $25/mo | Creators, automation |
| MailPoet | 1K subscribers | $10/mo | Send from WordPress |
List Building
- Signup forms (sidebar, footer, after posts)
- Lead magnets (free PDF, checklist)
- Exit-intent popups (OptinMonster)
- Content upgrades
- WooCommerce checkout opt-in
WordPress Plugins
- MC4WP — Mailchimp connector. Our comparison
- Brevo — All-in-one email+SMS+CRM
- MailPoet — Newsletters from WP dashboard
- FluentCRM — Self-hosted, no SaaS fees
Why It Matters
Email converts 3-5x better than social. Start from day one.
Sources: Brevo, EmailToolTester
Related Terms
PluginA plugin is a package of code you install on your WordPress site to add new features or extend existing ones — like adding a contact form, improving SEO, or setting up an online store.SEOSEO (Search Engine Optimization) is the practice of optimizing your website so it ranks higher in search engine results like Google. Higher rankings mean more free, organic traffic to your WordPress site.WooCommerceWooCommerce is a free, open-source WordPress plugin that turns any WordPress site into a fully functional online store. It powers over 6.5 million stores worldwide and holds about 33% of the global e-commerce market share.
Related Articles
Best Email Marketing Plugins for WordPress (2026)Growing your email list is the smartest thing you can do for your WordPress site. I have tested dozens of email marketing plugins over the years — these 5 are the ones I actually recommend.How to Set Up Email for Your WordPress Site (Stop Emails Going to Spam)Your WordPress emails are probably going to spam right now. I've fixed this on hundreds of sites, and it takes about 10 minutes. Here's exactly how to set up SMTP so your contact forms, password resets, and notifications actually reach the inbox.How to Create an Online Store with WordPress & WooCommerce (Step by Step)I've built dozens of online stores over the past decade, and WooCommerce remains my go-to recommendation for anyone serious about selling online. In this step-by-step tutorial, I'll walk you through every click — from installing WooCommerce to processing your first test order.