Priority Level: 🔥 ESSENTIAL if you collect emails, 🚫 SKIP if you don't have a list yet
Email marketing is one of the highest-ROI channels for small businesses. But you need branded, professional-looking emails or people will delete them (or worse, mark them as spam).
🔥 ESSENTIAL priority
[ ] Email signature (HTML + plain text versions) - already covered this in print, but worth repeating: every email you send is branding. Do it well.
[ ] Welcome email template
Why it matters: Your welcome email gets the highest open rate of any email you'll ever send (50-60% average). Make it count. Introduce yourself, set expectations, and give them something valuable.
[ ] Promotional email template - medium priority for services
When you need it: Sales, launches, limited-time offers
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Tip: Don't make it too "designed." Plain-text emails often perform better than heavily branded HTML emails because they feel personal.
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[ ] Transactional email template (order confirmation, shipping notification)
Why it matters: Transactional emails get opened. Use them as branding opportunities (upsell related products, link to your socials, ask for reviews).
When you don't: Service-based businesses without ecommerce platforms.
âš¡ MEDIUM priority
[ ] Newsletter header image (600px wide max)
Why it matters: Branded header = instant recognition in crowded inboxes. But keep file size small or it won't load.
When to skip it: If you're just starting out with email, focus on good copy first. You can add a header later.
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Tip: Start with plain-text or lightly branded emails. Over-designed emails often end up in spam folders or look broken on mobile. Simple wins.
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