Consistency in email marketing isn’t easy. You start with high hopes, sending a few emails occasionally, but soon life happens. Deadlines pile up, inspiration dwindles, and your once-enthusiastic email marketing plan takes a backseat.
If this sounds familiar, you’re not alone. Many small business owners face the same struggle. But what if there were a way to turn things around? Let’s dive into how one of my clients, a small business owner, made a simple change—bringing in accountability—that led to remarkable results in her email marketing.
Meet Sarah, A Small Business Owner with Big Goals
Sarah owns a boutique design studio and is deeply passionate about her work. She knows that email marketing is key to staying connected with her clients, but like many entrepreneurs, she found it challenging to remain consistent.
Her main struggles?
- Overwhelm: Juggling client projects and business operations left little time for email marketing.
- Procrastination: Writing emails felt daunting, and she’d often put it off until “later.”
- No Plan: Without a clear schedule, her emails were sporadic and lacked focus.
Sarah’s email list was disengaged despite her best intentions, and her open rates reflected it.
The Turning Point: Adding Accountability
Recognizing that something had to change, Sarah decided to try a new approach. She decided to make a change and work with an accountability partner. Sarah contacted me, and we developed a plan to help her stay consistent.
Here’s how we’ve worked together:
- Weekly Check-Ins: We have set clear goals for her email campaigns every week.
- A Structured Plan: We created a 3-month content calendar, outlining topics and deadlines.
- Tracking Progress: We regularly follow up, providing her with encouragement and feedback.
This system has given Sarah the structure and support she needed to prioritize email marketing without feeling overwhelmed.
The Results
Within three months, Sarah’s email marketing looked completely different:
- Consistent Emails: Sarah went from sporadic, last-minute emails to delivering value-packed newsletters every week.
- Improved Engagement: Her open rates increased by over 40%, and her audience started responding to her content.
- A Clear Strategy: With a content calendar in place, Sarah no longer scrambled for ideas or struggled with what to write.
Most importantly, Sarah rediscovered the joy of connecting with her audience. Email marketing went from a dreaded task to an integral part of her business strategy.
What We Can Learn from Sarah’s Story
Sarah’s experience offers valuable lessons for anyone struggling with email marketing consistency:
Create a System
Accountability works best when paired with structure. A content calendar can make email marketing manageable by breaking it into smaller, actionable steps.
Celebrate Progress
Every email sent is a step forward, even if it is imperfect. Acknowledging small wins can help build momentum and keep you motivated.
Don’t Go It Alone
Having someone to check in with—a peer, a mentor, or a group—adds an extra layer of motivation and support. They’ll help you stay on track and encourage you when things feel tough.
How Accountability Drives Change
Accountability isn’t just about having someone to report to—it’s about creating a system that helps you follow through on your goals. It provides:
- Clarity: By setting clear goals and plans, you know exactly what you need to do and when.
- Motivation: Knowing someone is rooting for your success can keep you focused, even on busy days.
- Momentum: Consistency breeds results, and results keep you going.
Applying These Lessons
While Sarah’s journey might look unique, the strategies she used can work for anyone:
- Start by creating a simple plan for your email marketing.
- Break it into small, achievable steps.
- Find a way to stay accountable, whether with a partner, a team, or a weekly check-in with yourself.
Consistency doesn’t happen overnight, but it’s achievable with the right tools and support.
What’s one step you can take this week to bring more consistency to your email marketing? Start small, stay accountable, and watch the results follow.