What’s the ROI of Email Marketing for Small Businesses?

If you’ve been wondering whether email marketing is still worth your time, the short answer is: yes—1000% yes.

And here’s why: email isn’t trendy. It isn’t flashy. It isn’t controlled by an algorithm.
It’s direct, personal, and one of the highest-return tools in your marketing toolbox.

Let’s break it down.

What’s the Actual ROI of Email Marketing?

According to industry research, email marketing delivers an average return of $36 for every $1 spent.
That’s a 3600% return—more than any other marketing channel.

And for small businesses, that return can be even stronger because:

• You already have a close-knit customer base

• Your audience values personal connection

• You’re not relying on a huge ad budget to stay visible

Why Email Still Works (Even in 2025)

1. You Own Your List
   You don’t own your Instagram or Facebook followers. If your account is hacked or the algorithm changes tomorrow, poof.
   Your email list? That’s yours. Always.

2. It Hits the Inbox
   Social media is noisy. Email lands directly in someone’s inbox—a space they check every day.

3. It Builds Trust
   Email gives you space to tell stories, educate, nurture, and sell—without feeling spammy. It’s relationship-building at scale.

4. It Drives Action
   Need to launch a product? Book out your calendar? Share a big update? Email consistently outperforms social media when it comes to actual conversions.

A Simple Starter Strategy

Not sure where to begin? Start here:

• Welcome Series: Send an automated 2–3 email sequence to new subscribers.

• Monthly Newsletter: Share updates, tips, promos, or behind-the-scenes content.

• Occasional Promotions: When you’re launching something or running a sale.

You don’t need a huge list. You just need to show up consistently with content your audience actually wants to read.

“But What Do I Say in My Emails?”

The best emails are short, helpful, and human.
You can share:

• A recent client win

• A mistake you learned from

• A product or service spotlight

• Answers to FAQs

• A blog post or social media roundup

Still stuck? I can help with that.

At Oak Street Marketing, I help small business owners set up email strategies that feel simple, personal, and effective—whether you’re using Flodesk, Mailchimp, or Shopify Email. From welcome flows to monthly newsletters, I take the guesswork out of what to say and when.

Want to build your list and make email your most consistent sales channel? View my email marketing services or Book a Call today.