Please provide your information below to download our PDF on CDP Readiness Framework
Success! Please click here to open your copy of CDP Readiness Framework
Oops! Something went wrong while submitting the form.
Close icon

10 signs your e-commerce needs an email marketing agency

Author Profile Picture
The Growth Guru Team
February 28, 2025

Is your e-commerce email marketing underperforming? Discover 10 signs it's time to hire an expert agency to boost your strategy, from stagnant lists to low engagement.

Person at cafe using smart phone

10 signs you need help of email marketing experts

Email marketing is crucial for any e-commerce business aiming to thrive in today's competitive digital landscape. It's a powerful tool that not only helps in building a strong relationship with customers but also drives sales and increases customer loyalty.

For e-commerce businesses using platforms like Shopify and WooCommerce, having a robust email marketing strategy can be a game-changer. However, managing email marketing effectively requires expertise, time, and resources. This is where an email marketing agency for e-commerce comes into play.

This comprehensive guide will explore the ten signs that indicate your e-commerce needs an email marketing agency. From improving open rates to implementing advanced segmentation strategies, we'll delve into why partnering with experts can transform your email campaigns and drive substantial growth for your online store. 

Why your e-commerce business needs email marketing

Why is email marketing important for e-commerce?  Consider this: According to a study by Campaign Monitor, email marketing boasts a staggering 4400% return on investment (ROI), making it one of the most effective marketing channels for online retailers.

The main goal of email marketing for online retailers is to build relationships with potential and existing customers, drive sales, and boost brand loyalty. Does email marketing work for e-commerce? Absolutely! But success hinges on a well-defined strategy and consistent execution. Again, this is where an e-commerce email marketing agency comes in. These agencies specialize in crafting compelling campaigns, optimizing deliverability, and analyzing performance metrics to ensure your email marketing efforts are as effective as possible.

Steps to improving email marketing

Signs you should invest in email marketing

Sign #1: Your email list isn't growing

A healthy and growing email list is the foundation of successful email marketing for e-commerce. If your email list has stagnated or is shrinking, it's a clear sign that you need help.

Importance of a healthy email list

A robust email list ensures you have a wide audience to communicate with, increasing the chances of conversions. It also indicates that your brand is attracting and retaining interest.

Strategies email marketing agencies use to boost list growth

  • Lead magnets: Offering valuable content such as e-books, discount codes, or exclusive access to new products in exchange for email sign-ups.
  • Optimized sign-up forms: Placing sign-up forms strategically on your website and making them user-friendly.
  • Exit-intent popups: Using tools like Justuno to capture email addresses before visitors leave your site.
  • Social media integration: Encouraging sign ups through social media contests, giveaways, and retargeting campaigns.
  • Partnerships: Collaborating with complementary brands to cross-promote and expand your reach.

Sign #2: Low open rates

If your emails aren't being opened, they can't drive sales. Low open rates are a clear sign that you need to reassess your email marketing strategy, and an email marketing agency for e-commerce can help.

Industry benchmarks for open rates

Open rates vary by industry, but for e-commerce, a good open rate typically ranges from 15% to 25%. If your rates consistently fall below this range, it’s time for a new approach.

How email marketing agencies improve subject lines & sender reputation

  • Crafting compelling, personalized subject lines
  • A/B testing different subject line styles
  • Optimizing preview text
  • Improving sender name and email address
  • Implementing authentication protocols (SPF, DKIM, DMARC)
  • Regular list cleaning to remove inactive subscribers

An experienced agency can use tools like Klaviyo to segment your audience and create targeted campaigns with subject lines that resonate with each group. They can also help improve your sender reputation, ensuring your emails land in the inbox rather than the spam folder.

Sign #3: Poor click-through rates (CTR)

Open rates are important, but they're only half the story. Click-through rates (CTR) indicate how many recipients click on a call to action (CTA) within your email. A low CTR can signify a disconnect between your content and what your audience wants.

Impact of low CTR on conversions

A low CTR means fewer people are visiting your website from your emails, resulting in:

  • Decreased traffic to your online store
  • Fewer opportunities for conversions
  • Lower ROI on your email marketing efforts

Email marketing agency's tactics to create compelling content and CTAs

  • Crafting persuasive and benefit-driven copy
  • Designing visually appealing email templates
  • Creating clear and compelling calls-to-action (CTAs)
  • Personalizing content based on user behavior and preferences
  • Implementing dynamic content to increase relevance

An agency can leverage tools like Yotpo to incorporate user-generated content into your emails, adding social proof and increasing engagement. They can also use Klaviyo's advanced segmentation to ensure your content is highly relevant to each subscriber, boosting click-through rates.

Sign #4: You're not segmenting your audience

Blasting the same generic email to your entire subscriber base is a recipe for low engagement. Segmentation allows you to tailor email content to specific audience segments based on their needs and interests.

Benefits of segmentation in e-commerce

  • Higher open and click-through rates
  • Improved customer engagement
  • Increased conversions and sales
  • Better customer retention

Advanced segmentation techniques used by agencies:

  • Purchase history: Segment based on past purchases to recommend relevant products or accessories.
  • Website behavior: Tailor emails based on browsing behavior to address specific interests.
  • Demographics: Segment based on demographics like age, location, or gender to personalize offers and content.
  • Lifecycle stage: Target new customers with welcome emails and existing customers with loyalty programs.

Sign #5: Lack of personalization

Personalization is the golden key to unlocking e-commerce success.  Why is email marketing important for e-commerce?  It allows you to connect with customers on an individual level, fostering brand loyalty and driving sales.

Importance of personalized emails in driving sales:

Personalized emails make customers feel valued and understood. When recipients see their name or receive product recommendations tailored to their preferences, they're more likely to engage with your emails and make a purchase. According to research, personalized emails deliver six times higher transaction rates compared to generic ones.

How agencies leverage data for effective personalization:

  • Customer data: Collect and analyze customer data, including purchase history, browsing behavior, and demographics, to create targeted email campaigns.
  • Dynamic content: Use dynamic content blocks to display personalized product recommendations, discounts, and messaging based on individual preferences.
  • Behavioral triggers: Send automated emails triggered by specific customer actions, such as abandoned carts or product views, with personalized recommendations.

Sign #6: You're not running automated campaigns

Automation is the secret weapon of successful ecommerce email marketing. Automated campaigns streamline your workflow, save time, and deliver relevant messages to the right audience at the right time.

Types of automated emails crucial for e-commerce:

  • Welcome emails: Greet new subscribers and offer a special discount or exclusive content to encourage engagement.
  • Abandoned cart emails: Remind customers about items left in their cart and provide an incentive to complete their purchase.
  • Post-purchase emails: Send order confirmations, shipping updates, and product reviews requests.
  • Win-back emails: Re-engage inactive customers with personalized offers and incentives.

Agency expertise in setting up and optimizing automation:

  • Workflow mapping: Create detailed customer journeys and map out automated email sequences to deliver maximum impact.
  • A/B testing: Experiment with different email content, subject lines, and timing to optimize performance.
  • Performance tracking: Monitor campaign performance and make adjustments to improve results.

Sign #7: Your emails aren't mobile-friendly

With the increasing use of smartphones, it's crucial that your emails are mobile-friendly. If your emails don't look good on mobile devices, you're likely losing a significant portion of your audience.

Statistics on mobile email usage

Over 80% of emails are opened on mobile devices. If your emails are not optimized for mobile, you're missing out on a large segment of potential customers.

Email marketing agency’s approach to responsive email design

  • Responsive templates: Use responsive email templates that adapt to different screen sizes and devices.
  • Mobile optimization: Test emails on various mobile devices to ensure optimal display and readability.
  • Clear CTAs: Design large, easy-to-tap CTAs for mobile users.
  • Image optimization: Optimize images for fast loading on mobile devices.

Sign #8: Limited A/B testing and optimization

A/B testing is crucial for optimizing email performance. If you're not regularly testing and optimizing your emails, you're likely missing opportunities for improvement.

Importance of A/B testing in email marketing:

A/B testing allows you to:

  • Improve open rates and click-through rates
  • Increase conversions and revenue
  • Understand your audience's preferences
  • Make data-driven decisions

Email marketing agency’s expertise in setting up and analyzing A/B tests to improve performance:

  • Test design: Develop A/B testing plans based on clear hypotheses and measurable goals.
  • Test execution: Set up and execute A/B tests with precision and control.
  • Data analysis: Analyze test results to identify winning variations and implement improvements.

An agency can use advanced tools within platforms like Klaviyo to run sophisticated A/B tests, ensuring your emails are constantly improving and delivering better results.

Sign #9: Inconsistent email frequency

Maintaining a regular email schedule is important for keeping your audience engaged. If your emails are sporadic, it can lead to decreased engagement and increased unsubscribes.

Importance of maintaining a regular email schedule

  • Builds anticipation and engagement with your audience
  • Helps maintain consistent revenue from email marketing
  • Prevents subscriber fatigue or disengagement

Developing a consistent email calendar with the help of an agency

An agency can:

  • Analyze your audience's behavior to determine optimal send times
  • Create a balanced mix of promotional and value-adding content
  • Plan campaigns around key dates and events relevant to your business
  • Implement automated flows to maintain consistent touchpoints
  • Monitor engagement metrics to adjust frequency as needed

Whether you're running email marketing for a Shopify store or implementing WooCommerce email automation, an agency can help you find the right balance and maintain a consistent presence in your subscribers' inboxes.

Sign #10: You don't have time to manage your email marketing

Email marketing can be time-consuming, requiring a combination of strategy, creativity, and technical expertise. If you're struggling to find the time to manage your email campaigns effectively, it might be time to consider outsourcing.

Time-intensive nature of effective email marketing:

  • Strategy development: Creating a comprehensive email marketing strategy requires careful planning and analysis.
  • Content creation: Writing engaging email copy and designing visually appealing templates takes time and effort.
  • List management: Maintaining a clean and up-to-date email list is an ongoing process.
  • Performance analysis: Tracking and analyzing email performance requires dedicated resources.

Benefits of outsourcing to an agency:

  • Expertise: Email marketing agencies have specialized knowledge and experience in the field.
  • Time savings: Outsourcing allows you to focus on other aspects of your business.
  • Improved results: Agencies can help you achieve better email marketing performance and ROI.

An e-commerce email marketing agency, such as Growth Gurus, can take these time-consuming tasks off your plate, ensuring your email marketing is consistently executed at a high level.

Man seated using laptop

Some frequently asked questions about email marketing

Is email marketing important for e-commerce?

Absolutely. Email marketing is crucial for e-commerce businesses as it offers a direct channel to communicate with customers, drive sales, and build brand loyalty. It's cost-effective and provides one of the highest ROIs among marketing channels.

When is it time to hire an agency for email marketing?

Consider hiring an agency when you notice declining performance, lack the time or expertise to manage campaigns effectively, or want to scale your email marketing efforts. The signs discussed in this article are good indicators that it's time to seek professional help.

What makes a successful e-commerce email?

A successful e-commerce email is personalized, mobile-friendly, and provides value to the recipient. It should have a clear call-to-action, compelling content, and be part of a broader strategy aligned with your business goals.

How to use email marketing to drive sales for my e-commerce business?

To drive sales, focus on segmentation, personalization, and automation. Use strategies like abandoned cart reminders, product recommendations, and loyalty programs. Regularly test and optimize your campaigns for better performance.

How to choose an email marketing agency for my e-commerce business?

Look for an agency with experience in your industry, a proven track record of success, and the ability to offer tailored strategies. Ensure they use advanced tools like Klaviyo, Justuno, and Yotpo to enhance your email marketing efforts.

In conclusion, email marketing for e-commerce is a powerful tool that can significantly boost your online store's performance. If you've noticed any of these signs in your email marketing efforts, it might be time to consider partnering with an e-commerce email marketing company like Growth Gurus. We can help you leverage advanced strategies, improve your results, and ultimately drive more sales for your business. Remember, effective email marketing is an ongoing process of testing, learning, and optimizing. With the right partner, you can unlock the full potential of this valuable marketing channel.

Discover the key advantages of CDP
Download our CDP Readiness Framework!
Download Now

Ready to grow your business?

If you want your business to experience more sales and faster growth, all you need to do is book a meeting with us today.

Schedule a call to grow your e-commerce business?