Choosing the Right Platform for Your Store
The best tool depends on your budget, whether you have an online presence, and how much time you have for marketing.
If budget is tight, start with free tiers. Kit (10,000 subscribers), MailerLite (1,000), or Mailchimp (500) all get you started at no cost.
If you need SMS for flash sales, Brevo includes SMS alongside email at an affordable price. Flash sale texts drive immediate foot traffic.
If time is your biggest constraint, Sequenzy's AI creates complete campaigns in seconds. For busy store owners, this is the fastest path to professional email marketing.
The Brick-and-Mortar Email Playbook
Three strategies drive the most foot traffic and loyalty:
Welcome new customers with a sequence that gives them a reason to return. A thank-you email with a return-visit discount is the single best investment. The second visit is where loyalty starts forming.
Monthly newsletter keeps you visible between visits. Share new products, store stories, and upcoming events. The goal is not to sell in every email but to be the store customers remember when they need what you sell.
Flash sale alerts drive immediate traffic. Time-limited, in-store-only promotions create urgency. Email (and SMS if you have it) gets customers through your door today.
Getting Started
- Start collecting emails today with a signup form at your counter and a small incentive
- Set up a welcome sequence that thanks new subscribers and offers a return-visit discount
- Commit to a monthly newsletter with one promotion, one store story, and one community update
- Plan seasonal campaigns around your product calendar and local events
- Use flash sale emails during slow periods to drive traffic
The stores that thrive are the ones that stay connected with their customers between visits. Email makes that possible without taking you away from running your business.