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Campaign Types

Broadcast Email

A one-time email sent to a list or segment simultaneously, as opposed to automated or triggered emails.

Definition

A broadcast email (also called a blast or batch email) is a one-time message sent simultaneously to a list or segment of subscribers. Unlike automated emails that trigger based on behavior, broadcasts are scheduled or sent immediately to everyone in the target audience at once. Examples include newsletters, announcements, promotions, and event invitations.

Why It Matters

Broadcasts are the foundation of email marketing - they are how you communicate news, promotions, and updates to your entire audience at once. Understanding when to use broadcasts versus automation helps optimize your email program. Broadcasts are ideal for timely content while automation handles recurring triggers.

How It Works

You compose the email, select the target list or segment, and either send immediately or schedule for a future time. The email platform sends to all recipients in that audience at once. Unlike drip campaigns or triggered sequences, broadcasts are one-time sends that do not automatically recur.

Best Practices

  • 1Segment your audience for relevance rather than blasting everyone
  • 2Schedule for optimal send times based on your audience data
  • 3Test subject lines with a small portion before the full send
  • 4Include clear unsubscribe options to maintain list health
  • 5Monitor engagement and adjust frequency based on results

Frequently Asked Questions

It depends on your audience and content value. Weekly newsletters are common for B2C, bi-weekly for B2B. Monitor unsubscribe rates and engagement - if either suffers, reduce frequency. Quality content can support more frequent sending.

Use both for different purposes. Broadcasts for time-sensitive content (news, sales, events). Automation for behavior-triggered sequences (welcome series, cart abandonment, re-engagement). A complete email program uses both strategically.