Top 10 Bulk Email Best Practices

The trees can rejoice. The mass-distributed flyer is dying and has been replaced by a more eco-friendly alternative. But are these bulk emails effective? The short answer is a qualified yes. The better question is how to ensure that they're effective for you. Here are the answers to the most common questions about mass emailing and the bulk emailing best practices you need to know.

Is mass emailing effective?

The effectiveness of mass emailing depends on your campaigns and the quality of your list. You need to expand your newsletter's reach the right way. If you simply send out unsolicited messages to a purchased contact list, chances are few people will read them. Email services such as Gmail may also flag you as spam.

However, if you have a permission-based list of subscribers who have opted-in to receive your emails, it's a different story. In the US, the average return per dollar spent on email marketing is $36 across industries.

What can go wrong in a bulk email?

Common issues include low open and click-through rates, spam complaints, blacklisting, and email bounces. Rigorously update your email list, and only send people the content they actively want to read.

How can I send 100 emails at once?

Good news! In the world of mass email, 100 isn't that many, and you have options. To start, you can use your own email client, such as Gmail or Outlook, and create a list. Use the BCC function to ensure that you're not sharing people's contact information in ways they haven't authorized.

It's important to note that some email clients have built-in rules regarding the number of recipients for a single email or the number of total emails a person can send in a single day. For example, Gmail limits you to a maximum of 500 recipients or 500 total emails a day.

A better option is to use an email service such as the beehiiv newsletter platform. Even the free plan allows you to contact thousands of people a day, and you get tools to grow your list and optimize your campaigns. You also gain access to an editor that allows you to polish your work, giving your newsletters a professional and engaging layout.

How to send 1 million emails at once?

Sending a million emails at once requires a dedicated email server or a third-party email service provider that offers high-volume email sending. The right service allows you to send large email batches, ensuring a high deliverability rate and compliance with anti-spam laws.

However, you also need to ask yourself if you should send out such a high-volume blast. Segmented and personalized email campaigns show much higher open and click-through rates. Avoid email fatigue and complaints by being selective about the audience for your content and maintaining proper opt-in and opt-out processes.

How can you send bulk emails safely?

Unsafe email activity can harm your sender reputation, irritate subscribers, and even lead to the improper sharing of sensitive information or viruses.

5 Bulk Email Practices for Safe Communication

Keep these tips in mind.

1. Don’t purchase contact lists. Instead, build your list organically through sign-up forms, website opt-ins, and other permission-based methods.

2. Follow applicable spam laws. Include an unsubscribe option in every email, and either learn and obey the regulations independently or...

3. Use a reputable email marketing tool. A platform such as beehiiv ensures high deliverability rates and compliance with email regulations.

4. Send from the right name and address. Recipients want their emails to come from clear, accurate, and recognizable sources.

5. Never share subscriber information. If sending from your own email client such as Gmail, the BCC function is necessary.

More Bulk Email Best Practices

These tips won't just keep you out of the spam folder. They'll ensure a loyal and responsive audience for your newsletter.

1. Make honesty and transparency a priority. Avoid making false claims, and keep your content deception-free.

2. Segment your list, and tailor your content. Create list segments based on subscriber preferences, behavior, and activity to ensure maximum relevance.

3. Use clear and concise subject lines. You should also avoid using spam trigger words and phrases.

4. Use a responsive email design. Your readers want to be able to enjoy your content regardless of their current device.

5. Stick to a consistent email schedule. Find the right frequency for your list. Don't overwhelm your subscribers with too many emails or fall off their radar altogether.

Tell All Your Friends

You can and should spread your message. Just keep in mind these bulk email best practices to ensure that you reach your audience's inboxes and keep their attention once you've arrived. And remember that while you can send a bazillion emails all at once, there are good reasons to focus your message for different subsets of your audience.

You also don't have to keep track of all the ins and outs of bulk emailing on your own. That's why we're here. The beehiiv platform protects your reputation and your audience, and we collect the latest trends and best practices here on the blog.

Sign up for a free beehiiv account today. You've got something to say, and we're eager to hear it.