The most common cause is missing or incorrect domain authentication — DKIM, DMARC, and SPF records. Without these, receiving servers can't verify your emails are legitimate and route them to spam. Other causes: sending from a personal Gmail instead of a domain address, a dirty list with too many invalid addresses, or sending too frequently to unengaged contacts. We fix all of these.
Industry averages vary, but most sectors fall between 18–25%. The beauty/salon industry averages around 17–18%. Our Nature's Curls client hit 37.5% — more than double that benchmark. A good open rate for a local small business with a warm, engaged list is 25–40%. If you're below 15%, something is broken.
No. Big Belly Brothers started with 350 contacts. Natures Curls with 50. A small, local, engaged list outperforms a massive cold list every time. What matters is that the people on your list want to hear from you — and that your emails are actually reaching their inboxes. We help you grow from whatever you have.
It depends on your business. Mailchimp is a solid free-tier option for simple sends and small lists. Klaviyo is best for e-commerce and Shopify stores. ConvertKit is best for creators and personal brands. We can work with whatever you already have, or recommend the right platform for your goals.
For most local small businesses, 1–2 times per month is the sweet spot — consistent enough to stay top of mind, infrequent enough that people don't unsubscribe. Promotional sends around events, seasons, or offers can go on top of that. The worst thing is sending too infrequently — people forget who you are and your open rates tank.