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/ Marketing

Is email marketing still worth it?

Yes — it's still the highest-ROI channel for most small businesses because you own the list.

/ 01

The short version

Social reach is rented and shrinking. Email lands in an inbox you control.

/ 02

What actually matters

  • Build the list from day one — every customer, every enquiry.
  • Send something useful, not just offers.
  • Monthly is enough for most service businesses.
  • Segment by customer type once you're over a few hundred contacts.
  • Never buy a list — UK GDPR and deliverability both punish it.

/ 03

The bit most people get wrong

Open rates are unreliable now thanks to privacy features. Judge email on clicks and replies instead.

/ 04

What to do next

Export your customer list and send one genuinely useful email this month.

/ 05

Where RIOT fits in

We're a small Colchester studio helping UK SMBs get email marketing right without agency waste or freelancer flake. If you've read this far and you want a second opinion on your specific setup, book a 20-minute call and we'll tell you honestly whether it's worth doing anything at all.

We work with clients across Essex, Suffolk, London and the wider UK — and remotely with brands abroad. No lock-in, no monthly retainer minimums, no pretending your problem is bigger than it is.

/ FAQs

Common questions

What platform?

Mailchimp, Brevo or Klaviyo depending on complexity.

How big should my list be?

500 engaged contacts beats 5,000 cold ones.

Still not sure?

Book a free 20-minute call — we'll answer your specific version of this question with no sales pitch.

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Ashley Scott
Studio Lead
speak to Ashley