The One Marketing Tool You’re Probably Underusing (and Why It Still Works)

Here’s Why It Might Be Exactly What Your Business Needs

Did you ever send an email to your list and… crickets?

Or maybe you’ve never even hit “send” because it felt awkward, outdated, or like something only big brands do.

I get it.

But here’s the truth: email marketing still works — especially for small, rural businesses. In fact, it might just be your most underused, budget-friendly way to build trust, stay top of mind, and gently nudge people toward buying when they’re ready.

Email Marketing isn’t dead — it just needs a refresh

We’ve all heard that social media is king — and it is powerful. But between unpredictable algorithms and shifting trends, relying only on social can leave your business on shaky ground.

Email is different

It’s direct. It’s personal. It’s yours.

No algorithm decides who sees it. No trending sound required. Just you, your voice, and your people.

Why it works (especially in small towns)

In rural communities, relationships matter. People want to know who they’re buying from, not just what they’re buying.

Email lets you show up like a real person — a neighbor, a local expert, a business owner they trust. (Remember that EAT blog?)

Email helps you:

• Tell your story

• Share what’s new or exciting

• Build familiarity and brand recognition

• Encourage repeat customers

And guess what? You don’t need a big list.

Even a dozen people on your list is a dozen potential buyers, referrals, or cheerleaders.

What to send — even if you “don’t know what to say”

Let’s keep it simple.

Here are a few things your emails could include:

• A quick story about something that happened in the business this week

• A new product or service you’re excited about

• A peek behind the scenes

• An answer to a question someone asked

• A tip your customers would appreciate

• A photo and a one-liner that makes them smile

The best emails don’t feel like a pitch. They feel like a conversation.

What not to do

• Wait until you’re desperate for sales

• Apologize for “bothering” people

• Sound like a robot

• Try to say everything in one email

Your job isn’t to be perfect. It’s to be present.

Need a reset? I’ve got you.

If your email list is dusty…

If you’ve been meaning to start one but don’t know how…

If you want to show up more consistently and confidently across your marketing…

If Your Emails Aren’t Working, It Might Not Be the Emails…

If you're trying to figure out how to send the right emails to your customers without feeling salesy or overwhelmed you don’t have to do it alone.

Before your customers ever open an email, they need to recognize and trust your brand.

A Brand RoadMap helps you build that foundation — with a clear brand message and smart strategy that makes everything else you do (including email marketing!) more effective.

If you’ve been spinning your wheels trying to do it all on your own, lean on a Brand RoadMap to guide you so you can finally show up like you've always wanted to!