Wondering how your service-based business can afford email marketing services? Are you unsure of what types of emails you’ll likely need to send to customers and leads? Our latest guide will help businesses, such as digital services, lawyers, medical professionals, contractors, and anyone else in a service industry determine the estimated amount they should be expected to pay for email hosting, email marketing, and more.
Table of Contents
Factors That Determine Email Cost for Service-based Businesses
The average cost of email for a service-based business can vary widely depending on several factors, including the size of the business, the complexity of its email needs, and the choice of email service providers. There are plenty of other things to keep in mind that will determine the cost of your email sending. Let’s go over a few.
Email Hosting
Basic email hosting, which includes email addresses with your domain (e.g., yourname@yourbusiness.com), can cost as little as $5 to $10 per user per month for small businesses using providers like G Suite (now Google Workspace) or Microsoft 365.
Email Marketing Tools
If you plan to send email marketing campaigns, you may need to invest in email marketing software. The cost can vary widely based on the number of subscribers and the features you require. Entry-level plans can start at $10 to $20 per month for a few hundred subscribers.
Custom Email Solutions
Larger service-based businesses or those with specific email needs may opt for custom email solutions, which can involve higher upfront development costs and ongoing maintenance expenses. The cost will depend on the complexity of the solution.
List Management and Automation
Email marketing tools often charge based on the number of subscribers or contacts in your email list. The more extensive your list, the higher the cost. Some providers offer tiered pricing based on the number of subscribers.
Transactional Emails
If your service-based business sends automated transactional emails, such as order confirmations or appointment reminders, you may need to factor in the cost of email delivery services or APIs, which can range from a few cents to a few dollars per thousand emails, depending on the volume.
Email Security
Investing in email security services, such as spam filters or encryption, can be an additional cost. Some email hosting providers include basic security features, while more advanced security solutions may require a separate investment.
Support and Training
Consider the cost of training your staff to use email tools effectively and the potential need for technical support or IT resources.
Scalability
As your service-based business grows, your email costs may increase, especially if you need to add more users, subscribers, or advanced features.
Additional Features
Depending on your business's requirements, you may need additional features such as collaboration tools, shared calendars, and document storage, which can influence the overall cost.
Need to store your sensitive documents on a secure online drive? TruVISIBILITY’s Drive app can give you peace of mind when you store images, email drafts, employee documents, and even financial documentation.
Service-based businesses can benefit from various types of marketing emails to engage with their audience, nurture leads, and promote their services. Here are some effective types of marketing emails that service-based businesses should consider sending:
Welcome Emails - When a new subscriber joins your email list or a new customer signs up for your service, send a warm welcome email. Introduce your business, set expectations, and provide valuable information or resources to start the relationship positively.
Newsletter Emails - Regular newsletters can keep your audience informed about industry trends, company updates, blog posts, and upcoming events. Share valuable content and insights to establish your expertise.
Promotional Emails - Announce special promotions, discounts, or limited-time offers for your services. Make sure the offer is relevant to your audience's needs and interests.
Below is an example from Steam, who is promoting a few games on sale on their platform.
Educational Emails - Share educational content, such as how-to guides, tutorials, or tips related to your services. Demonstrating your expertise can build trust and authority in your industry.
Case Studies and Success Stories - Highlight real-life success stories and case studies to showcase the benefits and results of your services. These stories can help potential clients understand the value you provide.
Event Invitations - If your service-based business hosts webinars, workshops, seminars, or other events, use email to invite your audience. Provide event details and registration links.
Survey and Feedback Emails - Gather valuable insights from your clients and subscribers by sending surveys or feedback requests. Use this data to improve your services and customer experience.
Cross-Promotions and Partnerships - Collaborate with complementary businesses or partners to co-create email campaigns that promote each other's services to a shared audience.
Abandoned Cart Emails - If your business allows customers to request quotes or schedule appointments online, send follow-up emails to remind them to complete the process or provide additional information.
Re-engagement Emails - Target inactive subscribers with re-engagement emails. Encourage them to rekindle their interest in your services or update their email preferences.
With Clearstem's email below, the recipient is encouraged to buy their products since they are offering a $15 off code.
Client Anniversaries - Celebrate the anniversaries of your client relationships with personalized emails. Express gratitude and offer special loyalty rewards.
Holiday and Seasonal Emails - Create email campaigns around holidays or seasonal events that are relevant to your business. Offer special promotions or share relevant content.
Social Proof Emails - Showcase positive reviews, testimonials, or awards your business has received. Highlighting social proof can help build trust with potential clients.
Upsell and Cross-sell Emails - Recommend additional services or complementary products to existing clients. Tailor your suggestions based on their previous interactions with your business.
Referral Program Emails - Encourage satisfied clients to refer friends and colleagues to your services by offering incentives or discounts for successful referrals.
Announcements and Updates - Share important business updates, such as changes in service offerings, office hours, or contact information.
Conclusion
It's essential to carefully assess your business's specific needs and budget when determining the cost of email services. Start with a clear understanding of your requirements and then research which email hosts can fit your needs within your budget.
TruVISIBILITY can be the most affordable option for you. Plus the all-in-one marketing suite can be used free when signing up to use the Messaging app. Integrate your email campaigns with your website, chatbots, and more.
Related articles
Want to receive more articles?
Sign-up for our weekly newsletter to receive info that will help your business grow