I got a question from a subscriber a few days ago:
“As an email marketer, do you have to open each email and respond? How can someone manage a huge list of 1,000 to 30,000 emails (each having a unique question or problem).”
I’ll answer this in a second, but first:
I used to love scuba diving.
(I kinda gave up the hobby since the little one destroyed my life)
When I first started to learn, a lot of people asked me:
“Aren’t you afraid of the sharks?”
No, I’m not.
Despite what Hollywood wants to tell you, shark attacks are rare.
In 2023, there were only 69 confirmed unprovoked shark attacks on humans… and a mere 14 fatalities. To put it in perspective…
Legend says, “Falling coconuts killed 150 people each year.”
(but don’t quote me on this. I don’t know if it’s 100% true)
The point is…
I have yet to meet one person who is more afraid of a coconut tree than a shark. Why am I sharing this?
Because it’s the same for email replies.
Suppose you have a 10,000 list with a 35% real open rate. That’s 3,500 people reading your emails. Among those people…
Maybe you’ll get 10~20 replies.
(yes, the reply rate is usually lower than CTR)
(if you’re sending poster-ad style emails, you’ll get even less)
Half of those replies would be gibberish.
So… the actual load is far less than you imagine.
Not to mention…
The ones that do reply are giving you a significant boost in deliverability.
It’s a GOOD thing,
That said, there are other solutions:
~ Use the replies as email content (like this)
~ Batch the answers into a FAQ
~ Wait until you’re drunk or bored to reply
There are infinite approaches.
But here’s one thing to think about…
If you look at all the successful influencers—bloggers, YouTubers, TikTokers—they answer all the comments within the first few days after they publish new content.
Because this is a great way to boost authority, increase visibility, plus connect with your audience.
Is it more work? Sure.
But it’s 100% worth it.
Talk soon,
– WYH