Both email and social media are important, but which should you prioritize? The answer depends on your business, but email often wins for one crucial reason: you own your email list.
Email Marketing Advantages
- You own the list - No algorithm can take it away
- Direct inbox delivery - 99% of emails reach inboxes (vs 2-5% social organic reach)
- Higher conversion rates - Email converts 3x better than social
- Personalization - Segment lists, customize messages
- Automation - Welcome sequences, abandoned carts, birthday emails
- Measurable ROI - $36 return for every $1 spent (average)
Social Media Advantages
- Discovery - People find you who do not know you exist
- Brand building - Show personality, build community
- Real-time engagement - Instant interaction with audience
- Visual storytelling - Photos, videos, stories
- Social proof - Followers, likes, shares build credibility
- Paid advertising - Precise targeting options
The Best Strategy
Use both, but understand their roles:
- Social media → Attracts new people → Gets them to your website
- Website → Converts visitors → Captures email addresses
- Email → Nurtures relationships → Drives sales and loyalty
Social is the top of the funnel; email is where relationships deepen and sales happen. Build your email list from day one - it is your most valuable marketing asset.
Do Not put all your eggs in Mark Zuckerberg's basket. Use social media to grow awareness, but always work to convert followers into email subscribers you can reach anytime, without permission from algorithms.