Slide Into Their Inbox, Not Their DMs: Why Email Still Reigns in 2025

Subject Line: If You’re Not Emailing, You’re Leaving Money on “Unread”
Title: Stop Begging the Algorithm. Start Owning the Inbox.

When it comes to digital marketing, platforms come and go. Algorithms shift. Social trends vanish overnight. But email? Email stays.

If you’re sleeping on email marketing, you’re missing out on one of the highest ROI channels in the game. In fact, email marketing can generate up to R440 for every R10 spent—if it’s done right. (That’s where we come in.)

Don’t worry about sounding professional. Sound like you. There are over 1.5 billion websites out there, but your story is what’s going to separate this one from the rest. If you read the words back and don’t hear your own voice in your head, that’s a good sign you still have more work to do.

Be clear, be confident and don’t overthink it. The beauty of your story is that it’s going to continue to evolve and your site can evolve with it. Your goal should be to make it feel right for right now. Later will take care of itself. It always does.

Why Email Still Slaps (and Probably Always Will)

Direct Access to Your Audience

Unlike social media, where you’re at the mercy of the algorithm gods, email lands you straight in your customer’s inbox. No guesswork. No gatekeepers.

Nearly 4.5 billion people use email in 2025—and that’s expected to grow to 4.8 billion by 2027. Plus, 88% of them check it multiple times a day (optinmonster.com). Email isn’t just used, it’s relied on.

It Converts

Email subscribers are already invested in your brand, they chose to hear from you. With the right strategy, they don’t just open, they click, buy, and come back for more.

It’s Measurable

Open rates. Click-throughs. Conversions. You can track everything, tweak what’s not working, and double down on what is.

It Builds Loyalty

A great email strategy doesn’t just sell—it nurtures. Whether it’s a warm welcome sequence, a juicy monthly newsletter, or a perfectly timed promo, email builds a long-term relationship with your audience.

Email Marketing Trends to Watch in 2025

Sure, the inbox isn’t new—but it’s far from boring. Here’s what’s hot (and profitable) in email marketing this year:

1. Hyper-Personalisation (Not Just First Names)

Gone are the days of “Hi [First Name]!” being enough to wow your audience. In 2025, brands are using real-time data, purchase history, and user behavior to deliver personalised experiences at scale.

Think: product recommendations based on browsing, content tailored to customer type, and dynamic email content that updates on open.

According to McKinsey, personalisation can drive a 10–15% lift in revenue and reduce acquisition costs by up to 50%.

2. AI & Automation Take Centre Stage

We’re not saying the robots are replacing marketers… but they’re definitely writing subject lines, building segments, and helping you A/B test like a pro. AI tools can now predict send times, optimise content, and automate entire nurture flows based on real-time engagement.

41% of marketers are already using AI to improve email performance, and the number is rising fast. [HubSpot, 2024]

3. Zero-Party Data is the New Gold

With cookie tracking on the decline (thanks, privacy policies), brands are doubling down on zero-party data—info users voluntarily share, like preferences, interests, and feedback. Email is the perfect channel to collect it through quizzes, polls, and onboarding forms, which lets you personalise without creeping people out.

Zero-party data = consent-driven and future-proof.

4. Interactivity = Engagement

Email is no longer a static scroll. Think: clickable carousels, image sliders, mini quizzes, polls, and countdown timers—all inside the email. These formats boost time spent, engagement, and CTR.

Interactive emails see a 73% increase in click-to-open rates. [Litmus, 2024]

5. Mobile First, or You’ll Miss Out

70–80% of emails are opened on mobile devices. If your campaign doesn’t look good on a 6.1” screen, you’re losing sales—period. Responsive design isn’t optional; it’s survival.

42% of users delete non-mobile-optimised emails on sight. [Campaign Monitor, 2024]

6. Sustainable, Value-Driven Messaging

Consumers are burnt out on “SALE NOW!” blasts. What they want: authentic storytelling, meaningful value, and brands that care. Educational content, behind-the-scenes peeks, and founder notes are performing better than generic promo spam.

Brands with purpose-driven content in their emails are seeing up to 27% higher retention rates.

7. The Rise of the “Newsletter Renaissance”

Long-form, editorial-style email newsletters are back. Not the boring kind—think Substack-inspired storytelling that delivers real value with a strong brand voice. Perfect for building thought leadership, community, and long-term brand love.

65% of consumers say they enjoy reading email newsletters—even more than social posts. [Content Marketing Institute, 2024]

8. Stricter Email Regulations (Don’t Panic)

Thanks to rising privacy concerns and tighter spam filters, inbox algorithms are more savage than ever. That means your sender reputation, list hygiene, and unsubscribe UX matter more than ever.

Pro tip: Clean your list regularly, avoid spammy subject lines, and keep your opt-ins crystal clear.

How Matched Media Makes It Magic

At Matched Media, we don’t just write pretty emails (although yes, we absolutely do that too). We build full-funnel email ecosystems that perform.

Here’s what we bring to your inbox game:

Strategy First

We design custom email marketing strategies aligned with your business goals, whether you're building brand awareness, driving sales, or launching a new product.

Segmentation & Automation

Not all subscribers are created equal. We create smart segments and automated flows that make every email feel personal, not pushy.

Scroll-Stopping Design

On-brand, beautifully designed emails that your audience actually wants to open. No spam vibes here.

Performance Tracking & Optimisation

We don’t set it and forget it. We monitor performance, test subject lines, optimise send times and continually improve your campaigns.

Let’s Hit “Send” on Your Next Win

If your emails aren’t getting opened, clicked, or remembered—it’s time for a new strategy. Matched Media is your full-service email marketing partner, from strategy and setup to content and creative.

Turn inboxes into income. Let’s chat!