Timing is everything in email marketing. You could craft the perfect subject line, design an eye-catching layout, and write compelling content—but if you send your email at the wrong time, it may never get the attention it deserves. Understanding the best time to send marketing emails can significantly impact open rates, click-through rates, and conversions. Let’s explore the optimal timing strategies to ensure your emails reach your audience when they’re most receptive.
Why Timing Matters in Email Marketing
Your audience’s inbox is likely flooded with emails daily. If you send your message at the wrong time, it might get lost, ignored, or even deleted without being read. The goal is to send emails when recipients are most likely to open and engage with them.
Factors that influence the best time to send marketing emails include:
- Industry – Different industries have unique peak times for email engagement.
- Audience Behavior – Professionals, students, and retirees all have different email habits.
- Device Usage – Many users check emails on mobile devices, impacting when they’re most likely to engage.
Best Days to Send Marketing Emails
Studies have shown that email engagement rates vary by day of the week. Here’s what research suggests:
- Tuesday – This is widely considered the best day for sending emails, with high open and engagement rates.
- Thursday – Another strong contender, often yielding similar engagement levels to Tuesday.
- Wednesday – Falls slightly behind Tuesday and Thursday but still performs well.
Monday and Friday can be hit or miss, depending on your industry. Many people start the week catching up on emails or end the week preparing for the weekend, making them less likely to engage. Weekends generally see lower engagement, though B2C brands targeting weekend shoppers may find success on Saturdays.
Best Times of Day to Send Emails
When it comes to timing, certain hours of the day consistently yield better results:
- Early Morning (6 AM – 8 AM) – Many people check emails first thing in the morning.
- Mid-Morning (9 AM – 11 AM) – Office workers and professionals often review emails during their morning routine.
- Early Afternoon (1 PM – 3 PM) – Post-lunch, people check emails before getting back into deep work.
- Evening (6 PM – 9 PM) – Some audiences, particularly B2C consumers, check emails after work.
Avoid sending emails late at night or too early in the morning, as they may get buried under newer emails by the time your audience starts their day.
Additional Tips for Optimising Email Timing
- A/B Testing – Experiment with different send times to see what works best for your audience.
- Segment Your Audience – Different segments (e.g., time zones, professions) may have varying engagement times.
- Consider Your Industry – B2B emails often perform better during work hours, while B2C emails can see better engagement in the evenings or weekends.
- Analyse Your Data – Use email analytics to track open and click-through rates and adjust accordingly.
Final Thoughts
While general trends provide a strong starting point, the best time to send marketing emails ultimately depends on your audience. By testing different times, analyzing results, and continuously refining your approach, you can maximise engagement and drive better results from your email marketing campaigns.
When have you seen the best success with your email marketing? Share your experiences in the comments below!
