Creating your first Mailchimp campaign can feel intimidating.
You are choosing an audience, writing a subject line, designing an email and then, eventually, pressing send.
And yes, pressing send for the first time can feel slightly dramatic.
But once you understand the process, creating campaigns becomes much easier.
Here is how to create your first Mailchimp email campaign step by step.
Step 1: Decide What Your Email Is About
Before opening the campaign builder, decide on one main purpose.
Your email might:
- Share a blog post
- Promote a product
- Announce a service
- Share helpful advice
- Invite people to an event
- Promote a webinar
Try to focus on one main message.
An email that tries to promote five different things often results in subscribers doing none of them.
Step 2: Create a New Campaign
Log in to Mailchimp.
Navigate to the campaign area and choose the option to create a new email campaign.
Give your campaign an internal name that makes sense.
For example:
September Newsletter
or:
Mailchimp Beginner Blog Promotion
Your subscribers will not normally see this internal campaign name, so use something that helps you stay organised.
Step 3: Choose Your Audience
Next, choose who will receive your email.
You may send it to:
- Your full audience
- A segment
- A group
- Contacts with a specific tag
If you are just starting and everyone on your list has joined for the same reason, sending to your full audience may make sense.
As your list grows, you can become more targeted.
Step 4: Set Your Sender Details
Check:
- From name
- From email address
- Reply-to email address
Use a name your subscribers recognise.
For example:
Anne C Clark
is more recognisable than something generic like:
Marketing Team
unless your audience actually knows and expects emails from a marketing team.
Step 5: Write Your Subject Line
Your subject line should encourage someone to open the email.
Aim for something that is:
- Clear
- Relevant
- Specific
- Interesting
For example:
5 ways to grow your email list
is clearer than:
A quick update
The first tells people exactly what they may gain from opening the email.
Step 6: Add Preview Text
Preview text is the additional text that may appear beside or underneath your subject line in someone's inbox.
Use it to add context.
For example:
Subject: 5 ways to grow your email list
Preview text: Simple strategies you can start using this week.
Do not waste this space by repeating the subject line.
Step 7: Choose a Template or Layout
Mailchimp provides templates and layout options to help you design your email.
Choose a layout that suits your content.
For a simple email, you may only need:
- A heading
- Some text
- An image
- A button
You do not need to use every available content block.
Simple emails are often easier to read.
Step 8: Write Your Email
A simple structure could be:
Opening
Start with something that connects with the reader.
Main Content
Share your main message, tip, update or offer.
Call to Action
Tell the reader what to do next.
For example:
- Read the Article
- Download the Guide
- Book Your Spot
- Learn More
- Get Started
Make the next step obvious.
Step 9: Add Your Links
Check every link.
This includes:
- Buttons
- Images
- Text links
- Social links
For Mailchimp-related content, you can include your affiliate link where it is relevant.
For example:
Make sure the link naturally fits the content.
Step 10: Preview Your Email
Before sending, preview your campaign.
Check:
- Spelling
- Grammar
- Images
- Links
- Button text
- Formatting
- Mobile appearance
Pay particular attention to mobile.
A large percentage of your subscribers may read your email on their phone.
Step 11: Send a Test Email
Always send yourself a test.
Open it on:
- Desktop
- Mobile
- Different email applications if possible
Click every link.
Check every button.
Read the email from the perspective of your subscriber.
Step 12: Send or Schedule Your Campaign
Once everything looks correct, you can choose to send immediately or schedule your campaign.
When choosing a time, think about when your audience is likely to engage.
Over time, your campaign results can help you understand what works best for your audience.
Step 13: Review Your Results
After sending, review your campaign performance.
Look at metrics such as:
- Opens
- Clicks
- Engagement
- Unsubscribes
Do not obsess over one campaign.
Look for patterns over time.
Email marketing improves when you learn from what your audience actually does.
First Campaign Checklist
Before pressing send:
I have one clear purpose.
I selected the correct audience.
My sender details are correct.
My subject line is clear.
My preview text adds value.
My email is easy to read.
My links work.
My call to action is clear.
I checked the mobile version.
I sent myself a test.
Ready to Create Your First Campaign?
Related Articles
You may also like:
