The average person spends about eight to 10 hours per week on email. That number jumps to 14 hours weekly for managers and communication-heavy roles, according to Microsoft’s annual work trend index.
Imagine all those hours wasted responding to inquiries, grievances, and other work-related content. And yet, it has to be done.
If email is your main connection with clients, it wins at wasting time. Marketing experts dub it the “email time trap.” Unlike social media use, the communication loops, pings, and the pressure to respond fast are a never-ending exercise in (un)productivity.
There are ways around it, and we’ll show you how below. Marketing gurus, this one’s for you.
Email Blasts
Hands up, all those who will use email blasts. How’s that working out for you?
Bulk emails used to be one of the main pillars of email marketing. That was before social media came onto the scene. Effective? Yes, but only to a certain degree.
Forbes rounded up the top email marketing stats over the past year, and found that the open rate is between 25 and 35%. That’s great by all accounts. Then we get to the click-through rate (1.5% – 3%) and the conversion rate (1% – 3%).
“These insights highlight the importance of crafting emails that align closely with the interests and needs of specific audiences, driving higher engagement and stronger connections.” – Business coach Katherine Haan, via Forbes.
Don’t get us wrong, email blasts still have a place in marketing. When a campaign is time-sensitive, promotional emails create urgency that segmented drip campaigns can’t match, say marketing experts.
The same applies to service disruptions. Posting an announcement on social media might not reach your audience on time. But an email blast has an immediate reach.
Automate, Automate, Automate
We cannot stress this enough. Automation is a lifesaver. Many SaaS companies’ subscription-based business model relies on automation to manage subscriptions and invoicing directly via their payment gateway.
PayPro Global suggests partnering with a payment processing platform that automatically integrates subscription invoicing. It reduces errors, optimizes pricing, automates tax calculations, and acts as a merchant of record.
When automating email campaigns, choose a marketing email platform that does targeted emails based on triggers, actions, and schedules.
Why this route instead of traditional email campaigns? Email automation makes emails appear less like broadcasts and more like real responses. It also creates a better customer experience and stronger results for brands.
Reclaim Your Time and Productivity
Most people can relate to staring at an inbox of unopened mail and deciding which is the most important. This advice applies to everyone, not only marketing execs or customer support agents.
AI-powered tools are a deal breaker. They draft emails in your voice. Suggest responses that match how you write. Ground their output in real context from the web or your own files.Before scaling that automation across your whole list, it’s worth browsing a best AI humanizer roundup to see which tools other marketers trust for keeping automated drafts sounding personal.
Also, try batching email time. Turn off notifications. Adopt inbox-zero principles. These suggestions help somewhat.
FAQs
1. How much time does the average person spend on email?
Around eight to 10 hours per week are spent by an average person on email. For managers and people in communication-heavy roles, that can rise to about 14 hours weekly.
2. Are email blasts still effective?
Yes. Email blasts can work well for time-sensitive promotions, urgent announcements, and service disruptions. However, their effectiveness can be limited compared with more targeted, automated campaigns.
3. Why is email automation better than traditional email campaigns?
Automation allows brands to send emails based on specific triggers, actions, and schedules. This makes messages more relevant and responsive while improving the customer experience.
4. How can AI help reduce email workload?
AI-powered tools can draft emails in your voice, suggest relevant responses, and use context from your files or the web.
Email Marketing & Productivity: Key Stats
| Statement | Figure |
| Time the average person spends on email weekly | 8 – 10 hours |
| Amount the average worker receives | 117 emails per day |
| People online who are already reviewing email to prioritize their day | 40% check email before 6 a.m. |
| Amount of time employees are interrupted by a meeting, email or chat during core work hours | 275 interruptions per day |
The Ultimate Time Waster
Many believe that email takes more time than social media.
There’s something about an inbox that feels mandatory. While people can easily log off socials, professional obligations keep them checking email, sometimes spending 13 to 21 hours a week dealing with messages.
Think before sending email blasts. Consider automation when invoicing and subscriptions. Research AI tools to make your life easier.
Keep responses brief and use bullet points. Concise messages encourage concise replies and reduce back-and-forth. And remember, time is money. Don’t waste it on “I hope this email finds you well.”