Social Media vs. Email Marketing: Which One Should You Focus on First?

You’ve probably heard it a thousand times: “You need to be everywhere.”

Cool in theory… but unless you’ve cloned yourself, there’s just no way.

So if you can only pour energy into one thing right now, where should it go: social media or email marketing?

Let’s break it down, simply, so you can pick the one that’s going to pull the most weight for you right now.

Why Social Media Has Its Moment

Social media is basically a giant, never-ending networking event. It’s fast-paced, noisy, and full of opportunities to meet new people. If your goals look like:

• Getting more eyeballs on your business quickly

• Having actual, real-time conversations with potential customers

• Building a personal brand that people recognise and trust

…then social might be the place to start.

The catch? You don’t own it. You’re building on someone else’s land, and the landlord (aka the algorithm) changes the rules whenever they feel like it. One tweak and poof… half your reach disappears overnight.

Why Email Marketing Is the Long Game Winner

Email marketing is like having everyone’s phone number, except they want you to text them. There’s no middleman, no algorithm deciding if you’re worthy, just your message going straight to their inbox.

If you want to:

• Build deeper relationships (not just likes and views)

• Actually own your audience instead of renting space on a platform

• Convert more sales with way better success rates

…email is where it’s at.

The not-so-fun part? You have to build your list first, and that takes time and strategy. But once you have it, it’s one of the most reliable marketing tools you’ll ever have.

So… Which One Comes First?

If you’re new and need quick visibility, start with social. It’s easier to find people and get your name out there.

If you’re ready for more control, better conversions, and a marketing channel that’s not going to vanish because Mark Zuckerberg woke up in a mood, start with email.

The Sweet Spot? Do Both (Just Not All at Once)

The smartest move: use social to find your people, then funnel them onto your email list so you can keep talking to them without competing with a million other voices.

That way, you get the best of both worlds—fast reach and reliable conversions.

Want me to help you map out a strategy that actually fits your life and gets results? Let’s talk about how we can make that happen without burning you out.

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 social media marketing, email marketing, business growth, marketing strategy, digital marketing