What is an E-Newsletter? (And Why They Still Work in 2025)

You’ve probably seen the term “e newsletter” while Googling how to promote your business online. Maybe you’ve heard it called an email newsletter, EDM, or even a regular email update. Whatever the label, the idea is the same:

An e-newsletter is a regular email sent to your audience that builds relationships, shares valuable updates, and keeps your business top of mind.

Despite the rise of social media and flashy marketing tools, e-newsletters remain one of the most effective and cost-efficient ways to communicate with your customers — especially in New Zealand, where inboxes are still a highly trusted place for business.

You might hear people talk about:

1. EDMs (Electronic Direct Mail)
2. Email campaigns
3. Email blasts (a bit outdated)
4. Or just “the newsletter.”

At Spike, we prefer email newsletters or email campaigns because they suggest something valuable, regular, and worth opening.

AI tools (like ChatGPT 👋) are making it easier than ever to write newsletters.

With the right inputs, AI can:

1. Generate subject lines that boost open rates
2. Draft content based on your website or past blogs
3. Repurpose articles into shorter updates
4. Personalise content at scale

But here’s the catch: AI still needs direction. It’s powerful but not perfect. That’s why combining AI with a proven strategy (and human oversight) is still the winning combo.

Mailchimp is the #1 platform we recommend — not just because we’re certified partners.

Here’s why we love it:

1. Easy drag-and-drop editor (no coding required)
2. Smart recommendations powered by AI
3. Built-in list management and segmentation
4. Beautiful templates
5. Reliable deliverability

Whether you’re sending your first newsletter or running a whole marketing campaign, Mailchimp makes it simple.

Here’s a basic starter checklist:

1. Decide to do it – Commit to showing up regularly in inboxes.
2. Get your contacts together – Export your customer list from Xero, Shopify, or your CRM as a .csv file.
3. Create your Mailchimp account – Sign up here.
4. Set up your audience – How to create an audience in Mailchimp
5. Upload your contacts – Import contacts into Mailchimp

Tip: Start with one newsletter a month. Consistency is more important than perfection.

Not every customer is ready to buy today. E-newsletters help you:

1. Stay top of mind while they’re still deciding
2. Educate them over time (building trust)
3. Position your business as the obvious choice when the time comes

They’re also perfect if:

1. You’re in professional services (accountants, consultants, tradies)
2. You have high-value products with longer lead times
3. You want repeat business from existing customers

Many business owners we talk to know they should be emailing their customers — but they don’t know where to begin.

That’s why we created Mailchimp Fast Start.

We:

1. Set up your Mailchimp account for you
2. Upload your list
3. Create your first branded e-newsletter
4. Help you hit send — in less than 5 days

No fluff. Just results.

Want to start sending e-newsletters and actually get responses?

Book a Free Email Audit if you are already sending emails or let’s get your Mailchimp Fast Start moving.

If you’ve been Googling “e newsletters” hoping for a simple answer — here it is:

1. They still work.
2. Mailchimp makes it easy.
3. Spike gets you sending, fast.