EtherMail Insights

Checklist for Starting Web3 Email Marketing

Written by Shant Kevonian | February 26, 2025

Checklist for Starting Web3 Email Marketing


Web3 email marketing combines blockchain and email to offer secure, user-controlled communication. Here's what you need to know to get started:



  • Core Features: Wallet integration, token-gated content, privacy controls, and reward programs.

  • Benefits: Greater privacy, personalized messaging, revenue opportunities, and better security.

  • Setup Essentials: Choose a Web3 email platform, enable wallet authentication, and implement privacy standards.

  • Growth Strategies: Use wallet sign-up forms, token-based content, and email airdrops to expand your audience.

  • Campaign Tips: Leverage blockchain data for segmentation, integrate NFTs, and automate event notifications.

  • Performance Tracking: Monitor on-chain and off-chain metrics to refine your campaigns.


Quick Comparison: Web3 Email Features

Feature Purpose Example
Wallet Integration Secure authentication MetaMask sign-ups
Token Gating Exclusive content access NFT-based perks
Reward Programs User engagement Email airdrops
Analytics Campaign optimization Blockchain and email metrics

Web3 email marketing is reshaping communication for blockchain projects. Follow this checklist to create secure, engaging, and effective campaigns.


Technical Setup Requirements


Establish a solid technical base that combines traditional email functions with blockchain-specific features.


Selecting a Web3 Email Platform


When picking a Web3 email marketing platform, look for tools that merge Web2 and Web3 capabilities. For instance, EtherMail provides standard email features like high deliverability while introducing Web3-specific options like wallet-to-wallet messaging and token-gated content.

Feature Category Core Features Advanced Features
Core Features Email automation, segmentation AI-powered newsletters
Web3 Integration Wallet authentication, token support Smart contract integration
Security End-to-end encryption Anti-phishing protection
Analytics Campaign tracking Blockchain metrics

Once you’ve chosen your platform, the next step is setting up secure wallet authentication.


Setting Up Wallet Authentication


Wallet authentication is key to safeguarding Web3 email marketing. This involves processes like identity key generation, wallet address verification, and encryption setup.



"Mailchain doesn't need to know your private keys to send and receive messages from existing blockchain addresses. Instead, it works with a unique identity key, and corresponding signing and encryption keys for each registered account."



Steps for wallet authentication include:



  • Verifying wallet addresses

  • Creating messaging keys

  • Setting up end-to-end encryption

  • Abstracting private keys


These steps ensure secure communication without compromising user privacy.


Privacy and Security Standards


After securing authentication, implement these privacy and security measures to protect data and maintain trust:

Security Measure How It Works Purpose
End-to-End Encryption Encrypts messages between sender and receiver Blocks unauthorized access
Data Minimization Limits collection of personal information Enhances privacy
Decentralized Storage Distributes data across a network Reduces vulnerability
Anti-Phishing Uses verification codes and checksums Prevents fraudulent activity


"Messages are end-to-end encrypted, private, and secure."



Growing Your Subscriber Base


Expanding your subscriber list can be streamlined with blockchain-backed, user-friendly methods. By incorporating secure wallet authentication, these methods ensure both simplicity and security in growing your audience.


Creating Wallet Sign-Up Forms


Wallet-based registration forms provide a secure and straightforward way for users to connect their wallets. These forms integrate seamlessly with your email infrastructure, leveraging wallet authentication for a smooth experience.

Form Component Purpose Implementation
Wallet Connection User Authentication MetaMask Integration
Email Field Communication Channel Standard Implementation
Token Verification Access Control Smart Contract Check
Privacy Settings User Control Customizable Preferences

Be sure to include error handling for common wallet connection issues to improve user experience.


Token-Based Content Access


Exclusive access to content through tokens is an effective way to boost user engagement.


For example, Nike's .SWOOSH platform allows members to unlock exclusive virtual collections and even collaborate on digital products . Similarly, Starbucks Odyssey rewards members with NFT stamps, which can be used for perks like event invitations - both virtual and in-person. These stamps are also tradable on NFT marketplaces .



"Token gating is a strategic tool that empowers brands to reward loyal supporters and foster deeper community connections."

– Roman Khudyakov, Senior content manager at FINPR



Email Airdrop Strategies


Email airdrops blend traditional marketing with Web3 incentives, offering an effective way to grow your subscriber base. Recent examples underscore the success of this strategy:



  • The Koii Foundation achieved a 64% claim rate using EtherMail's Email Airdrops .

  • Carmine Finance saw an impressive 80% claim rate, with high early engagement .



"The new EtherMail Airdrop feature is a game-changer - fast, reliable, and incredibly easy to use. The process is smooth and backed by a highly supportive team, making it an efficient way to distribute rewards and engage with the community."

– Ena Popovska, Marketing Operations Coordinator at Koii Foundation



To execute successful email airdrops:



  • Clearly define participation criteria.

  • Establish transparent reward structures.

  • Track key metrics like claim rates and engagement.

  • Ensure robust security measures.


This method pairs well with other Web3 marketing strategies. However, note that roughly $45 million worth of airdrop rewards went unclaimed in 2024 . Proper planning and user education are crucial to avoid similar pitfalls in your campaigns.


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Creating Web3 Email Campaigns


Combine blockchain insights with email marketing strategies to craft focused campaigns.


Using Blockchain Data


Leverage blockchain details - like wallet activity, token ownership, and transaction history - to better segment your audience:

Segmentation Criteria Use Case Campaign Type
Token Holdings Exclusive Updates Holder-Specific News
Transaction Volume VIP Communications High-Value Rewards
Smart Contract Interaction Feature Announcements Product Updates
Governance Participation DAO Updates Voting Reminders

You can also boost engagement by incorporating digital collectibles into your strategy.


NFT and Token Integration


Incorporate NFTs and tokens to create engaging, interactive campaigns. For instance, McDonald's saw tremendous success with their rewards program, leading to 40 million app downloads in 2022 . This showcases how digital collectibles can amplify marketing efforts.



"Consumer relationships are evolving from periodic transactions to deeper relationships. Web3 helps to make these relationships transition in a way that previous models couldn't." - TPan



Here are some effective integration ideas:



  • Offer limited-edition collectibles with special perks.

  • Reward token holders with monthly benefits.

  • Add point multipliers tied to token ownership.

  • Provide region-specific content access based on digital assets.


Once these campaigns are active, automation can help maintain consistent engagement.


Web3 Event Automation


The Lens Protocol offers a great example of automation in action, including:



  • Instant notifications for Mirror.xyz post collectors.

  • Automated welcome emails for new Discord members.

  • Announcements for governance proposals.


To implement similar strategies, consider these technical steps:



  • Use a dedicated wallet address for notifications.

  • Integrate smart contracts to track key events.

  • Monitor blockchain data in real time.

  • Set up automated workflows triggered by specific actions.


Track metrics like open rates and engagement levels to fine-tune your campaigns . Regular A/B testing can further help you refine your approach for better results.


Performance Tracking and Analysis


Monitor both on-chain and off-chain metrics to evaluate engagement and conversion effectively.


Blockchain Metrics Overview


Combine email and blockchain data to get a complete picture of performance:

Metric Category Key Indicators What to Track
On-Chain Activity Wallet Engagement Unique interactions, transaction volume
Token Metrics Asset Holdings Number of holders, transfer frequency
Email Performance Campaign Success Open rates, CTRs, conversions
Community Growth User Activity New subscribers, active participants

Web3 Analytics Tools


Web3Analytic has tracked over 180 million user actions and 120 million on-chain wallets across networks like Ethereum, Optimism, Polygon, and Arbitrum .


Here’s what to prioritize in Web3 analytics tools:



  • Real-time wallet interaction tracking

  • Token transaction monitoring

  • Smart contract event logging

  • Cross-chain data aggregation

  • Automated engagement scoring


These tools provide actionable insights to fine-tune your campaign strategies.


Improving Campaigns with Data


Leverage analytics to improve your campaigns by refining key elements like subject lines, audience segmentation, and engagement strategies:




  • Subject Line Testing: Experiment with subject lines to see what resonates. Fun fact: 33% of users decide to open an email based on the subject line, while 69% mark emails as spam if the subject doesn’t align with their expectations .


  • Better Segmentation: Use blockchain data to refine your audience. Look at token ownership patterns, smart contract activity, governance participation, and trading behaviors.


  • Boost Engagement: Keep an eye on wallet interactions, token holder growth, community participation, and campaign ROI to identify what’s working and what’s not.


These data-driven tweaks can make a big difference in how your campaigns perform.


Conclusion


Web3 email marketing is reshaping how blockchain projects communicate. By following the strategies for technical setup, list building, and campaign creation outlined earlier, businesses can tap into email marketing's impressive ROI - averaging $36 for every $1 spent in 2022.


Key Steps Recap

Phase Requirements Key Elements
Platform Selection Web3 Compatibility Wallets, token gating, analytics
Technical Setup Security Standards Wallet authentication
List Building Engagement Tools Sign-up forms, token access, airdrops
Campaign Creation Blockchain Features NFT integration, blockchain data
Performance Analysis Tracking Systems On-chain metrics, engagement analytics

These steps create a strong foundation for launching your Web3 email marketing strategy.


Quick Start Tips


Begin by setting clear campaign goals and building a targeted email list through digital channels.



"Email campaigns are a direct, personalized channel for Web3 projects." - ColdChain Agency




  • Personalization: Use blockchain data to craft tailored content. Research shows 80% of consumers are more likely to buy when brands offer personalized experiences.

  • Mobile Optimization: Design emails for mobile devices, as 46% of smartphone users prefer receiving business communications via email.

  • Value-Driven Content: Share educational materials, updates, and exclusive insights to keep your audience engaged.

  • A/B Testing: Experiment with subject lines, content variations, and sending times to find what resonates best.


Combining traditional email marketing techniques with blockchain-specific tools like token rewards, wallet authentication, and on-chain analytics can create a more engaging, secure, and transparent communication channel.