How to Start Email Marketing Using MailChimp

At Orange Blossom Market Co., we believe strong vendors build strong markets. One of the most powerful tools you can use to grow beyond event days is email marketing. Social media is helpful, but your email list is something you own, and it allows you to stay connected with customers long after the tents come down. If you’ve been meaning to start, this step-by-step guide will walk you through setting up and using MailChimp with confidence.

Step 1: Create a FREE Mailchimp Account

GO TO MAILCHIMP.COM

• CLICK SIGN UP FREE

• CHOOSE THE FREE PLAN (PERFECT FOR BEGINNERS)

THIS LETS YOU:

• STORE UP TO 500 CONTACTS

• SEND EMAILS

• USE BASIC TEMPLATES

YOU DO NOT NEED A PAID PLAN TO START (THERE ARE HIGHER TIERS LATER IF YOUR BUSINESS GROWS, TOTALLY OPTIONAL)

Step 2: Add Your Email List (Start Small!)

Inside Mailchimp:

• Click Audience

• Add emails manually OR Upload a list (Excel / Google Sheets)

💡 Start with:

• Past customers

• Friends & family who said it’s okay

• People who signed up at markets

🚫 Do NOT buy email lists (Mailchimp can shut your account down)

Step 3: Design Your Email in Canva (Way Easier)

Go to Canva.com

Search: “Email Newsletter”

Pick a simple layout and add:

• Your logo

• A product photo

• Short text:

• Who you are

• What you’re selling

• Where to find you

Keep it short. You are not writing a novel.

Download as:

➡️ PNG or JPG

Step 4: Drop the Design into Mailchimp

Back in Mailchimp:

Click Create → Email

• Choose Regular Email

• Pick a basic template

• Upload your Canva image

Add a subject line like:

• “We’re Back This Weekend!”

• “New Products Just Dropped”

Click Send 🎉

That’s it. You just did email marketing.

Cost Breakdown (The Budget Version)

• Mailchimp: FREE to start

• Canva: FREE (Pro is optional later)

• Total cost: $0

✨ As your business grows, both platforms have different tiers depending on your needs - but you do not need them right now.

Still Feeling Overwhelmed? That’s OK.

Here are extra help options:

Watch Instead of Read. YouTube search:

• “Mailchimp for beginners”

• “Canva newsletter tutorial”

Use Done-For-You Templates

• Mailchimp has built-in templates

• Canva has drag-and-drop layouts (just replace text + photos)

Ask for Help

• Ask another vendor

• Ask a teen / college student

• Ask a VA (many charge cheap one-time setup fees)

Remember: You only need to send ONE email a month to start.

Start small. Progress beats perfect, every time.

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