Is social media dying?

It depends on who you ask.

Richelo Killian
March 07, 2025

Why are we talking about social media?

"Is Social Media Dying?" might sound like a headline from a conspiracy theorist's blog, but it's really a playful invitation to explore what's changing in the world of digital communication. The subject line of our newsletter is designed to spark curiosity—challenging the status quo and inviting you to consider the evolving relationship between social media and email marketing.

In recent years, email marketing has quietly been making a comeback. While social platforms like Facebook, Instagram, and X are still buzzing with activity, many marketers have found that email offers a more intimate and reliable way to reach audiences. Unlike social media feeds, which are crowded with competing posts and fleeting trends, a well-crafted email lands right in your inbox. It’s personal, measurable, and often has a higher return on investment.

But does this mean social media is on its last leg? Not at all. Social platforms are evolving rather than disappearing. For example, Instagram Stories and TikTok have transformed how brands engage with consumers, focusing more on short, authentic video content. LinkedIn has reinvented itself as the go-to platform for professional networking and thought leadership. These shifts suggest that while the way we interact on social media is changing, the platforms themselves remain vital.

The newsletter subject "Is Social Media Dying?" taps into this tension—hinting that the future of digital marketing might not be about choosing one channel over the other, but about blending the strengths of both. Email marketing gives us the space to deliver thoughtful, curated content directly to you, while social media continues to offer the real-time buzz and community engagement that keep our digital lives vibrant.

Ultimately, this headline isn’t about predicting an apocalypse for social media; it’s about acknowledging that the digital landscape is shifting. And in a world where consumers are bombarded with information, having a direct line to your audience through email can be a real game changer.

Till next week!

Richelo “Rich” Killian

Consultants

3 Lead Magnets You MUST Have (Get More Leads That Actually BUY!) - Email Marketing Heroes

Struggling to convert your email list into sales? This week's episode of The Email Marketing Show reveals the trifecta of lead magnets: problem-based to hook, solution-based to build trust, and product-aware to seal the deal. Forget about attracting freebie hunters; with these three magnets in your arsenal, you're on your way to a list brimming with bona fide buyers. Tune in for the secret sauce that transforms subscribers into spenders. 🚀💸

Is This the Beginning of the End of Big Social Media? - Email Marketing Rules

In a digital plot twist, 2025 might mark the decline of internet Goliaths. Google's search supremacy is wavering under AI's fresh charm, with its market slice dipping below 90% for the first time in a decade. Meanwhile, the social media titans are trembling as their era wanes. Buckle up—change is brewing, and it's not looking back.

Webinar Alert: Deliverability Data Deep Dive: Benchmarks, Trends, & Tactics - Spam Resource

Dive into the data sea with Al Iverson and the Validity crew in a free webinar on March 12. They'll spill the tea on deliverability benchmarks, inbox placement, and regional trends. Whether you're a seasoned email marketer or just curious, they've got the insights to boost your inbox game. Register to geek out on email analytics and maybe, just maybe, learn the secret handshake of email gurus.

Email Service Providers (ESPs)

How to Beat the Algorithm and 99% of Creators (ft. Hypefury’s Co-Founder) - beehiiv

Facing the wrath of fickle social media algorithms? Hypefury's co-founder Yannick spilled the beans on outsmarting the digital overlords. Ditch platform monogamy, pick places you love, tailor for each, and mingle with the big fish. Your bio's your handshake—make it platform-appropriate. And remember, your email list is the only party that won't end. Tools like Hypefury and beehiiv are your wingmen. So diversify, engage, and build that list—your content empire's counting on it.

Prevent your emails from going to spam: Plus 10 tips to fix it - Mailgun

Facing the dreaded fate of the spam folder? You're not alone. To keep your email marketing campaigns from becoming digital ghosts, start with a reputable ESP and comply with anti-spam laws. Authenticate your emails with SPF, DKIM, and DMARC to prove you're not a phisher in marketer's clothing. Embrace double opt-in for eager subscribers, and encourage them to whitelist you—it's like getting a VIP pass to their inbox. Dodge spam traps with email verification tools and engage your readers with content they crave. Keep your list squeaky clean, and always offer a graceful unsubscribe exit. Remember, it's not just about avoiding the spam folder—it's about nurturing a relationship with your subscribers.

7 essential journey-based ecommerce email marketing campaigns - Maropost

Email marketing isn't just a shot in the dark; it's a goldmine with a $36 return on every dollar when done right. The secret sauce? Behavioral data. Forget basic purchase history; today's winners analyze every customer interaction for hyper-personalized campaigns. The Maropost Marketing Cloud's Journey Builder is your new best friend, letting you craft automated email experiences that resonate at just the right moment. From welcome series to birthday bashes, use those triggers and filters to turn one-time buyers into die-hard fans. And if you're feeling lost in the email woods, Maropost's got your back with tools for the modern marketer's arsenal.

Other

Emails That Bite: Almost Half Of All Consumers Have Clicked Through To A Scam - MediaPost

Nearly half of all consumers have clicked on a scammy email link, with 78% of Americans encountering at least one scam in the past two years. Millennials and Gen Z are the prime targets, debunking the myth that scams mostly fool older generations. The young'uns are losing money, with some out of pocket by over $5k. Moral of the story: Tech-savvy doesn't equal scam-savvy, so stay alert, folks.

The Push And Pull Of Privacy: Brands Are Walking An Ethical Tightrope - MediaPost

Brands are on a data tightrope, balancing precision tracking with privacy ethics, says Sowmya Kotha's study. While 87% of companies have complex data systems, only 42% have solid privacy measures. Consumers are wary, yet 67% will trade data for clear benefits, boosting brand trust and retention. Moral of the story: transparency is key, but there's homework to be done on ethical data use.

Tools

AI-Powered Phishing Attacks: How to Protect Email Recipients - GlockApps

Gone are the days of spotting a phishing email by its poor grammar and fishy tales. AI's joined the bad guys, crafting emails that could fool even the savviest systems. These digital con artists now personalize messages, mimic trusted contacts, and adapt based on your responses. To combat these advanced threats, double down on verification, educate your team on spotting scams, use multi-factor authentication, and deploy security tools and email authentication protocols. Stay sharp; your brand's reputation could be on the line.

15 Best Email Lead Generation Techniques and Strategies - OptinMonster

Waking up to a full inbox? Make sure those emails count! Email lead generation is the digital equivalent of fishing with dynamite – if you've got the right bait. From crafting personalized hooks to setting the perfect email traps with exit-intent popups, these 15 tips will reel in leads like a pro. And remember, with tools like OptinMonster and RafflePress, you can automate the process, making lead capture as easy as pie. Or should we say... as easy as clicking 'send'? 🎣💌