Share Rate

In the dynamic sphere of email marketing, the term “Share Rate” is a critical metric that gauges how often recipients of your email newsletters share your content with others. This could be through social media channels, forwarding the email, or sharing a unique link. Share Rate helps assess the viral potential of your email campaign, offering insights into its reach and engagement levels.

Definition and Calculation:

Share Rate is typically calculated as the percentage of email recipients who share your email content or use a forwarding option divided by the total number of emails delivered. The formula is:

[ \text{Share Rate} = \left( \frac{\text{Number of Shares}}{\text{Total Emails Delivered}} \right) \times 100 ]

Importance of Share Rate:

1. Content Virality: A high Share Rate indicates that your content is engaging and valuable enough for recipients to share with their network, amplifying your message organically.
2. Enhanced Reach: Every share extends your email’s reach beyond your initial list, potentially bringing in new subscribers and customers.
3. Brand Advocacy: When subscribers share your content, it demonstrates trust and satisfaction, turning them into brand advocates.

Implementation Examples:

1. Embed Share Buttons: For a tech startup sending out a product update newsletter, incorporating easily accessible social media share buttons can encourage recipients to share exciting news with their followers. This can significantly increase the Share Rate.
2. Encourage Forwarding: An online magazine could include a “Forward to a Friend” option in their email template. Coupled with a brief note asking readers to share interesting articles, this can encourage more forwards and improve your Share Rate.
3. Exclusive Content: A fashion brand sends out a newsletter with early access to a limited-edition collection. Encouraging subscribers to share this exclusive content with their network can heighten the Share Rate, leveraging the urgency and excitement around the offer.

Interesting Facts:

• A study revealed that emails with social sharing buttons have a 115% higher click-through rate than those without.
• Peer recommendations are considered one of the most trusted forms of advertising, making a higher Share Rate invaluable for credibility.

Additional Information:

• Metrics to Watch: In addition to Share Rate, monitor forwarding stats, social media interactions, and subsequent actions taken by shared recipients (like sign-ups or purchases). This helps understand the downstream impact of your shared content.
• Quality over Quantity: Focus on creating high-quality, valuable content that naturally encourages sharing. A cleverly crafted blog post, an insightful report, or an exclusive offer are more likely to be shared than generic updates.
• Regular Analysis: Regularly analyze your Share Rate alongside other engagement metrics such as open rates and click-through rates. This comprehensive view can offer deeper insights into what resonates with your audience.
• Feedback Loop: Utilize surveys or feedback forms to ask your audience why they shared your email. Understanding the reasons behind sharing can help refine your content strategy and boost future Share Rates.

In conclusion, the Share Rate in email marketing is a crucial indicator of your content’s appeal and outreach capability. By embedding share buttons, encouraging forwarding, and providing exclusive, high-value content, you can effectively increase your Share Rate. This not only extends your email’s reach but also builds a network of engaged and loyal subscribers, ultimately driving growth and success in your email marketing efforts.