Ever wonder why your marketing emails don’t always get the traction you hope for? You’re not alone. With inboxes packed and attention spans shorter than ever, even the best-crafted message can be missed if it lands at the wrong time.
Studies show that email timing is one of the most important factors in driving opens, clicks, and action. So, when is the best time to send email marketing that actually gets results?
In this guide, you’ll discover what the best time to send email marketing really is—backed by data, real-world examples, and practical tips you can use today. Whether you’re running a small business or growing an audience, learning when to send email marketing is a proven way to boost engagement and ROI.
What Is the Best Time to Send Email Marketing? (Short Answer)
Most research shows that the best time to send out email marketing is typically Tuesday to Thursday mornings between 9 am and 11 am in your recipient’s local time. During these hours, readers are settled into their workday and more likely to review emails before meetings and tasks take over. Afternoons, especially just after lunch, are also strong contenders for open rates, depending on your audience.
But don’t stop there. The real secret is that your best time may vary, depending on your unique subscribers. Factors like industry, audience habits, time zones, and even the purpose of your marketing email all matter.
Email Marketing Best Time to Send: What the Data Says
Let’s look at industry data to uncover patterns. Multiple studies agree that:
- Tuesday mornings often see the highest engagement rates.
- Wednesday and Thursday mornings are strong alternatives, especially for business-focused audiences.
- Weekends typically see lower open and click rates—but certain audiences, like retail shoppers or hobbyists, may still be active.
- Afternoon sends (especially between 1 pm and 3 pm) work well for audiences who check email after lunch breaks.
Remember, averages are helpful starting points, but real optimization happens when you learn your audience’s routines. For example, a B2B software company might see great success with Tuesday at 10 am, while a parenting newsletter may find Sunday evenings deliver high response.
When Is the Best Time to Send Email Marketing by Industry?
Your audience’s habits play a big role in email performance. Here are common patterns by industry, based on insights from current marketing statistics:
- B2B & Professional Services: Weekday mornings, especially Tuesday–Thursday, 9–11 am.
- Retail & E-commerce: Late mornings and early afternoons (Thursday and Friday, 10 am–2 pm) often work as consumers think about purchases.
- Nonprofit & Community: Mid-week afternoons or Saturday mornings can catch readers with more time to engage.
- Events & Entertainment: Thursday and Friday afternoons, or even Sunday evenings as people plan ahead for the week.
Always consider your subscribers’ local time zones. Tools like AWeber’s email scheduling can help automate delivery to match recipients’ locations.
How to Send Email Marketing at the Optimal Time
Picking the best send time isn’t just about choosing a day and hour. It’s about understanding your unique subscribers. Here’s how to send email marketing at the right moment:
1. Segment Your Audience
Divide your email list by time zone, behavior, or preferences. For example, if you serve both U.S. and European customers, schedule identical emails to arrive mid-morning in each local time.
2. Test & Analyze
A/B test your send times. Try different days and hours, then measure open and click rates. For example, try sending one campaign at 10 am on Tuesday and another at 1 pm on Wednesday, then compare performance in your analytics dashboard.
3. Automate with Scheduling Tools
Email platforms like AWeber allow you to schedule in advance—so you hit inboxes at precisely the right moment, even if you’re asleep. This is especially handy for international audiences.
4. Consider Email Type and Goal
Promotional offers might work best during late morning, when readers are thinking about shopping. Newsletters, on the other hand, may earn higher engagement Sunday evenings as subscribers settle in for the week ahead.
Best Time to Send Email Marketing Campaigns: Real-World Tips and Strategies
If you’re wondering when to send email marketing for specific results, here are practical strategies you can put to work:
- Welcome Emails: Send immediately after signup—don’t wait! These typically have the highest open rates of all email types.
- Weekly Newsletters: Try Tuesdays or Wednesdays by mid-morning. If your content is more reflective or story-driven, Sunday evening can also work well.
- Limited-Time Offers: Send midweek mornings, or experiment with Friday afternoons for last-minute weekend deals.
- Abandoned Cart Emails: Often, results are best 1–2 hours after abandonment, followed by a reminder at the same time the next day.
Case in point: An online clothing retailer used A/B testing to discover that their open rates increased by 15% when they moved their campaign send from Monday mornings (when inboxes were crowded) to Wednesday at 10:30 am.
What the Best Time to Send Email Marketing Really Means for You
Industry benchmarks offer a great starting point, but they’re just that—a start. To genuinely maximize results, build your own data-driven email marketing best time to send standards. Here’s a simple framework to guide you:
- Start with industry averages (Tuesday–Thursday, 9–11 am)
- Segment and schedule by time zone and audience type
- Track key metrics (open, click, conversion rates)
- Adapt based on what your data shows—keep testing!
For a deeper dive on audience segmentation, check out AWeber’s guide to email list segmentation.
Email Marketing Best Time to Send: Common Myths and Mistakes
Let’s quickly debunk some common misconceptions:
- “There’s a single best hour for everyone”: In truth, your audience may have unique routines. Always validate suggestions with your own testing.
- “Weekends are dead zones”: For some niches, weekends can outperform weekdays—especially if your audience checks email for inspiration or deals.
- “Earlier is always better”: Many people triage morning email in bulk, so late morning or early afternoon can be ideal for visibility.
How to Send Email Marketing That Works at Any Time
Beyond timing, focus on delivering value. Even the best time to send email marketing campaigns won’t help if your subject line isn’t compelling, or your message doesn’t resonate. Some tips that hold true no matter when you send:
- Write clear, specific subject lines
- Keep emails concise and visually scannable
- Personalize where possible—use names, locations, or interests
- Always provide a clear action step
Need inspiration? Explore these effective email marketing campaign examples for ideas.
Key Takeaways: Choosing the Best Time to Send Out Email Marketing
The answer to “what is the best time to send email marketing?” is both simple and strategic: start with weekday mornings, but always tailor your strategy to your audience. Track, test, and personalize. Over time, you’ll zero in on the optimal schedule for your unique list. Combine smart timing with engaging content, and your next campaign could be your best yet.
