What’s working in email marketing right now with Carly Smith

If you’ve ever felt like email marketing “should” be working but isn’t, this episode will show you why. I chat with Carly Smith, founder of Socially Graceful, about what’s changed in 2026 and why the way we’ve been doing email isn’t working anymore, especially those overused, one-size-fits-all funnels. We get into what’s working now, from list hygiene to segmentation, and why email is still the most reliable channel when you know how to use it properly.

Most email strategies aren’t underperforming; they’re lazy. Built for ease, not effectiveness. Same sequences, same nurture and the same old lead magnets that no one asked for. We talk about what’s really happening when someone joins your list, how they behave, and how to move them to a decision.

You’ll get clear on what deserves your attention, what needs to be cut and how to build an email strategy that’s intentional, not just something you set and forget. If you’re sending the emails, building the funnels, doing what you’ve been told, and it’s still not converting, listen to this.

Come Say Hi
If email marketing has ever felt harder than it should be or like you’re doing everything “right” but still not seeing results, I want to hear about it.
Find me on Instagram → @campaign_del_mar

Extras
→ Get the backstage pass on Substack
→ Explore Marketing Circle
→ Get Mia’s marketing calendar

References mentioned in this episode
Carly on Instagram @socially_graceful
Carly Smith, Founder of Socially Graceful website
Email platforms mentioned: Flodesk, Kajabi, Klaviyo, ActiveCampaign

This episode was produced by Laura McRae from Podcast Support Services