Send a broadcast campaign

What is a Broadcast Campaign?

A broadcast campaign is a manual, one-time message sent to a large group of recipients simultaneously. Unlike automated sequences that trigger based on user behavior, broadcasts are used for time-sensitive news, flash sales, or weekly newsletters. You would use this when you need to reach your entire audience—or a specific segment—with the same message at the same time.

The General Broadcast Workflow

Based on real-world tutorials, the process for launching a broadcast follows a consistent pattern regardless of the software:

1. Define Your Audience: Select the specific list or segment you want to target. Most platforms require you to choose your recipients before you can enter the design phase.
2. Configure Campaign Settings: Set your subject line, sender name, and pre-header text. Use the pre-header as a teaser to show what is inside the email and improve open rates.
3. Design the Content: Choose a pre-created template or build a new one. Keep the design simple with one clear message and a single call to action. Ensure you add URLs to all buttons, as they will not function if left empty.
4. Test and Verify: Send a test email to yourself to check the layout on mobile devices. Verify that all links work and that personalization tags (like first names) are functioning correctly.
5. Schedule or Send: Choose to send immediately or schedule for a future time. Data suggests scheduling for mid-morning on Tuesday through Thursday in your audience's time zone for maximum engagement.

Which Tools Handle Broadcasts Best?

Our data tracks which tools are most frequently demonstrated for this specific task. Klaviyo and Kit (formerly ConvertKit) lead with 7 demo clips each, highlighting their robust segmentation and scheduling features. Mailchimp and Brevo follow closely with 6 demos each, often used for their straightforward campaign builders. Other tools appearing in our database for this task include Beehiiv (5 demos), MailerLite, and ActiveCampaign.

Tips for Success

• Personalization: Use fallback values (like 'there') for personalization tags so subject lines like "Hey [Name]!" still make sense if a subscriber's name is missing.
• Mobile Optimization: Always check your design on mobile; the majority of subscribers read on their phones.
• Organization: Use internal reminder notes to organize your newsletters by date or series number for easier reporting later.
• Deliverability: Ensure your domain is verified within your tool's settings before attempting to send, or your campaign may be blocked.