Email Marketing for Pen Makers - Simple Tools to Manage Your Emails.

Most email marketing guides are written for giant companies with whole departments running Salesforce, HubSpot, or some shiny CRM you’ve never heard of. For pen makers, that’s… ridiculous. You don’t need a corporate-sized tech stack. You need something simple, practical, and affordable that helps you stay in touch with buyers and turn one-time customers into repeat collectors.

Think of it like turning a pen blank. You don’t start with an industrial lathe in a factory—you start with the right tool for your bench, and you upgrade only when you’re ready. Email marketing works the same way. Start simple, and grow as your shop grows.

Here’s my breakdown of practical solutions for pen makers at three different stages: Starter, Growing, and Pro.

Level 1: Starter (Just Beginning)

When you’re new to selling pens, you don’t need fancy software. You just need a way to keep track of your buyers’ emails.

✨ Google Sheets or Excel

• Keep a simple list of names, email addresses, and maybe a note about what they bought.

• Perfect if you’re selling at local craft shows, markets, or to friends and family.

• Costs nothing, works on your phone, and helps you start building your “collector list.”

Example: Let’s say you sell a whiskey barrel pen to someone at a local show. Instead of hoping they remember your shop next Christmas, add their name and email to your sheet. Next holiday season, you can send a simple note: “Hey John, I’ve got new whiskey barrel pens this year — want me to set one aside?” That’s repeat business made simple.

Think of this stage as your pen blank — rough but full of potential.

Level 2: Growing (Ready to Send Emails)

Once you’ve got a small list of buyers (let’s say 50–200 people), you’re ready to move past spreadsheets and start sending actual emails. This is where free, beginner-friendly email tools come in.

✨ Mailchimp Free Plan

• Free for up to 500 contacts.

• Drag-and-drop email builder, so you can design something pretty without needing a design degree.

• Great for sending newsletters, launch announcements, or gift-buying reminders.

✨ MailerLite

• Also free (up to 1,000 contacts).

• A little simpler and cleaner than Mailchimp.

• Better for makers who want fewer bells and whistles and more “just send the thing.”

Example: You’ve got 120 people on your list now. In November, you send a quick holiday email: “New pens available — perfect for Christmas gifts!” with a few photos. Even if only 10% of your list buys, that’s 12 more sales you wouldn’t have had.

This is the stage where your list starts to feel like a real marketing tool, not just a name collection.

Level 3: Pro (Selling Online Regularly)

If you’re running an Etsy or Shopify store and selling beyond friends, you’ll want something a bit more polished. This doesn’t mean you need enterprise software — just tools that make your life easier.

✨ Shopify Email

• If your shop runs on Shopify, this is already built in.

• Easy to set up, no need for another platform.

• Lets you email your past buyers directly about new launches or restocks.

✨ Constant Contact

• Beginner-friendly email marketing platform.

• Offers simple automation (like welcome emails for new subscribers).

• Good if you’re doing shows and selling online and want consistency.

Example: Imagine someone buys a dragon-themed fountain pen from your site. With a welcome automation set up, they get an email 24 hours later: “Thanks for your order! Here’s a sneak peek at the new fantasy blanks I’m releasing soon.” That’s how you plant seeds for the next sale before the first pen even arrives.

At this stage, your email marketing is like upgrading from your first lathe to one with extra features. You’ve got momentum, and now you’re investing in tools that keep it sustainable.

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Don’t overcomplicate it. The best email system is the one you’ll actually use. Start with a simple spreadsheet, graduate to a free tool when you’re ready to send updates, and grow into automation when your shop is buzzing.

Remember: email isn’t about blasting strangers — it’s about building relationships with people who already love your work.

And if you’re stuck on which system fits your shop best?

That’s exactly what I cover in my 1:1 strategy sessions. Together we’ll map out your easiest next step so you can stop spinning your wheels and start selling more pens.

👋 Want more email tips like this, plus marketing tips for handmade sellers?

Join my free email list for weekly inspiration, writing tools, and creative ideas to help you grow your shop.

💬 Need help crafting your content, finding your story, or building a brand voice that sells?Book a free intro call—I work with makers who want to sell more by saying more.

And hey, let’s be pen friends:

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Or just email renaealk@gmail.com if you’ve got a question.