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Transactional and non-transactional emails are two distinct email communication types that serve different purposes within your overall email marketing strategy.

MassMailer, a powerful email marketing platform, also offers two different types of emails: transactional and non-transactional.
While transactional emails in MassMailer are automated, one-to-one messages triggered by a user’s action (such as a purchase or password reset), non-transactional (marketing or sales) emails are largely mass communications for promotions or newsletters.
In this post, we will explore these two email types in more detail, including how transactional and non-transactional emails differ from one another in MassMailer.
Transactional Emails in MassMailer
The main purpose of transactional emails in MassMailer is to either facilitate or confirm a transaction, update a user about an ongoing transaction, or offer accurate information related to a specific action.
Some of the examples of transactional emails in MassMailer are invoices, welcome emails, order confirmations, shipping notices, account activation emails, billing notices, and password resets. These emails are mandatory to be delivered to the recipients even if they unsubscribe from other types of emails.
Key Highlights of Transactional Emails
Here are some key highlights of transactional emails:
- Automated in nature, they are sent in response to a user’s action on a website or application.
- These email types do not require explicit consent as they directly result from a user’s interaction.
- Transactional emails are sent individually to a specific user, not to a mass audience.
- Although not necessarily required, including an unsubscribe link in transactional emails is a best practice, especially if the email also includes promotional content.
Benefits of Transactional Emails
Below are some of the key benefits of transactional emails:
Personalization
Transactional emails in MassMailer, such as welcome emails, offer a high degree of customization. They address the recipients by name and offer relevant and timely information based on their actions or transactions.
Regulatory Compliance
Transactional emails, such as shipping details or order confirmations often contain critical legal and regulatory information. By sending these emails, your business ensures compliance with relevant laws and regulations, thus fostering higher transparency and trust.
Relevant and Timely
Transactional emails are triggered by specific user actions or events, thus ensuring that recipients receive information that is directly relevant to them at the right time.
Non-transactional Email Types in MassMailer
Non-transactional emails are another type of email in MassMailer to promote products or services, build brand awareness, and drive overall sales. In this type, emails don’t deliver if someone unsubscribes from receiving the emails.
Examples of non-transactional emails are marketing or sales emails such as newsletters, event invitations, promotional announcements, and other marketing-related content.
Key Highlights of Transactional Emails
Among some of the key highlights of non-transactional emails are-
- Sent strategically to a curated list of recipients, not necessarily triggered by a specific user action.
- These types of emails in MassMailer require recipient consent to send, as they are considered mass communications.
- Non-transactional emails can be sent to a large group of recipients simultaneously.
- It is important to note that non-transactional emails must include an unsubscribe link to allow users to opt out of any kind of future marketing emails.
Benefits of Non-transactional Emails in MassMailer
Below are some of the key benefits of non-transactional emails in MassMailer:
- Wider Reach: Non-transactional emails allow businesses to build communication with a large number of recipients at the same time, thus increasing the reach.
- Automation: Non-transactional emails can be automated, thus saving a great deal of time and effort for businesses.
- Affordable: Sending non-transactional or bulk emails in MassMailer is generally more cost-effective than other forms of communication, making it a good option for businesses with limited budgets.
Differences Between Transactional and Non-transactional Emails in MassMailer
Transactional and non-transactional emails in MassMailer are similar in that they both aim to strengthen your brand image and build customer relationships. However, they serve fundamentally different purposes and must be treated accordingly.
The main difference between a transactional email and a non-transactional email in MassMailer is its purpose.
While a transactional email in MassMailer offers important information to the recipient, a non-transactional email is sent mainly to promote a product or service and drive targeted user engagement.
Here are some of the other key differences between transactional and non-transactional email types in MassMailer:
Transactional Emails |
Non-transactional Emails |
Triggered mainly by recipient’s action | Through uploaded lists or opt-in forms |
Unsubscribe link not required in transactional emails | Unsubscribe link required in non-transactional emails |
High engagement and open rates | Low engagement and open rates |
Transactional emails are sent on a one-to-one basis with relevant and customized content | Non-transactional emails are sent in bulk or to many recipients together |
Includes unique, informative content that is relevant to the recipient’s action | Includes general, promotional content that is a part of overall campaign |
How to Access Transactional or Non-Transactional Emails
To access both these types of emails in MassMailer, you can follow the below steps-
1. Go to the MassMailer Outreach Wizard
2. Once there, select Email Types
3. Go to Delivery Option
4. Select Email Type Option
5. Select Transactional or Non Transactional
6. Set Email Type in Flow Action
7. Use Apex Action , ‘Send Via MassMailer’ in Flows
To Wrap Up
Transactional and non-transactional emails serve very different purposes in the world of business communication.
Transactional emails in MassMailer are action-based emails that offer recipients specific and relevant information based on their interactions with the app or website. In contrast, non-transactional emails are designed to reach a wide audience and promote products, services, or overall brand awareness.
Whether you wish to leverage the power of email through personalized transactional emails or bulk non-transactional emails, MassMailer allows you to engage with your audience effectively through its streamlined and scalable email service offerings.
To learn more about MassMailer and start your free trial, contact us today.