Bubble & Bee achieves 41% email sales revenue with SmartrMail
500%
Email list growth
40%
Increase in website traffic
18%
increase in YoY sales
41%
Sales revenue from email
About Bubble & Bee
Bubble & Bee, founded in 2007, is an organic skincare brand launched by Stephanie Greenwood. Stephanie started the company after being diagnosed with hormone imbalances, which led her to research and discover harmful chemicals like xenoestrogens in conventional cosmetic products.
Unable to find suitable alternatives, she began creating her own products, eventually turning her hobby into a full-fledged business. Within a year, Bubble & Bee gained distribution in the Rocky Mountain region of Whole Foods and launched a successful online store.
Scaling an organic skincare brand from scratch presented its own set of challenges. Throughout its growth, Bubble & Bee has encountered various obstacles at different stages and times.
Challenges that slowed down Bubble & Bee’s growth story
Despite having a great product and large market to capture, Bubble & Bee encountered several challenges that slowed down its growth story.
Increased Competition
In 2015, Bubble & Bee encountered a significant shift in the market landscape. Following the brand’s peak in 2013-2014, the organic skincare market saw a flood of new competitors. This sudden influx intensified the competition and began to impact Bubble & Bee’s sales, posing new challenges for the brand to maintain its market share.
COVID-19 pandemic
The COVID-19 pandemic which peaked in 2020 and later years further impacted business operations. It also coincided with Stephanie’s pregnancy in 2021, which further diverted her attention from the business.
Platform transition
Bubble & Bee was initially launched in ProStores, an online store solution backed by eBay. However, when ProStores shut down operations, Stephanie was forced to transition from ProStores to BigCommerce.
The decision to transition from ProStores to BigCommerce, while inevitable, had unintended consequences. The transition resulted in a significant drop in SEO rankings, as the website on the new platform required time to reclaim the lost online visibility and traffic.
Expensive email marketing software
Initially, Stephanie relied on email platforms like Constant Contact which offered limited features and customization options. As the business grew, Stephanie recognized the need for more advanced tools that could handle a larger subscriber base, offer better segmentation, and provide detailed analytics.
Mailchimp was chosen, which unfortunately, created a long list of new challenges including most loyal customers being moved to the unsubscribed list. Several other technical issues and compatibility concerns often arose, further complicating email marketing which was a crucial marketing channel for Bubble & Bee.
The need for a user-friendly email marketing platform that required minimal time and money investment was felt. Smartrmail became an obvious choice.
How SmartrMail helped Bubble & Bee helped with growth
Stephanie transitioned to SmartrMail in March 2024 after dissatisfaction with previous platforms like MailChimp and Moosend, primarily due to poor integrations and unsubscribing issues.
SmartrMail provided a cost-effective alternative with advanced features similar to competitors like Klaviyo, but at a more affordable price point, making it ideal for a self-funded, cost-conscious business like Bubble & Bee.
How Bubble & Bee strategically used SmartrMail to its advantage
Stephanie leveraged SmartrMail’s key features to support her email marketing strategy:
Welcome Series & eBook Flow
Stephanie designed a Welcome Series that introduces new visitors to the brand’s mission and values, emphasizing the importance of organic skincare. This flow also includes an eBook that educates customers on harmful ingredients found in conventional products.
By sharing the brand’s story and offering personalized discounts, this strategy effectively converts curious visitors into loyal customers. Welcome series and eBook Flow is generating at least 62 cents in sales per email sent.
Newsletters
The newsletters are strategically crafted to provide valuable content that aligns with the interests of Bubble & Bee’s audience. With Smartrmail, Bubble & Bee was able to turn newsletters into one of the main sources of income, generating at least $1500 to $200 in sales per email sent.
Through Bubble & Bee’s newsletters, Stephanie focuses on delivering informative articles about the dangers of chemicals in conventional skincare products, which resonate deeply with customers who prioritize organic and natural options. This content not only builds trust but also reinforces the brand’s commitment to transparency and health-conscious choices.
Upcoming Automation Plans
Looking ahead, Stephanie plans to implement post-purchase follow-up emails to further enhance customer experience. For instance, customers who purchase Pit Putty deodorant will receive tailored emails that offer tips on proper usage, addressing common issues like application techniques or maximizing product effectiveness.
“This year, I’m finally back full-time with a renewed focus and mental clarity. Rebuilding the business has been positive – we’re exceeding last year’s sales by over 10% and the upward trend is clear. SmarterMail has been instrumental in this. As a self-funded company for 17 years, cost-consciousness is key. Unlike other platforms with ever-increasing fees and lock-in tactics, SmarterMail offered a cost-effective solution with practically every feature I needed.”
Stephanie, Founder, Bubble & Bee
Key results achieved with SmartrMail
By leveraging SmarterMail’s features, Bubble & Bee achieved significant results:
10% Year-Over-Year Growth
Bubble & Bee experienced a 18% increase in sales compared to the previous year, continuing the positive trajectory since 2022. Email accounts to be their primary sales driver, accounting for at least 41% sales in March, April, and May 2024.
Email List Growth
With aggressive pop-up strategies and a focus on capturing new traffic, Bubble & Bee’s email list growth surged by 500%.
Increased Engagement
The company’s email newsletters, enriched with valuable content rather than mere sales pitches, maintained high engagement rates, with loyal customers responding well to the informational approach.
The Essence of Bubble & Bee’s Growth Story
Stephanie Greenwood’s strategic use of SmartrMail has not only facilitated the recovery of her business but also laid the groundwork for future growth. As Bubble & Bee continues to expand its email marketing efforts, SmartrMail remains a critical partner in their success story.
Join the ranks of successful brands like Bubble & Bee
With SmartrMail’s tailored email marketing capabilities, you could be the next big success story.