Email campaigns account for half of the contents of my inbox. It's a mix of Nordstrom’s sales days, Yelp restaurant coupons, Travelocity deals, and iTunes music, plus a dozen newsletters I subscribe to.

I may be the target of a slick promotional campaign, but it doesn't feel that way. That’s the beauty of an email campaign that's skillfully executed. It's also the goal of professional marketers.

If you want your emails to dazzle your customers, read on. The low cost and ease of email marketing makes it an essential tool for business owners. Email marketing helps businesses: