This is a great infographic which sums up nicely when you should and shouldn’t send your marketing emails (and specifically talks about when to send emails based on your industry).

This is based on research taken by Pure360, but remember you may be the exception to the rule. The only real way to find out when the best time to send your emails is to test them. Our email marketing software SMEmail lets you test many different variables, including the time and date sent, as well as being able to schedule your emails in advance.

Here’s a breakdown of the infographic:

10pm-9am — The Abyss: An ineffective time to send promotional emails. It’s like throwing them into a black hole.

9am-10am — Consumer AM: The second most popular opening is at the beginning of the working day, when consumers are receptive to offers on a whole range of subjects.

10am-Noon — Do Not Disturb: Consumers are focused on work and not opening marketing emails.

Noon-2pm — The Lunchtime News: Consumers are more likely to spent time on news and magazine alerts during their lunch-break than open marketing emails.

2pm-3pm — In the Zone: In the immediate post-lunch period consumers remain focused on work, only responding to email offers relating to financial services.

3pm-4pm — A Life Changing Afternoon: Job-related apathy sets in, meaning more emails relating to property and financial services are opened between 3pm and 5pm than any other type of promotion.

5pm-7pm — Working Late: There is a dramatic rise in holiday promotions being opened during this period. This is also the timeframe during which recipients are most likely to open B2B promotions.

7pm-10pm — Last Orders: Recipients are more likely to respond to consumer promotions in their own time. Offers on clothes and special interests such as sports and gum promotions perform extremely well during this period.