How long do email marketers spend on the tasks creating emails?

Source: 2017 State of Email Workflows
Sample Size: 3,500 marketers
Recommended Resource: Email Marketing Audit

Chart of the Day: The State of Email Workflows in 2017 (Production Cycle) - Part 2 of 6

We are now in the second installment of our six-week series on email workflow. Last week we discussed content planning and how correct planning isn't just advantageous to you but your clients.

This week we are focusing on production cycles and how long email marketers spend on tasks. But my little email geeks, before you start to read the article, can you complete my poll below, please?

Do you feel like you are struggling with a certain area and it's taking you ages? Or are you wondering how long it takes our peers to churn out those fabulous emails? Read on fellow email geeks.

From the chart below, we can conclude that email marketers spend the most time (average) on:

Graphics and design - 4.1hrs
Coding and development - 3.8hrs
Copywriting - 3hrs
Data pulls/logic - 2.4hrs
Testing and troubleshooting - 2.3hrs
Analytics and Analysis - 2.1hrs

From these stats, it takes 2 days to complete one email, from beginning to end. But it's non-surprising that companies with 500 or more employees spend 47% more time on their emails than smaller companies. This could be because there are different departments who deal with the separate tasks, like graphics, coding etc. And there isn't time pressure, unlike smaller firms.

So do these stats ring true for you? For me, over 4hrs on graphics seems a bit excessive. If you are doing an advanced email, then yes coding and graphics will be higher. But do you notice a task that is missing? Where is the planning task? All these tasks are important, but how do you know what to write or design for the email? These all must be included in the planning process.