Sometimes the cost of email marketing consulting can be too expensive even for small businesses and individuals who really want to make a difference in the success of their email campaigns. So instead of breaking the bank on some expensive advice from an email marketing consultant, take advantage of these do it yourself email marketing tips to pick up the pace with your campaigns.

1. Set SMART goals – A SMART goal is Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Realistic and Timely and you need to have them in place if you want to make the most out of your email campaigns. Really think about what you're trying to do and break it down, otherwise how are you going to judge how your campaigns are faring?

Even the best email marketing consultant can't decide for you what your goals can be. Whether you want to convert 10 new leads per month or you want a 20% increase in sales over the next three months, make some goals and work on getting them accomplished.

2. Get to the point – Don't be afraid to try to directly make a sale or ask for a purchase in an email. People are busy and don't have the time or the patience to always be brought along with a slow pitch. Further, they respect knowing what you're about and being able to get what they want. So clearly and quickly get the point of your messages, no matter what you're trying to achieve.

3. Test, Optimize and Repeat – Not even the best email campaigns in the world came out firing on all cylinders right away. Everything needs to be tested, tweaked and improved and you don't need an email marketing consulting firm to do that. All you need to do is segment your list into a handful of random groupings.

Send them all slightly different versions of the same email - changing things such as subject lines, colors, templates, wording and so forth – and keep track of how each version compares. Make the necessary adjustments and your messages will start seeing much greater rates of success.

There's nothing wrong with hiring an email marketing consultant, but not all of us can afford that. So keep these 3 do it yourself email marketing consulting tips in mind to make the most out of your email outreach.