Are online communities replacing traditional email marketing for engagement?

[Dominique]

Email marketing has been a core digital marketing channel for years. But today, many brands build communities on Discord, Slack, or forums where conversations happen in real time.
Do you think community platforms will eventually replace email newsletters, or do they serve completely different purposes?

 

[koyala]

Not really replacing, more like shifting the balance. Online communities are better for ongoing conversations, trust, and peer interaction. Email marketing still works well for direct updates, announcements, and conversions.

The strongest strategy is usually using both, communities build engagement over time, while email drives structured communication and action.

 

[Nomad]

Online communities are becoming big and they are evolving as a marketing platform. However, I don't think they are replacing traditional email marketing. Email marketing and online communities have their own audience and place. Email marketing is still widely used. A lot of businesses still use email marketing to connect with their customers.