Final answer:
To start an email marketing program, the essential element you need is an email list, which allows for direct communication with your audience. Other tools like social media, business cards, and websites support broader marketing efforts, but they're secondary to the email list.
Step-by-step explanation:
To start an email marketing program, the most essential element you would need is an email list. This list comprises the email addresses of individuals who have opted in to receive marketing messages from your business. While social media accounts, business cards, and a website can all be valuable tools for broadening your marketing strategy and building your online presence, they are not the foundational elements required to launch an email marketing campaign. A robust email list enables you to connect directly with your audience, providing personalized content and offers that are relevant to their interests and help in achieving your business goals.
Therefore, when listing all of your contact information, including your name, phone number, and email address, you may also consider including your website, blog, and social media handles if they are relevant to your email marketing program. However, it is the email list that is crucial for starting the program. To enhance your outreach and marketing efforts, you can engage in follow-up activities such as connecting with organizations and interest groups in need of help through various websites designed for this purpose.