How Velocity Keeps it Real: DIY Email Marketing with Constant Contact

When Jeff Ransome launched his Velocity Sports Medicine Clinic in Ontario 2011, he knew that building strong client relationships would be just as important as delivering expert care. Without a dedicated email marketing team (or much time to spare), Jeff needed a simple, reliable way to stay connected with his patients and clients. That’s when he turned to Constant Contact. 

More than a decade later, he’s still using Constant Contact to send authentic, focused email campaigns that reflect his brand’s voice — earning consistent engagement with minimal complexity. 

Hats off to simplicity

As a hands-on business owner with two active clinic locations, Jeff wears many hats. With limited time and resources, he needed a marketing solution that: 

• Was easy to learn and use without formal training
• Didn’t require a lot of setup of technical expertise
• Could support regular outreach to his existing client base

Jeff had experimented with other platforms, but found they didn’t match the reliability or intuitive interface of Constant Contact.  

“I tried Mailchimp because it was cheaper, but I came back to Constant Contact. The formatting just works better, and I trust it to get the job done.”

Emailing with intention, not automation

Jeff adopted Constant Contact as a self-taught user, quickly creating newsletters to share promotions, wellness tips, service reminders, and blog content. Over time, he refined his approach:

• Email structure that works: Jeff found success in keeping emails short, clear, and visually simple. He discovered that two brief emails per week outperformed one long message, while also helping to avoid unsubscribes. 
• Mobile-ready without the hassle: One of his favourite features? Seamless mobile optimization. “I don’t have to adjust anything for mobile — it just works. That’s a big time-saver.”
• Authenticity over automation: Jeff prefers crafting emails manually to maintain a personal tone, using his own photography instead of stock images to preserve authenticity. “Stock photos and AI tools make everything feel generic. I want my clients to know this is really from me.”
• Consistency over complexity: While he hasn’t explored more advanced tools like automation or integration features, Jeff consistently sees strong engagement, averaging a 33% open rate. 

Powerful tools, strong connections

By keeping his email marketing simple and consistent, Jeff has maintained strong relationships with his client base without needing a complicated tech stack. 

“Constant Contact is just solid. I don’t need to mess around with the tech. I just focus on the message.”

As Jeff focuses more on face-to-face networking to grow his business, he sees email as a valuable support tool, and one he’d like to eventually explore more fully. 

“I know there are a lot of other features I haven’t tapped into.”

For Jeff, technology is just one part of the bigger picture — real connection is what matters most, which is why his advice to other small business owners is to not rely solely on technology. 

“Get out there and connect with people. Email and social media should support your relationships, not replace them. And above all, keep it real.”

Want to create emails that feel like you? Try Constant Contact today, no tech degree required.