Amid the ongoing transformation brought about by generative AI and new communication channels such as social media and instant messaging, a recent study conducted by Synergy Marketing Co., Ltd., has reaffirmed the reliability of email as a primary communication tool for businesses. The survey targeted 500 professionals working in B2B environments across Japan and aimed to gather insights on the perception and practical use of business-related emails, including newsletters, seminar invitations, and document distribution.
The findings unveiled a remarkable trend: 56.2% of participants identified email as their most trusted channel for essential communications. This positions email significantly ahead of alternatives like phone (13.2%), chat (3.4%), and social media direct messages (3.8%). Such a consensus highlights the perceived formal nature, record-keeping capabilities, and reliability of email as a superior medium in professional settings.
Key Points from the Survey
1. Email Dominates as the Main Communication Channel
The survey results articulated that more than half of the respondents primarily rely on email for important communications. This preference stems from email's official nature, which provides a sense of security that messages will not only reach their intended recipients but can also be referenced later, reinforcing the channel's long-standing reputation in the business environment.
2. Enhanced Record Keeping Capabilities
When assessing the effectiveness of email compared to social media and chat services, participants rated email highly in terms of information preservation. A total of 36.2% indicated that email's ability to be saved and referenced later stood out as a significant advantage over other platforms. The ability to locate vital information at any given time is especially crucial in the decision-making process, emphasizing the ongoing relevance of email in professional settings.
3. Email's Role in Decision-Making
The study further revealed that approximately 37% of respondents had actively engaged with information from emails in business or decision-making scenarios, indicating that email serves as more than a mere notification channel. It acts as a fundamental source that drives business operations and influences key decisions within organizations.
Trends in Email Engagement
The research also unveiled trends regarding recipient behavior towards emails, suggesting that their positioning extends beyond notifications towards influence in decision-making processes. Factors such as the credibility of the sender and the creativity of subject lines emerged as critical elements in ensuring that important communications effectively reach senior management and decision-makers.
Future Perspectives
The company, established in 2000 and headquartered in Osaka, aims to continue exploring the potential of email-centric customer touchpoints through data verification for companies' marketing and sales initiatives. They aspire to disseminate knowledge on the latest trends in B2B email marketing and practical insights to contribute to corporate success. This commitment to developing and enhancing email marketing strategies ensures that businesses keep pace with evolving market demands and channel preferences.
Full Report on Email Communication in Business: For further insights and data, the complete version of the report, 'Email Communication Insights: 2025 Edition', delves into diverse usage patterns depending on roles, criteria for engagement among decision-makers, and common traits of trustworthy emails. It is available free for download
here.
Upcoming Online Seminars: In line with the survey results, a series of webinars focused on ‘The Necessity of Email Marketing in Manufacturing’ will be hosted to share practical knowledge on why email remains a trusted communication tool in the current landscape. Scheduled for October 31, 2025, attendees can participate in sessions throughout the day to gain valuable insights.
In conclusion, this survey underscores that despite the rising prominence of innovative communication tools, the value of email as a reliable channel remains indisputable, solidifying its position in B2B communications.