Email marketing isn’t dead—bad email marketing is. Inboxes are crowded, and if your emails aren’t interesting, relevant, or personal, they’ll be ignored—or worse, marked as spam. Writing emails that people actually want to read is the key to better open rates, clicks, and conversions.
1. Understand Your Audience First
Before you write a single word, know who you’re writing to.
- What problems are they trying to solve?
- What tone do they respond to? (Formal, casual, funny, etc.)
- When do they usually check emails?
Tip: Use audience segmentation and past behavior to tailor your messaging.
2. Nail the Subject Line
Your subject line is your first (and sometimes only) chance.
- Keep it short (40–60 characters)
- Make it specific and curiosity-driven
- Avoid spammy words (FREE, Buy now, etc.)
- Use personalization if it fits (e.g., “Alex, your weekly tips are here”)
Examples:
- “5 Mistakes You’re Making in Your Morning Routine”
- “Last Chance to Grab Your Bonus Gift”
- “An honest confession from our founder…”
3. Hook Readers in the First Line
Your preview text and opening sentence must earn their attention.
Instead of “Hi, I hope you’re doing well,” try something more compelling:
Example: “Most people waste the first hour of their day. Are you one of them?”
4. Focus on One Clear Message
Avoid cramming too many CTAs or ideas into a single email.
Stick to one main message—whether it’s:
- A new product announcement
- A special discount
- A valuable blog post
Use clear formatting:
- Short paragraphs
- Bullet points
- Bold or italic highlights
5. Write Like a Human, Not a Robot
People don’t want corporate speak. They want connection.
- Use a conversational tone
- Avoid jargon
- Ask questions
- Share stories or behind-the-scenes moments
6. Personalize Wherever Possible
Go beyond “Hi [First Name].”
Use behavioral triggers and preferences:
- Recommend products based on browsing history
- Send content based on user interest
- Automate personalized follow-ups
7. Add a Clear, Actionable CTA
What should your reader do next?
- Download a guide
- Shop a sale
- RSVP to an event
- Share with a friend
Make your CTA button or text bold and easy to click (especially on mobile).
8. Test, Analyze, Improve
Email marketing is not a one-and-done game.
Always test:
- Subject lines
- Send times
- CTA placements
- Content formats
Use A/B testing, track metrics (open rate, click-through rate, conversions), and refine based on data.
Final Thoughts
The best marketing emails don’t feel like marketing—they feel like value.
They build relationships, deliver insight, and respect your reader’s time. Focus on serving, not selling—and your audience will stick around.