Write marketing emails that get opened and loved! This guide breaks down how to craft simple, friendly emails that connect with your audience, build trust, and help your business grow, step-by-step.
Hey there! So, you want to write marketing emails that actually get read? That’s awesome! It can feel a bit like a puzzle when you’re starting out. You might wonder, “What should I say? How do I make people care?” Don’t worry, I get it. It’s like trying to have a good chat online, but you want it to be helpful and not annoying.
The good news? It’s totally doable, and it doesn’t have to be complicated. Think of me as your friendly guide, Jack, from LTDWave. We’re going to make email marketing feel simple and exciting, just like talking to a friend.
We’ll walk through how to write emails that people want to open. We’ll cover everything from what to write about to how to make sure your emails land in the right inbox. Ready to make your emails shine? Let’s dive in!
Why Email Marketing is Your Secret Superpower
You might be thinking, “With all the social media out there, do I really need email?” The answer is a big YES! Email is like having a direct line to your biggest fans. It’s a way to build real relationships, one message at a time.
When someone signs up for your email list, they’re saying, “Hey, I like what you do, tell me more!” That’s a golden ticket. Your emails can help them learn, solve problems, and get to know the amazing person or business behind the brand.
Let’s Get Started: Your Simple Email Writing Plan
Ready to write your first marketing email? It’s easier than you think. We’ll go through it step-by-step.
Step 1: Know Who You’re Talking To
Imagine you’re talking to a friend. What do they like? What problems do they have that you can help with?
Think about your ideal reader. Are they busy parents? Tech-savvy entrepreneurs? Hobbyists? Knowing this helps you choose the right words and topics.
Quick Tip: Don’t try to talk to everyone at once. Focus on one type of person you really want to help.
Step 2: What’s Your Goal for This Email?
Every email should have a purpose. What do you want your reader to do after reading it?
- Do you want them to visit a new blog post?
- Buy a product?
- Sign up for a freebie?
- Just learn something cool?
Having a clear goal helps you write a focused email. It makes it easy for your reader to know what to do next.
Step 3: Craft a Catchy Subject Line
This is super important! Your subject line is the first thing people see. It’s like the headline of your email. If it’s boring, they might not even open it.
What makes a good subject line?
- Be clear: Tell them what the email is about.
- Create curiosity: Make them want to know more.
- Offer value: Hint at what they’ll gain.
- Keep it short: Most people read emails on their phones.
- Personalize: Using their name can work wonders!
Example Subject Lines:
- “Psst… Your Free Guide is Inside!”
- “Jack, A Quick Tip for Your Morning Coffee Routine ☕”
- “Did You See What Happened at LTDWave This Week?”
- “Your Next Big Idea Starts Here…”
What to avoid: All caps, too many exclamation points, and words like “FREE!” (they can trigger spam filters).
Step 4: Write a Friendly Greeting
Start with a warm hello. Using their first name makes it feel personal.
Examples:
- “Hi [Name],”
- “Hello [Name]!”
- “Hey [Name],”
If you don’t have their name, a simple “Hello there,” or “Hi friend,” can also work.
Step 5: Get Straight to the Point (The Body)
Now, let’s talk about what you want to say. Remember, keep it simple and focused on your goal.
Use short paragraphs. Nobody likes reading a wall of text. Break up your thoughts into small, easy-to-digest chunks.
Use simple language. Imagine you’re explaining it to a friend over coffee. No jargon or fancy words!
Tell a story. People connect with stories. Share a personal experience, a customer success, or a behind-the-scenes look.
Offer value. Give them tips, advice, resources, or a solution to a problem.
Be human. Let your personality shine through. Be genuine and kind.
Example Body Snippet:
I remember when I first started learning about email marketing. It felt so overwhelming! But then I discovered a simple trick for writing subject lines that actually got opened. It changed everything for me, and I think it could help you too!
Step 6: Add a Clear Call to Action (CTA)
This is where you tell people what to do next. Make it super clear!
Use action words. Buttons or links that stand out are best.
Examples of CTAs:
- “Read the Full Post Here”
- “Shop Now”
- “Download Your Free Guide”
- “Learn More About Our New Feature”
- “Reply and Let Me Know Your Thoughts!”
Tip: Have one main CTA per email. Too many choices can confuse people.
Step 7: Sign Off Warmly
End your email with a friendly closing.
Examples:
- “Best,”
- “Cheers,”
- “Warmly,”
- “Talk soon,”
Then, add your name and your business name.
Example:
Jack
LTDWave
Step 8: Review and Send!
Before you hit send, read your email aloud. Does it sound like you? Is it easy to understand? Are there any typos?
Check that all your links work correctly!
Then, take a deep breath and hit send. You did it!
Types of Marketing Emails You Can Write
There are tons of ways to use email marketing. Here are a few popular ones:
| Email Type | What it’s for | Great for… |
|---|---|---|
| Welcome Email | Greeting new subscribers, setting expectations. | Making a great first impression, introducing your brand. |
| Promotional Email | Announcing sales, discounts, or new products. | Driving sales, clearing inventory. |
| Newsletter | Sharing updates, tips, blog posts, and company news. | Keeping your audience engaged, building authority. |
| Informational Email | Educating your audience about a topic or problem. | Building trust, solving customer pain points. |
| Re-engagement Email | Waking up subscribers who haven’t opened emails in a while. | Reducing unsubs, reminding people why they signed up. |
Making Your Emails Stand Out: Little Tricks That Work
Want to go from good to great? Try these simple tips:
- Use Emojis Wisely: A well-placed emoji can add personality and catch the eye. (Think 🚀, ✨, or a relevant one like ☕ for coffee tips!).
- Keep it Mobile-Friendly: Most people check email on their phones. Use short sentences and paragraphs. Make sure buttons are easy to tap.
- Segment Your List: If you have different types of customers, send them emails that are specifically for them. It feels more personal!
- Ask Questions: Encourage replies! Asking for opinions or feedback makes your audience feel heard.
- Add a Personal Touch: Share a bit about yourself or your team. People connect with people, not just logos.
- Use Images Sparingly: A nice image can break up text, but too many can slow down loading or end up in spam.
Email Marketing Tools to Make Life Easier
You don’t have to be a tech wizard to send emails. There are awesome tools that help! They manage your list, help you design emails, and track what’s working.
| Tool Name | What’s Cool About It | Good for Beginners? |
|---|---|---|
| Mailchimp | Super user-friendly interface, great templates, free plan for beginners. | Yes! Very easy to start. |
| MailerLite | Clean design, good automation features, generous free plan. | Yes! Simple and effective. |
| ConvertKit | Built for creators, great for bloggers and online courses, powerful automation. | Yes, though slightly more advanced features than the others. |
| Sendinblue (now Brevo) | Offers email, SMS, and chat all in one, generous free tier for sending volume. | Yes, a good all-in-one option. |
Pro-Tip: Most of these tools offer free plans to start. You can grow with them as your business grows. Check out their websites to see which one feels like the best fit for you!
Understanding Your Email Results
How do you know if your emails are hitting the mark? You can look at a few simple numbers. Most email tools will show you these.
| Metric | What it means | Good Example (Roughly!) |
|---|---|---|
| Open Rate | How many people opened your email out of everyone who received it. | 20% – 30% or higher is generally good. |
| Click-Through Rate (CTR) | How many people clicked a link in your email out of everyone who opened it. | 2% – 5% or higher is often considered good. |
| Unsubscribe Rate | How many people chose to stop receiving your emails. | Below 0.5% is usually a good sign. |
Don’t stress too much about these numbers at first! Focus on sending valuable, friendly emails. The numbers will naturally improve as you get better.
Want to learn more about tracking? Google Analytics Academy has some great free courses on understanding website and marketing data: Google Analytics Academy.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
How can I start email marketing with no money?
Great question! Many email marketing services like MailerLite and Mailchimp offer free plans for beginners. You can start building your list and sending emails without spending a dime. Just focus on creating valuable content!
How do I write subject lines people click?
Keep them clear, curious, and valuable! Use their name if you can. Short, punchy subject lines often work best, especially for mobile. Think about what would make you want to open an email.
How often should I email my list?
There’s no single answer, but consistency is key! Many businesses email once a week or every two weeks. The most important thing is to send emails that your subscribers find valuable, no matter the frequency. Don’t overwhelm them, but don’t disappear either!
How do I know if my email is working?
Look at your open rates and click-through rates. If people are opening your emails and clicking your links, it’s working! Also, pay attention to replies and feedback. The best sign is when your emails help you connect with your audience and achieve your goals.
How do I stop my emails from going to spam?
Make sure you have permission to email people (they signed up!). Use a clear “from” name and email address. Avoid spammy words and excessive capitalization. Keep your emails focused and valuable. Most importantly, send emails that people actually want to receive!
What’s the best way to grow my email list?
Offer something valuable in exchange for an email address! This is called a “lead magnet.” It could be a free guide, a checklist, a discount code, or access to exclusive content. Promote it on your website and social media.
Can I use images in my marketing emails?
Yes, you can! Images can make your emails more visually appealing. Just don’t use too many, as they can slow down loading times or sometimes get blocked. Make sure your email still makes sense and is easy to read even if the images don’t load.
You’ve Got This! Your Email Marketing Journey Begins Now
See? Writing marketing emails isn’t some big, scary monster. It’s just a friendly chat, a way to connect, and a chance to share what you’re passionate about.
We’ve covered how to know your audience, set a goal, write a catchy subject line, craft a clear message, and add a simple call to action. We’ve even looked at some helpful tools and what those numbers mean.
Remember, every great email marketer started right where you are. The most important thing is to start, learn as you go, and always focus on being helpful and genuine.
So, take a deep breath, pick a topic, and write that first email. Your audience is waiting to hear from you. You’ve got this, and I’m cheering you on every step of the way!