The Complete Guide to Email Copywriting

Have you ever found yourself staring at a blank screen on your laptop, wondering how to make your emails stand out in a sea of crowded inboxes? I guess we’ve all been there.

But fear not, because email copywriting doesn’t have to be a daunting task. In fact, it can be a powerful tool to forge genuine connections and drive meaningful engagement.

In this article, we’ll delve into the art of crafting compelling email copy that captures attention, resonates with your audience, and feels like a conversation with a trusted friend.

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An Essential Marketing Tool

Email copywriting refers to the art and science of crafting compelling messages designed to provoke a desired action from the reader. In the realm of digital marketing, it is one of the most crucial elements in driving engagement and conversions.

In this blog post, we’re going to break down the strategies and tactics used by successful email copywriters to inspire their email subscribers to take action.

Consider the role of an email copywriter. Their job title might seem straightforward, but their responsibilities are multifaceted.

They need to understand the product or service they are promoting, have a keen understanding of the target audience, and be proficient in using actionable language to influence reader’s behavior. In the world of email marketing, copywriting isn’t just about writing; it’s about writing with a purpose.

Now let’s explore some email copywriting examples. Assume you’re a freelance copywriter hired by an ecommerce brand to boost their sales.

You’re tasked with writing emails promoting a limited-time offer. The email copy must be persuasive enough to compel the reader to click through to the landing page and make a purchase. This is a classic example of email copywriting in action.

Crafting the Perfect Subject Line

A pivotal part of email copywriting is crafting the perfect subject line. Your subject line is the first thing your potential customers see when your email lands in their inbox.

Its primary purpose is to grab the reader’s attention, spark curiosity, and persuade them to open the email. An email with an uninteresting or vague subject line is likely to be ignored or, worse, end up in the dreaded spam folder.

Subject lines need to be brief, specific, and relevant. If you’re writing a sales email for an ecommerce brand, for instance, a subject line like “Get 50% off on all items—Today only!” can be effective. It immediately communicates the offer and creates a sense of urgency.

Avoid using spam trigger words in your subject line. Certain words like “free”, “guarantee”, or “no obligation” may trigger spam filters, causing your email to be flagged as spam.

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Instead, use power words that evoke emotion and inspire action, such as “exclusive”, “limited”, or “today”.

Preview Text: The Underrated Hero

The importance of preview text in email copywriting can’t be overstated. It works in tandem with the subject line to entice readers to open your email.

It’s the first few lines of text that appear alongside or beneath your subject line in most email clients, offering a sneak peek into your email content.

Crafting engaging preview text is as crucial as writing a compelling subject line. It should give the reader just enough information to want to read more about landing page. Consider it as your second chance to make a first impression if your subject line didn’t fully capture the reader’s attention.

For example, if your subject line is “Get 50% off on all items—Today only!”, the preview text could be “Hurry, don’t miss out on our biggest sale of the year! Shop now and save big.”

Stay tuned for more email copywriting tips as we delve deeper into this fascinating topic in the next sections. Remember, great copywriting isn’t just about selling products or services; it’s about connecting with your audience and offering them value.

And don’t forget, if you’re keen to take your cold email outreach to the next level, sign up for Mailarrow, our cutting-edge cold email outreach software.

Mastering the Art of Email Copywriting

Understanding Your Target Audience

A vital aspect of successful email copywriting is understanding your target audience. As an email copywriter, you should have a thorough knowledge of your potential customers: their needs, interests, behaviors, and pain points.

Creating a buyer persona can help in this endeavor. A buyer persona is a fictional representation of your ideal customer, drawn from market research and real data about your existing customers.

Knowing your buyer persona aids in crafting email copy that resonates with your audience, prompting them to take the desired action.

Crafting the Body Copy

Now let’s dive into the heart of email copywriting – the body copy. This is where you deliver the meat of your message. The body of email copywriters should be direct, concise, and focused on the reader’s interests and needs. It’s crucial to get straight to the point while maintaining a conversational tone, talking directly to your readers.

For example, if you’re crafting an email for a business owner about a new software that can streamline their processes, instead of starting automated email with “Our software is the best…”, use “Struggling with managing your team’s tasks? Our software can make your life easier…”. The second opening line directly addresses a potential pain point of the reader, making it more engaging.

Always remember, the aim of your email copy is not just to inform, but also to persuade your readers to take a specific action.

The Power of the Call to Action (CTA)

A call to action (CTA) is a statement designed to spur the reader to do something. It could be to download a whitepaper, sign up for a webinar, purchase a product, or even simply click on a link to learn more. A well-crafted CTA can significantly improve your email performance, increasing open and response rates.

In email copywriting, your CTA should be clear, compelling, and action-oriented. It should stand out from the rest of your email copy and give your readers a clear directive about what you want them to do next.

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For instance, “Claim Your 50% Discount Now!” or “Sign Up and Start Saving Today!” are strong CTAs that inspire immediate action.

Utilizing Dynamic Content

In the realm of email copywriting, dynamic content refers to the parts of an email that change based on the recipient’s data. This could be their name, job title, previous purchases, or any other form of relevant information.

It provides a personalized experience, which can greatly enhance your engagement and conversion rates. For example, addressing your recipient by their first name or mentioning their company name in the email can make them feel more personally connected to your message.

As we proceed further into this blog post, we will explore more email copywriting best practices. Always remember, the essence of successful email copywriting lies in understanding your reader’s needs and tailoring your message to address those needs.

Don’t forget to sign up for Mailarrow, our advanced cold email outreach software, to supercharge your email marketing campaign!

Advanced Email Copywriting Strategies

Harnessing the Power of Social Proof

In email copywriting, leveraging social proof can work wonders. Social proof refers to the psychological phenomenon where people mirror the actions of others, assuming that these actions are the correct behavior. It can be in the form of testimonials, reviews, or endorsements from influential figures.

For example, if you’re a freelance copywriter working for a software company, including testimonials from satisfied customers in your email copy can significantly boost credibility and encourage potential customers to try out your product.

Crafting Email Sequences

Another advanced strategy is crafting effective email sequences. An email sequence is a series of emails sent based on predefined triggers or timelines.

The sequence could start with a welcome email when a new user signs up, followed by a series of educational or promotional emails, and ultimately leading up to a sales email.

Email sequences help nurture your potential customers, guiding them through their buyer’s journey at their own pace. They allow you to provide relevant information at the right time, maximizing the chances of conversion.

The Importance of Follow-Up

Never underestimate the power of a well-planned follow-up in email marketing. Many email copywriters make the mistake of not following up after sending an initial email. Follow-ups can be an effective tool to re-engage recipients who didn’t respond to your first email.

Crafting a great follow-up requires tact. It should not come off as pushy or desperate. Instead, provide your recipients with additional value, perhaps offering more information about your product or service, or addressing common questions or concerns.

Beware of False Promises

A golden rule in email copywriting is to never make false promises. While it might be tempting to make grand claims to catch your reader’s attention, this can backfire.

It can lead to disappointed customers and damage your brand’s reputation. Always ensure that your email copy reflects the true value and benefits of your product or service.

In the following sections of this blog post, we will dive into more specific email copywriting examples and tips.

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In the meantime, take your email marketing strategy to new heights with Mailarrow, our state-of-the-art cold email outreach software. Sign up today for unlimited access to all features!

Exploring Different Types of Email Copywriting

As we dive deeper into the realm of email copywriting, it’s crucial to understand the different types of emails that a business might send.

Recognizing the unique requirements of each can help you as an an email marketer and copywriter to craft more compelling and effective copy.

Promotional Emails

Promotional emails aim to drive sales by promoting a company’s product or service. This could be a limited-time offer, a new product release, or a seasonal sale.

When writing promotional emails, ensure your subject line is catchy and your body copy clearly highlights the benefits of the offer.

For example, an ecommerce brand might send out an email with the subject line “Flash Sale: 50% Off All Summer Styles!”. The body write email copy could then detail the sale and provide a clear call to action like “Shop Now!”.

Automated Emails

Automated emails, often part of email sequences, are triggered by specific actions like a new user sign-up or a product purchase.

Welcome emails, cart abandonment emails, and post-purchase follow-up emails are some common examples.

In such emails, your copy should be tailored to the action that triggered the email. A welcome email, for instance, should thank the user for signing up, introduce your brand, and guide them to the next steps, with a friendly and welcoming tone.

Educational Emails

Educational emails aim to provide valuable information or insights to your email subscribers, often related to your product or service. It could be a how-to guide, a blog post, or industry news.

The key to successful educational email copywriting is delivering value. Your subject lines should spark curiosity, and your email copy should deliver on that promise, providing useful, actionable content.

Cold Emails

Cold emails are sent to potential customers who have had no prior relationship with your business. Cold email copywriting is an art form in itself.

It requires carefully crafted subject lines and opening lines to capture the reader’s attention, followed by persuasive body copy offering clear benefits to the recipient.

Nurturing Emails

Nurturing emails are designed to build and strengthen relationships with potential customers over time. They often provide relevant content, special offers, or personal insights to keep the recipient engaged with the brand.

The secret sauce to successful nurturing emails is personalization. Tailoring your email copy to reflect the recipient’s interests and behaviors can significantly increase engagement and conversion rates.

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Email copywriting can take many forms, and each type requires a different approach. As we continue our exploration of email copywriting in the subsequent parts of this blog post, remember to check out Mailarrow, our dedicated cold email outreach software, to optimize your email marketing campaigns. Sign up today for unlimited access!

Crafting Subject Lines and Preview Text

The Role of Subject Lines in Email Copywriting

One of the most critical components of an email is the subject line. It’s the first thing your recipient sees and can be the deciding factor between your email being opened or ignored. As an email copywriter, you should strive to craft subject lines that are intriguing, clear, and concise.

Your subject line should hint at the value the reader will get from opening the email. It needs to pique their interest while staying true to the content of the email.

A misleading subject line might increase open rates temporarily, but it will damage your reputation in the long run.

To create enticing subject lines, consider using power words or phrases that evoke emotion or curiosity. Just be mindful of spam trigger words that could land your email in the spam folder, like “free”, “buy now”, “urgent”, or “cash”. Test different subject lines to see what resonates with your audience.

The Importance of Preview Text

Often overlooked, the preview text is another crucial element in email copywriting. This short snippet of text appears next to or below the subject line in most email clients, providing a brief overview of the email’s content.

Preview text is a golden opportunity to supplement your subject line and further entice your readers to open your email.

It should be concise, intriguing, and accurately represent the email’s content. Think of it as a second subject line, another chance to grab your reader’s attention.

In the following sections, we will dive into email copywriting examples, tips, and best practices that will help you write effective email copy.

Don’t forget to sign up for Mailarrow, our cold email outreach software that can help streamline your email marketing campaigns. Get unlimited access to its features today!

Effective Email Body Copywriting

Now that we’ve explored subject lines and preview text, let’s delve into the core of email copywriting – the body copy.

The body of an email is where you can communicate directly with your reader, share your message, and guide them towards your desired action.

Writing Compelling Body Content

In email marketing, the body content should be engaging, easy to digest, and valuable to the reader. Writing compelling body copy requires understanding your target audience’s pain points, interests, and desires.

When you start writing emails, remember to address the reader directly. Use the second person (“you”) to make your email feel like a conversation rather than a sales pitch. By talking directly to the reader, you can make your email copy more personalized and engaging.

Incorporate your brand voice into your email copy to reflect your company’s personality and values. This can help you establish a connection with your audience and build brand loyalty.

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Breaking Down the Email Body Copy

The opening line of your email should hook the reader, compelling them to read on. A powerful way to do this is by stating a benefit or identifying a problem that your product or service can solve.

The main body of the email should expand on the promise made in the opening line. Provide relevant information, highlight the benefits of your offer, and use persuasive language to show the reader why your product or service is the solution they need.

Finally, every email should have a clear call to action (CTA). This could be a button, link, or simple instruction guiding the reader to the next step, whether that’s making a purchase, signing up for a webinar, or visiting a landing page.

Using Dynamic Content

Another powerful technique in email copywriting is the use of dynamic content. This refers to content that changes based on the recipient’s data, behavior, or preferences.

It could be the recipient’s name, job title, prospect’s company, or specific product interests. Dynamic content can increase the relevancy of your emails, leading to higher open and response rates.

In the next sections of this blog post, we will examine more specific email copywriting examples and tips, including email marketing strategy and campaign considerations.

Don’t forget to sign up for Mailarrow, our sophisticated cold email outreach software, to optimize your email marketing efforts. Get unlimited access to its robust features today!

Email Copywriting Examples and Tips

With a good grasp of the fundamentals, let’s explore some practical email copywriting examples and a few tips to help you write emails that not only get opened but also prompt action.

Example 1: Cold Email

Subject Line: Uncover Powerful Insights with [Your Company Name]

Preview Text: Empower your team with data-driven decision-making.

Opening Line: Imagine if you could make every business decision with absolute confidence, backed by data-driven insights.

Body Copy: At [Your Company Name], that’s precisely the advantage we offer. Our advanced analytics platform simplifies data interpretation, helping your team make more informed, confident decisions.

Call to Action: Schedule a free demo today and see the difference data can make!

Example 2: Welcome Email

Subject Line: Welcome to [Your Company Name] – Let’s Get Started!

Preview Text: We’re excited to have you onboard!

Opening Line: Welcome to the [Your Company Name] community! We’re thrilled you’ve chosen us to be a part of your journey.

Body Copy: At [Your Company Name], we’re committed to providing you with [mention product/service benefits]. To get started, [provide clear instructions on next steps].

Call to Action: Need help navigating your new account? Our support team is here to help! Contact us anytime.

Example 3: Promotional Email

Subject Line: Enjoy 30% Off All Products – Limited Time Only!

Preview Text: Upgrade your wardrobe with our exclusive offer!

Opening Line: We’re celebrating the season with a special 30% discount on all our products.

Body Copy: From the trendiest tops to cozy winter wear, find your perfect fit at a fraction of the price. Hurry, this offer won’t last long!

Call to Action: Start shopping now and revamp your wardrobe with [Your Company Name]!

Remember, these are just examples. Always personalize and tailor your email copy to suit your brand voice marketing goals and target audience.

Before we move on to our last section, take a moment to explore Mailarrow, our cold email outreach software. It’s designed to simplify and enhance your email marketing efforts. Sign up today for unlimited access!

Advanced Email Copywriting Tips and Considerations

With the examples and tips provided, you’re well on your way to becoming a more effective email copywriter. But as with any complex world, there’s always more to learn. Let’s explore a few more tips to enhance your email marketing copywriting strategy further.

Understand the Buyer Persona

A successful email campaign begins with a deep understanding of your target audience, often expressed as a buyer persona. A buyer persona is a fictional representation of your ideal customer, complete with a job title, demographics, interests, pain points, and more.

This persona guides the tone, style, and content of your emails and marketing channels, ensuring they resonate with your potential customers.

Avoid False Promises

False promises might attract attention, but they’ll eventually lead to mistrust and dissatisfaction. Stick to what you can deliver and avoid exaggerating the benefits of your product or service. Integrity and transparency are vital in building lasting customer relationships.

Leverage Social Proof

People tend to trust recommendations from others. Use testimonials, case studies, or user reviews in your emails to validate your product or service. This is a powerful way to convert a potential customer.

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Be Mindful of Spam Filters

Spam filters can be a significant obstacle in email marketing. Besides avoiding certain words and phrases, also pay attention to your email’s technical aspects.

Factors like email authentication, domain reputation, and even the email marketing software you use can impact whether your email lands in the inbox or the spam folder.

Follow Up

Don’t be afraid to follow up if you don’t get a response to your initial email. People are busy, and emails can easily get overlooked. A gentle reminder can often lead to a higher response rate.

Email copywriting is a powerful tool in your marketing arsenal. With the right strategy, creativity, and application of the tips shared in this blog post, you can craft emails that captivate and convert your audience.

And remember, Mailarrow, our cold email outreach software, is here to support your email marketing journey. Sign up today for unlimited access to all its features!

And that’s a wrap on our in-depth guide to email copywriting. Remember, the journey to mastering email copywriting is a continuous process of learning, testing, and improving. Keep writing, keep learning, and keep growing. The sky’s the limit!

Frequently Asked Questions

What is email copywriting?

Email copywriting is the art and science of writing persuasive email content designed to prompt the reader to take a specific action, such as purchasing a product, signing up for a service, or clicking on a link.

It involves understanding your audience, crafting compelling subject lines, and writing engaging, valuable content that resonates with your reader.

What is email copywriting with example?

Email copywriting involves all the elements in an email: subject line, preview text, opening line, body content, and call to action (CTA). For a great example here, consider this promotional email for a hypothetical ecommerce brand:

Subject Line: “Save 20% on Your Summer Wardrobe!” Preview Text: “Exclusive offer for our favorite customers.” Opening Line: “Get ready for summer with our latest collection and enjoy an exclusive 20% discount.”

Body Content: “From trendy swimwear to chic sundresses, our summer collection has it all. As a valued customer, you get to enjoy a 20% discount on all summer items. Don’t miss out on this exclusive offer!” CTA: “Start Shopping Now”

Is email copywriting easy?

Email copywriting can be a challenge because it requires a deep understanding of your audience and the ability to write compelling, concise, and persuasive content.

However, with practice, continuous learning, and the right tools like Mailarrow’s cold call email templates and outreach software, anyone can improve their email copywriting skills and create effective email marketing campaigns.

With email copywriting, your goal is not just to sell but to build lasting relationships with your customers, making them feel valued and understood. This requires tact, creativity, and a genuine understanding of your customer’s needs and desires.

Serge Shlykov is the founder of Mailarrow. Rotterdam Business School graduate and a long-time software engineer he has been running his own agency and SaaS business before realizing how many people are struggling with cold email outreach. This made him create Mailarrow, the cold email outreach software that helps you build great relationships at scale. Find him on Twitter and LinkedIn