Email Marketing

Writing Better E-mail Marketing Campaigns

John Bradley "JJ" Jackson

13 Dec 2007 • 1 min read

Successful e-mail marketing campaigns start with well written, relevant, and timely copy; technology is great but the words will provide the value to the reader.

Great writing requires great proofreading which is extremely hard work (you can trust me on this one since it is very hard for me). One tip on proofreading your own writing is to read it aloud. This helps you catch dropped words and mistakes. Another method is to have someone else proof your copy. Remember to run a “spell check”.

Timeliness is critical to effective e-mail marketing messages. Current events or news references can add timeliness to a campaign. For example, a reference to the rising cost of gasoline or the price of oil might add timeliness to an e-mail from an auto parts retailer.

Another must for writing better e-mail marketing campaigns is to speak the readers’ language---this includes jargon, tone, and content. If you are addressing CEOs, be sure to write like a CEO. This might mean using to-the-point (almost blunt) language with bullets and a clear call to action since CEOs are busy and direct.

Include value in the e-mail copy itself. Give the reader a tip or advice that they can use right away. Don’t make them fill out a form to get it. Relationships are based on reciprocity so start it off with a digital gift such as a free e-book.

How about this? Respond with a comment on this blog and I will forward you a free e-book called “The Power of Article Marketing” by Timothy Gorman.