10 Commandments for writing copy for email in June 2024
10 Commandments of Email Copywriting for a Packed Inbox in 2024
The battle for inbox attention is fiercer than ever. In 2024, a staggering 333.2 billion emails are sent and received daily,with the average person bombarded by over 120 messages a day. So how do you make your email stand out amidst this deluge?
Here are 10 commandments to guide your email copywriting strategy and ensure your message doesn't get lost in the digital abyss:
1. Thou Shalt Remember: The Golden Hour is Now
The lifespan of an email is shockingly short. Most engagement happens within the first hour, with a whopping 70% of responses occurring within that timeframe. Your subject line and opening lines need to pack a punch to grab attention instantly.
2. Thou Shalt Respect the Unsubscribe:
A bloated email list full of unengaged subscribers is a vanity metric. Don't be afraid to let go of those who aren't interested. A smaller, more engaged list is far more valuable. Remember, people know where the unsubscribe button is.
3. Thou Shalt Resend (But Smarter):
Missed the golden hour? Don't despair. Resend your email with a different subject line to those who didn't open it. But,tweak your message to avoid annoying those who already engaged.
4. Thou Shalt Craft Subject Lines Like Headlines:
Your subject line is your email's headline, its billboard, its first (and often only) impression. Spend as much time crafting it as you would the headline for your most important blog post.
5. Thou Shalt Hook, Hold, and Lead:
Think of your email as a guided tour. The subject line is the enticing entrance, the opening lines hook them, the body copy holds their attention, and your CTA guides them to their destination.
6. Thou Shalt Offer Irresistible Value:
Your subscribers are bombarded with offers. To stand out, make yours exceptional. Think exclusive discounts, early access, personalized recommendations, or just genuinely helpful content. It's the offer, stupid!
7. Thou Shalt Not Forget the Website:
What happens when they click? Ensure your landing page delivers on the promises made in your email. A seamless experience from inbox to website is crucial for conversions.
8. Thou Shalt Preach the Benefits:
Don't get bogged down in features. Your customers care about what your product or service can do for them. Focus on the benefits they'll gain, the problems you'll solve, and the transformation they'll experience.
9. Thou Shalt Always Be Selling (Subtly):
Every email is a sales opportunity, even if it's not directly pushing a product. Craft your message with a persuasive angle,showcasing the value you bring. Be concise, be clear, and always have a goal in mind.
10. Thou Shalt Write Like a Human:
This is the most important commandment of all. Ditch the jargon and write like you're talking to a friend. Be relatable, use humor, and show your personality. People connect with people, not corporations.
Bonus Commandment: Thou Shalt Test and Optimize
Don't just send and forget. Track your results, test different approaches, and learn what works best for your audience.Email marketing is an ongoing conversation – be willing to listen, adapt, and evolve.
Following these commandments will set you on the path to email marketing success in 2024 and beyond. Let your emails be the ones that stand out, get opened, and drive action.