The Role of an Email Copywriter: Writing for Maximum Impact

Melanie Balke
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October 29, 2024

Among all the digital marketing channels available, being an email copywriter truly stands out as a game changer. That’s why lots of retail businesses are looking to connect with customers. Email marketing is flexible, affordable, and has the potential to boost your sales. Yet, I still come across too many brands that don’t have a solid email strategy in place.

I won’t sugarcoat it: writing an engaging email copy can be a tough task. 

Crafting an effective email strategy takes time, and that’s before diving into what each email should say and look like. You’ll also need a reliable email service provider to manage your campaigns. So, don’t forget about automation; you’ll want someone skilled in e-commerce to set up those triggered messages properly.

Automated emails can save you time while ensuring your customers receive timely and relevant communications. But I assure you, putting in the effort for a great email copy will pay off in the long run.

Why is Email Marketing Important and Why Do You Need an Email Copywriter?

Email marketing delivers an impressive average ROI of 4200%, meaning that for every $1 invested, businesses typically see a return of about $42.

A skilled email copywriter knows how to transform ideas into compelling messages that drive action and foster connections. With carefully chosen words, you're not just promoting a product—you're cultivating a relationship with your audience.

Now, let’s explore how you can achieve this:

1. Create Emotional Connections

Emails that tell a story go beyond mere information; they forge emotional bonds with your readers. When people feel connected to your brand, they are more likely to open your emails, engage with your content, and eventually make a purchase. 

Also, hiring a talented email copywriter knows how to evoke emotions and craft narratives that inspire action. For instance, a simple “Thank you for your purchase!” can be turned into a meaningful, heartfelt message that reminds customers of your brand's value.

2. Drive Traffic to Your Website

Your email campaigns should do more than just inform—they should drive action. Thanks to well-crafted emails with engaging subject lines and thoughtful content, your readers will feel compelled to click through to your website. 

Whether you're introducing a new product or promoting a special offer, a skilled email copywriter ensures that your brand's voice is consistent while building trust

What's more, these strategic emails can guide your audience naturally down the sales funnel, turning interest into conversions. Gladly, you can also direct them to relevant landing pages, creating a seamless experience that boosts both engagement and traffic.

3. Enhance Brand Recognition

Consistent voice and style are key to establishing strong brand recognition and creating a lasting impression. Your email copy should always reflect your brand’s unique personality and values. 

So, if you are delivering great, on-brand messages consistently, your readers will start to recognize and be excited to hear from you, which is what drives lasting engagement and success.

Creating an Effective Email Copy

If you are looking to write an effective email that actually gets results, here’s a breakdown of what to focus on:

Start with a Killer Subject Line

Your subject line is that first impression in email marketing, so make it unforgettable. Think of it as the gatekeeper—if it doesn't grab attention, your email won’t even get opened. How can you make it work? 

Use action verbs and create urgency. “Last Chance to Grab 20% Off Your Favorite Items!”—that’s enticing. Compare that to a flat “Sale.” People need a reason to click, so give it to them.

Take brands like Groupon or Airbnb—they’ve mastered this art. They know how to engage their audience with tailored offers that resonate. By sending personalized emails that speak directly to their customer’s interests, they keep people coming back for more.

For instance, Groupon’s subject lines were so compelling that they drove massive daily deals traffic during their peak years, while Airbnb's personalized recommendations made their emails hard to resist. These companies knew how to tap into curiosity and urgency, and it paid off big time.

Craft a Crystal-Clear Call to Action (CTA)

Every email should have one goal—getting the reader to take action. And let me tell you, your Call to Action (CTA) is where the magic happens. Make sure your CTA stands out and grabs attention, as it’s a crucial part of your email that drives results and can turn a casual reader into a loyal customer.

Whether you want them to “Shop Now,” “Get Your Free Trial,” or “Join the Webinar,” your CTA should be loud and clear. No room for confusion here. Use action-packed, irresistible phrases that guide them toward the next step.

Remember Netflix’s early emails? They used simple yet powerful CTAs like “Watch Now,” making it incredibly easy for subscribers to take action.

Make Content that Connects

Think of your emails as a conversation, not a hard sell. The more relatable and helpful you are, the better. Include stories, tips, and valuable insights that connect with your audience.

For example, if you're selling skincare products, don’t just promote your creams. Share useful tips on skincare routines for different seasons—something they can use. It’s this value that makes your audience keep coming back.

Take a note from Apple’s emails. Instead of bombarding you with product specs, they show you how their products fit seamlessly into your life, often telling a story that makes you want to explore more.

Use a Visually Appealing Layout

Remember, emails with clean, visually appealing layouts can increase engagement. You can use images and short paragraphs to make your message easy to scan. Don’t make your email a wall of text—keep it light and digestible.

Look at how brands like Starbucks or Nike do it—beautifully designed emails, with just the right mix of text and imagery. Their layouts are simple, but visually compelling, leading the reader’s eye straight to the action they want them to take.

How to Use Email Automation to Improve Client Engagement

Automation can truly supercharge your email marketing efforts, allowing you to send targeted messages at just the right time without all the manual work. 

Studies show that automated emails can drive up to 320% more revenue than non-automated ones. Here are a few types of automated emails that can be incredibly effective:

1. Welcome Emails

When someone signs up for your email list, send a warm welcome email to new subscribers. Think of it as a digital handshake — a friendly introduction to your brand.

In your email, share what new subscribers can expect from your future communications. Be sure to let them know that by signing up, they will receive exclusive discounts. They can also look forward to sneak peeks of new products and perhaps even some insider tips.

This is an opportunity to shape the tone of your future communications with your audience. Make sure to inform them about how often they can expect to hear from you, and invite them to engage by sharing their feedback or preferences.

Here’s a quick example:

Subject Line: “Welcome to Our Community!”

Body: “Hi [Name], thanks for joining us! We’re thrilled to have you. Get ready for exclusive offers, exciting updates, and tips to make the most of your experience with us!”

2. Abandoned Cart Emails

Have you ever filled your cart online, only to get distracted and leave without checking out? It happens to all of us. That’s where abandoned cart emails come in.

These emails are your friendly reminder to customers about the items they left behind. A well-crafted email can nudge them back to complete their purchase. You can also sweeten the deal with a little discount. For instance:

Subject Line: “Did You Forget Something?”

Body: “Hey [Name], your haul still has some great items waiting for you! Complete your purchase today and enjoy 10% off your order. Don’t miss out!”

3. Post-Purchase Follow-Ups

Once a customer makes a purchase, it’s crucial to keep the momentum going. Send a follow-up email thanking them for their order and asking for feedback. This shows you value their opinion and opens the door for future engagement.

You might say: 

Subject Line: “Thank You for Your Purchase!”

Body: “Hi [Name], we are so thankful for your recent order! How are you enjoying your new items? Your feedback helps us enhance more and provide the best experience possible.”

4. Re-Engagement Campaigns

For subscribers who haven’t interacted with your emails in a while, it’s time for a re-engagement campaign. Remind them of the value you offer and encourage them to return with a compelling copy.

You can create urgency with phrases like, “We miss you!” or “Don’t miss out on exclusive offers!” An example might look like this:

Subject Line: “We Miss You at [Brand Name]!”

Body: “Hey [Name], it’s been a while! We’ve been busy creating amazing products just for you. Come back and enjoy 15% off your next order! We can’t wait to see you again!”

Common Mistakes to Avoid when Writing Email Copies

Even a seasoned email copywriter can make mistakes. Here are a few pitfalls to avoid:

Neglecting Mobile Optimization

With many users checking emails on their phones, ensuring your emails are mobile-friendly is crucial. Keep in mind that jumbled email can frustrate readers, so test how your emails look on different devices before hitting "send."

Ignoring Analytics

Think of data as your email ally. Tracking metrics reveals key insights—like high open rates but low clicks, hinting it's time to tweak your call to action. Use these insights to sharpen your strategy.

Let’s say you find that your emails perform better when sent on Wednesdays—why not make that your go-to day for important campaigns? Knowing your audience’s habits helps build stronger connections.

Overloading on Promotions

Avoid overwhelming your subscribers with constant promotions—too many can cause burnout. Instead, balance sales with engaging content. Mixing tips or stories with promotions, like pairing an outdoor gear sale with a "Top 5 Fall Hiking Trails" guide, keeps your emails exciting and readers eager to open them.

Unlock the Power of Your Inbox Today!

At The Email Marketers, we transform your email campaigns into powerful tools that engage your audience and deliver real results. With the best strategies and a dash of creativity, your emails can become the highlights of your customer's inboxes.

Ready to elevate your email marketing game? Let’s chat! Schedule a free strategy session with our skilled email copywriters to explore how we can enhance your efforts together. In the meantime, feel free to explore my blog posts, packed with helpful tips to boost your strategy.

Skip the hard work and get in touch with us so that our dedicated professionals can handle it for you.