TIRED OF EMAILS GETTING IGNORED? TRY THESE TIPS AND GET A RESPONSE EVERY TIME 🎯

by Tiffany Miller, Senior Copywriter

Writing effective emails is a talent most professionals need and would love to have. The people that write the most compelling emails are the ones that make more sales, book more interviews and have better relationships with clients and co-workers.

Here are five tips to writing a successful email: 

1. Set Your Goals

Before writing your first email, take a step back and determine the reason behind your email and what you want the receiver to do. Outline your main points and think about how you can make your objective easier to understand. Be clear in your call to action.  

2. Choose Your Subject Line Wisely

If your subject line doesn’t POP!, your email won’t get read. The subject should have just enough information to get the recipient hooked:

• Keep it short (experts suggest 80 characters or less).
• Consider how the recipient could feel when your subject line lands in their inbox.
• Add the recipient’s name to a subject line to grab their attention. It lets them know this email is only for them and could help them prioritize a full inbox.

Here’s a reporter example: “Jane, New Data Available: Type 1 Diabetes Expected to Surge in Teens”

3. Personalize Every Email

Templated emails are obvious and a quick delete. Take a few minutes to research the person you’re emailing. For example, if it’s a reporter you’re pitching a news story, take a look at their recent coverage and mention something appropriate about a recent story that relates to your pitch. This will go so much further than cliched intros like, “I hope this email finds you well.” People like to be recognized!

And while you’re at it, make the email as personal as you can. Here’s an example: “John, I really enjoyed your story on how COVID took an educational toll on kids. If you’re interested in learning more, I’d love to set up an interview for you with Psychologist XX. She can share the latest data on increased ADHD diagnosis in elementary-aged kids.”

4. Keep It Short

The subject line isn’t the only part of the email that should be short. The body of the email also needs to be as straightforward as possible:

• No one wants to wade through text to find the point. Get right into it, keeping paragraphs short and easy to read.
• Write bluntly and prioritize essential details.
• Use bullets to break up information.

Remember, many people will read your emails on a phone screen. You can always give more information in a follow-up. 

5. Check Your Tone

Almost all emails should be friendly and conversational. A more relaxed approach will help you connect. Write as if you were speaking to a friend. If that seems unnatural, read your email out loud before you hit ‘send.’ Writing this way builds trust, rapport and will make you more approachable.