Business Bullets - Marketing

You have probably wondered how to improve your email copywriting to get a better response from your readers in the future. This may seem complicated at first, but once you get a hang of it, you'll realise that all it takes is to understand how it actually works.

If you really want to improve your email copywriting, here are some tips that can help you:

1. Focus on one thing

Talking about multiple points in your email copy is a huge mistake. If you really want to succeed, focus on only one point and provide plenty of information on it. Trying to cram as many things as possible into one email is not a good way to communicate your message.

This way, your ideas will not get lost in the abundance of information.

2. Keep it simple yet effective

This is the most common tip, yet so many people still don't listen to it.

You have mere seconds to grab their attention and you should use those seconds to do it, not to go on and on about something your users don't care about. Don't use difficult words and jargon, that will overwhelm them – use simple words that they can relate to instead. At the same time, keep your message powerful.

3. Include calls-to-action

Use action words like 'buy now', 'get it here' etc. This is especially important when writing copy. Include visible and attention-grabbing buttons which include links that can take your readers exactly where you want them to be.

4. Create a sense of urgency

A sense of urgency is a good way to get people to take action when they feel reluctant. Setting a deadline, a countdown, bonuses for quick responders or gifts are a great way to grab their attention and get them to make a decision.

5. Talk to the reader

Don't just focus on what you want to say, but focus more on what your users need. Talk to them in a compelling way, address them by their name and present them with plenty of information. You can also use tools like State Of Writing or Academ Advisor to help you get your message across.

6. Format for scanners

Use plenty of subheadings, headings, bold text, images, short paragraphs and illustrations. This way, you'll be ready for those who will not read your email thoroughly but rather skim through it and remember the most prominent points. If you present them with a large block of text without any formatting, they will not remember much but with excellent formatting you will make them notice you.

7. Kill your adjectives

Adjectives are unnecessary. Copywriting is by default something that should be written with brevity and clarity in mind and adjectives do absolutely nothing to promote either. As you edit your copy, highlight every adjective that you can find and eliminate it. Sites like Via Writing can help you with that.

8. Avoid clichés

One of the worst things you can do is use clichés. These are clichés for a reason and they don't add any value to your content. Keep in mind that you only have seconds to impress your readers – wouldn't you rather use it for something useful? Unless you use them in a funny way and that is what your brand voice is, you should definitely avoid clichés.

9. Proofread thoroughly

No matter how good your copy is, people will not take it seriously if it's packed with grammar and spelling mistakes. Copy needs to be clear and these mistakes only make you less clear.

10. Know your target market

This is another tip that is so often mentioned yet many people fail to listen to it. You need to know who you are writing for – get to know those people, learn about what they would like and what they would dislike and base your content on that.

Final Thoughts

Email copywriting can be simple if you have the right tools to do it. Some mistakes are easily avoided and certain things improve your chances of receiving a great response to your emails. Follow some of these steps if you want your next email marketing campaign to be successful and effective.