Month: February 2025

Picture a different kind of sales experience: one in which you walk into a store, and instead of a pushy salesperson trying to close a deal immediately, you’re greeted with helpful tips, personalized recommendations, and just the right amount of attention. You feel seen. And that’s exactly what lead nurturing emails do—minus the awkward small talk.

Lead nurturing emails help businesses build relationships with potential customers over time, offering the right kind of value at every step of their journey. Whether someone just discovered your brand or is on the verge of making a purchase, the right email at the right moment can make all the difference. 

This may sound easier said than done, so today we’ll walk you through everything you need to know to make it happen.

What Is a Lead Nurturing Email?

A lead nurturing email is a strategic message sent to potential customers to guide them through the buying process. Rather than pushing an immediate sale, these emails educate, engage, and build trust, ensuring leads stay interested and move closer to conversion.

Think of it like dating: You wouldn’t propose on the first date (hopefully). Instead, you build a connection, earn trust, and show why you’re the right match. Lead nurturing emails work the same way by offering valuable content, addressing pain points, and keeping your brand top of mind.

How to Write Lead Nurturing Emails

Lead nurturing emails form an important part of email marketing. They follow the email customer journey, ensuring that leads (that is, potential customers) receive the right information at the right time. So prior to creating high-impact lead nurturing emails, you need to understand how leads progress through your sales funnel and how each email fits into each stage. 

Let’s explore how to do email lead nurturing, step by step.

1. Map Out Your Sales Funnel

Before drafting a single word, map out your sales funnel and its email touch points—you’ll want to slot in one (or several!) emails at every stage. Indeed each stage requires a different approach—and a different message!

Consider these common email stages and examples based on the customer journey:

• Awareness stage – Educate leads on their problem and introduce your brand. (Example: Welcome emails)
• Consideration stage – Help them evaluate solutions and see why your product is the best fit. (Example: Product tutorials, case studies, comparison guides)
• Decision stage – Nudge them toward a purchase with incentives or social proof. (Example: Discount offers, testimonials, abandoned cart reminders)
• Retention and loyalty – Keep customers engaged and encourage repeat business. (Example: VIP offers, new product announcements, surveys)

Think about your customers and the journey they take from awareness to purchase and beyond, and then which lead nurturing emails you can send to them to nurture their interest and move them through each step. 

2. Segment Your Email List Thoughtfully

Assuming you’ve generated leads and built your email list, then the next important part of sending lead nurturing emails is to segment your list. This ensures each lead receives relevant content based on their interests, behavior, and position in the funnel—and it’s an essential part of keeping people moving through the funnel.

 Let’s examine how you might organize your leads, and how this might work in practice:

• Acquisition source: Website sign-ups, webinar registrations, free resource downloads, landing pages, etc.
  • Example: If a lead downloaded an eBook on SEO, send a follow-up email with an SEO case study rather than a generic company introduction.
• Behavioral data: Browsing history, email engagement, past purchases.
  • Example: If a lead frequently visits a product page but hasn’t purchased, send an email with customer testimonials or a limited-time discount.
• Demographics: Industry, job title, company size.
  • Example: A small business owner might receive content about budget-friendly solutions, while an enterprise lead gets insights on scalability and integrations.

3. Create a Lead Nurturing Sequence

You’ve got a lead nurturing journey, and segments to target, and now you need to put it into action. One of the best ways to accomplish this is by implementing an email sequence. 

This basically entails sending a planned series of emails (discussed in step one) based on the recipient’s behavior, engagement, or stage in the customer journey (which we discussed in step 2). Each email is designed to provide value, build trust, and guide potential customers toward a decision, whether it’s making a purchase, signing up for a service, or taking another key action.

Manually managing a lead nurturing sequence is impractical, especially as your list grows. The good news is that many tools allow you to set up email automations. This ensures consistency, saves time, and allows you to scale your efforts effectively.

4. Personalize Your Emails for Maximum Impact

Segmentation lays the groundwork, but personalization makes your emails truly engaging. It’s more than just adding a first name—it’s about making each message feel relevant to the individual.

Ways to personalize your emails:

• Reference past interactions: Mention a resource they downloaded, a product they viewed, or an event they attended.
• Use dynamic content: Customize email content based on location, preferences, or purchase history.
• Tailor subject lines and CTAs: Adjust messaging based on where the lead is in their journey.

The more your emails feel like they were written for an individual rather than a mass audience, the more likely they are to resonate and drive action.

5. Track Performance and Optimize

Once your emails are live, monitor key email marketing metrics to see what’s working and what needs improvement. Important metrics include:

• Open rates – Are your subject lines engaging? Consider implementing email subject line best practices to improve their performance.
• Click-through rates (CTR) – Is your content relevant and compelling? Make your calls to action aren’t strong enough? Tweak for future emails and track the results.
• Conversion rates – Are leads taking the desired action? Maybe people are clicking through from your email, but sales don’t reflect that. Make sure your emails, calls to action, and desired conversion all align, and that the process is smooth and intuitive.
• Unsubscribe rates – Are you sending too many emails or missing the mark? If you notice more people drop off after a certain email, you might want to consider the cause behind that. Or if you notice a gradual decline, think about changing up your email frequency to see if that makes a difference. 

When in doubt, A/B test. That is, if you just can’t figure out the cause for a certain metric’s behavior (whether it’s increasing, decreasing or staying the same), then experiment with different subject lines, content formats, and CTAs to see how performance changes. Just remember this email marketing best practice: test one thing at a time so that you know exactly what is working and what isn’t. 

Types of Lead Nurturing Emails and Great Examples

Now that we’ve covered how lead nurturing emails work, let’s examine some of the different  types of emails you might send during this process. Some introduce your brand, others provide helpful resources, and a few give that final nudge to convert, among other objectives. Here’s a breakdown of the essential types of lead nurturing emails and how they keep potential customers engaged:

1. Welcome Emails – Make a Great First Impression

A welcome email is your chance to introduce your brand and set expectations. It should reinforce why the lead signed up, provide helpful information, and encourage engagement. This is a great opportunity to share your brand’s mission, direct them to key resources (such as blog posts or product pages), and invite them to follow you on social media. A well-crafted welcome email helps establish a positive relationship from the start.

The above lead nurturing email example warmly welcomes recipients as their “journey begins” and adds the bonus of 15% off, which is always a nice incentive for new subscribers to convert straight away.

2. Discount Offer Emails – A Gentle Push Toward Conversion

Sometimes, a little incentive is all it takes to turn a hesitant lead into a paying customer. A discount offer email provides potential buyers with a time-sensitive promotion, making it more tempting to take action. These email campaigns work especially well for first-time buyers, seasonal promotions, or re-engaging inactive leads. To maximize effectiveness, highlight the savings clearly and create a sense of urgency. You may even wish to include this offer in your welcome email in order to encourage the purchase right away.

This lead nurturing email campaign example from Crate&Barrel incorporates a couple top email marketing tips: the conversion-driving discount, as well as the classic “sense of urgency.” Throw in the fact that the discount is for furniture faves, and there’s a good chance the recipient will be more likely to move along to the next step in the lead nurturing process.

3. Product Tutorial Emails – Show, Don’t Just Tell

If a lead has shown interest in your product but hasn’t purchased it yet, a product tutorial email can help them see the value firsthand. These emails provide step-by-step guides, feature breakdowns, or video demonstrations to showcase how the product works and why it’s beneficial. For service-based businesses, these emails might include FAQs, onboarding instructions, or use case examples to help potential customers feel more confident in their decision. 

On the other hand, for those who have already made a purchase, a product tutorial email helps them maximize the value of their new item—increasing both satisfaction and the likelihood of repeat business. It also keeps them engaged with the brand, strengthening the relationship and driving long-term loyalty and conversions.

The below coffee-making tutorial email is a great lead nurturing email example of helping the customer better learn how to use and enjoy the product more, and hopefully continue to buy more as well.

4. Personalized Recommendation Emails – The Right Fit at the Right Time

Based on a lead’s behavior—such as past interactions, browsing history, or perhaps quiz results—personalized recommendation emails suggest relevant products, services, or content. These emails create a more custom experience, making the recipient feel understood while increasing the chances of conversion. The more relevant the recommendation, the more likely the lead is to engage. We’ll discuss how to make this happen shortly.

In the following lead nurturing email example, Audible tackles personalization from a few different angles: they address the lead by name, they add in the shiny new credit, and then follow with a personal book recommendation.

5. New Product Announcement Emails – Keep Leads in the Loop

When you launch a new product or feature, announcing it through email is a great way to generate excitement and momentum. These email campaigns can highlight key benefits, share exclusive first looks, or invite leads to pre-order or join a waitlist. Even if a lead isn’t ready to buy, keeping them informed strengthens brand awareness and ensures they think of your company when the time is right.

The below email newsletter example teases the launch of a new Starbucks line of drinks. The colorful image evokes summer and delivers on the idea of something refreshing—and it hopefully inspires the recipient to stop by a shop for an icy drink.

6. B2B Lead Nurturing Emails – Build Trust and Drive Conversions

B2B lead nurturing emails share similarities with other marketing emails we’re discussing here but have a key difference: they involve a longer sales cycle due to the nature of selling to companies rather than individual buyers. With multiple decision-makers involved, these emails need to nurture relationships and provide valuable insights, case studies, and industry expertise to guide potential clients toward informed decisions.

Unlike consumer-focused emails that often highlight limited-time offers or impulse-driven purchases, B2B nurturing emails take a strategic, trust-building approach. This makes them especially effective for SaaS companies, professional services, and high-ticket B2B sales where buyers need ongoing engagement before committing.

The email below is a prime example of B2B lead nurturing best practices. It delivers valuable, industry-specific insights that establish Zendesk as a trusted authority in the customer experience (CX) space. By featuring interviews with CX leaders and sharing unique perspectives, Zendesk strengthens its credibility, builds trust with subscribers, and strategically guides leads further down the nurturing path.

7. Exclusive & VIP Access Emails – Make Them Feel Special

People love feeling like insiders, and exclusive access emails tap into that desire. These emails invite leads to be the first to try a product, join a beta test, or get early access to a sale. By offering something not available to the general public, you create a sense of exclusivity and urgency that encourages engagement. This strategy works particularly well for luxury brands, loyalty programs, and membership-based businesses.

This lead nurturing email campaign from Organics Ocean is a good example of offering early access with exclusive savings. Insider perks abound, making it hard to resist in the lead up to Black Friday.

8. Survey Emails – Engage and Learn from Your Leads

Asking for feedback not only helps you improve your offerings but also shows leads that their opinions matter. A survey email encourages potential customers to share their thoughts, preferences, or experiences. Whether you’re seeking input on new product ideas, customer pain points, or overall brand experience, these emails create a two-way conversation that fosters engagement and brand loyalty.

We like how the below lead nurturing email example has a playful and friendly tone by saying “it’s your turn to do the talking,” but it also throws in an incentive: a free machine. Customers feel heard and rewarded, which are a couple of the best ways to nurture leads on their path to conversion.

9. Abandoned Cart Emails – The Gentle Reminder

Leads often get distracted or hesitate before making a purchase. Abandoned cart emails serve as a friendly reminder, encouraging them to complete their transaction. These emails can include a recap of the items left behind, highlight product benefits, and even offer an incentive (like free shipping or a small discount) to motivate action.

The below email example entices the potential buyer to come back and complete the purchase by offering 15% off. So if the recipient was on the fence, this extra discount might help seal the deal.

10. Win-Back Emails – Reignite Their Interest

Not every lead converts right away, and some may disengage over time. Win-back emails—or re-engagement emails, as they are often called—are designed to re-engage cold leads and remind them why they were interested in your brand in the first place. These emails can highlight recent updates, offer an exclusive deal, or simply check in with a friendly message. By making an effort to reconnect, you increase the chances of bringing inactive leads back into the sales funnel.

Below, Venmo’s lead nurturing email taps into user FOMO in hopes that they’ll want to update their app and see what’s new. With a scannable QR code, this is a great example of how to make moving to the next step extra easy.

The Future of Your Email Marketing Lead Nurturing

Lead nurturing is an ongoing process, not a one-time strategy. As technology advances, automation and AI will make it easier to personalize emails and predict customer behavior. But no matter how sophisticated your tools become, the key remains the same: send relevant, timely, and valuable emails that guide leads toward a decision.

Refine your approach, track what works, and keep your audience at the center of your strategy. The more intentional you are, the more effective your email marketing will be.

Great marketing doesn’t have to come from a big-budget team or a decade of experience. With the power of ChatGPT, anyone—whether you run a small family business or are part of a growing brand—can create marketing that feels polished, engaging, and effective. The secret to success? Mastering ChatGPT prompts for marketing. By learning how to prompt the tool effectively, you can tap into its full potential and craft everything from attention-grabbing social media posts to strategic email campaigns. 

In this guide, we’ll reveal some of the most impactful and creative ways to use ChatGPT for marketing, and also show you how to craft the perfect prompts. Ready to elevate your marketing game? We’ve got you covered with ideas and tips to make ChatGPT prompts for marketing work for you.

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What Is a ChatGPT Prompt for Marketing?

A ChatGPT prompt for marketing is a specific instruction you give to ChatGPT to generate marketing-related content, such as ad copy, social media posts, blog articles, email campaigns, or strategy ideas. When used effectively, ChatGPT marketing prompts can help you streamline your efforts, create more content in less time, and enhance the quality and effectiveness of your campaigns—helping you market smarter, faster, and at scale.

The Importance of a Good ChatGPT Marketing Prompt

The key here, though, is the quality of those prompts. The best ChatGPT prompts for marketing can make all the difference when it comes to getting results that truly benefit your efforts. By crafting a clear, detailed, and focused prompt, you set the AI up to provide high-quality content that speaks to your audience, reflects your brand voice, and aligns with your marketing strategy. Long story short: it saves you time and improves your results.

To get the most out of AI, structure your ChatGPT prompts for marketing by using a formula that includes certain key elements for clarity and precision. Here are the most important elements to consider as you develop your prompt formula:

• Context – Provide background information about your brand, audience, or campaign to give ChatGPT a clear understanding.
• Task – Clearly state what you need, whether it’s a blog post, ad copy, social media captions, or email subject line ideas.
• Format – Specify how the output should be structured—bullet points, paragraphs, headlines, or even a script.
• Examples – Share samples of the style, tone, or structure you want ChatGPT to follow for consistency.
• Role – Assign a perspective, such as “act as a digital marketing strategist” or “write like a social media expert.”
• Tone – Set the voice—professional, conversational, witty, persuasive—so the response aligns with your brand.
• Constraints – Define word count, key phrases, or any specific requirements to keep the output focused.
• Goal – Clarify the purpose of the content, whether it’s increasing engagement, driving sales, or educating your audience.
• Refinement – Adjust and iterate based on ChatGPT’s responses to fine-tune the results.

If you follow this structure, you’ll generate more accurate and effective content for your marketing needs—and more quickly.

ChatGPT Prompts for Website Content

Now that we’ve got a handle on the basics, let’s take a journey through all the most important ways ChatGPT prompts can help you with your marketing—starting with the ever-important website. It’s your brand’s home base, and it’s where first impressions are made, customers are won over, and the sales hopefully come rolling in. 

Every page should work hard for you, but it can be hard to know how to make this happen. That’s where AI can really hook you up, helping you clarify your messaging, craft thoughtful copy, and fuel your blog with content that connects. 

Here are a few ways to really extract the most out of your ChatGPT prompts for website content:

1. Define Your Unique Value Proposition (UVP)

Before you start creating your website, you’ve got to get your UVP dialed, because it’s the core reason customers will choose you over competitors. And, if you’re struggling with how to define yours, AI can help.

Provide details about your business—who you serve, what problem you solve, and what makes you different—and get crystal-clear UVP suggestions that instantly communicate your value. You can use the UVP as a foundation for website messaging, as well as in marketing materials, and even in ad copy. 

Here’s a good example of what a UVP prompt might look like: 

Pro tip: As is the case with all of these prompts, if you don’t like the options ChatGPT gives you, simply tell it why and ask it to go back to the drawing board. Just keep giving it feedback until you receive the perfect content.

2. Nail Your Web Page Copy

Every page on your website has a job to do—maybe it’s to inform potential customers about your mission, or perhaps it’s to provide contact information, or, of course, to close a big sale. So you’ve got to get the copy just right.

So, let’s say you want to create an About page that really conveys your story and message. Just share your brand story, key facts, and the tone of voice you want. AI can generate polished copy that captures your personality and resonates with your audience. 

3. Keep Your Blog Fresh and Relevant

A well-maintained blog builds trust, increases SEO, and keeps your audience interested (in part because you always have content to share and repurpose!). But coming up with ideas and writing consistently can be a real pain. AI makes it easier.

Get help brainstorming topics, outlining posts, crafting introductions, and fine-tuning headlines. Have a specific style in mind? Share an example, and AI can match the tone and structure. Notice the precision of the below example, which includes the context, task, goal, format, tone, and even an example for style.”

Of these five ideas, you can narrow in on one that you like, and then just ask ChatGPT to elaborate on the topic by giving you an outline.

From refining your brand message to building your content, AI is the secret weapon for a website that works harder for your business—and makes your life a whole heck of a lot easier.

ChatGPT Prompts for Marketing Campaigns

Running a marketing campaign, never mind a successful one, can easily feel out of reach. Where does one start? What if you only have a small budget? And—eh hem—no marketing skills? More good news here: ChatGPT prompts for marketing can simplify the entire process.

1. Develop a Marketing Plan

First thing’s first. When starting out, it helps to have a clear strategy in place—but maybe you’re not even sure about that! Whether you’re trying to increase website traffic, or promote a new product, ChatGPT can help guide you with actionable strategies that fit your precise needs and skillset.

To make that happen, we’ll need to return to the trusty ChatGPT prompt, complete with all the essentials: the context, task, goals, restraints (like your budget), etc. You can even specify the format you’d prefer—like a bulleted list or a table—to make the output more digestible and actionable.

Here’s an example of what this might look like: 

By providing ChatGPT with the most pertinent details, you’ll get back a list of marketing strategies designed to meet your goals.

2. Craft Engaging Ads

Alright, the plan is in place, and one of your to-dos is to create compelling ads. If you don’t have the time or budget to hire a copywriter, ChatGPT can take over too. Provide context about your product, audience, and tone, and—voila—it will generate creative ad copy for you.

Once you receive the options, you can choose the one that fits best or ask for further refinement based on your preferences. Maybe you’d like to see different headline options, or perhaps have the ideas repurposed for another social media platform—just keep iterating to meet your exact needs.

ChatGPT Prompts for Social Media Marketing

While we’re on the subject of social media, chances are you’ll want to do more than just advertise there; you’ll need to create posts, stories and so on. But creating and planning content can quickly become a full-time job. Thankfully, ChatGPT can pick up the slack, helping you generate ideas, craft posts, and even plan a schedule for your content.

1. Come Up with Content Ideas

Before jumping into scheduling, it’s important to first come up with different content ideas that you can post. That’s because a well-rounded social media strategy includes a mix of post types to keep your audience engaged—think product highlights, behind-the-scenes glimpses, educational tips, user-generated content, and promotional offers. Let’s turn it over to ChatGPT:

2. Plan and Schedule Your Social Media Content

Let’s move on to that schedule: it’s where effective social media marketing really takes shape. ChatGPT can help you design a content calendar to make sure that you’re consistently posting relevant and interesting content—not just the same old stuff, and sporadically.

Continuing with our previous example we can ask ChatGPT to help you devise a content calendar of posts in order to maintain a diverse feed and stay on track. It could look something like this: 

And just like that, you’ve taken so much of the guesswork out of social media planning. Now you know exactly what you need to do and when, making sure that your content is both consistent and stimulating.  

3. Create Social Media Content

You’ve got the calendar of diverse content ideas; now you’ll need that content. Once you’ve planned your posts and settled on a schedule, ChatGPT can help with the actual content creation process. You’ve already got the marching orders: set the stage with context and so on, and then tell it exactly what you need. Consider a prompt such as the following: 

With ChatGPT’s assistance, you can quickly generate multiple content options, saving time while maintaining consistency in your brand’s voice and coming up with heaps of ideas.

ChatGPT Prompts for Launching New Products & Services

We’ve come this far, and now it’s time to sell those products and services. And, as always, ChatGPT can be the best tool to help you get the job done too. Here are some of the top things it can help you tackle: 

1. Develop Product Descriptions

One of the first tasks you’ll face when launching a new product or service is writing product copy and descriptions that really speak to your customers. Maybe you need text for your website, or perhaps a brochure. Whatever the case, ChatGPT can help you create the right copy—just give it the usual context info, plus provide it with the details of your product, the task at hand, the tone you want, and the length you’re aiming for. Here’s an example:

Or, if you have existing product descriptions that you like, you can just ask ChatGPT to create something similar.

ChatGPT will be able to match the style, tone, and length of your previous descriptions, saving you time and maintaining consistency across your product lineup.

2. Write a YouTube Script

Product copy is done, and it’s time to spread the word! Perhaps you want to launch your product with a YouTube video teaser but aren’t sure where to start with the script. ChatGPT is the perfect tool to help. Just provide the details about the product, the video length, and the tone you want to convey, and ChatGPT can draft and outline or script for you.

ChatGPT can quickly draft an organized script, making it easier for you to create a polished and professional video.

3. Produce a Press Release

Writing a press release used to mean you had to reach out to (and pay) a PR expert or scour the web for templates, and all without really knowing exactly what you were doing. But with ChatGPT, you can now create a professional press release in no time. To get started, you can simply ask ChatGPT what information it needs to craft one.

Once you provide ChatGPT with the necessary details, it will guide you through the process, and you’ll end up with a clear, well-written press release ready to distribute.

4. Strategize Your Product Launch

ChatGPT can also help you plan and execute your product launch with a proper strategic plan. Whether it’s coming up with ideas for promotional tactics (such as distributing that fresh press release!), defining digital marketing strategies, or coming up with product launch email ideas, ChatGPT is ready to assist.

Leaning on ChatGPT for this planning helps you make sure you’ve got all your bases covered and that you stay organized and focused.

ChatGPT Prompts for Email Marketing

With all the previous elements in place, it’s time to connect the dots by tackling your email customer journey. This is the process that guides your subscribers from initial engagement to conversion. It’s with email marketing where the real magic happens—and ChatGPT can make this process a whole lot easier. 

1. Generate Email Content Ideas

You know you should send email newsletters, but you’re short on ideas—it happens. If you’re feeling stuck and need content inspiration, ChatGPT can help brainstorm a list of the best topics that are tailored to your audience and objectives. Here’s an example:

We really don’t mean to be a broken record here, but don’t forget how important it is to provide all the necessary context about your business, ranging from audience information to product details, etc. We’ll say it again: the more precise you are, the better and more useful the ChatGPT responses will be.

2. Put Together an Email Calendar

Once you have some ideas, your next step is to create an email content calendar. That’s right—for maximum effectiveness, you should plot out your email plan so that it’s scheduled in a way that keeps your audience engaged without overwhelming them. ChatGPT can help you draft an email calendar so that your emails are sent at the right times to maximize clicks, and so that you stay on track.

With recommended dates, times, and topics in hand, you’re ready to swiftly move on to the next step.

3. Craft Your Newsletter Content

Now it’s time to create those emails—you could write them yourself, or, of course, there are ChatGPT prompts for this too. Let’s say you want to tackle that first welcome email. Consider the following prompt: 

Or, you could also make this whole process even more simple: with SiteGround Email Marketing, take advantage of a built-in AI writer that can help you craft creative email copy on the fly right within the easy-to-use email builder.

Getting the Most Out of Your ChatGPT Marketing Prompts

ChatGPT continues to lead the way as one of the best AI tools for business, and it’s no different when it comes to marketing. No massive budget needed, nor decades of experience under your belt—just the right ChatGPT prompts for marketing. And by learning how to structure your prompts effectively, you can get the most out of this revolutionary tool. Now it’s time to put these strategies into action and take advantage of the full potential of AI-driven marketing.

Keen to have all the top ChatGPT Marketing prompts and ideas all in one place? Download our free Marketing for ChatGPT Cheat Sheet to make prompting like an expert a whole lot easier.

Let’s be honest—everyone appreciates a good deal, but no one enjoys being overwhelmed with emails that simply push products.

In this article, we’re ditching the usual advice and diving into what actually makes an offer irresistible and how to communicate it effectively to minimize customer churn. After all, for a sales promotion email to catch the eye, you need to do more than just throw one together and expect to get results.

We’ll also look at some great promotional email examples, and share key insights into crafting emails that resonate with your recipients and keep them far from the spam button. 

And as a bonus, we’re throwing in a free downloadable guide packed with ready-to-use promotional email templates.

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What Are Promotional Emails?

Sales promotion emails, also known as promotional or promo emails, are exactly what they sound like: marketing emails sent to your audience—whether they’re customers, leads, or subscribers—with the purpose of encouraging purchase by highlighting special offers, discounts, or products.

You can send email promos for a variety of occasions, but to maximize those conversion rates, consider aligning them with the stages of your customer’s journey. 

Based on your customer’s current stage, you can send:

• Welcome promo codes, one-month free trials, or limited-time offers (consideration)
• Abandoned cart reminders, exclusive discounts, or flash sales (decision)
• Back-in-stock alerts, product launch announcements, or personalized product recommendations (upsell and cross-sell)
• Milestone celebration discounts, VIP offers, or seasonal and holiday promotions (loyalty)

How to Write the Perfect Promotional Email

You can’t skip essentials like using high-quality images, creating a sense of urgency, and including clear calls to action when crafting your sales email. However, there are additional tricks you can use to make your offer irresistible.

1. Write Catchy but Clear Subject Line

Did you know that 47% of emails are opened  solely based on the subject line? With this in mind, make sure yours stand out by clearly highlighting the offer or benefit for your subscriber. For instance, the subject line “Exclusive Offer: 20% Off Only for Our New Customers” grabs attention, sets clear expectations, and is more likely to prompt opens than a vague line like “Socks on Discount.”

Additionally, keep your subject lines short—no more than 50 characters long—and simple, as overly clever or complicated ones often get overlooked.

Finally, strive to be catchy, conversational, and compelling, but be cautious of spam-trigger words like “100% free,” “guaranteed,” or “urgent,” as they could send your email straight to the spam folder. 

2. Use Preheader Text to Back Up Your Subject Line

Before opening an email, your subscribers see three key pieces of information: the sender name, subject line, and preheader text (which is sometimes called preview text). So, if your subject line didn’t steal the show, you’ve still got a shot to make an impression with the preheader!

The preheader is a brief snippet of text that follows the subject line in the inbox. Though only 30-80 characters long, this small piece of text can be the deciding factor in whether someone opens your email. Therefore, avoid repeating the same message as your subject line, as it would be a waste of space and might create the perception that your brand is lazy or sloppy.

Some best practices when it comes to your preheader include: 

• Incorporating a call to action (CTA)

• Expanding on the offer

• Using FOMO (fear of missing out)

However, if you can’t decide what you’d like to add, lucky for you—most email providers will automatically pull the first 40-50 characters from your email. Just make sure those opening words are action-driven and give your readers a reason to dive in further!

3. Create a Sense of Urgency

Creating a sense of urgency in your sales promotion emails is a powerful tactic to compel readers to act fast. The psychological principle behind this is simple—consumers tend to place a higher value on opportunities that are available for a limited time. 

To effectively create this sense of urgency, use time-sensitive language in both your email copy and CTA buttons. Phrases such as “Sales ends in 24 hours“, “Grab yours before they’re gone,” or “Last chance to claim your exclusive discount” suggest that delaying could result in missing out on something desirable.

The email below is an excellent example of how to create a sense of urgency in your messaging:

4. Use Visible and Clear Call to Actions

Think of your CTA as the handshake between your email content and your reader’s next move. Make sure it stands out and is easy to find, while remaining clear and not overly pushy.

It’s important to recognize that different CTAs pack different punches. For example, “Shop Now” is your go-to for immediate action, while “Learn More” is perfect for those curious clicks.

Additionally, to enhance the visibility of your calls to action, aim to use contrasting colors, bold fonts, or quirky shapes. Try popping one in the header for easy access or save it for the end to smoothly guide readers to the next step. You can also sprinkle them throughout your email, as long as each one has a clear purpose and adds a little flair.

For instance, here we have a great example of strategically placed calls to action:

5. Mind the Email Length

Depending on the promotion you’re running, your email’s body might be a quick read or a little more detailed. But remember, a wall of text is a fast track to the trash bin!

When crafting sales promotion emails, think of “less is more” as your mantra. Try to keep your text short and to the point, allowing the reader to focus on the offer and not get overwhelmed by details that might put them off.

The example below shows exactly that—how concise and clear copy effectively highlights the offer:

6. Balance All Elements (Text vs. Visuals)

It’s important to give your email elements some breathing room, as it helps prevent a cluttered or overwhelming appearance. Sometimes, the use of white space can improve readability and draw attention to the most important parts of your email, such as the headline, key benefits, and that all-important call to action, ultimately increasing your click-through rate.

Also, don’t forget about  the overall layout of your email—an aesthetically appealing email captures subscribers’ attention and also holds it, guiding them through your message and towards the desired action. 

Try  breaking up text into short paragraphs with headings or bullet points to make the content of your email more digestible.This way, the likelihood that your offer will be noticed and acted upon is higher. 

It’s also important to note that some email providers monitor the text-to-image ratio. Although there’s no strict rule, a commonly recommended ratio is 60% text to 40% images, or even higher text content, to help ensure your emails reach your intended customers.

Take a cue from the example below, where we have a well-balanced text-to-image ratio:

7. Sync The Email Color Scheme with Your Brand Identity

The color scheme of your email is a key player in your design game. Pick email colors that not only reflect your brand’s personality but also play nice together. A harmonious palette stirs up the right emotions and makes your content a treat to read.

For instance, incorporating a calming blue in a wellness center’s email promo can emphasize relaxation, while a vibrant orange in a fitness brand’s email can evoke energy and enthusiasm, highlighting an active lifestyle.

8. Use High-Quality Images

No email is complete without captivating imagery. Therefore, if you’re promoting a physical product, avoid using the same generic stock images that every company in your industry uses. Instead, show off your products from their best angles to highlight key features. When it comes to services, use photos that tell a story by featuring real people enjoying the service. This approach makes your offerings more tangible and relatable to your audience.

Remember, while images are important, they shouldn’t be the sole focus of your email. Aim for a sales promotion email that is exciting but not overwhelming, where images enhance rather than distract from your call to action. 

The example below shows exactly that—how images can be used effectively to complement the overall message:

9. Make It Personal

Personalized emails nowadays go beyond simply using the customer’s name; they involve crafting a message that feels uniquely tailored to the recipient.

By referencing past interactions with your brand, such as previous purchases or items they’ve shown interest in, you demonstrate an understanding of their individual needs and preferences. Additionally, you can celebrate milestones, like the anniversary of their first purchase, with a personalized offer or a simple congratulatory note to make them feel valued and appreciated.

To make sure your emails are really landing, it’s important to keep an eye on your email marketing metrics. These insights reveal how your audience engages with your content, allowing you to refine your approach and create more impactful messages. With this data in hand, you can turn a generic email promo into a memorable message that leaves a lasting impression on your recipient.

10. Build Trust 

Sometimes a friend’s recommendation or even a random review on the internet can sway your audience’s decisions. That said, try to showcase testimonials, awards, or endorsements your product or service has snagged to improve your credibility and demonstrate authenticity and reliability. 

To add even more value to your sales promotion email, think of including some handy tips on how your customers can make the most of your service or provide a fun guide on using it like a pro. By doing so, you not only educate them but also demonstrate your commitment to their satisfaction and success. It also helps them get more out of your product—now, and hopefully as they return as customers!

11. Harness Gmail’s Promotion Tab Features (Bonus Step)

When Gmail introduced tabs in 2013, many email marketers were concerned. The new promotions tab meant that sales promotion emails could land there instead of the coveted primary tab, potentially reducing their visibility to subscribers.

However, the promotions tab isn’t the junk folder, so don’t treat it as the enemy. Instead, think of it like your trusty sidekick, helping your promotional emails stand out among the many messages your subscribers receive. In fact, 45.1% of users with this feature enabled check the promotions tab daily, and those users are more likely to engage with and make purchases from the emails they find there.

And while landing in the primary tab is every email marketer’s dream, trying to sneak your sales messages in there could backfire, as recipients might mark them as spam, damaging your sender reputation and deliverability rates.

Fast forward to 2019, when Gmail introduced annotations in the promotions tab—a feature that lets you include extra details about your offer right in the inbox preview, making your email more noticeable. Essentially, annotations are snippets of HTML code added to your email header, which you can easily modify to display desired information, such as your logo, business name, featured image, deal badge and more.

You can also opt for a simpler version with only text-based details like a promo code or expiration date, or spice things up by using product carousels that showcase multiple image previews for your promotion.

Overall, using Gmail annotations can only work to your advantage, allowing you to spotlight important information about your deal right in the promotions tab. Check out this guide for all the details on this feature.

Common Types of Sales Promotion Emails (With Examples)

While the perfect promotional email template doesn’t exist, by understanding different approaches, you can craft compelling messages that not only resonate with your target customers, but also effectively drive sales.

With that in mind, here are the most common types of email promos, paired with effective examples to help elevate your email marketing efforts.

1. Not an Offer, Just a Teaser

A teaser email is like a friendly nudge in your reader’s inbox, saying, “Psst, something big is on the way—stay tuned!” Whether it’s a new product launch, a major announcement, or in this case, an upcoming sale, these emails are all about building excitement.

Teaser emails usually keep it short and sweet, but don’t let their simplicity fool you—they can add a real intrigue to your promotional email campaigns. 

This  teaser email from Knix skillfully entices the reader to open with its promise of a sale potentially surpassing Black Friday—one of the busiest shopping days. Inside, it builds urgency by nudging them to mark their calendars for “What you’ve been waiting for,” while the “Unlock early access” CTA adds a hint of exclusivity, making the opportunity hard to miss.

2. Limited-Time Deal Promotional Email 

A limited-time deal email is a promotional classic that effectively taps into the natural fear of missing out. Essentially, they showcase offers available only for a set time, whether it’s a matter of minutes, hours, or even a few days or weeks. 

Limited-time deals work wonders when timed with special occasions, especially during holiday seasons, when people eagerly anticipate discounts and are more likely to take advantage of them.

In the email above, the subject line immediately grabs attention with a time-sensitive deal, encouraging quick action. The playful header “Make repetition your reputation” resonates with fitness enthusiasts, while the concise copy highlights the featured sneakers as essential for those pursuing continuous improvement.

Offering free trials is an effective lead generation strategy, as it lets potential customers experience your product or service firsthand, without the financial commitment. In this next example, a sleek, minimalist design keeps the spotlight on the offer, while a cleverly positioned CTA button guides them to a landing page detailing the promotion’s features and terms.

3. Back-In-Stock Promotional Email

Back-in-stock emails are perfect for prompting immediate action from customers who missed out on popular items. Letting them know that a product is available again provides a chance to re-engage them and encourage visits to your store.

These emails serve as reminders, creating a sense of urgency and excitement that can lead to quick conversions. Additionally, by personalizing them based on previous interactions, you can enhance their effectiveness even more.

We’ve already explored how the fear of missing out can drive consumer behavior, and Lululemon nails it perfectly. Their back-in-stock email starts with a subject line that picks the reader’s interest by hinting that a sought-after item has returned. It then uses a clever aviation-themed metaphor to create a sense of urgency, indicating that these popular products are ready to “take off” again.

For the plant lovers out there, this back-in-stock email from Sill kicks things off with a playful question that’s sure to catch their eye. With free shipping and a 30-day guarantee, it’s tough to resist. And if the visuals don’t convince the reader, they’ve cleverly highlighted key features to seal the deal.

4. Holiday and Seasonal Promotional Emails

A holiday without a sale just feels incomplete, doesn’t it? Holiday email promotions tap into the festive spirit when customers are more likely to shop. These emails can cover special occasions such as Christmas, Valentine’s Day, or any other holiday you can think of. The better your offer matches a particular celebration, the more successfully you can engage your email subscribers.

Similarly, seasonal shifts offer perfect opportunities for businesses to connect with subscribers through enticing deals. Each season brings a new backdrop for campaigns that resonate with consumer moods, while seasonal store clean-ups provide a chance to offer exclusive discounts to clear last season’s stock.

If this holiday-themed email doesn’t make you raise a red ale and say “Sláinte,” we’re not sure what will. Designed to capture the festive spirit, the email features a sleek green monochrome palette that beautifully showcases the product. The prominent “Make Your Own Luck” slogan cleverly ties into the traditions of St. Patrick’s Day, subtly encouraging customers to seize the opportunity and make a purchase.

There’s nothing like shopping for your favorite person to spark a little excitement. The Valentine’s Day email above not only encourages action but also adds a charming touch by linking the featured jewelry to a deep, unforgettable love story. By weaving a narrative that resonates emotionally, the email helps create a connection between the product and the sentiment of the occasion.

This next email promo cleverly plays on the idea of seasonal renewal, prompting readers to consider refreshing their pet’s wardrobe. Additionally, it features a diverse mix of popular items, thoughtful gifting options, and enticing discounts to appeal to a wide range of customers.

5. Exclusive Subscriber Offer Promotional Email

Expressing gratitude to your subscribers for taking a desired action is a great way to keep them engaged. Instead of just a simple thank you, consider offering special deals that aren’t available to the general public. Such email promos foster a sense of privilege and appreciation among your subscribers. Plus, you can easily add them to your email automation sequences.

You can offer newcomer promo code, repeated purchases discount, members-only access, and unique product bundles—these little perks make your customers feel like the VIPs that they are. 

While there are certainly many exciting things out there, knowing something is reserved just for you can be quite appealing.  In this email offering an exclusive subscriber deal, The Pro’s Closet teases a special discount right in the subject line, inviting new customers to dive in and ultimately circle back to the website. Pretty straightforward, and effective. 

The next email masterfully blends a sense of exclusivity with a playful touch–a simple emoji. By incorporating a lighthearted tone, the email immediately sets a welcoming atmosphere. This tone is further enhanced with catchy images and vibrant colors that perfectly align with the brand’s personality, making the overall customer experience memorable and enjoyable.

6. Upsell and Cross-Sell Promotional Emails

With trust established, the upsell and cross-sell emails focus on encouraging customers to explore additional products or services. This is ever so important, as existing customers can be one of your greatest sources of business, and they ensure ongoing success. 

Since you’ve already convinced these customers to buy from you, now’s the time to leverage your emails to highlight complementary items or premium options that not only might address other customer pain points, but that can even enhance the initial purchase.

Simple and to the point is how we can describe this upsell email example. Linktree not only offers a free trial of their premium plan but also cleverly emphasizes that there are no strings attached—it’s entirely on them. And just in case the reader misses the bright pink CTA button, the big, bold promo code is right there, ready to remind them of what this email is all about.

Back-in-stock or new arrival email promos often fall into the cross-sell category, as they encourage existing customers to enhance their previous orders with complementary items. For example, Crocs’ charming message to “give the little ones a new reason to smile” is a perfect illustration of this strategy. By highlighting the joy and excitement that new colors can bring to their kiddos, the email tugs at parents’ heartstrings, prompting them to explore additional options.

7. Special Occasion Promotional Email

Celebrating special moments like birthdays, personal milestones, or even your brand anniversary can make your customers feel special. Including a unique offer, such as a discount or complimentary product, can enhance their experience with your brand. Plus, it’s a great way to encourage them to engage with your brand and make additional purchases.

This anniversary email is a warm invitation to REI Co-op members, fostering a sense of community while making them feel extra special. By highlighting the “Biggest Sale,” it promises impressive discounts, stirring excitement and encouraging recipients to explore the deals. The splash of red is no accident—it’s strategically used to create a sense of urgency, motivating customers to take action quickly.

In this next example, Starbucks uses the customer’s birthday to offer a free drink. The email conveys excitement about giving the customer a special treat, making them feel valued by the brand. Redeeming the offer is easy—just visit any participating store on your birthday to enjoy your drink!

8. Event Promotion Email

Whether you’re hosting an in-person seminar, a workshop, or an online webinar, the goal of event promotion emails is to increase attendance and generate excitement among your email list. These emails should capture the essence of the event, spotlighting key speakers, topics, and activities that will pique the interest of potential attendees.

By providing a glimpse into the unique experiences and valuable insights that await them, you create buzz that encourages recipients to register. 

Engagement can kick off with a simple question, especially when you’re asking subscribers about their needs or spotlighting a problem they might encounter. This approach not only captures attention but also demonstrates that you understand their concerns and are eager to provide solutions. Take a cue from Salesforce’s event promotion email, which promises to tackle customer challenges with expert insights, all while promoting new features!

After unveiling the event, you need to keep your readers hooked by playfully reminding them of the perks of attending and by revealing the star speakers—just like this email from Pilot does.

9. No Offer, Just a Reminder

While it would be great if your recipients acted upon your offer immediately after the first email, the reality is, unfortunately, different. Many factors can distract or delay a subscriber’s decision to engage with your offer—from a busy schedule to simply forgetting about the email. That’s where a gentle nudge comes in handy. A well-timed follow-up email, even without introducing a new offer, can serve as a friendly reminder of the value you initially presented.

However, while many of us are used to setting reminders for ourselves, sending them to others can be a bit tricky. You want to avoid coming across as pushy or naggy, yet ensure the reminder is memorable.

A cheeky joke can make your brand feel more relatable and increase engagement. For example, a self-aware quip about rarely using the word “nigh” adds a quirky personality that aligns perfectly with Surreal’s playful brand voice. This lighthearted approach helps break the ice, making the communication feel more like a conversation with a friend rather than a sales pitch.

Start Converting Readers into Clients

Sales promotion emails are your golden ticket to reaching out to your subscribers and saying, “We’ve got something special just for you!” Whether you’re unveiling a new product, marking a milestone, or offering a seasonal discount, the goal is to capture attention and inspire action.

By leveraging the strategies and examples shared in this article, you’ll be well-prepared to craft email promos that not only intrigue your audience but also convert that interest into sales.

And remember, as you embark on this journey, the use of personalization, catchy yet relevant CTAs, and a visually appealing design are your best allies. Tailor your messages to resonate with your recipients, and ensure your offer is communicated clearly, keeping the benefits it delivers in mind.

This article was originally published in August 2024 and updated in February 2025.

Ever had a friend suddenly stop replying to your messages, and you’re left wondering if they’ve moved to a remote island with no WiFi? That’s kind of what happens with inactive subscribers. But don’t worry—just like you’d send a friendly “Hey, are we still cool?” text, customer re-engagement emails can work wonders in bringing those lost connections back to life. In this guide, we’ll break down the secrets behind effective re-engagement emails, plus plenty of examples to spark your creativity.

What Is a Re-Engagement Email?

A re-engagement email is a targeted newsletter email sent to inactive or disengaged subscribers with the goal of reactivating their interest in your brand, product, or service. These emails typically include compelling subject lines, special offers, personalized content, or reminders about the value of staying connected.

And the reality is that this is an important and often normal part of the email customer journey—that is, sadly, not all subscribers stay engaged forever. And that’s where this step comes in so that you can entice them to come back for more.

Indeed, inactive subscribers don’t have to be lost customers. People get busy, inboxes get cluttered, and sometimes they just need a nudge to reconnect. More importantly, there are some really solid reasons for your business to get back in touch with these distancing subscribers through thoughtful email campaigns. 

Why Send Re-Engagement Emails?

There are many reasons why sending customer re-engagement emails is an important part of your email marketing:

• Reduce Churn: Keeping customers engaged prevents them from leaving, which is more cost-effective than constantly acquiring new ones.
• Boost ROI: Re-engaging inactive subscribers can improve your email marketing campaign performance and overall revenue.
• Enhance Deliverability: Email providers prioritize active and engaged lists, improving your sender reputation.
• Gain Insights: Use email marketing metrics to track responses from re-engagement campaigns can provide valuable data on customer behavior.

7 Common Types of Re-Engagement Emails

Now that we’re all on the same page about the importance of sending re-engagement emails, it’s time to talk about the more strategic and nuanced side of things. With that in mind, here are the most common types of customer re-engagement emails that you’ll want to add to your email automation sequences.

1. “We Miss You” Emails

The “We miss you” email is a re-engagement campaign classic. It feels friendly, but not desperate; it appeals to emotions, but it isn’t sappy—and all wrapped in a subtle reminder to get back in touch. These emails often include just a friendly message, but they can also be paired with a special offer or an invitation to check out new features.

You can’t really go wrong with a cute dog photo, so this “we miss you” email already has our heart. But we also love how this email appeals to someone out there “looking for a review,” making the reader feel like their input is valuable—and hopefully inspiring them to take action.

2. B2B Re-Engagement Emails

For B2B companies, re-engagement emails are a super important part of bringing back inactive leads, encouraging repeat purchases, or reminding customers of your value. This kind of email is going to be a bit (or a lot) less informal (so the “we miss you” text is probably not the right vibe), and instead often focuses on providing educational content, product updates, or exclusive offers.

We like how in this B2B re-engagement email, the recipient is clearly reminded that they’ve been missing out on special perks and faster finances, and they’re gently nudged to reconnect. 

3. Feedback Re-Engagement Emails

We all love to be asked our opinion, right? So, if a subscriber has stopped engaging, asking for their feedback might very well get them to open your email and reply. Not only do these emails make customers feel heard and offer an opportunity to re-engage, but they also give you a chance to gather important feedback to improve your business, service or product. Win, win and win.

Simple and appreciative, the below email makes clear that there will be just one question—and the sender follows through in the email message with gratitude. If someone hasn’t engaged in a while, this message is a good example of giving subscribers the warm and fuzzies to bring them back to buying some beer.

4. Recommendation Re-Engagement Emails

Sometimes customers get distracted or lose interest—this is business as usual. So pique their interest by sending personalized recommendations based on previous activity. By leveraging customer data—whether that’s past purchase behavior, email engagement, or otherwise—you can suggest relevant products, content, or services that speak to their needs and interests.

We love how Warby Parker’s re-engagement email is a blend of recommendation, special occasion, and intrigue. Aren’t you already wondering what your frame horoscope is?

5. Reminder Re-Engagement Emails

Sometimes people simply forget—that’s life! So a gentle reminder email about an expiring discount, an abandoned cart, or an incomplete profile can nudge customers back into action. We all need reminding sometimes.

The below reminder email effectively invites the reader to open with its simple “don’t forget” message, and just a touch of intrigue since the discount is unknown. Once opened, the message leans on a last-chance sense of urgency in order to hopefully seal the deal.

6. Reactivation Re-Engagement Emails

Reactivation emails focus on those customers who got far enough along in their journey to sign up for a trial or subscription, but somehow got distracted. Emails like these highlight what those customers might be missing out on and often include an incentive to return.

Nothing invites a little action like the threat of your data being hacked—gulp. Not only does the below reactivation email example motivate engagement, but it also does a good job of tapping into the element of fear in order to generate interaction from the recipient.

7. Resubscribe Re-engagement Emails

You might be wondering if you can or should try to re-engage with customers who’ve chosen to unsubscribe from your list. While it may be tempting to send a resubscribe email, this is generally not recommended. Many email regulations, including GDPR and CASL, discourage sending emails to users who’ve explicitly opted out, and doing so can harm your sender reputation. 

So, instead of following up with another email, a more effective and compliant approach is to optimize your unsubscribe confirmation page. Use this page to:

• Remind users of the value they’re leaving behind.
• Highlight the benefits of staying subscribed, such as exclusive offers, helpful insights, or important updates they might miss.
• Provide options like adjusting email preferences instead of fully unsubscribing.

By making it easy for past subscribers to reconsider their decision, you create a frictionless path for re-engagement without violating email marketing best practices.

We love how the below resubscribe re-engagement example—which comes in the form of an unsubscribe confirmation page rather than an email—playfully and easily gives subscribers the option to stay subscribed.

How to Write Re-Engagement Emails

When it comes to how to write a marketing email to re-engage, there are a handful of secret tactics you can use to get the most out of your messages. Let’s dissect the ways you can get more strategic with your re-engagement email writing.

1. Create a Sense of Urgency

Creating a sense of urgency is a rather fail-safe tactic for capturing attention, and quickly. Limited-time offers, expiring discounts, or exclusive deals can push recipients to re-engage before it’s too late.

The below email from Sometimes Always playfully and successfully points out the product the customer was eyeing, while also injecting a sense of urgency given that the bottles are going fast. So if this customer was on the fence, they might well be enticed to re-engage given the prospect of missing out.

2. Offer a Special Discount

If you’re trying to re-engage subscribers, then it might be a good moment to shell out a steeper discount. If you usually offer 10%, then sweeten the deal with 15% off. Make sure it’s clear that the discount is an exclusive offer for coming back, making it all the more enticing to take action. 

Passing up on a discount is always a challenge, and that’s what Vegamour is counting on. In this email, they make it extra clear in the subject line that the discount is waiting and it’s time to re-engage. To the point and effective. 

3. Use Personalization

We’re all drowning in content overload—AI-generated everything, overflowing inboxes, and an endless stream of messages. With so much noise, it’s easy to become numb to it all. As such, we’re craving a bit more personalization (just one of many current digital marketing trends). So consider using a subscriber’s name, past purchases, or browsing history to make the email feel more relevant and engaging, and not just another anonymous message in their inbox.

The following email from Iberia smartly appeals to the recipient directly by name in the subject line, and combines that with an exclusive offer and a touch of urgency. This mix of personalization and exclusivity has the power to re-engage the customer if previous messages haven’t done the trick.

4. Celebrate a Special Occasion

Special occasions, like birthdays, holidays, anniversaries, etc, are a good excuse to send themed content that inspires email opens. And if you leverage the aforementioned personalization, you may wish to also offer a special discount to make re-engagement a bit more irresistible. 

It’s kind of hard to resist an old-fashioned astrology prediction. The below email example has a creative subject line that generates curiosity, and builds on that with the “shop cosmically” call to action. 

Below, Busuu uses the customer’s anniversary with the brand to offer a special discount. The nature of this not-every-day kind of discount can pique the recipient’s interest and get them to re-engage.

5. Reward Loyalty

These customers may have strayed, but perhaps once upon a time they were loyal customers. Remind them of your gratitude and offer exclusive perks or VIP access so that they come back for more. 

For the Dr. Pepper lovers out there, this loyalty email re-engages with a curious and clever question in the subject line, and then reminds the reader to sign in to keep earning “Pepper Points.”

6. Incorporate Humor

Adding humor to your customer re-engagement emails can make your message more memorable and enjoyable. A lighthearted joke or playful tone can make your brand more relatable and increase the chances of a response.

The subject line and email below are laugh-out-loud silly. It employs email subject line best practices, with the injection of humor, a question, and intrigue. Then, from start to finish, it’s fresh and funny—and it’s hard to resist wanting more (emails or chocolate).

Lowercase and short, Bilt’s email subject line is so casual and silly that it would be hard not to open the email to find out more. And then the “hey, you good?” intro is ironic, laughable, and catchy—and hopefully just enough to get the reader to re-engage and complete their account.

7. Ask a Question

Engagement often starts with a simple question. Asking subscribers what they need, why they’ve been inactive, or what would bring them back makes them feel valued and encourages interaction.

Notice how TripAdvisor employs an ever so simple question in the subject line to grab the reader’s attention—after all, if they did go to Notteri, they’ll probably open the email to see what this is all about. From there, this email encourages more engagement by asking, “Would you go again?” and appealing to the reader’s desire to be helpful by providing their opinion for other travelers. Clever all around.

8. Send Updates & Valuable Information

If an email recipient hasn’t engaged in a while, it’s because other messages and brands in their inbox have taken priority. Get them re-interested by sending updates about new features, product improvements, or exclusive content that adds value.

In the below example, Hootsuite demonstrates the power of valuable content in action. So perhaps there’s a group of Hootsuite email recipients who haven’t opened their emails in a while, but when they see this interesting new trend report, they open the email, download the report, and, you guessed it, re-engage with Hootsuite. Mission accomplished.

The below “coming soon” update is a great email newsletter example that demonstrates how to build intrigue and momentum. Disengaged readers and customers are more likely to be curious about what’s coming soon, and then continue to stay connected because they want to find out more—and in this case, they may even sign up for SMS message updates, which is really a true re-engagement win.

When to Send Re-Engagement Emails

Timing matters when it comes to the ever-so-important re-engagement email. Sending them too soon can feel pushy, while waiting too long may result in losing the customer for good. But not all customer re-engagement emails follow the same rules, so here are some email marketing tips to keep in mind as you craft and schedule your messages:

• 30 to 60 Days of Inactivity: If a customer hasn’t interacted with your brand for a month or two, a friendly check-in email can remind them of what they’re missing.
• Before or After Subscription Expiry: If you offer a subscription-based service, sending a re-engagement email before a customer’s subscription expires, or a “we’re sorry to see you go, but here’s what you’re missing” message can prompt them to renew.
• After Abandoned Carts: Sending a reminder within 24 to 48 hours of cart abandonment can recover lost sales.
• During Seasonal or Special Promotions: Offering exclusive discounts during major sales events can be a great way to re-engage inactive customers.
• Before Removing from Your List: If all previous attempts have failed, a final “last chance” email before unsubscribing them can prompt re-engagement.

Getting the Most Out of Your Re-Engagement Emails

Re-engagement emails are like that friendly tap on the shoulder that says, “Hey, remember us? We still think you’re awesome.” Whether you’re using humor, a tempting discount, or a heartfelt “We miss you,” the key is to remind subscribers why they signed up or did business with you in the first place.

So, put these strategies into action, and turn those cold leads into warm, engaged subscribers and customers again. Because sometimes, all it takes is the right email at the right time to bring them back.

From sharing important updates to providing helpful tips—email newsletters can cover just about anything! However, to make good use of your newsletters, your content must be unique, insightful, and visually appealing. While combining all these elements might seem challenging, it’s entirely achievable.

In this article, we’ll explore some of the best email newsletter examples to help you find the perfect fit for your business and email marketing strategy. This will hopefully provide insights to sprinkle some magic into your own emails and increase click-through rates. But first, let’s make sure you’ve got the basics down. 

What Is an Email Newsletter?

In the beginning, email newsletters were just a humble way to share company news. But much like a fine wine, they’ve matured into powerful tools with versatile functionalities. From small businesses educating customers and freelancers sharing stories to agencies showcasing expertise, email newsletters have become the key to your subscribers’ hearts—forging connections that go beyond mere transactions.

With their regular frequency—be it weekly, monthly, quarterly or whenever you feel like you won’t overwhelm your audience—and themed content, newsletters strike the perfect balance. They keep you present in your audience’s inbox while skillfully dodging the dreaded unsubscribe button. 

12 Great Email Newsletter Examples

Here are 12 successful newsletter examples from various industries and target audiences to help you spark inspiration for your own email newsletter:

Curated Email Newsletter Examples

With the never-ending flow of information, your audience might find it tricky to pick out what’s truly worth their time. That’s where curated email newsletters come into play—with their thoughtful blend of news, articles, links and other relevant content from both in-house and third-party sources, they help sift out the gems from the noise.

For an entrepreneur or freelancer in the early stages of their business or project, they are especially valuable, as they allow you to keep your email list engaged even when you’re juggling many tasks and can’t produce content yourself.

1. Freelance Things 

The backstory: Freelance Things is a weekly personal newsletter packed with resources—articles, books, podcasts, tools, and more—to guide freelancers on their unpredictable journey. Crafted by Bryan Taylor, a seasoned freelance product and website designer with over 11 years of experience, this newsletter draws from his own career highs and lows.

Subject line: Thoughts on freelancing, first-year pricing, U.S. tax resources, get more referrals, and  “How to Win Friends and Influence People”

Why this is a great newsletter example:

• Straightforward subject line that effectively outlines the range of topics covered, piquing interest and setting clear expectations for the readers.
• Authored by an experienced freelancer, the email newsletter offers valuable information, drawing on personal experience to resonate with the audience.
• Content organized into sections allowing the subscribers to easily navigate and focus on the topics most relevant to them.
• Vibrant CTA button that invites subscribers to explore the website, all while sneakily keeping the website’s name top-of-mind for readers.

2. Morning Brew

The backstory: Morning Brew is a daily newsletter curated specifically for young professionals eager to stay on top of the latest business buzz. It serves up quick and insightful updates on everything from Wall Street to Silicon Valley, keeping its readers informed every day of the week. Since its 2015 debut, it’s attracted over 2 million active members, showcasing its impressive reach and popularity.

Subject line: ☕ Supersonic boom

Why this is a great newsletter example:

• Catchy subject line that keeps the readers guessing at first glance, but provoking curiosity to discover the buzz behind it all.
• High-quality images help prolong interaction with the newsletter, preventing attention from “leaking” away.
• Interactive sections designed to maintain a two-sided conversation with the readers to keep their attention for longer. 
• Subtle promotion that nudges subscribers to spread the “brew” with friends, offering a chance to snag free merch and amplify the media outlet’s presence.

Analysis Email Newsletter Examples

Analysis newsletters bring the expertise of a savvy professional straight to your inbox, offering in-depth insights on niche topics. Filled with detailed tables, graphs, and perhaps some surprising facts, these comprehensive emails arrive weekly or monthly, highlighting the thorough research behind each edition.

By transforming your own research and data into eye-catching graphics that convey valuable insights on specific topics, you can dazzle your subscribers and establish yourself, your company or your non-profit organization as a trusted expert in the field.

3. Better Mortgage

The backstory: Better Mortgage is a tech-driven company focused on digitizing and automating home finance to make the process cheaper, easier, and faster for homebuyers. Their email newsletter includes mortgage trends, expert insights, financing tips, and current market analysis, empowering readers to make informed decisions in the ever-changing mortgage landscape.

Subject line: 🏠 Homebuyer news: The Fed is raising rates

Why this is a great newsletter example:

• Attention-grabbing subject line that highlights important information for subscribers, engaging them from the outset.
• Large graphs spotlight main points, creating a delightful harmony between the newsletter’s design and content.
• Strategically placed call to action invites readers to explore a service offered by the company, smoothly transitioning from details to action.
• Contrasting colors distinguish the analysis section from other important information in the email, ensuring clarity and focus while maintaining a cohesive design.

H4. Strava

The backstory: Strava, the exercise tracking app, adds a personal touch by engaging subscribers with their own data. They deliver a monthly newsletter, powered by email automation software, that highlights activity summaries from each user’s profile. This newsletter example effectively showcases how to enhance the user experience while encouraging more interaction with the app.

 Subject line: Your February Stats

Why this is a great newsletter example:

• Social media links placed right on top help increase brand visibility by nudging users to share their stats on their social accounts.
• Clean and minimalistic email design allows users to easily focus on key statistics, complemented by bold text and vibrant graphics.
• Interactive sections maintain audience engagement for longer and encourage them to interact with the app.
• Personalized content tailored to user actions adds a special touch, making the newsletter feel more relevant and valuable to each reader.

Practical Email Newsletter Examples

Up until now, we’ve covered some great newsletter examples that primarily highlight expertise and niche-specific topics or data. However, the next examples are more practical—they emphasize utility with a touch of indirect selling. Such newsletters are invaluable for users eager to deepen their understanding of your product or explore new ways of usage.

Whether you run an ecommerce store, create digital content, or manage a membership platform, offering practical tips and actionable insights is always a fantastic newsletter idea. 

5. Graza

The backstory: Graza is a company renowned for its high-quality, single-origin olive oil, celebrated for its fresh taste and convenient squeezable bottles. In their practical newsletter, Graza shares “grill hacks” that showcase inventive ways to use their olive oil as an enhancement for various dishes like fish, meat, and more, elevating the flavors of your culinary creations. 

Subject line: How to cook the perfect steak

Why this is a great newsletter example:

• Catchy subject line that suggests new techniques, methods, or insider secrets to achieve the perfect result—or, in this case, the perfect steak.
• Spotlight expertise by partnering with a professional who knows the ropes, reassuring readers they’re receiving expert guidance.
• Scannable content organized into sections for easier navigation throughout the email, enhanced by eye-catching imagery to keep the readers attention for longer.
• Clear CTA buttons in line with the brand voice that nudges the readers to discover more on the website.

6. Lifesum

The backstory: Lifesum is a health and wellness app designed to help users improve their lifestyle through better nutrition, exercise, and overall well-being. Lifesum provides tools and resources to assist users in achieving their health goals. Their email newsletter, sent out once a week, serves up delicious app recipes, inviting current users to dive deeper into the app and tempting newcomers to discover all the benefits it has to offer.

Subject line: Chocolate and Coffee Mousse 🍫

Why this is a great newsletter example:

• High-quality header image captures attention, encouraging readers to dive deeper into the email by sparking their curiosity.
• Concise newsletter content that delivers prep time and calories, with graphics and short paragraphs—giving readers the opportunity to quickly grasp the key information.
• Friendly suggestions to treat someone special if you’re not inclined to try the recipe for yourself.
• Engaging call to action encourages readers to try the recipe and share their creations on social media, tagging the brand for a chance to be featured.

Blog-Style Email Newsletter Examples

As the name suggests, blog-style newsletters feature a collection of your recent articles. If your brand or organization has an active blog page, or you’re a freelancer sharing your journey through writing, why not send out a newsletter? After all, you didn’t create all this content just for fun—make it work for you.

The beauty of a blog-style newsletter is that it keeps your subscribers—those who are most interested in your work—in the loop with your latest creations. Plus, you’re not limited to just blog posts; feel free to sprinkle in other helpful content too.

7. SiteGround

The backstory: When you subscribe to the SiteGround blog newsletter, you’re provided with insights into email marketing, hosting, business strategies, and website tips to help you navigate the marketplace. We understand the challenges of starting a business, having been a startup ourselves 20 years ago. The newsletter example we chose includes our latest blog posts and YouTube videos, crafted to deliver value for everyone aiming to make their business or personal brand a success story. 

Subject line: Stand Out in 2025: Must-Knows for a Thriving Online Business

Why this is a great newsletter example:

• Action-driven subject line that clearly highlights what’s in it for the reader by specifying the value they will gain from opening the email.
• Sleek minimalist design that helps subscribers focus on the featured content without any distractions.
• Concise overviews with clear CTA buttons that guide traffic back to the original source of the content.
• Clickable brand logo linking back to the company’s website—a clever touch to enhance navigation.

8. GoodRx

The backstory: GoodRx provides a platform designed to help consumers find affordable prescription medications in the United States. By making medication pricing more transparent and accessible, the brand aims to help people make informed decisions and reduce their overall healthcare costs. In their blog newsletter, they cleverly pair the latest blog posts with partner offers, giving you a dose of valuable insights and savings all in one place.

Subject line: How Much Does a Dental Cleaning Cost Without Insurance?

Why this is a great newsletter example:

• Straightforward subject line that can increase email open rates by addressing a specific and practical concern that many people might have.
• High-quality images and a sleek layout to make your newsletter eye candy and easy to navigate.
• Exclusive deals or partner offers to make subscribers feel like they’re getting the VIP treatment.

User-Generated Email Newsletter Examples

Marketing newsletters, specifically those driven by user-generated content, are the perfect opportunity to increase your conversions. This format can include reviews, customer testimonials, case studies, and even frequently asked questions from your users. Such newsletters typically achieve higher open rates, as subscribers value their trustworthiness and relatability, given that the  content directly involves them. 

Additionally, it provides a great opportunity to gather valuable feedback and improve your customers’ experience with your business.

9. AllTrails

The backstory: AllTrails is a platform and mobile app designed for outdoor enthusiasts, offering a comprehensive resource for discovering hiking, biking, and running trails around the world. We chose to showcase their email as one of the best product newsletter examples because the brand cleverly incorporated user-generated content by presenting customer reviews as hacks, subtly highlighting the benefits of their app.

Subject line: Check out these hacks for more time in nature

Why this is a great newsletter example:

• Action-oriented subject line indicates that the email content includes shortcuts designed to help the target audience achieve their goals.
• Visually centered newsletter design encourages readers to spend more time interacting with the email, thereby increasing click-through rates.
• Customer reviews serve to enhance credibility by showcasing authentic user experiences and satisfaction.
• App overview to entice subscribers who haven’t tried the app yet to give it a go.

10. Who Gives a Crap

The backstory: Who Gives A Crap is an eco-friendly company specializing in sustainable hygiene paper products. Known for its cheeky brand voice, they keep customers entertained while tackling environmental issues. In their user-generated newsletter, they humorously answer client questions, announce job openings, and encourage product purchases—all with a playful twist.

Subject line: Few people asked, we still answered

Why this is a great newsletter example:

• Catchy subject line inviting subscribers to discover what unexpected or lesser-known topics are being addressed.
• Q&A structure that presents the newsletter content in a relatable manner, making the brand feel more approachable to the audience.
• Unconventional newsletter design that reflects the brand’s unique personality, capturing attention and making the content inside memorable.

Themed Email Newsletter Examples

Themed email newsletters stand out by aligning your content with specific occasions or events, providing a more entertaining experience for your email list. These newsletters can be crafted around various themes—from seasonal topics like summer travel guides or winter gift ideas to educational themes such as Financial Literacy Month, or even storytelling themes like behind-the-scenes looks and employee spotlights.

The good news is that you don’t need to completely overhaul your existing content. You can simply repurpose or adapt your current material to fit the chosen theme, making it relevant and timely.

11. Warby Parker

The backstory: Warby Parker is known for its direct-to-consumer model, offering high-quality prescription glasses, sunglasses, and contact lenses at affordable prices by cutting traditional retail markups. Their astrology-themed email is another excellent product newsletter example, as the company cleverly pairs glasses with zodiac signs, providing a fun and personalized shopping experience.

Subject line: Your 2023 frame horoscope

Why this is a great newsletter example:

• Intriguing subject line featuring clever wordplay captures the reader’s attention by combining the popular interest in astrology with the concept of eyewear.
• Trendy topic that potentially would increase audience interaction and encourage subscribers to share the newsletter with friends.
• Fun and quirky tone of voice, setting the brand apart from competitors and leaving a lasting impression on subscribers.
• Subtly promoting products in a playful manner that engages customers without being overly sales-focused.

12. Methodical Coffee

The backstory: Methodical Coffee is known for sourcing high-quality beans from around the world and roasting them with precision to highlight their unique flavors. They collaborate with farms that prioritize sustainable and ethical practices, ensuring each cup is both delicious and responsibly produced. In their holiday newsletter, they feature team favorites, offering customers the opportunity to discover recommendations from those who know the products best.

Subject line: Holiday Gifting Made Simple 🎁

Why this is a great newsletter example:

• Team highlights showcasing the people behind the brand adds a personal touch, helping subscribers feel more connected to those who create their favorite coffee.
• Friendly brand voice makes the company more approachable, increasing the likelihood that customers will choose to support it.
• Relevant product images that resonate with the theme and content capture attention and improve the overall visual appeal of the newsletter.

Send Your Next Newsletter with SiteGround Email Marketing

Creating a successful email newsletter is all about blending creativity with strategy. By drawing inspiration from these effective examples, you can create newsletters that not only inform and engage but also resonate with your subscribers. Whether sharing curated content, analysis, or tips, focus on delivering value in a visually appealing and digestible format.

As you embark on your newsletter journey, remember that the right tools can make all the difference. SiteGround Email Marketing is here to support you every step of the way, offering customizable templates, including ones for newsletters, AI assistant, multi-platform integrations, and a treasure trove of other great features. Plus, it ensures your emails are mobile-friendly, making them a breeze to read and interact with on different screen sizes.