People hate being sold to. I mean, hate it.
But here’s the catch: they love to buy.
Like, they’ll hit “add to cart” faster than you can blink if you play your cards right.
So, how do you get people to open your emails, read through ‘em, and hit “buy now” without making them feel like you’re shoving a sales pitch down their throat?
Simple. I’m about to break it down.
Let’s go.
1. Start with a Story
Look, humans are wired to love stories.
Ever sat down to watch just one episode of Netflix and then realized it’s 3 AM and you’ve watched six?
Exactly.
Stories pull people in.
Example:
“So last week, I made a mistake.A big one.
I accidentally sent an email to 10,000 people with a subject line that just said ‘Oops…’
Wanna know what happened next?”
You bet they’ll keep reading. Curiosity sparked, and you’ve got them hooked.
2. Make It All About Them
Newsflash: No one cares about your product. At least, not at first. They care about what it’s gonna do for them.
Make it personal.
Example:
“You’re probably frustrated.
You’ve been sending emails like a maniac, and all you’ve got to show for it is an empty inbox.
Sound familiar?
Well, it’s not your fault, and here’s why…”
You’re speaking to their pain. Now they’re listening.
3. Curiosity: The Secret Sauce
Curiosity is a game-changer.
It’s like the chocolate chip cookie of email copy. People can’t resist it. Tease ‘em a little. Make them want to click.
Example subject line:
“This one email mistake costs you thousands…”
First line:
“If you’re making this mistake, you’re basically leaving money on the table.
But the good news?
I’ll tell you exactly what it is (and how to fix it) in just a second.”
See what happened there? They’re not gonna stop reading until they find out.
4. Write Like You’re Chatting with a Friend
You’re not writing a dissertation. And you’re definitely not giving a lecture. You’re chatting with a buddy. Keep it light. Keep it fun.
Example:
“Look, your email game isn’t bad. It’s just missing a little… spice.
But don’t worry, we’re gonna fix that.
Think of me as the Gordon Ramsay of email.
Except, you know, less yelling.”
People respond better to a relaxed, conversational tone. It feels less pushy and more personal.
5. Humor (The Underrated MVP)
You don’t have to be Kevin Hart. But a little humor goes a long way in keeping people engaged.
Example:
“This product will save you so much time, you’ll finally be able to finish that 1,000-piece puzzle you started during lockdown.
Or take up knitting. Your call.”
A smile on their face equals a yes in their cart. That’s science.
6. Keep ‘Em Guessing
Don’t give it all away in the first paragraph. Tease them along the way. Make them work for the gold.
Example:
“So, you’re probably wondering, ‘What’s the secret to writing emails people actually open?’
Well, I’ll tell you…
…but first, let me show you what happens when you don’t.”
You’re stringing them along, and they’re loving it.
7. Shake Things Up
Don’t be predictable. Throw in something random or surprising to keep them on their toes.
Example:
“Did you know more people die from vending machines than shark attacks?
Random, right?
But speaking of random, let’s talk about how your emails are putting people to sleep…”
Boom. Now they’re paying attention again.
8. Create a Little FOMO
No one likes missing out. And when people think they might miss out, they act.
Example:
“This deal is only around for 24 hours. After that, it’s gone forever.
And let me tell you, you don’t wanna be that person kicking themselves tomorrow because they missed out.”
They’ll click, because no one wants to be left behind.
9. Sell the Benefits, Not the Features
No one cares about features. They care about what it does for them. So, sell the dream.
Example:
“These noise-cancelling headphones will give you the peace and quiet you’ve been craving.
Your partner’s late-night TV habit? Gone.
Your neighbor’s dog that won’t shut up? A distant memory.”
You’re not selling headphones. You’re selling peace.
10. Keep It Short (But Sweet)
No one has time to read a novel. Get to the point. But leave them wanting more.
Example:
“Here’s the deal: I can help you turn your emails into sales machines.
All you need to do?
Hit ‘reply.’
Let’s get this party started.”
Short. Sweet. To the point.
P.S. If you’re still reading, you probably wanna try these strategies out in your own emails.
So here’s what you do: start now.
Pick one, apply it, and watch your open rates soar.
And hey, if you want some help?
You know where to find me.
Until next time, keep your coffee strong and your emails stronger!
Daniel Matievich