How To Overcome Email Marketing Overwhelm Right Now
“I don’t know what to say.”
“I’m afraid I’ll bore my audience.”
"I feel like I'm just repeating myself."
"I worry my emails won't stand out."
Of course you worry about all these things.
You’re continually bombarded with countless ‘best email practices’. Rules that make you feel like you’re walking a tightrope; you should use double opt-in but not make it too difficult for people to sign up, it’s imperative to have a welcome email sequence but don’t send too frequently, you should write casually and conversationally whilst keeping your emails brief and easy to skim, oh and people will only open your emails if your subject lines are expertly crafted with just the right balance of intrigue and information.
And it’s not just in email. There are ‘best practices’ to follow in all aspects of business. In social media, in blogging, in sales pages, in launches… it’s overwhelming.
Yes, best practices have their place. But trying to adhere to them all can sometimes crush your creativity.
So, I’ve put together a list of ideas to help you shake off email overwhelm.
Here they are, in no particular order. Pick one at random or try them all. There’s no ‘best practice’ here.
Random word association
Pick a random word and challenge yourself to write an email around it. A seemingly unrelated word can trigger unique and imaginative ideas.
Set random constraints
Limit yourself to using only three colours, or restrict your word count to 100 words. These constraints force you to think outside the inbox.
The "what would someone else say?" game
Imagine what your favourite historical figure, fictional character, or even an alien would think or say about your product or service.
Walk away from the email
Take a break from the digital noise and immerse yourself in your day-to-day experiences. When you return, use the stories and insights from your daily life as inspiration. Write about something you did, saw or heard.
Embrace "bad" ideas
Give yourself permission to explore ideas that seem "bad" or nonsensical. Sometimes, the seemingly worst ideas can lead to unexpected gems when reworked or combined with other concepts.
Embrace your "mistakes"
Build upon them, turning them into unexpected lessons and stories.
Mini podcast series
Instead of a written email, send a short audio recording sharing insights, updates, or even a mini podcast episode. This personal touch not only adds variety but also gives your subscribers a chance to hear your voice.
The "Reply and Win"
Encourage subscribers to reply to your email with their most creative responses to a quirky question. The best replies win exclusive prizes or recognition in your next email.
Embrace the absurd
Create outrageous hypothetical scenarios related to your products or services. While it might not lead to direct sales, it's sure to generate laughs and memorable interactions.
Haiku
Challenge yourself to communicate your message in a haiku (a 3-line poem with 5-7-5 syllable structure). It's a creative exercise that forces you to distil your content to its essence while adding an artistic touch to your emails.
Mystery discount vault
Why reveal everything upfront? Create an email campaign where subscribers have to interact with your content to unveil their exclusive mystery discount. This "gamified" approach turns discount hunting into an adventure.
Digital fortune cookies
Send email messages that contain a witty prediction or piece of advice. It adds a touch of whimsy and encourages subscribers to open your emails to see what the future holds.
The inbox escape room
Design an email series that functions like an escape room puzzle. Each email contains clues or riddles that subscribers must solve to "unlock" the next message. The final email leads them to a special offer or exclusive content, creating an immersive and unforgettable experience.
The "unschedule" experiment
Forget your usual email schedule. Send emails when your audience least expects them. A 2 AM email? Why not! This unexpected tactic can actually pique curiosity and boost open rates, as subscribers wonder what surprise you have in store for them.
The unconventional fold
Challenge the typical email "fold" by placing crucial content below the initial screen view. This encourages subscribers to scroll and explore, revealing hidden treasures within your email.
Neon glow
Add an unexpected twist by using neon glow highlights on specific elements, drawing attention to key sections of your email and creating a futuristic, eye-catching effect.
Hand-drawn
Break away from perfection and embrace hand-drawn images. Whether it's illustrations, typography, or doodles, the human touch adds authenticity and charm.
Oh and…
Seek help when you need it! Recognize that you don't have to do it all alone. If email marketing becomes truly overwhelming, consider hiring additional help or outsourcing certain tasks. Remember that I’m always here to provide valuable support and alleviate the pressure from your shoulders, making your email marketing journey more manageable and successful. Just click below 👇
