5 real-world promotional emails that convert and drive revenue

Promotional emails are one of the best ways to engage with a large audience and drive revenue. Not only is it a cost-effective solution to turn prospects into paying customers, but it also allows brands to tell a story and connect with their audience on a deeper level.

Like most marketing campaigns, there’s an art to it.

When it comes to promotional emails, there are no exceptions. With today’s consumers becoming smarter and smarter, you have to put a lot more effort into your email touchpoints. From welcome emails to big sales campaigns, all the little things matter.

With all the recent email marketing trends, here’s a look at some real-world promotional email examples that have the power to drive revenue and convert sales.

Let’s take a closer look:

1. Create a sense of urgency in your promotional emails

Emails that create a sense of urgency are a great way to drive users to your website. These time-limited emails can get subscribers to act on last-minute deals right at the moment.

To do this effectively, you’ll need to set a deadline, provide subscribers with an incentive, and use the power of language to sway them to make a purchase. Make sure your CTA, subject line and the copy you choose promote a sense of urgency.

Example: Supergoop!

Supergoop! does a great job of creating a sense of urgency about a 20% off discount. For starters, the subject line says “last chance,” which encourages subscribers to open their email to claim their discount.

Once they open the email, they make it clear that today’s the last day to shop and they make sure the discount is visible and easy to read at the top. Not only that, but they’re creating a connection with their users by calling them, friends and family. All of these elements work together to drive users to the websites and encourage them to take the offer.

The clock is ticking with emails like these.

The best way to tell your customers that this offer will expire is by reminding them that they only have so much time left. If you want to track the efficiency of an urgency campaign, create a unique promo code to see your increase in revenue.

2. Going strictly aesthetic

Sometimes, less is more.

Promotional emails that focus on the visuals rather than the words can evoke a more inviting sentiment. Whether it’s a product release or an exclusive discount, through high-quality images, you’re able to connect with subscribers on a whole new level.

Example: Magic Spoon looking at good as it tastes.

Magic Spoon does a great job of selling an experience with their high-protein cereal. The headline “Do you believe in magic?” is expertly paired with a bright background and complements the relevant reviews.

This email is short, sweet, and to the point but, it packs a punch.

Not only does it push subscribers to purchase the cereal of their childhood dreams but it invokes a feeling of desirability. Adults can still enjoy their favorite childhood foods, without the guilt. If this doesn’t make you want a delicious bowl of cereal, I don’t know what will.

3. A friendly welcome

A welcome series is one of the best ways to build a relationship with a new subscriber.

Now that a new customer has subscribed to your emails — consider what the customer journey looks like.

• What can you share with them about your brand?
• How can you get them to convert from a subscriber to a customer?

Starting your welcome email series with an email that includes a discount is an effective way to drive revenue and build your subscriber list.

Example: Stanley welcomes users with a discount.

Stanley sends its subscribers a 10% discount just for signing up for their emails. They keep things simple, sleek, and to the point. Doing this keeps the focus on the discount.

If you’re able to turn them into a buyer at the start of their relationship with your brand, you have an opportunity to turn one subscriber into a loyal customer for years to come, which has way more value than a one-time purchase customer.

With that in mind: the first email in your welcome series should be the most important. You can use the rest of the emails in your series to sell them on how great your brand is later.

4. Your Cart is Calling

An abandoned cart email is a must-have for any e-commerce that wants to increase sales. These emails push prospects to come back to complete a purchase and are an integral part of any customer journey.

Statistically, they have a high open-rate of 41.18% and earn an average of $5.81 in revenue per recipient. Instead of automating your system to send a robotic email, it’s time to add some personality and take your abandoned cart series to the next level.

Example: society6 abandoned cart email

society6 personalizes the email at the top but also creates urgency with a limited time frame. The image invokes a sense of importance around a product that the customer wants, implying it’s in high demand.

Overall, it’s simple and to the point but personalized just enough to leave a favorable impression on the shopper. The best way to convert more abandoned carts into sales is by adding a promo code or free shipping code.

Sometimes, revisiting and revising your go-to emails can be the best way to increase revenue and take your sales to the next level.

5. The Conversational Approach

Choosing to have a conversation with your subscribers can help you build a relationship and tell a story about your brand, while still selling them on your products. You can use this approach as a newsletter from the CEO with an exclusive offering or provide a personal touch to a discount.

Example: Ugmonk get’s up close and personal.

Ugmonk’s founder Jeff, breaks up the monotony of the other promotional emails you receive by sending a conversational email from the owner himself.

What this does is build a relationship with the customer and push them to make a purchase. It makes them feel special like it was sent to them and them only.

This is a great promotional email example because it helps you build a connection with your audience and inspire them to use an exclusive offer.

Wrapping up

Every email you send has the opportunity to drive revenue.

Whether you’re looking to tell a story about a product or drive subscribers to take advantage of a discount, emails are a low-cost tool that can take your audience engagement to the next level.

When creating an effective email strategy, pay attention to your data, look for ways to mimic successful promotional email examples, and always utilize others for inspiration to help you drive revenue.

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