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When done right, email marketing is the name of the game. With stellar email marketing campaigns, your business could score an impressive ROI of $36 for every dollar you spend on it.
As a small business owner, you can launch a series of email marketing campaigns to:
- Build awareness around your brand
- Engage your subscribers and nurture leads
- Generate traffic to your online platforms
- Build loyalty and retain customers
- Generate sales
- Boost conversions
How exactly?
In this guide, we’ll provide some great email marketing examples and dissect them to understand what makes them effective and what can be done better.
We’ll also discuss elements of a successful email marketing campaign. And that’s not it.
As a bonus, we’ll give you five ready-to-use templates, too!
Table of Contents
First, Strategize Your Email Marketing Campaign…
Before we give you all our email marketing examples, let’s understand what great email marketing campaigns need.
Like any other marketing strategy, email marketing requires careful planning and implementation for the best results. If you want to nail your email marketing campaigns, your strategizing process should include the following:
Step 1: Define your objectives. Each email marketing campaign should emanate from a precise business ambition. Incorporating a compelling call to action (CTA) that mirrors your objectives is essential.
Step 2: Grasp your audience. Pinpointing the right email subscribers to engage is crucial. Go deep into their preferences and understand what they anticipate from your brand’s content.
Step 3: Curate engaging content. Tailor your content to cater to the desires of your target audience. Consider list segmentation (by demographics, interests, etc.) to significantly bolster the impact of your email marketing campaigns.
Step 4: Don’t forget to personalize. Want to stand out in a crowded inbox? Personalizing emails will always be the key. Many modern email marketing software offers the flexibility to customize both the subject line and the body of your email to resonate with each recipient.
Step 5: Prioritize A/B testing. Experiment with your email subject lines and body content. See what resonates with your audience, and use that information to guide your email marketing strategy.
Step 6: Monitor your performance. A successful email marketing strategy calls for continuous improvement. Keep an eye on crucial metrics like conversion rates, open rates, click-through rates, and unsubscribe rates. Based on the performance of each campaign, you can refine and optimize future email marketing efforts.
So, there you have it! The effective steps you’ll need to launch successful email marketing campaigns. Yes, we know we promised email marketing examples. So, here are fifteen email marketing examples to inspire your email marketing efforts.
Email Marketing Examples You Can Learn From Today
Inspiration can go a long way in your next email marketing campaign. Here are some great examples of the different kinds of email marketing campaigns that smart companies run, and I hope they inspire you.
1. Baking Steel’s Welcome Emails
Goal: Branding and nurturing leads
What do we like?
We included Baking Steel’s welcome email in our email marketing examples because its subject line and visuals easily capture the target audience’s attention. “DISCOVER YOUR BEST PIZZA” is a clear subject line that promises a benefit, which is a must in creating effective email marketing campaigns.
Additionally, the email utilizes high-quality images of the product in use, showcasing the end result—delicious-looking pizza. This visual temptation is a key element in an effective email marketing campaign, as it stimulates the reader’s senses and can drive engagement.
How can it be better?
- Personalization: To increase customer engagement, this welcome email could include personalized elements. For instance, use the recipient’s name or reference the pizzas they most viewed. This helps deliver relevant content and could encourage the recipient to take action.
- Clearer call-to-action (CTA): While there is a “TRY IT OUT & SEE FOR YOURSELF” CTA button, we think it should be more prominent. Baking steel can benefit from contrasting colors or larger fonts for a CTA that stands out and is immediately actionable.
2. Starbuck’s Promotional Emails
Goal: Part of awareness email marketing
What do we like?
We included this Starbucks email as one of the email marketing examples because it does really well in creating exclusivity. How? By suggesting the recipient can be “the first person this year to reach for the long-awaited and beloved Pumpkin Spice Latte.” Exclusivity is a great email marketing strategy to boost customer engagement.
How can it be better?
- Urgency and a stronger CTA: The call-to-action “FIND THE NEAREST STORE” lacks a sense of urgency. Doesn’t “Get yours before they’re gone!” or “Try it first — Offer ends soon” sound more provoking? Effective marketing campaigns often use urgent language to compel readers to act immediately.
3. Apple’s Product Launch Emails
Goal: Inform subscribers and create hype around new products
What do we like?
How can we not include Apple in one of our email marketing examples, given that all of their email campaigns nail each essential element of effective marketing? We love the catchy subject line, “The future of health is on your wrist,” which not only hints at innovation but also highlights personal benefits. Apple’s marketing emails also never miss to be visually striking with high-resolution and prominently placed product images.
Last but not least, the email campaign provides succinct information highlighting key features. The new blood oxygen sensor and the ECG app tap into the target audience’s interest in health and wellness, a pivotal part of an effective email marketing strategy.
How can it be better?
- Providing offers: While we truly think Apple is a mastermind of email marketing, we think there’s scope to create more excitement towards new products. Incorporating exclusive offers, such as early-bird perks, can create urgency, encouraging quicker action on online stores.
4. Cheddar Up’s SaaS Newsletter Emails
Goal: Educate subscribers. Nurture leads and generate traffic on the website.
What do we like?
The Giving Tuesday email from Cheddar Up leverages the momentum of the upcoming global day of giving. The email’s timing, sent one week before Giving Tuesday, makes it an excellent email marketing example to educate users about the event. It aligns customer expectations with current events, likely enhancing open rates.
We also included Cheddar Up in our email marketing examples for the strategically placed CTA button to access fundraising tips, which helps traffic generation on the website. And let’s not leave out the links to relevant blog posts that provide additional value to the reader. Lastly, thumbs up to Cheddar Up for including social proof with customer reviews.
How can it be better?
- Follow-up emails: To increase the success of their email campaigns, Cheddar Up could benefit from launching an email drip campaign to schedule follow-up emails. Sending reminders closer to the date or post-event thank-yous can effectively act as re-engagement campaigns, which brings us to our next email marketing campaign type.
5. Study Hall’s Re-Engagement Email
Goal: Drive customer engagement and website traffic
What do we like?
If you’re a small business, building loyalty and getting repeat business should be a focus in your customer retention strategy. This is why we included the above Study Hall emailer in our email marketing examples. The email specifically rekindles interest to re-engage subscribers.
The use of a discount code—a limited-time 33% discount—adds value for the recipients. Using these in re-engagement campaigns can drive quick responses and increase re-engagement rates.
How can it be better?
- Needs more visual appeal: While the email is straightforward, we think enhancing the design with a more modern or dynamic look could attract more attention. This could involve more engaging graphics or a layout that guides the reader’s eye to a captivating CTA.
- Can benefit from social proof: If you want your inactive customers to act, show them your happy customers. Here, adding testimonials or success stories from current subscribers could have been very persuasive for those considering re-engaging with the service.
Read also: 18 Trending Email Marketing Campaign Ideas (with Templates)
6. Fandango’s Order Confirmation Email
Goal: A part of transactional campaigns to confirm purchase
What do we like?
The Fandango order confirmation email is a solid piece within all the email marketing examples. The email clearly presents the confirmation number and all essential details regarding the movie event. But we love that it effectively combines transactional information and promotional content. It takes the opportunity to cross-promote and uses email to promote its rewards program.
This great email marketing campaign example adds value to the standard transactional campaigns, potentially engaging subscribers who could become loyal customers.
How can it be better?
- Personalization: While this email does well as an email marketing example, it could be personalized to enhance the customer experience. Using the recipient’s name or past purchase history to suggest other movies could improve the email marketing strategy.
- Follow-up engagement: If Fandango doesn’t send follow-up emails, it’ll be a missed opportunity. There are many ways to continuously engage these customers, such as offering a discount code for a future purchase or asking for customer feedback.
7. Case-Mate’s Discount Offer Email
Goal: Drive sales and convert potential customers
What do we like?
This promotional email for a Memorial Day Sale by Case-Mate is an effective marketing campaign example due to its stunning visuals and clear promotion. It made it to the list of email marketing examples because this email creates a sense of urgency. How? By aligning the sale with Memorial Day.
Additionally, the “Buy One, Get One” deal with the uncomplicated discount code, “ITFLOATS,” makes it easy for users to purchase on any device, even small screens.
How can it be better?
- Personalization: To engage subscribers further and potentially increase customer engagement, the email could address the recipient by name. It can also make recommendations based on past purchase history or browsing behavior.
- Segmentation: Tailoring the email to different target audience segments could improve its effectiveness. For example, sending different images or messages to those who have previously shown interest in beach-related products could be part of a refined email marketing strategy.
8. Asana’s Product Update Email
Goal: Build awareness around your new updates
What do we like?
We like how to the point this email is with a clear subject line/header, “Get to know Dashboards.” It directly informs email subscribers about the feature update.
Asana had to be in our email marketing examples because of how succinct and focused the content is! It quickly informs the reader of the new features—real-time tracking and reporting. We also must commend the use of interactive visuals. The GIF screenshots of the new dashboard feature provide a sneak peek into the functionality, helping subscribers visualize the new service.
How can it be better?
- Highlight benefits: While the email mentions real-time project tracking and reporting, it could explicitly state the benefits these features provide. Anything from time-saving to enhanced project clarity can make the content more compelling.
9. Blue Apron’s Recommendations Email
Goal: Increase customer engagement
What do we like?
Blue Apron is a master of segmentation, and this recommendation email is a perfect example of it. Blue Apron segments customers based on subscribers’ dietary preferences, a hallmark of its effective email marketing strategy. So, if you’re vegetarian, you’ll receive vegetarian recipes.
Smart right?
This is why it’s in our email marketing examples.
We also love the high-quality images of the meals. They make the email visually appealing and likely engage subscribers. Because who doesn’t want that good-looking chicken and red rice bowl for a meal?
How can it be better?
- Add dietary tags to show more care: Adding tags or icons that quickly identify meals as gluten-free, low-calorie, or under a specific dietary category can help subscribers quickly find what suits them. This will improve the user experience and acknowledge their restrictions, showing the brand cares.
- Add engagement opportunities: Prompting subscribers to rate their meals or provide feedback can engage customers and gather valuable information to refine segmentation efforts even further.
10. Holo Taco’s Birthday Email
Goal: Part of lead nurturing campaigns
What do we like?
We’ve included this Holo Taco email in our list of email marketing examples because it makes email subscribers feel special and encourages loyalty. Asking subscribers to share their birthdays creates a personalized interaction. This personal touch is integral to successful email campaigns to increase customer engagement and retention.
Additionally, offering a birthday gift is a smart move to drive engagement. This tactic provides a clear incentive for subscribers to interact with the brand, potentially increasing customer loyalty. We also love the play of words with “Par-tea” and “Loyal-tea,” a playful CTA to invite the reader into a fun community.
How can it be better?
- It’s difficult to read: To align with best practices in email marketing, the design could incorporate white space and potentially break text into bullet points. This would increase ease of reading and significantly improve the user experience for both existing customers and new subscribers.
11. Stitches n Giggles Holiday Email
Goal: Drive sales during the holiday season
What do we like?
We love catchy holiday email subject lines, and Stitches n Giggles does a great job at that and more. “Don’t wait for Santa” aligns perfectly with the holiday season, which can resonate well with the target audience looking for gifts. Additionally, the colorful and varied images of the products offer visual appeal and help subscribers quickly identify potential gifts.
How can it be better?
- Adding product descriptions: While the images are appealing, brief descriptions or benefits of each item might add further value. Don’t you think they could support the promotional email’s goal of informing subscribers about the sale items?
- Add an urgency indicator: Including a countdown timer for the sale’s end or highlighting limited stock could create a sense of urgency. This is a must during the holiday season to encourage immediate action, benefiting the email marketing strategy’s aim of driving sales.
12. Snif’s Giveaway Email
Goal: Part of promotional email series to boost brand identity
What do we like?
The promotional email from Snif capitalizes on a very engaging email marketing strategy by combining a giveaway with social media engagement. This email marketing example promotes cross-platform interaction by cleverly encouraging subscribers to engage with the brand on Instagram.
We also love the clear, enticing visuals of candles and compelling email copy. It is an excellent combination for capturing the attention of email subscribers.
How can it be better?
- Lacks a sense of urgency: Although the current email effectively encourages participation, we think it needs to create more urgency. Indicating a limited time to enter the giveaway could prompt quicker action, which is a useful strategy in an email marketing campaign.
13. National Geographic’s Free Trial Email
Goal: Part of promotional email series to acquire new customers
What do we like?
This email from National Geographic offering a 1-month free trial is an effective approach to attracting new subscribers through a promotional email. The headline “Enjoy 1 month – on us!” provides a clear, compelling offer that offers direct value. The email also includes captivating images representing National Geographic’s brand voice and brand identity.
One of the most effective elements of this email is the content highlights, as it showcases the variety of content subscribers will have access to. This entices the target audience by highlighting the depth and quality of the membership.
How can it be better?
- Offer an additional incentive for immediate action: While a free trial is a good incentive, adding an additional offer, such as a discounted rate after the trial if the subscriber signs up within a specific timeframe, could create urgency.
Read also: 5 Awesome Promotional Email Examples From Top Brands
14. Netflix’s Feedback Email
Goal: Understand your target audience for more insights and better segmentation
What do we like?
We love feedback emails because they show that your brand cares. Netflix’s simple and straightforward feedback emails make it to our list of email marketing examples. By featuring a specific show that the subscriber is presumably watching, the email demonstrates a personalized approach.
The thumbs-up and thumbs-down icons offer a straightforward method for users to provide quick feedback. This is crucial for engaging subscribers and gathering data in email marketing efforts. Additionally, the question “How is it so far?” invites valuable customer feedback and indicates that their opinion is essential.
How can it be better?
- More Detailed Feedback Options: While the thumbs up/down offers quick feedback, adding a link to a more detailed survey could provide Netflix with more granular feedback. This can improve their email marketing campaigns as a data collection tool.
15. Adidas’s Cart Abandonment Email
Goal: Reduce cart abandonment rates and push more sales
What do we like?
The Adidas email is a solid example of an abandoned cart email crafted to prompt subscribers to complete their purchases. They’ve showcased the exact shoe left in the cart, which is a direct and personalized approach that can remind potential customers about their initial interest.
We love that they’ve used the space to offer personalized recommendations and social proof to increase conversion rates. Also, let’s give some credit to the humorous subject line/headline “IS YOUR WI-FI OKAY?” 😍
How can it be better?
- Personalization beyond the product: We think Adidas could do well by addressing the reader by their name. Personalizing the email further with the subscriber’s name or past shopping behavior could enhance the tailored feel of the email.
There you have it, some of our favorite email marketing campaign examples to inspire your future email campaigns. But wait, don’t go yet! We want your email campaigns to lure in potential customers and convert them! So, in addition to email marketing examples, we’ve got some tips, tricks, tools, and email templates for you!
Checklist for Awesome Email Campaigns
- Compelling headlines: Your subject line is the starting block of your email campaign, where captivating headlines pique interest.
- Preview text: Coupled with the headline, this brief teaser will dramatically increase your click-through rates by offering a snapshot of the exclusive content inside.
- Concise email copy: The body of each email campaign should deliver your message through engaging, brand-aligned email copy.
- Images: Optional but impactful, images can turn a standard email into an eye-catching email campaign.
- Footer: Includes necessary details like contact information and the unsubscribe link in your email.
- Logo: Incorporate your logo for brand identity; this is optional but recommended for consistency.
- Links: Embed links to your blog post or product pages to generate traffic and nurture leads.
- Social media buttons: Encourage subscribers to share your content and invite friends to join your community.
- Clear CTAs: A prominent Call to Action in your email campaign is essential for guiding subscribers to the next step.
Note that all these elements are present in the email marketing campaign examples above.
Read also: 12 Examples of Email Marketing Strategies That Work
Choosing the Right Platform for Your Email Marketing
Several email marketing platforms enable in-build testing and monitoring. Choose a platform that fits your needs and utilize the following features for better results.
Drag-and-drop email builder
The cornerstone of efficient email marketing is a user-friendly drag-and-drop builder. It will simplify the process of creating an email marketing campaign. You can use an email template and immediately adjust it according to your needs. A platform like EngageBay exemplifies this with its intuitive, no-tech-skills-needed email builder.
Responsive email templates
Ensure you’re using responsive email templates so that your email campaign looks stunning across all devices. This enhances aesthetics and saves time from optimizing emails for different devices, letting you concentrate on strategy.
Segmentation and personalization
Segmentation and personalization allow you to create valuable content that speaks directly to your subscribers’ needs. Efficiently managing your lists and ensuring impeccable deliverability will definitely reflect in the performance of your emails.
Leveraging artificial intelligence
Incorporating AI-driven tools into your email marketing strategy can lead to more optimized campaigns. For example, use ChatGPT to write email subject lines, design emails, or even produce content.
Make sure all these elements are spot on and are made available on the software you choose.
Since you’ve got this far, we’ve added a bonus takeaway for you. Below, we’ve given five customizable email templates for different email campaigns.
Read also: eCommerce Email Marketing Simplified: 15 Examples + Tips
Five Ready-To-Use Email Marketing Templates For You
You’ve sorted your visuals and all the other elements mentioned above, but you’re stuck writing engaging email copy. What should you do?
Don’t worry. We’ve got five customizable email templates below. Simply fill in the blanks and set up your automated campaigns.
B2B cold email template
Subject Line: Make [Lead’s Role] Work Easier With [your product/service]
Preview Text: Discover how our [product/service] can transform your [specific work aspect]
Body:
Hi [Prospect Name],
Navigating the complexities of [lead’s role] responsibilities is no small feat, especially when it comes to [dealing with the problem your company solves].
Our team at [Your Company] specializes in streamlining this very process. Our [product/service] has been designed to cut through the noise, offering [one-sentence pitch that highlights the key benefit].
Here’s the experience of [Customer], who recently integrated our solutions:
“[Customer testimonial about the problem]”
Imagine achieving [the benefit of your product] with such ease. Are you ready to explore how [Your Company] can facilitate this transformation for you?
Please share the best time for a call next week, and let’s discuss how we can tailor our solutions to your needs.
Warm regards,
[Your Name]
[Your Position]
[Your Company]
[Your Contact Information]
B2C referral email template
Subject Line: Get Ready to Shop for Free at [Brand]!
Preview Text: Exciting news! Our [Referral Program Name] is about to go live. Earn with every referral!
Body:
Hi [Name],
Big news – [Brand’s Referral Program Name] is launching, and we want you to be a part of it!
It’s simple: every friend you introduce to [Brand] through the [Referral Program Name] gets a fantastic 20% OFF their first purchase. And there’s something in it for you, too – you’ll receive 20% of their first purchase as credit in your [Referral Program Name] account.
The best part? There’s no cap on how many friends you can refer! Spread the word across your social circles, be it Facebook, Instagram, or Twitter, and you could be enjoying your favorite [Brand] products for free!
Stay tuned for our launch date by joining our mailing list, and don’t miss out on the chance to earn with every friend you refer. Keep an eye on the terms and conditions as we get closer to the big day.
If you have any questions, we’re here to help.
Happy Sharing!
[YOUR SIGNATURE]
Upcoming events email template
Subject Line: Be There for Our Big Reveal – [New Product/Service] Launch Event!
Preview Text: Join us LIVE on [Date] for an exclusive look at our latest innovation – RSVP now!
Body:
Hey [Name],
Got plans for [Date and time]? You’ll want to clear your schedule.
[Company Name] is gearing up for something huge.
We’re thrilled to invite you to the live launch of our [New Product/Service Name] at [Location]. It’s not just a launch; it’s an event that will set the tone for [what the product/service aims to change/improve].
Here’s what you can expect:
- A first look at [New Product/Service Name]
- Insightful discussions
- A few surprises along the way!
Don’t stay behind on the news; be part of it. Click below to RSVP and secure your spot for the grand unveiling.
[RSVP Button]
We can’t wait to welcome you to this milestone moment for [Company Name].
See you there,
The [Company Name] Team
Service provider’s blog content promotion email template
Subject Line: Solve [Pain Point 1] Today with Our Expert Guide!
Preview Text: Discover actionable solutions to [Pain Point 2] in our latest blog post – Dive in now!
Body:
Hi [Name],
Tackling [Pain Point 1] can be quite a challenge, and let’s not even start with the headache that [Pain Point 2] brings. It’s like hitting a brick wall when you’ve poured hours into [Task], isn’t it?
You’re definitely not the only one to face these hurdles. Many in our community share your frustration – it’s more common than you think.
Here’s the good news: we’re on a mission to turn that frustration into accomplishment. Our latest blog post is a comprehensive guide crafted to help individuals like you break through the barriers of [Pain Point 1] and [Pain Point 2].
Ready for some relief?
[Read our new blog post]
Warm regards,
[Your Name], [Your Position] at [Company]
SaaS educational content content email
Subject Line: Master [Software Feature] with Our Step-by-Step Guide!
Preview Text: Unlock the full potential of [Product Name] – Elevate your skills with our latest guide.
Body:
Hi [Name],
Ever feel like you’re only scratching the surface of what [Your SaaS Product] can do? You’re not alone. That’s why we’re excited to share our latest educational content designed to transform how you use [Product Name].
Our new guide, “[Title of the Guide],” is packed with insights and step-by-step instructions to help you master [Specific Feature or Task] effortlessly. Here’s what you’ll learn:
[Key Topic 1]
[Key Topic 2]
[Key Topic 3]
No more guesswork, no more wasted time – just clear, actionable tips that you can implement right away.
[Access the Guide Button]
If you’re ready to take [Task or Feature] to the next level, this is your moment. Dive into the guide and start streamlining your workflow today!
Happy Learning,
[Your Name]
[Your Position] at [Company]
Read also: B2B Email Marketing Examples From Billion Dollar Firms
Wrap Up
That’s it. You guys have everything you need to launch a successful email marketing campaign for your business. Sign up for free with EngageBay and create stunning email campaigns inspired by these email marketing examples.
Use the customizable email templates and pair them with stunning visuals to curate emails that readers can’t take their eyes off.
Email Marketing Resources to Learn More
- How AI is Revolutionizing eCommerce Email Marketing
- 2024 Guide To Email Marketing For eCommerce
- Email Retargeting Blueprint For Your Business [+ Examples]
- How To Make Your Email Marketing Campaigns Stand Out
- Make No Mistake: Email Marketing Automation Best Practices
- Trigger Email Marketing For Beginners [Examples, Tools, Best Practices]
FAQ
What makes an email marketing campaign successful?
The key to a successful email marketing campaign is high-quality, personalized content that resonates with the target audience. This content starts with an engaging subject line, value-delivering email copy, and a strong call to action. Achieve this by segmenting your subscriber list and sending tailored content.
Also, remember that consistency in brand identity and timing also plays a crucial role. Use A/B testing to find out the perfect timing and elements that stick with your target audience.
How can I measure the effectiveness of my email marketing efforts?
You can measure the effectiveness of your email campaigns through key performance indicators such as open rates, click-through rates, conversion rates, and overall ROI. Tools integrated with your email platform, such as EngageBay, can track these metrics.
It allows you to analyze your audience’s behavior, see what content performs best, and make data-driven decisions to optimize future campaigns.
Can small businesses achieve significant results with email marketing?
Absolutely. Small businesses can achieve impressive results with email marketing by leveraging its cost-effectiveness and the ability to reach and engage customers directly.
With targeted content and strategic planning, even businesses with limited resources can use email marketing to build relationships, grow their audience, and drive sales.
