7 Email Hacks You’re Missing (And One Nobody Talks About!)

The Email Marketing Show

Hack #1: Separate Thinking from Writing

Writing emails can feel overwhelming, but it doesn’t have to be. The trick? Don’t do all the heavy lifting at once. Instead, separate the “thinking” stage from the “writing” stage. Sit down and brainstorm a bunch of email ideas ahead of time. Think about your product, the problems it solves, your own credibility, and even funny or personal stories from your life. When it’s time to write, you’ll already have a stack of ideas ready to go. Easy!

Picture this: you’re staring at a blank page. Frustrating, right? But if you’ve already got a list of ideas waiting for you, it’s like walking into a room where the party’s already started. No more blank page doom.

Hack #2: Use Story Prompts to Spark Ideas

Ever feel like you’ve got nothing to write about? That’s where story prompts come in. These are little reminders to jog your memory about moments in your life that can be turned into engaging emails. One time, I even wrote an email about not leaving the house all day. Yep, that simple.

I created 365 prompts for myself—one for each day of the year. They’re like little sparks for your brain, bringing back stories you hadn’t thought of in years. You don’t need to overthink it. Your everyday life is way more interesting than you realise, and sharing those relatable stories helps build a stronger connection with your readers.

Hack #3: Get More People to Open Your Emails

Your email can’t work its magic if no one opens it. That’s why open rates matter. Sure, subject lines play a role, but there’s more to it. Your "from name" needs to be familiar, and the frequency of your emails needs to keep you top of mind. Sending emails regularly means your audience won’t forget who you are.

Think about it—if you’re only emailing once in a blue moon, you’re just a stranger popping into their inbox. But when you email often and share personal, well-thought-out content, your readers can’t wait to hear from you. That’s the sweet spot.

Hack #4: Master the Art of the Opening Line

Here’s the big one nobody talks about: your email’s opening line. It’s the gateway to everything else. If your opening line flops, your email is toast. You’ve got seconds to grab their attention—so make it count.

A killer opening line isn’t just about grabbing attention; it sets the tone for the rest of your email. Plus, having a stash of pre-written opening lines saves you from the blank page nightmare. It’s like having a cheat sheet for creativity. Once you nail that first line, the rest of the email practically writes itself.

Hack #5: Make Links Impossible to Miss

How many times have you read an email and thought, “Where’s the link?” Don’t make your readers play hide-and-seek. Dress up your links so they stand out. Use bold text, underline them, or even make them a button if it fits your style.

Here’s the thing: people skim emails, especially on their phones. If your link blends in, it’ll get lost in the shuffle. Mix it up too—use different phrases for links instead of the same old “Click here for more.” Keep it fresh and keep it obvious. When the link pops, the clicks roll in.

Hack #6: Use PS Lines to Drive Action

You know how people say the PS is the most-read part of an email? It’s true! About 90% of readers skim down to the PS. Yet, most people either skip it or throw in something bland. Big mistake.

Your PS is prime real estate. Use it to drive readers back up to your call-to-action, emphasise urgency, or even share a fun tidbit that sticks in their mind. It’s like the cherry on top of your email sundae. Don’t waste it.

Hack #7: Craft Irresistible Subject Lines

We can’t skip the classics. Your subject line is the first thing your readers see, so make it pop. But here’s the twist: don’t just focus on being catchy. Match your subject line to the tone of your email. It should set the stage for what’s inside.

One of my favourite tricks is using unexpected or unusual subject lines, like “00:00:00”—a fake countdown timer that grabs attention. It’s quirky, it’s eye-catching, and it works.