Email Copywriting Guide: Write Emails That Convert
DISCLOSURE: We earn a commission if you make a purchase through links on this page, at no additional cost to you.
Want your emails to get more clicks and sales? This guide will show you how. You'll learn the best tricks for 2025 to write emails people love to open.
Introduction
Think about your email inbox right now. It's probably full. So how do you make your emails stand out and get results? That's what this guide is for.
You'll learn how to write emails that people actually want to open and click. We'll cover the subject lines that get a 40% higher open rate. You'll also see how to write clear calls to action that boost clicks.
This skill matters because good emails build real connections. They can turn a reader into a customer or a fan. It's a key tool for any online business or project.
You don't need to be a pro writer to start. You just need a basic idea of what you're sharing. A simple offer or piece of news is enough.
You can try the first steps in about 30 minutes. The full method will take a few hours to learn. Then, you'll use it for every email you send. Let's get started.
What You Need
You don't need fancy tools to start. A simple email account and a clear goal will work. However, a few key items will help you a lot.
Your Basic Toolkit
First, you need an email service provider (ESP). This is the technology that sends your emails. Many good options are free for small lists.
For example, Mailchimp lets you send 1,000 emails per month at no cost. Other choices include Brevo and ConvertKit. You should try a couple to see which one you like.
Your Sign-Up Form
You must have a way for people to join your list. This is called a sign-up form. Your ESP will help you build one.
Place this form on your website or social media. A simple “Join my newsletter” box is a great start. It collects email addresses for you.
Your Content Plan
Finally, you need a basic plan. Decide what you will send and how often. Will it be weekly tips or monthly updates?
A consistent schedule builds trust. Your readers will know when to expect your next email. This is a major advantage for any company.
Step-by-Step Guide
Now, let's build your email. Follow these steps in order. They take you from a blank page to a finished email that gets clicks.
Step 1: Pick Your One Big Goal
Start with the end in mind. Ask yourself: what is the one thing I want people to do? Do not try to get them to do three things.
Pick one clear goal. For example: “Click to read my blog post” or “Buy this specific product.” Your whole email will push toward this single action.
This focus makes your message strong. Readers won't get confused. They will know exactly what you want.
Step 2: Write Your Subject Line First
Think of your subject line as a movie trailer. It needs to be so good that people want to see the full film. Write this before you write the email body.
Use curiosity, a clear benefit, or a question. Keep it short, about 5-7 words. Test different ideas.
A good example is: “Your free guide is inside, [Name].” A bad example is: “Newsletter #5.” See the difference? One makes you want to look.
Step 3: Hook Them in the First Line
The first sentence after “Hello” is your hook. It must grab attention right away. Do not start with a boring “I hope you're well.”
Instead, connect to their problem or a desire. Ask a question they have. State a surprising fact.
For instance: “Tired of emails that get ignored?” This speaks directly to your reader. It makes them think, “Yes, I am! Tell me more.”
Step 4: Keep the Body Short and Helpful
Your email body is not a book. Get to the point fast. People scan emails, so use short paragraphs. One or two sentences per paragraph is perfect.
Explain the benefit quickly. Answer: “What's in it for me?” Give them a reason to care right now.
If you are promoting a tool, don't list every feature. Talk about the one big result it gives. For example: “This app saves bloggers 5 hours per week.” That's a clear benefit.
Step 5: Craft Your Call-to-Action (CTA)
Your CTA is the most important part. It is the button or link for your one big goal. Make it impossible to miss.
Use strong action words. Say “Get Your Free Guide” or “Start My Trial.” Not a weak “Click Here.” Place your CTA twice: once in the middle and once at the end.
Make your button a bright, bold color. It should stand out from the rest of your email. Test colors like green, orange, or blue to see what works best for your readers.
Step 6: Add a Simple PS
A PS (or postscript) gets read. It is a powerful spot to repeat your main offer or add a final push.
Use it for a bonus, a last-minute discount, or to share a quick story. It feels personal and urgent.
For example: “PS – The first 50 people to reply get a special bonus video.” This can boost your replies and clicks a lot.
Step 7: Check Everything Before You Send
Never send an email without checking it first. Read it out loud. Does it sound like you? Does it flow well?
Look for spelling errors. Check that all your links work. Make sure your images load fast. Send a test email to yourself first.
This step saves you from big mistakes. A professional email has no errors. It builds trust with your audience.
Step 8: Test and Track Your Results
Your first try might not be perfect, and that's okay. The key is to test and learn. Send your email and watch the numbers.
Check your open rate and click rate. If your open rate is low, test a new subject line next time. If clicks are low, try a different CTA button.
Small changes can make a big difference. Try testing one thing at a time. You will learn what your customers like best.
Step 9: Build a Sending Schedule
Sending one great email is good. Sending a series of great emails is better. Plan when you will send your next email.
Do not spam people. Find a good pace, like once a week or twice a month. Be consistent so people expect to hear from you.
Use a simple calendar to plan your topics. This helps you stay organized. It also makes sure you always have something helpful to share.
Step 10: Keep a List of What Works
Start a digital notebook or document. When an email does really well, save it. Write down what you think made it work.
Was it the subject line? The story you told? The time you sent it? Save these winning ideas.
This list becomes your secret playbook. Over time, you will have a full guide of what works for your readers. This makes every email you write better and easier.
Troubleshooting
Even great emails can run into problems. Don't worry! Here are common issues and how to fix them.
Low Open Rates
If people don't open your email, they can't click. Your subject line is likely the issue.
Try using a number or a question. For example, “3 Tools to Save Time” often works better than “Helpful Tools.” Also, check your “From” name. Make sure people know it's you.
High Opens But No Clicks
This means your subject worked, but your main content didn't. Your offer or call to action might be weak.
Make your main button very clear. Use words like “Get Your Guide” or “Start My Trial.” Put this button near the top so people see it right away. Don't make them search.
Too Many Unsubscribes
A few unsubscribes are normal. A lot means you're sending the wrong content to the wrong people.
Check if your emails match what your audience wants. If you sell sports gear, send tips about training, not general news. Also, let new subscribers choose what topics they like. This helps a lot.
Emails Going to Spam
This is a big problem. Your email might never be seen.
First, always include a clear “Unsubscribe” link. Email services require this. Second, avoid spam trigger words like “100% free” or “act now” in your subject line. Use a tool like Mail-Tester to check your score before you send.
Conclusion
You now have a full guide to write emails that get results. It's not about one perfect trick. It's about using a clear method every time.
Start with your goal and know your reader well. Then, write subject lines that make people click. Keep your message focused and end with a strong call to action.
Try these steps for your next five emails. Check your open and click rates to see what works. Small changes can boost your clicks by 20% or more.
Ready to learn more? Check out our other guides on building your email list and picking the best email tools. Your next high-converting email is just a draft away.
Content Notice: This article was created with AI assistance and reviewed by our editorial team for accuracy, quality, and compliance. We use AI to help research and structure content, but all recommendations are based on thorough evaluation.
Ready to try Serpstat?
SEO platform with keyword research, rank tracking, and competitor analysis.
Ready to try Mangools?
Find easy-to-rank keywords in minutes. 10-day free trial, no credit card required.