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Email marketing helps you forge meaningful connections with your audience. Not only can it help you deliver targeted messages, but it also helps create memorable brand experiences.
When most professionals receive dozens of emails on a daily basis, the challenge for marketers is to break through the noise. For some inspiration, we’ll share some examples of fascinating email marketing campaigns with compelling storytelling and data-driven personalization.
An email marketing campaign is a series of messages that businesses and organizations use to communicate with their audience. It involves sending a sequence of emails to a specific group of recipients with the goal of achieving a particular objective, such as promoting a product, driving engagement, nurturing leads or building brand loyalty.
Email marketing campaigns are an effective marketing channel for several reasons:
To inspire your next campaign, here are some examples of the best email marketing campaigns.
What show should I watch next? This promotional email from Netflix has a lot of elements that make it easy for subscribers to find the next show to watch. The main highlight is a show that subscribers have watched—but not completed. As you scroll down, you’ll find a list of shows curated based on the past shows you’ve watched.
In terms of design, the layout and colors are reminiscent of the experience of scrolling through the Netflix app. That way, they create a consistent brand experience across multiple channels.
Apple’s email does a great job of upselling its product. It’s easier than ever to pre-order an iPhone 15 because it shows the step-by-step instructions people can take. The call to action (CTA) “Get ready now” is both at the top and bottom—so it doesn’t matter whether people end up reading at the top or the bottom of the email.
Similar to the Apple website, the email’s negative space makes the layout clean all throughout. Plus, the stunning mockups entice readers to check it out for themselves.
First-time customers rely on welcome emails to know more about a new product.
Chocolate brand Mode’s welcome email introduces the brand’s story. The main graphic is a mockup of the Mode Chocolate Bar to make readers familiar with the product. You’ll also find illustrations that represent product benefits such as “gluten free,” “all-natural ingredients” and “keto friendly.”
Airbnb’s email begins with a unique selling proposition, “More room to get together.” Unlike a hotel, select Airbnbs have more rooms, which makes it ideal for large families and friend groups.
The listings of top-reviewed homes are also featured in the email, so subscribers can visit the website and make a booking. Plus, there are personalized categories such as multiple bedrooms or pools.
GoPro’s email announces the launch of the new HERO9 Black. Some of its main benefits are more screens, more resolution and more battery life.
Thanks to the gorgeous product photo, it’s appealing to anyone to buy the product. And if you want to get it at a cheaper price, you can subscribe to GoPro and save big bucks.
Patagonia’s marketing depicts insulated work jackets and coats so tough that you can wear them out in the cold or through a storm. A photo of the jacket also points out product benefits such as the corduroy collar, plentiful pockets and sturdy front zipper.
This email is a great example of great design meets compelling copy. While we’ve seen a lot of winter jackets, Patagonia’s email manages to stand out from the crowd by highlighting its use case for extreme winter weather.
Design book publisher Counterprint has an email that highlights the books it sells. The featured book Optic includes a cover and copy that literally communicates its main theme—optical illusion. Also, it gives a glimpse of its gorgeous pages, which makes it appealing to designers.
Let’s take a look at the most common types of email marketing campaigns:
Promotional emails are designed to highlight special offers, discounts or promotions. Often, their offers are only available for a limited time. Their aim is to create a sense of urgency or exclusivity by capitalizing on people’s desire for a good deal.
Both potential and existing customers are the primary audience. They are designed to appeal to individuals who are already interested in the brand’s products, as well as those who may need an extra push to make a purchase.
Skillshare’s promotional Black Friday email offers a 50% off discount for subscribers. If you’re still not convinced, check out the membership benefits like “level up your artistic skills,” “build your creative business” and “grow your skills for the future.”
Many businesses send weekly or monthly newsletters to keep their subscribers up to date with the latest news. A study found newsletter subscribers spend 80% more time on their website. For example, The New York Times readers who consume twice as much content are twice as likely to turn into paid subscribers.
A newsletter is usually composed of a curated mix of insightful articles, industry trends and exclusive content. By keeping subscribers informed about industry trends and company updates, brands can nurture a long-term relationship with their audience.
National Geographic’s newsletter brings readers up to date with its latest stories. Similar to a news app, the top sections have the most compelling stories. As you scroll to the bottom, you’ll find top stories spread out across different news categories
How to get your audience through the sales funnel? Lead nurturing emails offer an effective way to convert leads by delivering personalized content based on their behavior and interactions. It works by providing them with the information and support they need at each stage of the buying process. Naturally, the audience encompasses target leads or potential customers who have shown interest in the brand but may not be ready to make an immediate purchase.
Headspace encourages leads to sign up to get 40% off an annual subscription. The deal is only available for a limited time—until January 15. The time limit successfully triggers FOMO “Fear of Missing Out,” which compels leads to make a decision quickly.
A welcome email is triggered when a new subscriber or customer joins a mailing list or makes their first purchase. It typically targets new subscribers or customers who have recently joined the brand’s community. Beyond offering a warm greeting, it aims to introduce recipients to the brand’s products and services. That way, they’ll keep interacting with the business.
AG1 offers subscribers multiple supplements to cover gaps in nutrition. Some nutritional benefits are multivitamins, prebiotics, antioxidants and superfoods.
The welcome email offers a clear picture of what first-time buyers will find inside the box. These include a premium canister, metal scoop, shaker bottle and travel packs.
Re-engagement email campaigns are sent to inactive subscribers or customers who haven’t interacted with the brand for quite some time. Their main draw is to revive interest and prevent audiences from unsubscribing.
Starbucks offers a free limited-edition Starbucks red cup on a specific date. It sums up how users can get the free offer and covers all the ways they can make an order.
In terms of design, the brand keeps it simple with a sole photo of the red cup. That way, readers can instantly understand the email at just one glance.
There are many ways to communicate with customers through email marketing campaigns. As you navigate the digital realm, here’s hoping these email marketing examples serve as inspiration for crafting a memorable and impactful campaign that resonates with audiences.
Email marketing is a digital marketing strategy that involves sending targeted and personalized messages to a group of people through email. It is a powerful tool for building and maintaining relationships with customers, promoting products or services and driving conversions. For example, a brand could send an onboarding email to show first-time customers how to take advantage of its products.
A good marketing email effectively captures the attention of the audience. Some popular characteristics include a clear and compelling subject line, personalized content that resonates with the audience’s interests and a visually appealing design optimized for mobile.
Monique Danao is a highly experienced journalist, editor, and copywriter with an extensive background in B2B SaaS technology. Her work has been published in Forbes Advisor, Decential, Canva, 99Designs, Social Media Today and the South China Morning Post. She has also pursued a Master of Design Research at York University in Toronto, Canada.