How to write targeted sales emails that actually get you customers

There’s nothing worse than pouring your heart and soul into a great sales email and getting crickets in response. You might as well abandon your email list. But wait, what if I say we might have a solution for you?

We’ve pulled together our top tips to infuse your emails with high-ROI energy. Let’s dive into some sales email magic, shall we?‍‍

How to write subject lines with a high open rate

You know how important the subject line is. But are you ignoring it anyway? Okay, maybe you weren’t actively thinking about how important the subject line is, but now you’ve thought about it, it seems obvious, right?

It’s the first thing your customer sees. It’s something that can make or break your email open rate.

1. Inject a little bit of personality into your sales emails

People love to see their own name. Hubspot research states that simply including the recipient’s name in the subject line is almost guaranteed to increase open rates.

People also love when something relates specifically to events in their own life. When you send sales pitches to individuals, do a little bit of background research on your recipient and tailor your subject line accordingly. For more info on this technique, check out this post on cold emailing

2. Be mysterious (but not weird)

  • The surprising thing about [subject relating to your project].
  • Why is [interesting problem] is costing you so much?
  • Why [weird fact] will 10x your business (real proof included).

These sorts of subject lines build mystery and curiosity within the reader.

Try coming from a place of “I know something you don’t and if you don’t click on this email, you are missing out”.

We all like a little mystery and suspense. Just remember not to take this too far — make sure you stay relevant to the reader and content of the email. The average person now gets over 100 marketing emails in their inbox every single day.‍

3. Authenticity builds connection in sales emails

The Cheapest Sale Ever Just For You: Buy Before Midnight subject line isn’t fooling anyone. According to Forbes, brand authenticity is more important than ever.

Being honest and real with your writing is the fastest way to build a strong connection with your recipient.

For example, one of the most powerful subject lines I’ve ever read was:

[Name], I’m worried…

Wow, worried about me? I wonder why. Click.

Always remember: Disclosure is disarming. (Don’t be afraid to state your failures or the hardships you have/had. It shows you are human and builds INSANE trust with your customer).

How to write good email copy

Think about who you’re emailing and why they should care

Before you even touch your keyboard, think about who’s going to read your sales email.

You need to build your customer prototype.

Who is your customer, how old are they, what do they do in their spare time, what income are they producing, where do they live, what do they like to eat, drink, what movies they like to watch, find out what already influences them.

The more detailed you can get, the easier it will be to sell. The purpose of all copy is to move readers to buy and be smiling while they’re doing so. No one will buy a product they don’t fully know, like and trust.

‍Remember: People buy a better version of themselves. Not a ‘save you time and money’ product or service.

The overwhelming majority of companies in the world exist to promise you they can save someone time and money.

But people don’t stand in line to buy the latest iPhone because it saves them time or money.  

They do it because they want that feeling of superiority, they want everyone to know that they are special. (Props to Apple for having great marketing).

People always buy with emotion and justify it with logic.

When writing your sales copy, remember that you are selling a better version of themselves.

Pro Tip: Sell the outcome, not the product

Check out Ramit Sethi’s I Will Teach You to be Rich sales emails for a real life example. They never focus on saving time or money through his training, but rather discuss in detail how your life will transform (for real) after you’ve bought his products.

Read one of his emails below: And remember to always lead with value first before you sell. (If you can master this, a whole new world will open up for you).

 Ramit Sethi’s I Will Teach You to be Rich sales emails

And remember to always lead with value first before you sell. (If you can master this, a whole new world will open up for you).

Track your recipients

One of the most powerful things about sending sales emails in modern times is that you generate a ton of easily trackable data points.

This kind of information is worth everything, because you see what works and what doesn’t, you get immediate feedback to improve.

Include a clear CTA (Call to action)

One final piece of advice — always include a call-to-action (CTA).

Without a clear next step, your recipients will read your email, close it, and move on to the next catchy subject line in their inbox.

It sounds weird but people like to be told what to do.

Following up your sales proposition with a do-this-to-get-this step is incredibly powerful.

Make sure you don’t confuse your prospects with a multifaceted offer or 5-step click-through process. Keep it simple and you will sell.

Don’t hard sell, always attraction sell. So just add a link and let it be implied that yes sure you are gonna click it.

Tip: Add 2-3 links to your product (beginning, middle, end of your email)

**Bonus – overt statements**

Add these to your emails

  • I get it, I know what you are going through
  • I know how hard it is
  • How frustrating it can be
  • How challenging it can be
  • How overwhelming it can be
  • How scary it can be
  • I know what’s it like


Pro Tip Worth This Entire Post: 60% of emails are now read on the phone, so keep them short (around 325 words, give or take). Be personable, write as if you were talking with a buddy. 

Get in touch

If you need help crafting the perfect sales emails so that you can experience a huge revenue boost…

Get in touch with the team at Scribly to get affordable help from our talented team of marketing copywriters.