Why Email Marketing Is Like a First Date

(And How to Make It a Good One)

Do you remember your first date?

Unless you are on one of those swiping apps and dating for sport, you may recall it being a bit more like the following…

You probably spent hours getting ready, picking out the perfect outfit, and rehearsing witty one-liners in your head.

You wanted to make a good impression and show the best version of yourself.

Well, email marketing is a lot like a first date. You only have one chance to make a great first impression and win over your audience.

In this post, we’ll explore why email marketing is like a first date and how you can make it a good one.

You need to make a good first impression

Just like a first date, the first impression of your email will determine whether your audience is interested in what you have to say.

The subject line is the first thing your subscribers will see, and it should make them curious enough to open your first email and read more.

Use a subject line that is catchy, relevant, and concise. Avoid using clickbait subject lines, as they can lead to a decrease in engagement over time. And you don't want to plant that seed with your first impression.

You need to be engaging and interesting

On a first date, you want to keep the conversation flowing and keep your date interested.

Similarly, in email marketing, you need to keep your subscribers engaged and interested in your content.

Use a conversational tone and write as if you’re speaking directly to your subscribers. Personalization and segmentation can also help increase engagement and make your emails more interesting to your subscribers. But we're talking about first impressions so we'll dive into segmentation in another post.

You need to build trust

On a first date, you want to build trust.

Similarly, you need to build trust with your subscribers in email marketing.

One way to do this is to be consistent with your email frequency and content.

If you promise to send weekly newsletters, stick to that promise. If you promise to provide valuable content, make sure your emails deliver on that promise.

Whatever you promised on the opt-in page… Your first email is the time to deliver on that promise.

Additionally, ensure that your emails come from a legitimate sender and have a clear unsubscribe link.

You need to be respectful

On a first date, you want to be respectful of your date's boundaries and preferences.

Similarly, in email marketing, you must respect your subscribers' preferences.

Make sure you have permission to send emails to your subscribers and honor their preferences regarding the type and frequency of emails they receive.

Giving your subscribers the option to customize their email preferences can help increase engagement and reduce unsubscribes.

If you had a great first date, why ruin it by ghosting?

There's a lot of debate around email frequency in the email marketing world. Regardless of whether you email daily, weekly, semi-hourly, or some variation of each, the key is to stay consistent.

You need to make a connection

On a first date, you want to make a connection with your date.

Similarly, in email marketing, you need to make a connection with your subscribers.

Use storytelling to create an emotional connection with your subscribers and make your emails more relatable.

Additionally, provide opportunities for your subscribers to engage with your brand, such as through social media or surveys. Simply asking for a reply to one of your emails is a great way to build engagement and improve your email delivery.

You need to leave a lasting impression

On a first date, you want to leave a lasting impression.

Similarly, in email marketing, you want to leave a lasting impression on your subscribers.

You want them to look forward to your next email.

And ultimately, to think about you when you don't email them.

Use a strong call to action to encourage your subscribers to take action after reading your email. Whether it’s to visit your website, make a purchase, or attend an event, make sure that your call-to-action is clear and compelling.

As previously mentioned, it bears repeating… If you promised something when they joined your list, make sure you give it to them.

Final Thoughts

Email marketing is a lot like a first date.

You need to make a good first impression, be engaging and interesting, build trust, be respectful, make a connection, and leave a lasting impression.

By following these tips, you can ensure that your emails are well-received and help you build strong relationships with your subscribers.

Ready to make a connection? Join my Email Legion and learn how to build your email list like a pro!