Design

The arrival of fall not only brings a change in the weather but also opens a window of opportunity for email marketers to tap into the sales season.

Did you know that according to OptinMonster, a striking “47% of email recipients open an email based on the subject line alone?” This makes your email subject lines a key player in your autumn marketing strategy. 

Let’s dive into a world where creativity meets strategy, exploring a variety of fall email subject lines designed to captivate your audience and boost your autumn sales.

Fall email subject line tips

Let’s explore some pivotal tips that will elevate your fall email subject lines and ensure they capture the essence of your message and the season.

1. Personalize with a touch of seasonal warmth

Utilizing data like past purchases, location, or browsing history allows you to craft subject lines that speak directly to the individual, enveloping them in a personalized experience that feels inviting.

2. Avoid the spam trap with thoughtful wording

Crafting a subject line that avoids the dreaded spam folder is akin to carefully stepping through a patch of crunchy fall leaves – it requires thoughtfulness and precision. Steer clear of using all caps, excessive exclamation points, and words that are commonly associated with spam, such as “free” or “buy now.” Instead, focus on creating a natural, conversational tone that gently guides your subscribers into your content.

3. Incorporate timeliness and urgency

Infusing your subject lines with a sense of timeliness and urgency, such as highlighting a limited-time offer or a flash sale, can encourage subscribers to open your email promptly. Ensure that the urgency is genuine and the offers are valuable to maintain trust and engagement with your audience.

4. Highlight your brand’s personality

Fall is a season that comes with its own array of playful language and puns. Whether it’s playing with phrases related to leaves, pumpkins, or cozy sweaters, a clever pun can add personality to your communication.

5. Embrace A/B testing for your subject lines

By testing two variations of your subject lines you can gain insights into which phrases, keywords, or emojis resonate best, enabling you to send the more effective subject line to your list. 

60 Best Fall Email Subject Lines 

From the allure of sales and the unveiling of new collections to the playful charm of puns and the festive joy of holidays, each of these subject lines is a pathway into the heart of your subscribers. 

Fall sale or discount subject lines

Incorporating the seasonal charm of fall into your sale subject lines not only enhances their appeal but also creates a timely and relevant context that can resonate with your subscribers, inviting them to explore your offerings and, ultimately, make a purchase.

Subject line examples:

• "🍂 Fall Into Savings: Up to 50% Off Starts Now!"
• "Harvest the Savings: Exclusive Fall Discount Inside!"
• "Sweater Weather, Sweeter Deals: 30% Off Fall Fashion!"
• "Unbe-leaf-able Deals: Your Exclusive Fall Sale is Here!"
• "Autumn Exclusives: Enjoy an Extra 20% Off Sale Items!"
• "Fall in Love with Our Autumn Sale: Up to 40% Off!"
• "🎃 Spooktacular Savings: Frighteningly Good Deals Inside!"
• "Cozy Up to Exclusive Fall Discounts – Limited Time Only!"
• "A Cornucopia of Savings: Shop Our Fall Sale Now!"
• "Rake in the Deals: Your Fall Discount Awaits Inside!"

Real-life example:‍‍

• ‍Brand Name: Hay‍
• Subject line: "Crisp, cozy, colorful (and 15% off)"‍
• Purpose of the email: Announce their “Autumn Sale.” 

Fall subject lines to introduce new collections or products

Introducing new collections with fall-centric subject lines seamlessly blends the anticipation of the new with the comforting familiarity of the season, crafting a delightful and enticing invitation to explore, discover, and shop.

Subject line examples:

• "🍁 Fresh Picks for Fall: Explore Our New Arrivals!"
• "New Season, New Styles: Shop the Fall Collection Now!"
• "Autumn Elegance: Discover Our New Fall Jewelry Line!"
• "Wrap Up in Style with Our New Fall Outerwear!"
• "Fall Flavors Have Arrived: New Seasonal Menu Inside!"
• "Step into Fall: New Boot Collection Just Dropped!"
• "Cozy Up with Our New Fall Home Decor!"
• "Sip into Autumn: New Fall Beverage Line Launched!"
• "Fall Beauty Unveiled: Explore Our New Makeup Line!"
• "Fresh Fall Reads: Discover Our New Book Releases!"

Real-life example:

• Brand Name: Juvee
• Subject Line: “Bringing You a Taste of Autumn” 
• Purpose of the email: Promote the launch of their Caramel Apple drink.

Subject lines with fall puns

Fall provides a fertile ground for playful wordplay that can bring a smile to your subscribers and create a lighthearted, engaging entry point to your email content.

Subject line examples:

• "Orange You Glad It’s Pumpkin Season? 🎃"
• "Nuts About Our New Fall Collection!"
• "Oh My Gourd, These Fall Deals Are Unbe-leaf-able!"
• "Squash Your FOMO: Fall Sale Now On!"
• "Leaf Your Worries Behind: Fall into Relaxation!"
• "Yam-tastic! Sweet Deals on Our New Fall Menu!"
• "Apple-y Ever After: Fall in Love with Our New Arrivals!"
• "A-maize-ing Deals Just for You This Fall!"
• "Harvest the Fun with Our Fall Festival Lineup!"
• "Spice Up Your Wardrobe with Our Fall Collection!"

Real-Life Example:

• Brand Name: FitVine Wines
• Subject Line: "No tricks, just treats 🎃🍷🦇”
• Purpose of the email: Promote their FitVine.

Holiday-specific fall subject lines

Crafting holiday-specific subject lines allows your brand to resonate with the festive spirit and sentiments that naturally permeate through the season. By aligning your messages with the holidays and celebrations that your audience holds dear, you create a bridge of relevance and shared joy, enhancing the connectivity and appeal of your emails during this festive fall period.

Halloween

• "No Tricks, Just Treats: Spooktacular Deals Inside!"
• "Unmask Frighteningly Good Offers This Halloween!"
• "Boo-tiful New Arrivals to Spook and Delight!"
• "Witching You a Happy Halloween: Special Treat Inside!"

Thanksgiving

• "Gobble Up the Savings: Thanksgiving Deals Inside!"
• "Grateful for You: A Thanksgiving Treat Inside 🦃"
• "Feast Your Eyes on Our Thanksgiving Specials!"
• "A Cornucopia of Thanks: Exclusive Offer Inside!"

Veterans Day

• "Honoring Heroes: Special Veterans Day Sale!"
• "A Salute to Savings: Veterans Day Exclusive!"
• "Celebrating Courage: Special Offer for Veterans Day!"
• "Thank You for Your Service: Exclusive Veterans Day Deal!"

Black Friday

• "Black Friday Bounty: Unbeatable Deals Inside!"
• "Sneak Peek: Black Friday Deals Unveiled!"
• "The Black Friday Sale You’ve Been Waiting For!"
• "Unlock Black Friday Savings Early: VIP Access Inside!"

Real-Life Example:

• Brand Name: Carhartt 
• Subject Line: "Black Friday: Early Access"
• Purpose of the email: Promote their Black Friday early access sale. 

Fall subject lines that reference fall weather

Subject lines that reference the weather crafts a narrative that is immediately recognizable and engaging to your subscribers, inviting them to explore your offerings with the comforting, familiar backdrop of the fall season.

Subject line examples:

• "Fall Breeze, Autumn Ease: Wind Down with Our Cozy Picks!"
• "Rainy Day Rescue: Stay Dry with Our Stylish Raincoats!"
• "Sweater Weather is Better Weather: New Arrivals Inside!"
• "Crisp Air, Don’t Care: Explore Our Fall Essentials!"
• "Stay Cozy in Our Must-Have Fall Layers!"
• "Chilly Days, Stylish Ways: Warm Up with Our Collection!"
• "Embrace the Chill: Hot Deals on Cool Styles Inside!"
• "Leaf the Cold Behind: Warm Up with Our Hot Picks!"
• "Autumn Showers, Stylish Hours: Waterproof Favorites Inside!"
• "Warm Hues, Cozy Shoes: Step into Fall Comfort!"

Real-life example:

• Brand Name: Hotel June
• Subject Line: "Feels Like Fall"
• Purpose of the email: Encourage travelers to book a stay at Hotel June by promoting new fall specials. 

Fall subject lines about autumn activities and events

From apple picking and leaf-peeping to festive gatherings and holiday preparations, these subject lines evoke anticipatation of these cherished moments. By aligning your messages with the activities that define the fall experience, your emails become a celebration of the season, intertwining your brand with the warmth and nostalgia.

Subject line examples:

• "Harvest Happiness with Our Fall Collection!"
• "Leaf-Peeping Essentials: Gear Up for Autumn Adventures!"
• "Apple-Picking Season is Here: Grab Your Fall Favorites!"
• "Pumpkin Spice and Everything Nice: Fall Flavors Have Arrived!"
• "Get Festive: Everything You Need for Fall Gatherings!"
• "Fall Crafting: Create Your Cozy with Our DIY Kits!"
• "Bake Up a Storm: Autumn-Inspired Baking Essentials Inside!"
• "Cozy Campfires Await: S’mores, Stories, and Styles Inside!"
• "Haunted Happenings: Spooky Styles and Decor Inside!"
• "Thanksgiving Prep Starts Now: Get Ready to Feast!"

Real-Life Example:

• Brand Name: HomeAway
• Subject Line: "Get in the fall spirit with a cabin stay”
• Purpose of the email: Encourage customers to book a cabin stay. 

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Elevate your fall email campaigns to new heights

The harmony between a captivating subject line and a visually engaging email design is where the true magic happens.

With Beefree’s fall email templates, you gain access to a curated selection of designs that encapsulate the warmth and vibrancy of fall and perfectly compliment your captivating subject lines.

We’ve teamed up with Really Good Email’s Matt Helbig and a group of email experts for a roundup of the hottest email design trends.

How can you incorporate email design trends into your brand? 

“You have to know what's right for your audience, your brand, and your company. Don't just adopt a trend because it's the cool thing to do. 

Focus on the foundations, what makes a really good email is this email is customer-centric and solves a problem that someone might have. 

A lot of the time, company emails are very self-serving, but keep in mind that the person at the other end is not just a dollar sign; they are people as well. Use human language and not corporate gobbledy. 

Be clear about what you are making, why, and who it's for. Its really important to communicate your message clearly and tell people, you know, come to our site, come visit us. Send emails with a purpose and think about, “How can I make this person's day better?”

Accessibility is always a big thing. At Really Good Emails, we see a lot of all-image emails and that’s rarely ever accessible. You want to meet your readers where they are, whether it's on a mobile device or they have a disability and can't access your email. 

Beyond just including something like alt text, it's making sure your email is available on all devices that they might be reading on.

Lastly, just treat the inbox as a sacred, personal, and safe place. It is a safe place and you have some responsibility behind what you're sending to your audience. Your email should be a delight and a nice surprise in an inbox filled with annoyance and filtered spam emails. People should look forward to receiving your email in their inboxes.”

_{Matt Helbig, Integrated Manager at Beefree & Really Good Emails}

Email design trends for 2024 & beyond 

#1: Raw & unfiltered 

“As an amateur photographer myself,  I'm always excited to see that this trend continues to gain momentum. It's all about capturing images in their most natural state with minimal to no editing or retouching.

Unlike traditional stock photos or marketing images, which are often very produced, very stylized, very polished – raw and unfiltered embrace imperfection. This style, this trend, shows real people, real environments, and it captures genuine moments.

It's often characterized by natural lighting, minimal post-production editing, and authentic expressions and scenarios, which makes it feel very spontaneous and very candid. 

This trend is becoming popular largely due to social media. We're very used to seeing what at least appears to be authentic situations and with consumers demanding more transparency from brands we are kind of skeptical of overly polished images or images that we may feel are too photoshopped. 

Another plus of “raw and unfiltered” is that it can evoke a sense of nostalgia and help to strengthen the connection with your audience. 

Finally, and one of the most important, I think, is that it can be very cost-effective. You don't have to pay for the big production, the expensive photographer, or all the editing.”

_{Kristy McCarley, Founder & Managing Director of Pure Firefly.} 

#2: Chunky text

“This trend of oversized text is really dominating the visual space. If you're a design geek, this can be super fun to experiment with to add a sense of playfulness and grab a reader’s attention as soon as the email is open.

This trend is really popular because of the rise in appreciation for minimalism and the need to create quick digestible content. It allows you to convey that message in a really concise way. 

If you're trying to decide whether to experiment with this or if it's right for your brand, just keep in mind that you don't want it to be overwhelming. There should be a balance between the size of the text and its chunkiness so that it doesn't affect readability.” 

_{Kristy McCarley, Founder & Managing Director of Pure Firefly.} 

#3: Deep & dark

‘’This trend was sparked or spurred by the prevalence of dark mode, but think we've moved way beyond that now. 

I just love the spectrum of dark colors that I see brands bringing into the inbox to create this kind of mood instantly within their email. 

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My cautionary tale is to test the heck out of it beforehand. For a few email clients with some partial color inversion, darker tones turn into a salmon pink, which can strain the eyes. You obviously don't want to accidentally serve the audience that wants dark mode, something that's way outside of your brand guidelines.’’

_{Laura Sullivan, Head of Brand & Marketing at Inbox Monster}

#4: Color blocking

"These big, bold areas of color usually help you differentiate visual hierarchy in emails or make a section in an email stand out.

If you do a little bit of Googling on the history of color blocking, apparently this is a big fashion trend coming back from the 1960’s which is what gives color blocking a little bit of a retro feel."

_{Justin Jordan, Head of Strategy & Community at Beefree}

#5: Longing for Dial-up

"This trend combines old-school nostalgia with some of the new fun trends we’ve mentioned previously. This is all about the nineties being cool again. 

This summer, I have gone to so many concerts with 90s bands coming out and playing. For example, I saw a Green Day show, and they played the entirety of Dookie because it was Dookie's, I think, 25th or 30th anniversary of being released. That night, I felt like I was 18 again. The next morning, maybe not so much. But I was totally willing to relive 18 for an evening. 

If you've got that demographic, then take advantage of it. This is not for every brand; you really have to know your audience, know your style, and see if it works."

_{Justin Jordan, Head of Strategy & Community at Beefree}

#6: Ticker GIFs 

"Ticker GIF also known as the repeating text, usually at the top of the email, really grabs attention and makes the email feel lively and energetic. It can add playfulness similar to the chunky text, and it's eye-catching.

I’m kind of on the fence about ticker text because I'm affected by movement in email. So sometimes, if it's a little too fast or if it just feels like too much, I will look away, but I know there are other subscribers, the audience that loves it and really get into it.

I say be very thoughtful about the use of it. Make sure you have enough contrast. If you're using it to highlight a key message, it can be great. Or a sense of urgency for like a promotion or limited time offer. Just be aware that it can overwhelm some subscribers and it may be distracting and sometimes it's just not the right fit for the campaign."

_{Kristy McCarley, Founder & Managing Director of Pure Firefly.} 

#7: Styled letter 

"This trend is leading in popularity because it approaches email with a human voice instead of a product or brand. With the rise of AI, people’s spidey sense is up for things that aren't authentic and real and this approach helps tackle that. 

Style letter is a good balance between using plain text and brand elements like fonts and colors to make it feel a little bit more personalized.

In the example below, which is written by Justine, is all written in her voice, like when I read it, I could hear her reading it.

This trends is relatively low effort. You don't always need a designer to do something like this. You can make things stand out by using bullet points or adding a GIF. 

I like to think of email almost like as a tool belt, you know, you can use a plain text email or you can use a well-designed email. It doesn't have to be one or the other. 

You just know that your reader has this problem that they’re trying to solve, and you can use different types of content to make your email get the job to be done"

_{Laura Sullivan, Head of Brand & Marketing at Inbox Monster}

#8: Hover effects

We are seeing brands do some really cool, fun hover effects in email. It's a good way to tell people that something's clickable.

I think it's catching on because it's interactive. I think it catches your eye when you're scrolling, especially on like a desktop environment where it's supported. And some of these, especially hover effects, are little things you can add at the end of the email that may not change the whole design, but they show that you are spending the time and attention on your email designs and your marketing.

_{Matt Helbig, Integrated Manager at Beefree & Really Good Emails}

Honorable email design trend mentions: 

Typography: Weird fonts

Typography: 3D Text

Shapes: Waves

Imagery: Hand models

Interactivity: Choose your own adventure

Movement: 360 rotate

Messaging: Sustainability

Final hot take: 

"It’s important for me to share the disclaimer that trends are not going to save your business; however, they can help you better communicate your message. 

I've mostly been on the B2B side of things for my entire career. And so every time I look at what all the cool things that retail and e-commerce brands are doing, I'm reminded that B2B doesn't have to be boring.

While all of these trends may not not be totally a “hot” for your brand,it cool to at least be informed about what other brands are doing in the space and maybe one of them will work for you.

This is not an endorsement for any trend in particular. Choose your trends responsibility. Don't use it if it might not be for your brand. 

And finally make sure that whatever you do, you continue to be really good and make some really good looking emails."

_{Matt Helbig, Integrated Manager at Beefree & Really Good Emails}

‍You can watch the entire live event with Q&A here. 

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What is a teaser email?

A teaser email is an email that hints at a launch coming soon. It could be a new product, an upcoming exclusive sale, or any major announcement. In any case, a teaser email is all about building hype. It tells your customers, “Hey, something exciting is on the way, so keep your eyes on us!”

Teaser emails usually have minimal content, but as simple as they are, they can really energize your campaigns. Teaser emails can boost your marketing campaigns by:

• Building brand awareness by intriguing a new (and existing) audience with sneak peeks.
• Encouraging brand engagement by using curiosity 
• Priming customers to take action so they’re ready to buy when the announcement email arrives

What makes a great teaser email campaign?

Teaser emails aim to generate excitement around something new and significant. When done well, these emails build intrigue and make subscribers feel like they're in on a secret. A great teaser email follows the following guidelines: 

Intentions & calls to action are clear 

Teaser emails are tricky because they usually tease something customers can’t act on yet. An email without an action may leave your readers wondering what happens next. 

Consider your goal—is it to increase sales of your future product? Increase attendance at the event of the year? Regardless, you want to keep your readers engaged with your brand. Consider the following: 

• Encourage customers to follow you on social media if they don’t already by telling them that you’ll post clues and updates on your social pages
• Invite customers to sign up for text notifications so they’ll be notified first when the announcement arrives
• Offering a calendar invitation that customers can add to their calendars for a specific day and time, like the time that your sale will begin or the time when they’ll be able to sign up for your event
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By clearly indicating the next step for users, even in the “teaser” phase of your campaign, you can gauge interest in your launch and make adjustments to improve its success.  

Tells a story 

A teaser email is a powerful tool for telling a story and engaging your audience in a way that builds anticipation and excitement. By gradually revealing elements of a larger narrative or upcoming event, you can create a sense of intrigue and keep subscribers eagerly awaiting the next installment.

This is the time to start thinking about how your teaser email (or emails) plays a role within the more extensive campaign. Is it one of many emails or one of three? 

Creates curiosity

Use your email design to get creative and peak interest! Set a countdown timer, for example, or partially reveal a product peeking out from behind a curtain.

Share clues or give your audience hints about the benefits of this launch for them. For instance, if you’re introducing a new feature of your project management software, you could say, “Say goodbye to disorganized timelines” or “No more missed deadlines! Find out how on August 3rd.” 

The goal is to create more questions than answers. Give them just enough information to make them curious without giving it away so they’ll be eagerly watching your emails in the coming days.

Teaser email examples to get inspired by  

#1: Ray-Ban + Meta

Subject Line: New Ray-Ban Meta Skyler | Preorder now

Ray-Ban and Meta are announcing the latest fruit of their partnership: a pair of smart glasses that merges Meta’s technology with Ray-Ban’s eyeglass design. This teaser email announces the product and highlights its impressive features and stylish design, even though it’s not yet released.

What makes this great:

• The option to pre-order allows the brands to capitalize on the initial excitement of the collaboration.
• The product cards advertising similar models invite customers to shop the existing inventory as a way to capture add-on sales.
• Minimal text with just enough information to entice readers to learn about the launch and take action

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#2: Bose

Subject line: Get ready: We’re working on something big

This teaser email from Bose advertises new products coming soon. With just a simple, on-brand black-and-white color scheme and a few lines of copy, the message makes you feel like something epic is coming soon.

What makes this great:

• The coy and secretive tone of "get ready for some of our most innovative products yet," creates intrigue and curiosity to get customers interested in what the announcement will be.
• Short and concisely they share that this evolution is part of their story, "we're about to unveil the latest chapter in our storied history of innovation."

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#3. REI

Subject line: Coming soon: Gear up get out sale

REI teaster promotes their upcoming sale and offers readers with exclusive access to be the first to preview the company’s sale catalog. Sending an email like this can help build customer excitement and make them feel like they're getting a sneak peek or exclusive first-glance.

What makes this great:

• Offering a preview into the catalog allows customers to determine right away if they will be making a purchase during the sale.
• REI uses graphic elements to illustrate the deal in form of a "coupon."
• REI adds additional discounts and promotional offers in the email which entices the customer to shop or engage with the brand outside of the limited time offer.

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#4: Recess

Subject Line: Amazon Prime Day is Coming

Recess uses this teaser email to lay the foundation for a strong Amazon Prime Day sale.

What makes this great:

• It invites customers to add the product to their carts now so they don’t forget it when Prime Day rolls around.
• The fun and silly messaging fits Recess’s brand and makes the teaser memorable.
• The visuals are unique and trendy, playing on the name of Prime Day in a fun and engaging way.

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#5: Apple

Subject: Pre-order iPhone 15 Pro and iPhone 15

Apple’s marketing is known for being minimalistic yet dramatic and this teaser email is perfectly on brand.

What makes this great:

• The feature lists give customers numerous reasons to anticipate the release of the new products.
• The preorder call to action allows customers to put in their order right away so they can capitalize on the newness and excitement of the announcement.
• The email includes other information that will be helpful to customers who are considering buying the new phones, such as comparing the phones to choose the best personal fit and finding ways to save money on the phones. This removes common barriers that could make customers hesitate on buying the phones.

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#6: Louis Vuitton

Subject: Coming Soon — Fall-Winter 2024 Workwear: Louis Vuitton x Timberland

Louis Vuitton gets right to the point with this email teasing the upcoming release of their new collection. The email itself uses minimal content, just enough to give customers a sense of what is coming. The “see more” button brings customers to an equally eye-catching yet vague landing page that uses stark contrast and scrolling imagery to pique their interest in the new collection:

‍What makes this great:

• The imagery is eye-catching and merges two concepts you wouldn’t normally see together: outdoor workwear and the posh and upscale Louis Vuitton brand.
• With minimal details, the email dangles just enough information to make customers curious.
• Louis Vuitton creates a cohesive experience throughout multiple touchpoints and uses landing pages to enhance their teaser campaign.

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#7: Sonos

Subject: Preorder our first-ever headphones

Sonos email teasing the coming release of their first pair of headphones. They use a slang phrase, “hits different,” that appeals to young audiences, the consumers who use headphones the most.

Why it works:

• The subject line is clear and concise while also highlighting why this product launch is exciting "first-ever headphones."
• The email builds customers’ excitement by noting a few features and benefits of the new product.
• The email’s design is directly on-brand for Sonos, featuring clean and whitespace-heavy aesthetics.

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Before you hit send on your teaster email...

Look over your subject line -- is it exciting? Would you click on it? Building anticipation with a teaser email starts with your subject line. Appeal to your customer's sense of curiosity with a subject line that gives them just enough information to reel them in. Depending on what your big announcement will be, example subject lines could be:

• We’re letting you in on a secret…
• The countdown has begun!
• Something exciting is coming!
• Get ready to mark your calendar for the event of the season
• We have big news!

As with any email subject line, you want to keep it short and punchy.

How do you get readers ' attention when your sale ends tomorrow or it's the last day to register for your event? With inboxes more crowded than ever, it's a challenging feat. We gathered dozens of last-chance emails to see which design strategies brands use to get those last-minute conversions.

What is a last chance email?

A last-chance email prompts customers to take advantage of an opportunity that is about to end. It could be sent in the final hours of a big sale or when a contest is about to close. 

A last-chance email creates a sense of urgency for customers who may have thought about shopping your sale or registering for your event, those who just need one last push to strike. At the same time, the iron is hot, or a reminder so they don’t forget and miss the opportunity. 

For you, it can be the final factor that determines whether you land a sale or conversion.

A good last-chance email should be brief and to the point because you have a time-sensitive message to convey. Some core components include:

• A deadline that creates urgency for readers to act, or even a countdown to the deadline
• A specific offer or reason for readers to take action before the deadline
• A call to action like a visually prominent button, making it easy for customers to be able to take action
• Personalization, ideally, like including the person’s name to get their attention or highlighting some sale products they have viewed which will increase in price after the deadline
• Language that encourages readers to take action right away

Strategies for improving the impact of your last-chance emails

A last-chance email isn’t just your customers’ last chance to get in on a deal or an event. It’s also your last chance to secure a conversion during this opportunity, so you want to make it count.

Highlight FOMO and urgency 

Let’s be real. We all experience the fear of missing out to some extent. Sometimes, a final push highlighting the value of your opportunity is all that’s needed.  Some ways to do this include:

• Notating products that are low in stock to encourage customers to buy before they’re gone
• Embedding a countdown timer so customers can physically see their opportunity shrinking

Include animations and interactive elements 

GIFs and other interactive elements can be particularly effective during the final countdown, helping to grab readers' attention in those final moments. Timers are a great way to really illustrate the element of urgency to customers.

Create specific and targeted CTAs

A clear and compelling call to action can push your customers from considering to actually buying, signing up, or whatever you’re urging them to do. The CTA button should be visually prominent so it’s easy for customers to know how to take advantage of this last-chance offer.

Your button should be specific about where it leads, such as:

• Sign up now – 1 day left!
• Shop the sale – ending soon!
• RSVP – 10 seats left!  

Emphasize time-sensitivity in the subject line

A last-chance email is an opportunity to grab customers’ attention and prompt them to act right now, and to do that, your subject line needs to be urgent enough to stop them from scrolling by. Put the urgent and time-sensitive nature right up front. Some examples could include:

• Don’t miss this event - registration closes TOMORROW!
• Only two hours left in our biggest sale of the year!
• Only 10 seats left at our one-time-only event!

Now, let’s see these strategies in action.

Last chance email examples that convert

#1: Ursa Major

Subject: Hours left to save 10%

Why it works:

• Visuals add to the message: Instead of using a typical product photo of its face wash, Ursa Major uses this clever shot to emphasize that time is running out. It’s eye-catching and clever while getting the message across.
• Concise message: it has one obvious purpose and doesn’t clutter the email with other messages, offers, or content blocks.‍
• Standout CTA button: The bright blue color stands out against the white background, drawing the reader’s eye to the desired action.

#2: Nest

Subject: Last call for these savings on Nest Hello.

Why it works:

• The limited-time sale is clear: They list the special offer “save up to $60” at the top of the email to emphasize what customers could miss if they don’t act soon.
• Clear deadline: “Ends November 27th” is communicated in bold font and surrounded by white space so it visually stands out and communicates urgency.‍
• Product highlight: Nest further encourages conversions by showcasing the products that the reader can save on. A PRO tip is to use segmentation and dynamic content to personalize which products are shown to users based on their interests.

#3: Koio

Subject: LAST CALL FOR FREE EXPRESS SHIPPING

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Why it works:

• Playfulness: This email from Koio takes a playful approach to nudging their customers to take action. ‍
• Simplicity: The message’s design is abundantly concise and simple so that it stays on message and so that the call to action stands out.

#4: Everlane

Subject: Sale items are sailing away

Why it works:

• Intentional design: As a brand built on sustainability, the minimal design of this last-chance email for Black Friday, a holiday built on consumerism, is intentional. The minimal design serves to give the feeling of a "gentle reminder," without pushing too much on hyper-consumerism.
• Personable: The "stay warm," feels like a receiving a goodbye when hanging up from a family member or friend.

#5: Rag & Bone

Subject: Last Call for Overnight Shipping

Why it works:

• On-brand: Rag & Bone sticks with its signature brand look of black and white designs, so the stark contrast is immediately recognizable and helps to grow its brand recognition.
• Use of animations: The GIF at the top ensures customers immediately see the limited time offer.
• Relatable message: The “it’s not too late” message refers to the fact that Christmas is just days away, relating to customers struggling to find a gift at the last minute.

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#6: ClassPass

Subject: LAST CALL: Get 1 free month

Why it works:

• Uses animations: The timer creates the sense that time is slipping away, inspiring urgency in customers to take advantage of the sale before it’s gone.
• User-generated content: The quote from a Classpass user at the bottom is relatable and positions ClassPass as a method for readers to meet their resolutions.

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#7: THINX

Subject: Finalcountdown— 30% off ends in 5 hours!

This last-chance email from THINX uses a super bold HTML background color and live text to shout it out, plain and clear: This offer is ending!

Why it works:

• Familiarity: The full-bleed red background is stark and it snatches the reader’s attention, mimicking the effect of a red stop sign - it makes you pause and take notice.
• Animations: The timer builds the sense of immediacy that this offer is about to be gone, urging readers to act before the timer is up.
• Clear and bold CTA: The call to action is visually prominent and clear about where it’s taking you, if you want to save 30%, you click there.

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Every marketer knows that branding, visually engaging branding, matters. In a recent HubSpot survey, 20% of marketers reported to see a direct correlation between their design choices and an increase in email engagement.

In email marketing specifically, one of the first design elements a recipient views is your banner, making it crucial to grab the attention of the reader at first glance. An email banner should effectively convey your message, resonate with your audience, and be responsive regardless of what device your recipient uses to view your emails.

Let's discuss email banner best practice to follow that will ultimately lead to improve results of your email campaigns.

What is an email banner?

An email banner is a strategic design element element that appears at the top of your emails to catch the immediate attention of your reader. Sometimes called an email header, your banner is where you’ll introduce the main purpose of your email, like that amazing sale you’re advertising or the product launch of the century, and reel in customers’ so they scroll through the rest of the email.

Your email banner is your chance to make a fantastic first impression. Let’s explore the best email banner sizes and best practices to keep in mind.

Ideal email banner sizes

It is an outdated solution to automatically set all email banners to a width of 600px. With screen sized of both mobile and desktop devices varying so widely, it's important to ensure your email banner size is responsive for optimal viewing experience.

• For desktop users, a banner 650-700 pixels wide and 90-200 pixels tall is ideal
• For mobile users, the ideal banner is 350 pixels wide and up to 100 pixels tall

These updated dimensions follow responsive design best practices allowing email banners to render properly in a variety of email clients and devices.
Responsive design allows your email design to automatically adjust to the screen size of a customer’s device.

PRO tip: using an email design template that is already built to be responsive makes following this best practice a breeze.  

Impact of email banner size on campaign performance

A banner that’s poorly sized could become distorted when customers open it in their Gmail, Outlook, or whatever email platform they use.

This makes your email look less professional and it can also be harder to read so it doesn’t get your message across as well. A poorly sized email banner can also affect the user experience. If the banner is too wide, for example, it forces customers to scroll horizontally and it doesn’t allow them to see the entire banner in one view.

Not only do these issues affect the overall experience customers have with your email but they can also squander the excellent engagement opportunity that a well-designed email banner can be. According to Opensense's data, email banners can have 5-10% engagement rates,  a significant enhancement compared to the average click-through rate of 1.4% in emails.

Best practices for email banner design

Your banner size is an important part of designing an effective email banner, but it’s one of many. Check out these best practices to make your email banner even more powerful in garnering the engagement of your recipients.
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• File size: Any image in your email, but specifically your email banner, should be of high-quality. The ideal image should be download as a PNG at a resolution of 72dpi at 40kb or below.
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• Inverted pyramid: This "rule" in email design relates to adding the most important information at the top, working your way down to the least important information. When designing your email banner, make sure it clearly communicates the most important message in your email.
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• Brand consistency: As important as it is that your email banner makes a positive impression and communicates the main purpose of your email, it also should align with your brand. Make sure the design uses your brand colors, logo, or other aspects that make it consistent with your brand’s visual identity.
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• Text: Your banner needs to communicate your message, but less is more. Keep your copy sparse so it isn’t visually overwhelming and so the focus stays on your core intention. Ideally, 45-75 characters on a line is the sweet spot.
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• Email-friendly fonts: Make sure you use email-safe fonts that render reliably on major email platforms.
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• Accessibility: You want your banner’s message to reach as many customers as possible, and that includes customers with disabilities. Make sure to include accessibility features like using alt text so viewers with visual impairments can understand your message and using color combinations that viewers with color blindness can see.

• Interactivity: Your email banner doesn’t have to be just a plain image or text. Consider making it interactive, such as with a GIF or a video that grabs your viewers’ attention.
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• Testing: You can follow all the rules for proper email banner size and design, but it’s still important to test it in action to make sure it shows up the way you want it to. Always send yourself a test email and see how that test email looks on different devices and platforms before you send it to your subscriber list.

For inspiration, check out these excellent email banners. This one from Beefree's template catalog clearly communicate the purpose of the email, remains consistent in branding throughout and plays with visual and text hierarchy to guide the reader's eye.
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This other email banner uses a navigation bar to keep the reader in the brand's ecosystem allowing readers to learn more about the marketing agency. This simple, yet effective email header communicates clearly the purpose of the email using imagery and text and has a clear CTA to lead the reader to complete the desired action without needing to scroll.

Common mistakes in email banner design

When creating a strong email banner, it’s just as important to avoid doing the wrong things as it is to do the right things. Watch for these common pitfalls in email banner design:

• Over-designing: Your email banner is prime real estate in your email, so of course you want to make the best use of that real estate. If you try to cram too much into that banner, though, you may lose your core message entirely because viewers don’t know where to look. 
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• Hard-to-read fonts: Your email banner is a wonderful place to get creative and build visual appeal, so of course you want to use fun design elements and fonts.
  But at the end of the day, the purpose is to send a message, so make sure the ornamental fonts you use are still clear enough that they’re easy to read.
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• Lack of responsive design: We’ve touched on this above but it’s also a common misstep that’s worth mentioning. Considering that 46% of emails are opened on mobile devices, every email and banner you create must be responsive to maintain its visual quality on any email platform.

Leveraging tools for email marketing banner

There’s a lot to consider as you’re designing an email banner, but we have great news: there are tools that can make it easier.

Take Beefree for example. Our extensive email template library has over 1,700 pre-built templates that already use banner design best practices like responsive design, minimal text for maximum impact, and proper sizing. Our HTML email editor makes it easy to customize these designs for your brand and messaging.

Start designing with ease and sign up for a free account today! 

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Newsletters are more than just digital letters; they're a bridge, connecting brands to their audience in the most personal way. In the vast sea of online content, creating a newsletter that stands out and resonates can be a challenge. 

Dive into this blog, and you'll discover 60 captivating newsletter ideas that readers absolutely adore. Whether you're a seasoned newsletter professional or just starting out, we've got the inspiration to help you craft content that not only informs but also engages and inspires your audience. Let's get started!

Why are newsletters important?

Newsletters are like the unsung heroes of email marketing. Not only do they keep your audience informed and engaged, but they also play a pivotal role in building and nurturing relationships. Think of them as a regular touchpoint, a friendly "hello" that reminds your subscribers of your brand's value. 

From sharing company updates to spotlighting new products, newsletters organize key information in a digestible format, ensuring your audience stays connected and in the loop. In essence, they're a bridge between your brand and its community, fostering trust and loyalty.

What to include in a newsletter

Crafting a newsletter? It's not just about filling space; it's about delivering value. The key is to provide content that resonates with your audience's interests and keeps them eagerly awaiting your next update. 

For instance, if you're focusing on business, perhaps share some behind-the-scenes insights or company milestones. Looking for something light-hearted? Fun trivia or seasonal highlights might be your go-to. From monthly recaps to themed specials and educational deep-dives, the possibilities are vast. 

Dive into this article, and you'll discover a treasure trove of newsletter ideas, whether you're in the mood for business insights, seasonal tidbits, or educational gems.

60 newsletter ideas to elevate your campaigns

So, you're on the hunt for newsletter content ideas that not only captivate but convert? You're in the right place! With a wide range of topics and themes at your fingertips, the challenge isn't about finding content—it's choosing which pieces of content to spotlight. 

Whether you're aiming to inform, entertain, or inspire, the right idea can transform your newsletter from a mere email into a must-read. Dive into these 60 ideas, spanning business insights to themed wonders, and watch as your campaigns soar to new heights. Ready to elevate your email game? Let's dive in!

Interactive newsletter ideas 

When it comes to newsletters, who said business can't mix with fun? Fun newsletters are the sprinkle of joy in your subscriber's inbox, offering a delightful break from the usual. They're not just about entertainment; they're about forging a deeper connection with your audience, showing the lighter side of your brand, and making your emails the ones they genuinely look forward to. Let's explore some ideas that'll infuse your campaigns with a dose of fun!

1. Trivia quizzes

There's something inherently engaging about quizzes. They challenge, entertain, and offer a moment of playful competition. Including trivia quizzes in your newsletter can boost engagement rates and encourage interaction. Plus, they're a fantastic way to highlight product features or company milestones in a fun manner.

We recommend initiating these emails with a direct and inquisitive questions about the topic. Not only does this challenges the recipient's knowledge but also establishes a personal connection, making them feel as if they're part of an exclusive inside joke only they know about.

2. Behind-the-scenes

Let your subscribers in on the backstage magic. Whether it's a sneak peek into your office culture, the making of a product, or a day in the life of your CEO, these glimpses humanize your brand and foster a sense of community.

3. Memes and GIFs galore

Who doesn't love a good meme or GIF? Incorporating these into your newsletters not only adds a touch of humor but also makes your content more relatable and shareable. It's a modern way to comment on current events or industry trends with a light-hearted twist.

4. Customer spotlights

Shine a light on your loyal customers. Share their stories, testimonials, or fun ways they use your product. It's a win-win: you get engaging content, and they get a moment in the spotlight.

5. Interactive polls

Engage your subscribers by seeking their opinions. Whether it's about a new product feature, industry trends, or just a fun "this or that" choice, polls can drive interaction and provide valuable insights.

Dipping into newsletters like the one below, you'll see a masterclass in sparking customer interaction. Interactive polls not only spark email engagement, but it give your audience a voice, making them feel important and valued by your brand. Additionally, these emails are a goldmine for gathering genuine feedback about your offerings. It's a win-win: your subscribers feel heard, and you gain priceless insights. Talk about a conversation starter!
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6. Themed playlists

Music connects people. Share themed playlists related to your industry, season, or just for fun. It's a way to set the mood and offer something extra to your subscribers.

7. DIY tips and hacks

Everyone loves a good hack. Share DIY tips related to your products or industry. It's not just informative but also showcases the versatility of what you offer.

8. Jokes and puns

A little humor goes a long way. Share industry-specific jokes or puns that resonate with your audience. It's a simple way to bring a smile to your subscribers' faces while building a bond and brand recognition! If you want to go beyond using funny email copy, consider offering a pun-y sale to go along with the joke. Now that's how you serve up a memorable newsletter!

9. Virtual scavenger hunts

Engage your subscribers with a virtual scavenger hunt. Hide clues in your website or social media channels and let them embark on a digital adventure. It's interactive and can be a unique way to highlight features or products.

10. Caption contests

Challenge your subscribers' creativity with a caption contest. Share an intriguing image and ask them to come up with a witty or humorous caption. It's interactive, fun, and can lead to some hilarious results. These types of newsletter ignite a two-way conversation between your brand and customers. By weaving in a playful caption contest, you're not only keeping subscribers engaged, turning passive readers into active participants. 

Business newsletter ideas

Navigating the business world requires a blend of strategy, insight, and communication. Business newsletters serve as a bridge, connecting your brand with clients, stakeholders, and employees. They're not just about sharing updates; they're about showcasing your brand's journey, achievements, and vision. 

Whether you're celebrating milestones, introducing new initiatives, or sharing industry insights, these newsletters position your brand as a thought leader. Let's explore some ideas that'll infuse your campaigns with professionalism and purpose.

11. Company milestones

Celebrating achievements, big or small, fosters a sense of pride and community. Sharing these moments in your newsletter not only keeps your audience informed but also builds trust and showcases growth.

12. Employee spotlights

Your team is the backbone of your business. Highlighting their stories, achievements, or unique skills humanizes your brand and showcases the talent behind the scenes.

This employee spotlight newsletter is a stellar example of how businesses can really humanize their brand. By highlighting new employees and their roles, they are setting the tone for collaboration and building a company culture of acknowledgment. It's not just about showcasing numbers and achievements; it's about celebrating the individual and showing that there's a genuine people behind the impressive work they will go on to do. This not only fosters a sense of community and camaraderie within the company but also strengthens trust and connection across teams.

13. Case studies

Showcase real-world applications of your products or services. Case studies provide tangible proof of your brand's impact and can drive conversions.

14. Upcoming events

Whether it's a webinar, product launch, or networking event, keep your audience in the loop. It drives engagement and offers opportunities for face-to-face interactions.

15. Industry trends

Stay ahead of the curve by sharing the latest industry trends and insights. It positions your brand as a knowledgeable player and provides value to your subscribers. The following template showcases the most recent Color of The Year as it relates to this fashion brand.

16. Product updates

Keep your subscribers informed about the latest features, improvements, or launches. It's a way to drive excitement and showcase continuous innovation.

17. Testimonials and reviews

Word of mouth is powerful. Share genuine testimonials or reviews to build trust and showcase the positive impact of your brand.

By spotlighting endorsements from customer who know the ins and outs of your offer, you can brilliantly broadcast the wide-reaching wonders of your product. Pair each testimonial with a candid snapshot to add an additional a personal touch, making the brand feel less like a distant entity and more like a trusted friend sharing success stories.

18. Business tips and advice

Share valuable advice or tips related to your industry. It positions your brand as a helpful resource and can drive engagement.

19. Expert interviews

Bring in industry experts for interviews or guest posts. It provides fresh perspectives and boosts your newsletter's credibility.

20. CSR initiatives

Showcase your brand's commitment to social responsibility. Sharing CSR initiatives resonates with ethically-minded subscribers and highlights your brand's values.

Monthly newsletter ideas 

Consistency is key in communication, and monthly newsletters are the embodiment of that principle. Serving as a regular touchpoint, they offer a curated snapshot of the past month's highlights, ensuring your audience stays informed and engaged. Whether you're recapping events, sharing insights, or previewing what's on the horizon, monthly newsletters are a reliable way to maintain a steady connection with your subscribers. Let's delve into some ideas that'll make your monthly updates eagerly anticipated.

21. Monthly recaps

Think of monthly recaps as your brand's highlight reel, capturing all the noteworthy moments, wins, and stories from the past 30 days. It's like giving your subscribers a VIP pass, ensuring they're always in the loop and never miss a beat. Picture this: a vibrant timeline dotted with key events, achievements, and news, making your subscribers feel like they've been right there with you every step of the way. 

22. Featured blog posts

Highlight the top-performing or most insightful blog posts from the past month. It drives traffic to your website and offers added value to your readers.

23. Customer of the month

Celebrate a loyal customer by sharing their story or experience with your brand. It fosters community and showcases real-world brand interactions.

24. Monthly poll results

If you run regular polls or surveys, share the results. It's a way to show subscribers that their opinions matter and provide insights into popular opinions or trends.

25. Upcoming promotions

Give your subscribers a heads-up about any special deals, discounts, or promotions coming up in the next month. It builds anticipation and can drive sales.

26. Spotlight on success stories

Dive into the transformative journeys of your customers or clients. Each month, highlight a success story that showcases the real-world impact of your product or service. Share challenges faced, solutions provided, and the outcomes achieved.

27. Monthly challenges

Engage your subscribers with a fun challenge or goal for the upcoming month. It can be related to your product, industry trends, or just for fun.

28. Voices from the community

Dive into the conversations happening around your brand. Each month, curate a mix of shout-outs, stories, and feedback from your community, whether it's on social media, forums, or direct messages. It's a way to show you're listening and value every voice.

29. Sneak peeks

Offer a glimpse into any upcoming product launches, events, or initiatives. It builds excitement and keeps your audience in the loop.

30. A personal note

Add a personal touch by including a note from the CEO or a team leader. It humanizes the brand and fosters a deeper connection with the audience.

Seasonal newsletter ideas 

As the seasons change, so do the interests and needs of your audience. Seasonal newsletters tap into the current mood, offering content that's timely, relevant, and resonates with the spirit of the season. Whether it's the festive cheer of the holidays, the rejuvenation of spring, or the warmth of summer, these newsletters capture the essence of the moment. Let's dive into some ideas that'll make your seasonal newsletters a breath of fresh air in any inbox.

31. Holiday gift guides

During the festive season, everyone's on the lookout for the perfect gift. Curate a list of top products or services that make for great presents, tailored to your audience's preferences.

32. Seasonal recipes

Share recipes that highlight the flavors of the season. Whether it's a summer smoothie or a winter stew, it's a tasty way to engage your subscribers.

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33. Seasonal DIY projects

Engage the crafty side of your subscribers with DIY projects that align with the current season. It's a fun and interactive way to celebrate the time of year.

34. Seasonal discounts and promotions

Offer special deals or promotions that celebrate the season. It's a timely incentive that can drive sales and engagement.

35. Event recaps

If your brand hosts or attends seasonal events, share a recap with highlights, photos, and key takeaways.

36. Seasonal trends

Highlight trends or popular items for the upcoming season. It keeps your subscribers in the know and positions your brand as a trendsetter.

37. Fundraising initiatives

During seasons of giving, showcase any charitable initiatives or partnerships your brand is involved in. It resonates with the spirit of the season and highlights your brand's values.

38. Seasonal challenges

Engage your subscribers with challenges that align with the season, whether it's a winter fitness challenge or a spring cleaning spree.

39. Decor and styling tips

Share tips on how to style clothes, homes, offices, or events in line with the season's theme. It's a creative way to immerse in the seasonal vibe.

40. A personal seasonal note

Add a personal touch with a note reflecting on the season, sharing personal stories, or looking forward to upcoming events.

Themed newsletter ideas 

Themes can be the creative spark that ignites interest in your newsletters. They offer a cohesive narrative, making your content more engaging and memorable. Whether it's celebrating a global event, tapping into pop culture, or exploring a specific topic in-depth, themed newsletters stand out in an inbox and offer a fresh perspective. Let's explore some ideas that'll give your newsletters that thematic flair.

41. Cultural celebrations

Celebrate global events or cultural festivals, showcasing diversity and inclusivity. It's a way to educate and engage subscribers about different traditions and customs.

42. Pop culture moments

Tap into trending pop culture moments, whether it's a hit TV show, a viral meme, or a blockbuster movie. It makes your content timely and relatable.

43. Historical throwbacks

Take a trip down memory lane by highlighting significant historical events or milestones related to your industry or brand.

44. Eco-friendly focus

Dedicate a newsletter to sustainability and eco-friendly practices. It's a way to showcase your brand's commitment to the environment and offer green tips.

45. Tech and innovations

Highlight the latest tech trends, innovations, or gadgets related to your industry. It positions your brand as forward-thinking and in-the-know.

46. Book or movie recommendations

Share curated lists of books or movies related to your industry, season, or any theme. It offers added value and positions your brand as a curator of good content.

47. Art and creativity

Celebrate the world of art, design, and creativity. Showcase artists, design trends, or creative projects that inspire.

48. Travel and exploration

Take your subscribers on a virtual journey, exploring destinations, cultures, or travel tips. It's a way to inspire wanderlust and share unique experiences.

49. Health and wellness

Focus on well-being, sharing health tips, recipes, or fitness challenges. It's a way to promote a balanced lifestyle and offer valuable advice.

50. Hobby and passion projects

Highlight hobbies or passion projects, encouraging subscribers to explore new interests or dive deeper into existing ones.

Educational newsletter ideas 

Knowledge is power, and educational newsletters are the torchbearers of that power. They serve as a platform to enlighten, inform, and provide value to your subscribers. Whether you're breaking down complex topics, sharing industry insights, or offering tutorials, these newsletters position your brand as a trusted educator. Let's explore some ideas that'll make your newsletters a treasure trove of knowledge.

51. Industry deep dives

Offer in-depth analysis or insights into specific industry topics, trends, or challenges. It establishes your brand as an authority and provides valuable content to your subscribers.

52. How-to guides and tutorials

Break down processes or tasks with step-by-step guides. It's a practical way to offer hands-on knowledge and assist subscribers in mastering new skills.

53. FAQ sessions

Address common questions or misconceptions related to your industry or product. It's a way to clarify doubts and offer direct value.

54. Webinar recaps

If you host webinars or online sessions, share key takeaways, highlights, or recordings. It extends the reach of your content and offers a recap for attendees.

55. Research and studies

Share the latest research, studies, or surveys related to your industry. It keeps your subscribers updated and offers data-driven insights.

56. Guest expert columns

Invite industry experts or thought leaders to contribute to your newsletter. It offers fresh perspectives and boosts the credibility of your content.

57. Book summaries or reviews

Offer summaries or reviews of influential books related to your industry. It's a way to promote continuous learning and offer reading recommendations.

58. Interactive quizzes

Test your subscribers' knowledge with interactive quizzes related to your industry or recent content. It's engaging and offers a fun learning experience.

59. Resource roundups

Curate a list of valuable resources, tools, or articles that can benefit your subscribers. It's a way to offer added value and save them research time.

60. Learning challenges

Encourage continuous learning by introducing monthly or weekly learning challenges. It can be related to a skill, topic, or habit.

Bring your newsletter ideas to life with Beefree

We've journeyed through a galaxy of ideas for a newsletter, from the fun-filled to the educational, and from the seasonal to the thematic. But, as we all know, even the most captivating content needs a stellar design to truly shine. That's where Beefree steps in. With Beefree’s intuitive email editor, you can effortlessly pair your top-notch content with equally impressive designs, ensuring your newsletters aren't just read, but remembered.

Whether you're crafting a monthly recap or diving deep into industry insights, Beefree ensures your vision translates perfectly into the inbox. With customizable templates, user-friendly tools, and a plethora of design options, you're equipped to create newsletters that resonate, engage, and inspire.

Ready to elevate your newsletter topic game? Dive into Beefree for a world of design possibilities. Get started with a free account and let's make your next newsletter one readers will love! 

This year, Pantone celebrates its 25th year of its unique and inspiring Color of the Year program. While many people find the Color of the Year to be simply an entertaining announcement, for marketers, this color can be a gateway toward better connecting with your customers and audiences.

Let's discuss how email marketing pros can stay ahead of the trends and effortlessly infuse the Color of the Year 2024 in your email campaigns.

What Is the Color of the Year 2024?

Each year, Pantone selects a "Color of The Year" that depicts and illustrates the state of the current culture and recent trends. This year's color is Peach Fuzz, Pantone 13-1023.

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‍According to Pantone's reasoning for selecting the color Peach Fuzz, they state that it serves as an expression of the kindness, tenderness, warmth and togetherness that our culture is seeking and driving for in 2024. As Pantone explains, “Pantone 13-1023 Peach Fuzz captures our desire to nurture ourselves and others. It’s a velvety gentle peach tone whose all-embracing spirit enriches mind, body, and soul.” For many, this color embodies a vintage feel, creating a sense of honoring the past while welcoming the opportunities of the future.

How is the Color of the Year chosen?

For Pantone, choosing the Color of the Year is a long and comprehensive effort. Its team of color experts is continuously at work observing the global culture and the expressions of color across fashion, art and design, lifestyles, travel destinations, imagery on media platforms, and so on.

The Color of the Year is both an expression of our present culture at the dawn of a new year and a result of trend forecasting for colors, attitudes, and social movements that will be pervasive in the year ahead. It’s decided by the emerging popularity of the color itself as well as the emotions and concepts associated with the color.

Why does the Color of the Year matter in email marketing?

The Color of the Year can be an excellent asset to your email marketing (and your other 2024 marketing channels) in multiple ways. First, this color is representative of the present culture, which means it’s likely relatable to your present-day audience. It embodies a mindset that your consumers are likely to share - one of warmth, wellness, and interpersonal kindness - which fosters the connection between your brand and the consumers.

Second, the Color of the Year is in keeping with current color and fashion trends. By incorporating this color into your email marketing, your brand looks to be trendy and up-to-date. Even if consumers don’t know what the Color of the Year is, they notice that your emails have a modern, on-trend look.

Ways to use the Color of the Year 2024 in your email marketing

As we step into the vibrant realm of 2024, the Color of the Year takes center stage as a powerful tool for marketers seeking to infuse their strategies with contemporary flair.It serves as a language of its own, capable of communicating emotions, evoking reactions, and establishing a unique visual identity for brands. By incorporating the Color of the Year into marketing initiatives, businesses can align themselves consumer sensibilities, fostering a connection and positioning themselves as forward-thinking.

Use imagery with the Color of the Year 2024

Peach Fuzz doesn’t have to be the core color of your email design for you to benefit from it. When selecting images to include in your

email campaigns, consider looking for images that have Peach Fuzz or a similar color. For example, this royalty-free images from Unsplash each contain peachy hues that have the same mood and essence as the Color of the Year 2024. You’ll notice that the color isn't too prominent, but still stands out and plays well with the other colors in the image. This is a great depiction how you can incorporate Peach Fuzz to pair well with your brand identity.

Align your messaging with the Color of the Year 2024

As we’ve noted, the Color of the Year isn’t just a color; it’s a concept and an embodiment of our culture. You can use this to inform the messaging in your email marketing. In the case of Peach Fuzz, infuse your messaging with a sense of kindness, compassion, and warmth to speak to our current culture and appeal to your audience’s mindset in the present time.

Add the Color of The Year to your seasonal and trendy campaigns

By infusing the Color of the Year into seasonal and trendy campaigns, you not only stay relevant and timely but also capitalize on the cultural and emotional resonances associated with the chosen color, creating a dynamic and engaging experience for your audience. Here are some ideas:

Align the color with changing seasons

Embrace the changing seasons and incorporate the Color of the Year into your email campaigns that align with specific times of the year.

Capitalize on fashion and design trends

Stay attuned to fashion and design trends that feature the Color of the Year. Incorporate the color into email campaigns that showcase how your products or services align with current style preferences. Additionally, highlight new arrivals or product collections that prominently feature the trending color, catering to the fashion-forward interests of your audience, such as the template below:

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Create a sense of urgency and exclusivity

Create a sense of urgency and exclusivity by tying the Color of the Year to limited-time promotions or exclusive offers. Use the color to highlight special discounts, early access to products, or exclusive content, encouraging your audience to engage promptly with your email campaigns.

Develop themed content and storytelling

Develop themed content around the Color of the Year, telling a story that resonates with your brand and the significance of the color. The email template below serves as a perfect starting point to share share narratives, testimonials, or behind-the-scenes content that emphasizes the emotional and cultural aspects associated with the color of the year.

Does the 2024 Color of the Year suit your brand?

Evaluating whether the 2024 Color of the Year suits your brand involves a nuanced exploration of the color's characteristics and your brand identity. Begin by examining the psychological and emotional associations of the chosen color. Peach Fuzz has a warm, welcoming, and peaceful air that can align well with many brands’ voices and messaging. Consider the values, personality, and messaging of your brand; does the color align with these elements, or does it pose a potential contrast that could enhance visual appeal and captivate your audience?

If the color resonates with your target demographic and aligns with your brand's narrative, it may offer an opportunity to play around your visual identity. However, remember that a balance between staying on-trend and maintaining a unique brand identity is crucial.

Strengthening your 2024 email marketing with the Color of the Year

Embracing the Color of the Year in your email campaigns is more than just a visual choice; it's an opportunity to remain competitive and provide users with something new. By strategically incorporating the Color of the Year, you can create visually appealing and emotionally resonant emails that stand out in crowded inboxes.

The easiest way to experiment with the color of the year in email campaigns is to start with a pre-designed template. Beefree’s "Color of The Year" template collection is a perfect place to start. Our user-friendly email editor makes it easy to customize all templates with your brand identity and effortlessly make a few simple changes to bring Peach Fuzz into your design.

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Today, digital interactions dominate, and gamification has emerged as a powerful tool to capture and maintain audience attention. More than 70% of businesses included in the Global 2000 have adopted gamification as a key strategy.

In this article, we'll explore the significance of gamification in email marketing, understand its core concepts, delve into the psychology behind it, and provide insights on implementing and overcoming challenges in your gamified campaigns.

The psychology behind gamification in email

At its core, gamification in email marketing revolves around incorporating game-like elements to enhance user engagement.

This strategy involves understanding human behavior and motivation and leverages the psychological aspects that make games inherently appealing, such as competition, achievement, and rewards. Together, these insights help email marketers determine the best use of gamification to help drive engagement and shape consumer responses.

Here are the 3 key psychological drivers in gamification:

Intrinsic motivation

Gamification triggers users' desire to participate by incorporating challenges, rewards, and competitions. As a result, this creates a sense of achievement in users brought on by the idea of "winning" and reinforces positive engagement.

Operant conditioning

By strategically designing gamified elements that reward specific actions, marketers create a positive association between user engagement and valuable incentives. This conditioning strengthens the likelihood of users repeating desired behaviors, establishing a cycle of ongoing engagement.

Cognitive biases

‍Leveraging cognitive biases like scarcity bias allows marketers to prompt quicker responses by offering exclusive rewards or limited-time promotions.

In short, by appealing to individuals' inherent need for achievement and recognition, gamification becomes a powerful tool for capturing and maintaining their attention.

How to use gamification in email marketing

The concept of rewards and incentives helps amplifies the gamification strategy. Offering tangible benefits like exclusive discounts or access entices users to not only engage with emails but also to seek out additional interactions. Let's delve deeper into how you can use gamification to create a competitive edge and engage users in your next email campaign:

• Points, Badges, and Leaderboards: Creating a competitive edge by rewarding users with points, badges, or leaderboard positions based on their interactions with your emails. This not only helps promote a feeling of accomplishment in users, but also helps foster a sense of community and competitiveness that leads them to climb leaderboards and stand out.
  
  
• Rewards and Incentives: Offering tangible benefits such as discounts, exclusive access, or special promotions to incentivize user participation. This exclusivity makes users feel valued and special, fostering a stronger connection with your brand.
  
  
• Interactive Elements: Enhancing user experience by introducing interactive features like quizzes, polls, or challenges within email content. These elements not only enhances engagement but also provides valuable insights into customer preferences, helping you tailor future content and offerings.

By tapping into users' motivations, whether it be competition, a desire for recognition, or the pursuit of exclusive benefits, you can create dynamic emails that help build a loyal and active audience for your brand.

Benefits of gamification in email marketing

Gamification transforms the user experience from a passive act of scrolling through emails into an interactive and dynamic journey where each click or purchase brings them closer to a tangible reward.

Increased customer engagement:

By turning the email experience into a game-like, subscribers are encouraged to engage with the content, spending more time exploring and interacting with the messages. This heightened engagement not only improves the chances of users absorbing the information presented but also creates a memorable and enjoyable experience, setting the brand apart in the minds of the recipients.

Enhanced brand loyalty:

One of the significant benefits of gamification is its ability to create deeper connections between a brand and its audience. When users consistently engage with gamified email content, they become active participants in a brand experience, leading to stronger brand-customer relationships and increased loyalty.

Higher conversion rates:

Gamification can be a powerful motivator for users to take desired actions. Whether purchasing, sharing content, or subscribing to newsletters, the gamified elements provide incentives and rewards for these actions. This motivational aspect drives increased participation, as users are more inclined to interact with emails, complete tasks, and actively engage with the brand, contributing to a more dynamic and participatory audience.

Improved data collection and analytics:

Gamification allows valuable user data collection through interactions and participation. Users willingly provide information while engaging with challenges, quizzes, or other gamified elements. This enriches your customer database and provides insights into user preferences and behavior. Improved analytics enable marketers to tailor future campaigns based on a better understanding of their audience.

5 Best practices for using gamification in email marketing

Embarking on a successful gamified email marketing campaign requires meticulous planning and strategic considerations. The following strategies and tactics can transform your email campaigns into immersive and rewarding journeys, making a lasting impression on your audience and optimizing your marketing efforts.

1. Define campaign objectives: Clearly outline the goals of your gamified campaign to align with your overall marketing strategy. Use data-driven insights to identify the objectives and strategy for your emails. This means regularly tracking key metrics such as open rates and click-through rates. Once your campaigns launch, assess the effectiveness of your gamification elements to refine future campaigns.
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2. Identify target audience: Personalization is key to creating a more engaging experience. Understand your audience's preferences and tailor gamification elements to their interests. By leveraging data and what you know about your unique audiences, you can create better segmented gamified content that tailors to individual preferences. This includes personalizing challenges, rewards, and interactions, making the entire experience more relevant and appealing to different audiences.
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3. Choose appropriate gamification elements: Select elements that resonate with your brand and align with customer preferences. Ensure rewards align with audience interests. Go beyond generic incentives by offering enticing and meaningful rewards such as exclusive discounts, early access, or special promotions. It is crucial to adhere to data protection laws, like GDPR and CCPA, in your gamification practices. Communicate clearly how user data will be used and ensure compliance to build trust with your audience.
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4. Integrate gamification into email design: Ensure a smooth transition to gamified content for an intuitive and enjoyable experience. This means visually appealing emails with a user-friendly interface that offers a seamless transition from the email to the gamified elements.
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5. Develop clear calls-to-action (CTAs): Encourage user participation by crafting compelling CTAs that drive desired actions. Clearly communicate what action you want the user to take and highlight the benefits of doing so. Whether it's clicking a link, participating in a challenge, or making a purchase, the CTA should be persuasive and aligned with the gamification goals.

Overcoming challenges in gamified email marketing

When using gamification in email, it is important to find the right balance between gamification elements and the core message of the email. It's essential to integrate gamified features seamlessly without overwhelming or distracting recipients from the primary content. This lack of harmony brings forth two main challenges:

User fatigue

With the increasing use of gamification in various digital platforms, users risk experiencing fatigue or disinterest in engaging with gamified content. If not managed carefully, this fatigue can decrease overall participation and effectiveness.

Mitigation Strategy: To counter this, marketers should introduce variety and novelty in gamified content, keeping users engaged with fresh challenges and incentives. A/B testing is a great way to experiment with different gamification elements to identify what resonates best with your specific audience.

Lack of brand recognition

Maintaining consistency and alignment with your brand image while implementing gamification can be challenging. If gamified elements feel disconnected or misaligned with your brand identity, it may create confusion or a lack of authenticity among your audience.

Mitigation Strategy: Regularly analyze performance metrics and gather user insight to continuously improve your gamification strategy. Actively seeking insights from your audience about their preferences and perceptions allows you to adapt and iterate on your gamified content.

Unleashing the power of email gamification with Beefree

In an era where consumer attention is a prized commodity, the integration of gamification has emerged as a dynamic strategy to captivate and engage audiences within the realm of email marketing. It's important to remember that the essence of success in this area is rooted in persistent experimentation and creative thinking. Embrace the opportunity to try fresh gamification techniques in your email campaigns to maintain a competitive edge.

No-code solutions like Beefree simplify this process by providing an intuitive and user-friendly solution that empower marketers to seamlessly incorporate interactive and gamified elements into their email designs.

So, create a free account and start infusing some fun and interactivity into your email marketing efforts. Here's to the exciting gamification journey – may it bring you great results and enjoyment!

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We have a unique holiday on the horizon that doesn’t come around often: Leap Day. This special occasion only comes up every four years, and it’s simply a fun and quirky holiday that your customers enjoy celebrating. Getting in on the fun with them is an excellent way to connect with your customers through a shared experience.
But how? Explore these creative ideas for Leap Day email marketing campaigns.

Why Leap Day is a special occasion for Email Marketers

The origins of Leap Day are purely practical. We align our yearly calendar with the sun’s orbit around the sun, but it actually takes 365.25 days for that orbit, not 365 days. Adding a day every four years puts us back on track. Leap Day started showing up on calendars as early as 45 BC with the calendar Julius Caesar introduced.

The beauty of Leap Day is that it’s a holiday everyone can agree on. It’s not related to or excluding any religions or cultures, it doesn’t have painful or negative historical origins - it’s just lighthearted and fun. Sharing this experience with your customers through festive email marketing can help you grow your emotional connection with customers. These customers spend twice as much on brands they’re emotionally connected to, so Leap Day can be a lucrative opportunity.

Creative Leap Day campaign concepts for B2B marketers

Targeting businesses with your Leap Day email marketing campaigns? Try these ideas for campaigns that can build your relationship with customers and appeal to their bottom line.

Run the Numbers

Use enticing statistics in your emails about how businesses will benefit if they sign on with your services, using Leap Day as a vehicle. For example, perhaps you have data that your customers save an average of $100,000 per year when they use your services. Use messaging such as: “By the next Leap Day, you could have saved $400,000 if you sign up today.”

On the flip side, you could also use this as an opportunity to express gratitude for their support over the past four years. Highlight how much your revenue has grown since the last Leap Day and thank them for being part of this growth.

Help Them Appeal to Their Customers

Your customers are businesses and they want to take advantage of Leap Day as a revenue opportunity too. Depending on the product or service you offer, launch a campaign that tells them how you can help them reach their own customers for Leap Day. For example, if your business is a print shop, encourage them to print flyers or signage for a special Leap Day sale.

Feature Testimonials

Trust is paramount in B2B sales, with 92% of B2B buyers saying they’re more likely to buy from a brand after reading a trusted review. For Leap Day, grow your customers’ trust by highlighting the most compelling reviews and testimonials you’ve received in the past four years.

Engaging B2C Leap Day campaigns that stand out

While there are plenty of ways to appeal to B2B customers on Leap Day, it’s a rich opportunity for B2C sales too. Engage your audience with these fun Leap Day email campaign ideas.

Appeal to Tradition

There aren’t a lot of traditions that are specific to Leap Day, but there is one that’s well-known: women proposing to their boyfriends. This unique flip on the convention of men proposing to women can be a vehicle to have some fun with your audience. You could center your campaign on the concept of women taking charge or on the ideas of proposals and commitments.

Offer a Themed Sale

Leap Day gives your consumer an extra day in their year, so help them take advantage of it by offering a one-day-only sale. You could offer them a free gift with their purchases or a free trial for their “free” day. Or, you could offer promotions based on the number 4 or the number 29.

Play with Words and Images

It might seem simple, but simply having fun with the holiday in your messaging and imagery can be endearing to customers. Make a play on the word “leap,” like leaping puns or images and gifs of dancers leaping through the air. Frogs are associated with Leap Day too because they leap and jump, so have fun with cute frog imagery too. As simple as this might be, it shows you have a sense of humor, and 49% of consumers say funny content is the most memorable and interesting content.

Innovative Strategies for Leap Day

Technology has come a long way since the last Leap Day or two, so use it to your advantage! Check out these advanced strategies for your Leap Day email marketing.

Go interactive

Interactive content garners 52.6% more engagement than non-interactive content like text and images. There are plenty of ways you can harness the power of interactivity in your Leap Day emails.

For example, you could include a poll asking how people are spending their Leap Day (try offering an incentive for them to engage too, like a discount for those who complete the poll). If recipients are familiar with your staff, you could even take a poll of who they think can leap the farthest and then reveal the winner at the end of the day.

Use personalized nostalgia

Leap Day is a great opportunity to appeal to customers’ nostalgia because it’s been four years since the last Leap Day…and a lot can happen in four years! Try including snapshots of some of the products the customer was buying four years ago as a fun way to connect. You could also do a non-personalized version of this by highlighting the products that were your best sellers four years ago.

Offer a discount for a quiz

Invite consumers to win a discount on Leap Day by scoring points on a themed quiz. Make sure it’s information they can’t just Google, like how many new customers your company has brought on in the last four years, how many 5-star reviews you’ve gotten in these four years, or what your top-selling product was four years ago.

Designing captivating Leap Day emails

The ideas above can get you started with your Leap Day campaigns, but how do you pull them off in the most impactful way? Check out these design tips.

Start with a professionally designed template

There’s no need to reinvent the wheel for your next email campaign. Beefree’s template library is packed with over 1,600 templates that span a wide range of styles and structures. Each one is designed by a professional and is easy to customize with your messaging and branding. You can expect a more efficient email design with a professional look every time.

Connect your marketing channels

Email marketing is a strong marketing tool in its own right but you can take it a step further by integrating it with your other marketing channels. For example, include links to your social media profiles or call-outs of your Leap Day social media posts. Or, embed a video you’ve posted on your YouTube channel. Any of these will invite customers to engage further with your brand.

Make sure it’s not a Leap for customers to convert

Whatever your Leap Day campaign’s goal is (making a purchase, filling out a contact form, signing up for a trial, etc.), make it as easy for consumers as possible. Have a clear and simple call-to-action button that leads to a matching landing page on your site where they can make that conversion quickly and easily. Pro tip: Beefree has matching templates for emails and landing pages so you can do this quickly.

Measuring your Leap Day campaign’s impact

How do you know if your marketing campaign hit the mark? It all comes down to metrics. To gauge how successful your Leap Day campaign is, look for these metrics:

• Open rate - shows whether your subject line was enticing people to open the email
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• Clickthrough rate (CTR) - shows how many of your recipients were compelled to engage with your content
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• Conversion rate - shows how many recipients made a purchase, requested a consultation call, or whatever your conversion is
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• Sharing/forwarding rate - shows how many recipients sent the email along to someone else
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• Return on investment (ROI) - compares the revenue you brought in from campaign recipients vs how much you spent

Kicking Off Your Leap Day Email Marketing Campaign

Ready to turn this Leap Day into a revenue-making opportunity? Now that you have all the ideas you need, get the tools you need from Beefree. Sign up for free to experience this advanced email design tool.

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When it comes to making your customers feel special, nothing says "We're glad you're here" like a personalized birthday email. Not only that, but they are great sources for driving up engagement and strengthening brand loyalty.After all, who doesn't love a freebie or a discount to spoil themselves with?Whether you're currently sending birthday emails or want to start, below you'll find some of our best strategies for crafting and optimizing birthday messages that delight your recipients.

What is a Birthday Email?

Birthday emails are powerful automated email campaigns brands use to provide a more personalized customer experience. While on the surface, they might seem like a simple gesture to brighten your customer's day. These emails are strategically crafted and inserted into every big e-commerce brand’s email marketing efforts.

What is the Purpose of a Birthday Email?

Birthday emails have multi-purposes. While they are created to help celebrate a subscriber's special day, they also drive up email engagement and brand loyalty. Here’s how:

• Deepen Subscriber Connection: A personalized birthday wish can strengthen the bond between a brand and its subscribers. A simple message can make your subscribers feel important, keeping you at the top of their minds the next time they purchase. 
• Drive Sales: Exclusive birthday discounts or offers can incentivize subscribers to purchase. 
• Boost Engagement: Birthday emails often see higher open and click-through rates than regular promotional emails.

Do Birthday Emails Work?

Absolutely! When it comes to engagement metrics, birthday emails are the party animals of the email marketing world. In fact, according to Experian, birthday emails generate “179% more clicks, 481% more transactions, and 342% more revenue per email.”Our educated hypothesis is that everyone loves a little extra attention on their birthday, and when brands deliver that in the form of tailored offers and heartfelt messages, subscribers are more likely to engage (and buy)!

10 Happy Birthday Email Examples (and  their strategies)

Birthday emails are a unique blend of celebration and strategy; finding the right balance is important. We've scoured the email universe and handpicked 12 of the best birthday emails. Each example showcases a different approach, from heartwarming messages to irresistible offers.As we unwrap each one, you'll discover what makes them stand out and drive results. By the end of this list, you'll be brimming with ideas and ready to craft birthday emails that resonate and convert.

Make your offer stand out 

This birthday email example from Chipotle showcases a brilliant marketing strategy. The "Gift of Guac" is not only quirky and engaging but also entices the receiver with a tempting offer on one of Chipotle's delicacies. Not only that, but the offer is applicable anytime during their birthday month, which promotes return visits.In addition, the call-to-action button attracts the reader's eye and offers clear instructions for the next steps.

Keep it Simple and Stay on Brand 

When it comes to birthday emails, Outdoor Voices nails it by embracing the beauty of simplicity.A common mistake with birthday emails is that it is really easy to go overboard. Outdoor Voices does a great job of embracing the “less is more” approach to design and copywriting, which aligns with their overall brand identity.Another differentiating factor, when compared to Chipotle’s approach above, is that the offer is not the star of the email. Instead, the customer is. This strategy is great for strengthening connections with readers as they often feel less “sales-y. ”Regardless, they do a great job of ensuring the offer is still noticed by adding an on-brand CTA that stands out.

Nike's birthday email also beautifully embodies its athletic and dynamic brand essence. Featuring an athlete surrounded by playful hand-drawn elements, the email captures attention and reinforces Nike's iconic image. The straightforward offer of a 10% discount on a $100 purchase, combined with the exclusive feel of 'Member Access,' effectively incentivizes the recipient to shop.

Use a Humorous Approach

The following birthday email from Markiplier incorporates humor to create a memorable and light-hearted message. The message feels personable as it makes a joke about aging that a friend would make, yet emphasizes genuine appreciation.The offer for a discount on Markiplier store items adds an incentive to the comedic touch. If there's a lesson here, it's this: a good laugh can reel 'em in, but pairing it with a genuine offer? That's the cherry on top!

Exclusivity For The Win

If you're an avid Sephora shopper, you'll know their birthday mini sets are (unfortunately) not curated for the individual; however, this email makes you feel like it is.While using your reader's name is a great example of personalization, in this case, it isn't the star of the show.Sephora's unique layout, design, and use of high-quality images exude the feeling of "these were hand-picked just for you." The use of supersized imageslaid out was intentional to make these "minis" feel larger (and, in turn, more exclusive) than they are, which likely makes "Mary" feel special.They also subtly hint with a subtitle that "Mary" is receiving this exclusive offer because they are part of their "beauty insider" program, further promoting the feeling of exclusivity and encouraging customer loyalty.

Time Is Of The Essence? or Not? 

The following two emails offer a different approach to birthday offer expiration dates.PixelBoosts offers a 30% discount to be redeemed within three days. Crafted for those looking to renew their subscriptions, this birthday email does a good job of blending the personal touch of a birthday email with a gentle nudge toward "stick around with us!"

On the other hand, the email below extends the festivities and gives the reader the entirety of their month to redeem their discount. The phrase "pick your own present" offers a sense of autonomy and personalization.

There are pros and cons for both strategies.While offering limited-time offers such as PixelBoost can be a great way to encourage urgency and conversion, finding the right time to send this email is important. According to Campaign Monitor, 55% of birthday emails are sent on the recipient's birth date. For limited offers such as 3 days, the challenge comes with not knowing whether the recipient will open the email in time as they might be taking some much-needed R&R.For birthday emails with a much longer deadline, while they offer recipients ample time to open and purchase, you risk them forgetting about your offer. In this case, reminder emails will be essential, turning birthday emails into birthday campaigns.As always, we recommend testing and monitoring what works best for you and your organization.

Personalized Product Recommendations

According to Epsilon, "80% of consumers say they're more willing to purchase when provided with a personalized experience." While, a birthday email alone is a strong example of this, Rachel Jackson's birthday email takes it one (or ten) steps further. 

While we usually see product recommendations being personalized with the power of dynamic content and consumer behavior, Rachael Jackson takes a unique, maybe simpler, but still impactful approach using the recipient's birthstones. 

The use of high-quality images and meaningful descriptions engages the recipient to learn more about their birthstone, which only further helps promote the feeling that "this was made for me." 

Use Interactive Elements 

When done right, videos, gifs, and polls are great ways to catch your readers' attention and guide them toward the desired action.While the email below is simple, the animated birthday cake and candle GIF catches the reader's eye and embodies the essence of celebration, warmth, and festivity. Again, while simple, the GIF enhancesthe user experience, making the offer more enticing and the email more interactive.

Loyalty Points Boost

Simons' birthday email effectively leverages a loyalty program by offering double points on the largest purchase made during the birthday month. The CTA "treat yourself" is strategically used to encourage a larger-than-usual purchase, possibly enticing the reader to buy something they might have been eyeing for a while. The double points incentivize the consumer as they are more willing to buy, knowing they will receive something in return.

Simon isn't just sending out birthday wishes but making it a win-win for everyone.

Best Practices for Engaging Birthday Email Campaigns

The best birthday emails are more than just a celebratory message; they're an opportunity to deepen your connection with your subscribers. To make sure that your birthday wishes stand out in a crowded inbox, it's important to follow some tried-and-true best practices.From creating an automatic birthday campaign to the art of the perfect call-to-action, here are our top secrets to crafting unforgettable birthday emails.

Automation is Your Birthday Campaign BFF

No one is to be left behind. Setting up an automated birthday campaign ensures subscribers feel acknowledged on their special day. It's not just about convenience; it's about consistency.Automation permits timely and personalized gestures that say, "We remember, and we care."

Send More Than One Birthday Email 

One email is great, but why stop there? Celebrating a subscriber's birthday isn't just about the day itself; it's about the anticipation and the afterglow.Start with a warm pre-birthday greeting, followed by the main birthday wish, and perhaps a gentle reminder or a thank-you note a day or two later. It's a prolonged celebration that keeps the connection alive and makes your brand memorable.

Ensure a Smooth Redemption Process 

If you're gifting your subscribers a birthday treat (and we highly recommend you do!), make the redemption process a breeze. The last thing you want is for them to jump through hoops on their special day. Whether it's a discount code, a freebie, or exclusive access, ensure they can claim it effortlessly.Part of this is ensuring a clear and compelling CTA. Whether you're nudging them to shop a birthday sale, read a special message, or claim a gift, your CTA should stand out.

Design Unforgettable Birthday Emails with Beefree

Whether it's a heartfelt message, a special discount, or an exclusive offer, it is proven that birthday emails strengthen brand-consumer relationships. And with only 31% of retail email marketers sending birthday greetings, there's a huge opportunity for you to stand out.As shown above, playing with color, layouts, images, and interactive elements is the name of the game. And while it might seem challenging and time-consuming at first, it doesn't have to be.With an intuitive drag-and-drop interface and a catalog of over 1,600 templates, Beefree makes designing birthday emails a piece of cake ;).Not sure where to start? Try this free birthday email template.

Email newsletters are a valuable link between your brand and your audience. In one cohesive and on-brand email, you can share everything from announcements to educational resources, building stronger connections with your subscribers. 

The artistry behind crafting a newsletter that not only informs but captivates is a journey of balancing aesthetic appeal with valuable content. In a newsletter, each word and image is a step towards enriching subscriber engagement. 

As connoisseurs of well-crafted email newsletters, we’ve compiled 15 examples, each highlighting the impact of successful communication in its own unique way.

What is an email newsletter?

An email newsletter is a recurring email, often sent once a week or once a month. Think of it as a way to catch up with your customers about the latest updates for your brand. 

Email newsletters often have a fairly consistent format from one issue to the next and contain several content blocks with different types of content. For example, if your business is a gym, your email newsletter could include:

• Updates about new equipment or upgrades
• The latest special offer on memberships or merchandise
• A workout tip of the week
• Announcements welcoming new staff members
• A member spotlight highlighting one of your members’ fitness journeys
• Upcoming events

The contents of your newsletter will vary depending on your brand and industry, but they should all be curated with the intent to build lasting connections with your readers. 

Layout and elements of effective email newsletters

Understanding the mechanics of a strong email newsletter is recognizing and appreciating the subtle nuances that elevate a newsletter from good to exceptional. However, they’re are a few best practices to follow to ensure that your email newsletters are effective and meet the long-term goal of strong brand recognition: 

1. Your logo at the top
2. A strong hero section that immediately catches the reader’s attention placed above the fold. 
3. The action that you want readers to take the most on top, followed by lesser priority content 
4. A footer with links on how users can continue to interact with your brand, alongside legal and platform requirements such as an unsubscribe link
5. Visual hierarchy to ensure that readers can easily find what they’re looking for 
6. Effective use of white space and dividers to clearly separate different types of resources.
7. Clear CTAs relevant to each content throughout the newsletters

Overall, avoid getting overly promotional. An email newsletter should focus more on keeping your customers in the loop and strengthening their relationship with your brand rather than selling them something.

Below, you'll find a collection of strong email newsletter examples from well-known brands. Each example is paired with what works well and a template to help you kick off your next newsletter.

Email newsletter examples to inspire you 

Example #1: Novo

Novo is an online bank for businesses, so its newsletter centers on finances for business owners.

What works well: 

• Relevant content: Novo understands that at this time of year, businesses are reflecting on the first half of the year and making plans for a stronger Q3 & Q4. The newsletter features practical tips and strategies for optimizing the rest of the year, giving readers actionable and relevant advice.
• Scannability: Novo’s Q&A format allows readers to find exactly what they’re looking for without having to read through content that is irrelevant to them. 

Example #2: REI

REI is best known as a superstore for all things outdoors. This REI newsletter focuses on their upcoming events and classes:

What works well: 

• Content hierarchy: The primary action they want readers to take is displayed above the fold. 
• CTAs: CTA’s are placed after every content block giving the reader clear instructions on “what’s next.”  
• Variety: Each resource linked in this newsletter offers something different to the users. A newsletter, unlike other forms of email marketing, contains less personalization, so offering a variety helps ensure that you can appeal to the majority. 

Example #3: Squarespace

Squarespace is a web design platform. Its newsletter, topically titled “Release Notes,” keeps customers up to date on the latest happenings with the platform and its community.

What works well:

• Variety: Squarespace appeals to different readers’ levels of engagement and needs by offering community resources, events, product updates, and more.  ‍
• Simplicity: This newsletter's use of simple design and white space makes it easy for readers to engage and allows for a large amount of content to be easily digested. By breaking up the different resources by “category” and highlighting key elements of each, readers can quickly get what they need to know.

Example #4: Serumize 

The newsletter below comes from "Serumize," a brand dedicated to skincare. This specific edition from their "Skintuation" blog emphasizes the importance of correct skin cleansing to achieve clear, healthy skin.

What works well: 

• Clear intent: The headline "Are You Cleansing Right?" above the fold communicates at first glance what the user will get from this newsletter. 
• Personalization: As mentioned earlier, personalization in newsletters is often kept to a minimum considering they are typically sent to the masses. The headline "Are You Cleansing Right?" feels like a direct call out to the reader making it feel more personal than it is. Additionally, the personal touch in their thank you note at the end adds a feeling of community and appreciation, making the reader feel valued and connected to the brand.
• Visual imagery: Serumize uses high-quality images and icons to showcase the key elements of its products. This not only informs the consumer about the product's attributes but also builds trust by showcasing their dedication to safe and ethical formulations.‍
• Standout CTA: The "LEARN MORE" button is prominently placed and effectively serves as a call to action. Its distinct color and positioning ensure it catches the reader's attention, leading them towards more detailed information or potentially to a purchase.

Example #5: Brené Brown

Brené Brown is a researcher and author who has become a revered emotional health and relationship guru. Her email newsletter, “From Brené,” serves as a way for her to keep in touch with her fans and followers.

What works well:

• On brand: “From Brené” feels like an extension of  Brené Brown’s website, encouraging immediate brand recognition. 
• Imagery: In this newsletter, imagery is used to break up each content block. Each image further promotes engagement as it relates to the content in the block. 
• Standout CTAs: Each content block concludes with a CTA button that encourages readers to take action. The CTA button stands out due to the high color contrast between it and the background color. 

Example #6: The Hustle

This newsletter is from “The Hustle,” a daily business and technology news platform that pulls together top stories to note. This particular issue features stories about restaurant dining, a new urban lumber industry, and a unique type of technology that went defunct before resurfacing as today’s QR codes.

What works well:

• Clear purpose: The newsletter starts with an enticing preview of what’s to come above the fold. With a few bullets, it gives just enough information about its top stories to make readers curious enough to scroll down for more.

• Variety: One of the strengths of this newsletter is the diversity in content. Beyond the main story, there are "Snippets," which cover various topics from finance to sports and media, catering to a broad audience spectrum. This strategy ensures that even if a reader isn't particularly interested in the main topic, other sections might catch their attention, increasing overall engagement.
  

Example #7: Your City

From interactive scavenger hunts to melodious live music sessions and delightful tasting events, the city is bustling with activities for locals and tourists to indulge in and enjoy.

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What works well:

• Structured layout: The newsletter employs a clear and straightforward layout, making it easy to skim and read. Events are boldly highlighted, ensuring readers can swiftly pick out which one they’d like to attend. 
• Informative descriptions: Each event's description is comprehensive enough to give readers a clear idea of the activity without overwhelming them.
• Short and to the point: This newsletter provides users with what they’re looking for, nothing more or less. This short and to-the-point approach ensures that every time a reader opens the newsletter, they know exactly what they’re going to get. 

Example #8: Salesforce

Salesforce is a leader in sales technology. Their IT Highlights newsletter is a way for them to further their brand as technology experts.

What works well: 

• White space: With abundant white space around each content block, Salesforce makes each resource easy to skim and see which stories interest them.
• Content layout variety: This Salesforce newsletter formats its content using different layouts to differentiate each resource. The layout for events is similar to that of a calendar invite, and for resources, it uses a typical image, title, description, and CTA layout. 

Example #9: Longreads

Longreads is a daily newsletter for readers who love great stories. Every day, they send out their favorite articles and stories from around the web.

What works well: 

• Simplicity: Longreads keeps its design simple and straightforward while emphasizing the headlines to engage the reader. It appeals to humor, curiosity, and current hot topics to grab readers’ attention and make them want to read the full stories.
• Intentional design: Longreads emails feel almost like newspapers, further promoting the brand's purpose of serving “daily recommendations.” With every newsletter, readers develop more and more familiarity with the brand, almost like instinctually picking up the newspaper with their morning coffee. 

Example #10: Sweetgreen

The displayed newsletter is from Sweetgreen, a brand known for its dedication to fresh, wholesome food offerings. Catering to the health-conscious and those who appreciate vibrant flavors, their summer newsletter emphasizes their summer-themed salads, reminding customers that summer is far from over.

What works well: 

• Seasonal relevance: The “Summer is going strong” headline ties in Sweetgreen with the season making the newsletter relevant to their reader’s summer cravings. 
• Product visuals: This newsletter's use of fresh, bright imagery emphasizes the freshness of the ingredients and evokes a sense of the summer season, further tying into its purpose. 
• Visual Hierarchy: Each image is accompanied by the name of the product in bold and large letters reinforcing recognition of the brand and product names. 
• Engaging CTA: The repeated call to action – "Taste the summer" – is a compelling nudge, inviting readers to experience these flavor combinations for themselves.‍
• Value proposition: Closing off with "connecting people to real food" not only reinforces Sweetgreen's brand mission but also subtly communicates their dedication to quality and authenticity.

Example #11: Alltrails

Alltrails is an application for outdoor enthusiasts who love hiking and other on-trail adventures. Their summer update newsletter introduces an exciting new concept for their app “Collections.”

What works well: 

• Valuable resources: While this can work as a product update or product promotion newsletter, the content serves as more of an educational resource than a sales pitch. Through videos and graphics, the newsletter shows how users can get the most out of the application. 
• Simplicity: In this newsletter, Alltrails keeps the text to a minimum. They take the “show, don’t tell” approach by focusing more on the visuals that showcase top features. 
• Clear action: The newsletter has one clear goal in mind, and that is to educate. The prominent CTAs inviting readers to “Watch video” guide them toward a more interactive and engaging way to learn more. 

Example #12: Julie Blanner

The newsletter in focus is from Julie Blanner, a lifestyle influencer known for her approach to easy recipes, effortless entertaining, and minimalist style. Through this newsletter, she introduces her readers to her favorite coffee table books and extends an invitation to her free masterclass on starting and growing a blog.

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What works well: 

• Personal touch: Addressing the recipient by name ("Hi Marilia") creates an instant connection, making the reader feel individually acknowledged. Including her profile at the bottom, complete with social media links also ensures that readers have multiple avenues to connect with her and explore her content further.‍
• On-brand: The soft, muted color palette and the curated images reflect her brand's essence and the promise of "minimalist style."‍
• Engagement: Julie's invitation to her free masterclass on blogging is a strategic move to further engage with her readership. 

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When it comes to digital marketing, the tried-and-true email newsletter has proven to be a reliable communications tool for businesses of all sizes. Today, 41.5% of companies use email as a critical component within their marketing plans, and 81% of B2B marketers send email newsletters as part of their content strategy. Email is a proven marketing standard, and a newsletter is an easy way to communicate with customers, prospects, partners, or subscribers.

Despite the growing preference among consumers for receiving information via SMS and social media, email still reigns supreme, with 55% of consumers choosing to stay up-to-date with their favorite businesses via this channel. Email newsletters are one way to deliver engaging content through attractive designs while sharing valuable information with customers.

In this guide to engaging email newsletter design, we offer ten expert tips for designing engaging, creative, and thoughtful email newsletters to optimize engagement and elevate your brand.

How to Craft an Engaging Email Newsletter Design

Constructing an engaging email newsletter design requires a thoughtful blend of creativity, strategic know-how, and a basic understanding of best practices. Let's explore the world of email newsletter design and the elements that can make your campaigns stand out in a crowded inbox.

1. Newsletter layout and format: The Foundation

An email newsletter's layout and format serve as the foundational elements of your digital design. A clutter-free, well-structured format for newsletters helps improve readability and engagement with the content. The most crucial information in the newsletter should be at the top, with the lower body text neatly divided into sections using bullet points, headers, and sub-headers. We recommend a good amount of whitespace to improve readability and lend your newsletter a modern, minimalist feel. 

Use this template in Beefree!

Use this template in Beefree!

The template newsletter uses a structured, clean format to highlight its content effectively, while eye-catching headings, colorful buttons, and well-spaced sections ensure a seamless reader experience. 

2. Go Mobile or Go Home

Smartphones are everywhere and almost certainly in the hands of your email subscribers. Nearly half of all emails are opened each day on a mobile device, so ensuring compatibility is a must. Be sure your email newsletter is optimized for mobile with designed content, fonts, and CTA buttons that work effectively on a smaller screen for the best user experience.

To improve the reading experience on a mobile device, consider these design tips:

• Use a single-column layout to avoid the awkward side-scroll
• Keep the copy simple because no one likes to read a book on their tiny mobile screen
• Use standard fonts that are easily read on a hand-held device
• Keep colors limited and on-brand to avoid unnecessary eye strain

3. Typography Appeals to Readers

Fonts are essential in enhancing your email newsletter's visual appeal and readability. It’s best to stick to two or three fonts maximum – one for headlines, one for subheadings, and another for the body text. This approach ensures legibility and creates a sense of visual harmony.

When choosing fonts that readers will view online, experts recommend using a sans serif font like Arial, Helvetica, or Verdana. These fonts are the easiest to read and are most compatible with digital programs.

When designing an email newsletter for a desktop, it’s best to keep header text in the 22-24pt range and body copy between 14-16pt. Design your email using a responsive program, so the font size will adjust for a comfortable reading experience on mobile as well. We’d also recommend limiting the amount of text in your newsletter as much as possible so as not to overwhelm the reader. When you have a longer article to share, consider linking a teaser on your newsletter to the full article on your website.

Read more: How to Choose the Best Font for Email

4. What Your Colors Convey

Color psychology is a unique way to understand how colors can impact how someone feels. Did you know that your brand colors may have a certain emotional appeal to people? For example, research shows that black symbolizes power and status, green conveys wealth and relaxation, and yellow can make you feel optimistic or youthful.

It's essential to choose a color scheme for your email newsletter that resonates with your target audience psychologically. It’s also important to understand how your color choices could impact accessibility for those with vision impairments. However, you want the color scheme you choose for your emails to be consistent with your brand identity. This is important to ensure brand recognition and consistency.

Use this template in Beefree!

Use this template in Beefree!

The email template above is for a gaming audience. Notice how the use of color evokes a playful feeling and, alongside the layout, helps guide and engage the reader throughout. You can also see how the use of typography catches the reader’s interest.

Read more: 10 Creative Ways to Use Color in Email

5. Visual Perception is Everything

"A picture is worth a thousand words," even in email newsletters. Including relevant, high-quality images can enhance engagement levels and draw readers in. Make sure the images you choose thoughtfully reflect your brand identity and the message you are sharing. It’s also important that your email design is accessible and inclusive, staying consistent with your branding and themes. For example, the higher education template below uses images and icons to provide further context for the message and provides useful information about what the email is about with just a glance.

Use this template in Beefree!

Use this template in Beefree!

6. Capture Your Brand Through Tone and Copy

Beyond the look and feel of your newsletter, engaging copywriting is at the heart of your newsletter. Marketers should always strive for content that is not only valuable to the reader but interesting and personable. Use a tone that echoes your brand’s personality and write as though you’re speaking directly to the reader, making your content more relatable and human.

Read more: The Non-Marketer’s Guide to Writing Emails Like a Copywriter

7. Call Readers to Action 

Well-crafted call-to-action (CTA) buttons guide your readers toward taking a specific action and engaging them deeper. Be sure your CTAs stand out, are compelling, straightforward, and meet accessibility standards. This includes making clickable areas large enough to be easily tapped and providing labels for links that screen readers can read. The email template below is an excellent example of how a prominent, clear CTA button can capture attention and invite action.

Use this template in Beefree!

Use this template in Beefree!

8. Consistency is Key

Consistency is the key to growing ongoing readership, from colors and fonts to imagery and sending schedules. The best times and days of the week to send your email are determined by when your audience is most active. Try testing a variety of times and days to see if one is better than another. Being consistent helps your readers to recognize your newsletters, fostering trust and brand loyalty.

9. A Newsletter Can Be Personal

It might surprise you that we suggest personalizing email newsletters, but the results speak volumes about why. Personalization can substantially improve engagement rates, with open rates improved by as much as 50%. Leverage your subscriber data to tailor content, subject lines, or images to individual readers, making your newsletters more relevant and engaging.

BONUS: Use Email Newsletter Design Templates to Get Started

If you're overwhelmed by the idea of starting an email design from scratch, Beefree's email newsletter design templates are a quick and efficient solution. These templates provide a great starting point for designing engaging newsletters with proven structures and designs you can customize to suit your brand, or they can be used for newsletter design inspiration or newsletter format ideas.

An engaging email newsletter design blends style, content, and user experience. With Beefree, you can customize email newsletter designs to your heart's content, mixing your creativity with the best practices discussed in this article.

Why wait? Start designing today with Beefree, and let your newsletters do the talking.