Let me share something that might shock you…
While most businesses obsess over pretty designs and fancy templates, the most profitable emails I’ve ever written were plain text messages that looked like they came from a friend.
Need proof? Here are two quick examples:
A local furniture store I worked with saw their ROI jump to over 40% using simple, plain-text emails. No fancy design. No HTML templates. Just real messages that connect with real people.
During Black Friday, 5 emails single-handedly sold out Angler’s Hangout’s entire inventory of fishing lures. Just 5 emails. NO OTHER MARKETING OR PROMOTION WAS DONE, ONLY EMAIL — and not a single image was needed – just words that made buyers reach for their wallets.
Let’s Break Some “Rules”…
After helping dozens of businesses boost their email revenue, here’s what actually works:
🎯 The Deliverability Secret
Forget HTML designs and fancy templates. The GOAL has to be for the email to get opened – and it has to land in the inbox rather than spam first. Plain text emails from a real person’s name (not your business name) get delivered to more inboxes. Period.
🔗 The One-Link Rule
Multiple links? They’re killing your deliverability AND they’re killing your sales. Use zero or one link per email. That’s it.
👋 The “From” Name Truth
Emails from “Bob Robertson” outperform “Main Street Bikes” every single time.
Now, Here’s What You Should Actually Test…
1. Subject Lines That Get Opened
The goal? Make it feel like it’s from a friend:
- “Quick question about your bike repair…”
- “Did you see this yet?”
- “Hey [Name], thought you’d want to know…”
2. Brand Voice That Builds Trust
This is the game-changer most businesses miss:
- Write as you talk
- Share real stories and experiences
- Address common objections naturally
- Make it feel like a one-on-one conversation
- Educating your customers will make selling stuff to them WAY easier when that time comes.
3. Offers That Convert
Test these elements:
- Specific dollar amounts vs. percentages
- Time-limited vs. quantity-limited offers
- Risk reversal language
- Social proof placement
The Testing Framework That Actually Works
Here’s how to test properly:
- Split your list randomly into two groups
- Change ONE thing between versions
- Send it at the exact same time
- Wait at least 24 hours before calling a winner
But honestly? Unless you’ve got a list of at least 10k, split testing is usually a waste of time – the easiest way to win is super simple: just double the amount you’re emailing. Seriously.
But Here’s What Really Matters…
The most successful emails do three things:
- Sound like a real person
- Deliver actual value (like I did in this, hopefully)
- Make a clear, simple offer
Want to See What’s Possible With Your Email Marketing?
Let’s analyze your current email strategy and find your biggest opportunities for improvement.
Two ways to get started:
- Call us: 815-281-5152
- Book a strategy session: Schedule Now
P.S. The businesses that embrace “real” over “perfect” in their emails are the ones seeing the biggest results. Let’s make your emails work harder.
