Email marketing is one of the most powerful ways to reach your audience—yet writing your very first email can feel overwhelming. What should you say? How do you make people open it? And more importantly, how do you make sure it drives results?
If you’re just getting started, don’t worry. In this guide, we’ll walk you through how to write your first marketing email step by step, so you can hit “send” with confidence and clarity.
Why Email Marketing Still Works
Despite the rise of social media and new communication tools, email remains one of the highest ROI marketing channels. Why? Because it allows you to connect directly with your audience in a personal, targeted way.
Key Benefits of Email Marketing
- ✅ Low cost, high return
- ✅ Reaches people where they check daily—their inbox
- ✅ Easy to track performance
- ✅ Builds long-term customer relationships
Email isn’t dead—it’s direct, powerful, and still one of the best tools in your toolkit.
Step 1: Know Your Audience
Before you write a single word, take time to understand who your audience is and what they care about.
Ask Yourself:
- Who is this email for?
- What problem can I help them solve?
- What tone and language will resonate best?
- What do I want them to do after reading?
The more specific your audience, the more effective your email will be.
Step 2: Craft a Compelling Subject Line
Your subject line is your first (and sometimes only) chance to make an impression. If it doesn’t grab attention, your email won’t get opened.
Tips for Great Subject Lines
- Keep it short (under 50 characters)
- Create curiosity or urgency
- Personalize when possible
- Avoid spammy words like “Buy now” or “Free!!!”
A/B test your subject lines to see what gets the highest open rates.
Step 3: Write an Engaging Opening
Once someone opens your email, you need to hook them in the first line. Your intro should set the tone and immediately explain the value of the message.
Good Opening Examples
- Ask a question: “Struggling to get more website traffic?”
- Make a bold statement: “Most small businesses waste money on ads.”
- Share a quick stat: “Email marketing returns $36 for every $1 spent.”
Lead with value, not with a sales pitch.
Step 4: Deliver Clear and Concise Content
Now it’s time to communicate your main message. Keep it simple, skimmable, and focused on one key idea or offer.
Email Body Tips
- Use short paragraphs or bullet points
- Highlight benefits, not just features
- Keep the message under 200 words if possible
- Include only one main call to action
Every email should have one goal—don’t overwhelm readers with too much info.
Step 5: Add a Strong Call to Action (CTA)
Your CTA tells the reader what to do next—click, download, reply, or buy.
CTA Best Practices
- Be clear and specific (“Download the free guide,” not just “Learn more”)
- Use action verbs
- Make the button or link stand out
- Place the CTA early and at the end if possible
If you don’t ask, they won’t act. Guide your reader clearly.
Step 6: Optimize for Mobile and Design
Most emails are read on phones, so your design and layout need to work well on small screens.
Quick Design Checklist
- Use a mobile-friendly template
- Keep images lightweight and relevant
- Use alt text for images
- Make text large enough to read easily
- Include your logo, brand colors, and contact info
Test your email on desktop and mobile before sending.
Step 7: Test and Track Performance
Once your email is written and designed, it’s time to send it—and measure the results.
Metrics to Track
- Open rate (Are people opening your email?)
- Click-through rate (Are they engaging with your content?)
- Unsubscribes (Is your message relevant?)
- Conversions (Did they take the action you wanted?)
Use tools like Mailchimp, ConvertKit, or Brevo (formerly Sendinblue) to monitor your campaign.
Final Thoughts
Writing your first marketing email doesn’t have to be complicated. With the right structure, clear message, and a little practice, you’ll be able to reach your audience effectively and start building stronger customer relationships.
Remember—keep it simple, be helpful, and always provide value.
Next Steps
- 📝 Download our Free Email Writing Template
- 📬 Sign up for our newsletter for more small business marketing tips
- 💬 Leave a comment: What’s your biggest challenge with email marketing?
