We’ve generated just over $6M in profits for DTC brands without "selling" in emails. You’re one hard-sell email away from losing your subscribers for good. There's a commonly accepted idea that unsubscribe rates are tied to sending frequency when they’re more so related to the quality of your campaigns… Seriously, the worst thing you can do is send promo-after-promo-after-promo. People get tired, and the only ones who stick around are conditioned to care about the deals and not the brand. You’ve probably heard this at least once: The best salespeople don’t sell—they diagnose. They listen, they understand the needs, and then they *prescribe* the right solution. And your email strategy should be no different. - Your segments are there to diagnose—sorting your audience by behavior, preferences, and needs. The email itself is there to *prescribe* the right next step, not to hit them with another sales pitch. - The emails that work best focus on *one concept and one focal point*. They speak to exactly what that segment needs at that moment. Whether it’s a reminder of a product benefit, a new feature that aligns with their interest, or a simple nudge to complete a purchase, each email must be precise. - Your subscribers are already (kinda) sold on your product—they’re on your list for a reason. Now, they need the right recommendation, at the right time, and the right CTA to be nudged into. The best email strategy isn’t about selling harder—it’s about understanding deeper and prescribing smarter. Emails that *don’t sell* but *guide* are the ones that convert best. We’ve seen too many brands try to sell in every email and watch performance tank. But also seen emails that diagnose through segmentation and prescribe the perfect next step to generate millions in revenue.
Love the analogy of diagnosing and prescribing. It perfectly captures the essence of effective email marketing. It's about understanding your audience's needs and offering tailored solutions.
So many brands fall into the trap of constant promotion. It’s important to have a strategy focused on building relationships and providing value.
Must-read for any email marketer. Building relationships and providing value should be at the heart of your strategy.
Emails should feel like a conversation, not just a sales pitch.
Shifting to contribution margin was eye-opening in my e-commerce businesses. My tip: keep an eye on all your variable costs.
The focus on segmentation is key! Generic blasts rarely resonate. Taking the time to segment your audience and personalize your messages can make a huge difference.