(Part 3 of a 5-part series on email marketing strategy)

By Miranda Paquet

When you’re caught up in the day-to-day of running your business, it’s easy to push your email marketing off.

But what if you could sit down and write your email in 15 minutes or less?

Use this worksheet to write your email content in minutes.

Writing your email is faster when you break it down into smaller pieces. Focus on your email subject line, preheader text, image, message body, and call-to-action.

We’ll show you how it’s done in our next workshop: Write Your Email Content in 15 Minutes or Less. Can’t attend live? Register anyway. We’ll send you a recording.

Want to start writing your email right away?

Print out our Email Content Worksheet and follow the five steps below to create an email in record time. 

1. Write a standout subject line

Your subject line is one of the most important lines of text in your email. This is your chance to pique your readers’ interest in the inbox and entice them to open your message.

You can be creative by asking questions, teasing your content, or adding a pun. Just be clear about what the reader should expect when they open the email and keep you subject line short — about 4-7 words — so nothing gets cut off in mobile inboxes.

Tip: Use these 11 Surefire Secrets to Standout Subject Lines for inspiration.

2. Add your preheader text

The preheader is the line of text that appears beneath the subject line in the mobile inbox. Think of it as an extension of your subject line. Most mobile inboxes display 75–100 characters; limit yourself to 6-11 words to catch your reader’s attention.

Here’s what your preheader will look like in the mobile inbox:

3. Include your logo and an image

Putting your logo at the top of your message reinforces your brand and personalizes your message. Make sure your image links back to your company website, as well.

Adding an eye-catching image that supports your message will also draw people in and persuade them to read on. Don’t go overboard — we found that messages with 1-3 images result in the highest engagement.

Tip: Not sure what images to include? Here’s How to Use the Right Images in Your Email Design.

4. Write your message body

Start with an attention-grabbing headline, either before or directly after your image. Then, write a few sentences to answer: What are you offering? How will it help the reader? What should they do next?

A few sentences will work just fine. On average, emails with 20 lines of text or less see the highest click-through rates.

Here’s an example:

5. Include a compelling call-to-action

Give your readers one clear action to take in every email. Position your call-to-action towards the top of your email so that it’s visible without readers having to scroll down. If your call-to-action includes a link, make it stand out using a button.

Tip: Here are Creative Email Call-to-Action Ideas That Really Drive Action.

Create your next email in record time!

Writing an email doesn’t have to be a huge undertaking. Use these tips and worksheet the next time you have a spare 15 minutes in your day.

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Miranda Paquet: Content Manager @ConstantContact. I believe in the really big impact of really small businesses. I am constantly inspired by our amazing customers and can’t get enough of their success stories! You can find me on Twitter: @mirandapaquet

This post was first published by Constant Contact, here. 

Constant Contact is a longtime supporter of the SBDC network, providing an easy-to-use Email Marketing tool and free education to all chapters and clients for over 10 years.