Inbox Insight: Weekly Email Marketing Review - April 12, 2024

Welcome to Inbox Insight, where I review my favorite marketing emails from the week. 

Email marketing is the area of digital marketing that I have the least amount of experience with. While I’ve worked in the industry for nearly a decade, I only have around a year of hands-on involvement with designing, writing, and producing emails. As such, I’m continuously on a mission to perfect my skills, and the best way to learn is by spying on everyone else’s work. 😏

That’s why I’ve decided to launch a weekly blog series where I review my top emails of the week. And yep, these are from my personal account, making me incredibly vulnerable to your side-eyed judgment. Try not to put me on blast if you can resist. 

Email Marketing Wins for April 12, 2024

To pick my winners for the week, I simply open the first email under the promotions tab (Gmail) and then navigate to the next via the arrows. This process gives each email about three inches of screen to catch my attention. The ones that do get quickly saved to a separate folder, and then the remainder are deleted and forgotten. 

Here’s who captivated my interest — and impressed my marketing persona — this week:

Inbox Insight image for email marketing blog features a Parade email snippet

Parade, B2C Intimate Apparel Brand

At first glance, it’s the playful imagery that stands out. This level of boldness — bright neon and a model who gives off an aura of unbothered — catches my attention and makes me stop scrolling. Yet, the real star of the show is the subject: “It’s time to spend your tax returns.” Take my money, boo. 

Email marketing blog with image from B2C's apparel company's email for Cat Cult t-shirt

Murder Apparel, B2C Apparel Brand

Listen, the mere mention of cats will grab my attention, but per usual, Murder Apparel takes it a step further with the addition of “cult”. The brand is always pushing boundaries, which is why I happily give them my money in exchange for funny-bordering-offensive t-shirts. Their email marketing nailed it with the subject line “New Drop: Cat Cult” and led with the graphic design in the body of the email. Where do I sign up? 

Email marketing snippet featuring a promo email from History Facts.

History Facts., Online Content Publication

I don’t know where History Facts. came from, who runs it, or how it got in my inbox (I most definitely signed up for it and don’t remember), but I’m here for it. They got straight to the point: “Ancient Romans threw walnuts during weddings.” It’s like a hot piece of gossip — tell me more.

Inbox insight highlight of Viator's email marketing campaign

Viator, Online Travel Activity Marketplace 

FOMO (fear of missing out) is a concept that works well in multiple aspects of content marketing, but it’s particularly powerful in email when it’s done right. Viator’s email this week is an excellent example, pushing the FOMO narrative in the heading, “Don’t miss out on a world of adventure,” followed by a gif of people living their best lives on vacation. I don’t care where we’re going, but let’s book it now. 

Weekly email marketing blog tips featuring email from Olive Garden

Olive Garden, U.S.-based, Italian-Inspired Restaurant Chain

In all honesty, a simple pasta photo is enough to get me craving some Italian, but Olive Garden’s pushing it further by making it about ME: “If you were an Alfredo, which would you be?” Never have I ever questioned my particular brand of Alfredo, but now, I NEED to know. Simple and effective — two top qualities of effective marketing. Now, I’m left craving salad and breadsticks from across the pond.

Email Marketing for Content Marketers

I’m the first to admit that email marketing is an art form. While you could argue that it’s best left to a specialist, it’s a task that many general content marketers end up with on their to-do list. Luckily, we have some great examples to learn from that can help us perfect our craft and boost those open rates. 

Feeling bold? Want more insightful — and incredibly hilarious — content marketing content? Connect with me on LinkedIn!

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