Want People to Forward Your Emails? Try These 4 Data-Backed Tips

June 09, 2021 by
Why Sharing Emails Matters for Your Business Growth Have you ever hit “send” on an email and just felt like it disappeared into a black hole? It’s frustrating, right? You’re putting your heart into your marketing, but it seems no one is listening. Here’s a little secret: the key to making your emails pop lies […]

Why Sharing Emails Matters for Your Business Growth

Have you ever hit “send” on an email and just felt like it disappeared into a black hole? It’s frustrating, right? You’re putting your heart into your marketing, but it seems no one is listening.

Here’s a little secret: the key to making your emails pop lies not just in the flashy design or catchy subject line but in how well they resonate with your audience—and whether they get shared. Imagine an email so engaging that it travels from inbox to inbox, growing your reach like a viral sensation! That’s the kind of magic we’re talking about here.

The Power of Forwarding Emails

You see, when you send an email that strikes a chord, not only do you engage your current subscribers, but you also ignite a chain reaction. All of a sudden, they’re forwarding it to friends and family, and boom—you’ve just expanded your reach without lifting a finger!

The Research Behind Email Shares

A recent study showed that nearly half a million emails were analyzed to find out what makes some emails go viral. Spoiler alert: it’s all about relevance and relatability. Here are four solid tips on how to craft emails that your subscribers will want to share:

1. Make It Personal and Relevant

In a world where inboxes overflow, personalization is your golden ticket. When you tailor messages to fit your audience’s specific interests, you create a connection that makes them more likely to share. Studies reveal that targeted emails can be up to 90% more viral. You know your audience best—use that knowledge!

What’s Your Move?

  • Segment your subscriber lists based on preferences or behaviors.
  • Implement triggered messages based on actions—like signing up for a webinar.

A fantastic example of this comes from the Birthright Israel Foundation. They hit the nail on the head by sending a focused email to Gala registrants, providing essential event details. Not only did attendees engage, but many also forwarded the email. Their targeted messaging propelled it to the top 1% of viral emails!

2. Use Clear Calls-to-Action

You’ve spent valuable time crafting the perfect email; now make sure your subscribers know what to do next. Don’t leave them guessing! Asking them to "share with their network" can be a game-changer. Research shows that emails with explicit sharing requests are 13 times more likely to be forwarded.

How to Do It Right:

  • Incorporate large, eye-catching buttons that lead to easy sharing options—think email, Facebook, Twitter.
  • Pre-populate messages to save your audience’s time. The easier you make it, the more likely they will do it!

Look no further than Anytime Fitness, whose campaign urging subscribers to share their fitness stories saw impressive results, thanks in large part to straightforward sharing options.

3. Tap Into Naturally Shareable Content

Not every email fits the bill, but certain topics are like catnip for sharing. Events, helpful tips, or even personal announcements can draw people in and make them want to forward those emails.

For instance, content about events scored 3.2 times more shares than typical emails. Why? People inherently like to include their friends in experiences.

A beautiful example of this is the UF Alumni Association’s email regarding an upcoming tailgate. Attendees wanted to ensure their buddies were in the loop, leading to a natural sharing instinct and placing this email in the top 1% of viral sends.

4. Keep It Fun and Engaging

Your emails don’t always have to be promotional. Sometimes, injecting humor or casual relatability can significantly elevate engagement. Be genuine in your communication!

For instance, Getty Images sent out an email promoting their guide on creating engaging images. Although it was promotional, the focus on value—helping subscribers enhance their content—made it more shareable.

Conclusion

Engaging emails are more than just a journey through your inbox; they can significantly drive your business growth. When your subscribers start sharing your emails, you not only expand your reach, but you also build a community and relationship around your brand—which is crucial for any business owner.

So, why not mix things up in your email strategy? Give your subscribers emails that excite, inform, and entertain. If it’s something they care about, you can bet they’ll take the time to share it.

Ready to supercharge your email marketing and get those shares rolling in? Let’s chat! Whether it’s about standing out online or creating emails that spark interest, we’re here to help.


For more information on optimizing your online presence, check out Ericks Web Design — your local experts in web design and marketing strategy in the Valley!

Source:
https://blog.hubspot.com/marketing/why-people-forward-emails-data

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