How to Write Email Newsletters That People Actually Read
Mar 17, 2025
Email newsletters are an effective instrument for businesses and marketers, but getting people to actually examine them is another story. It's simple to send out a newsletter—but difficult to create it engaging enough that readers open it, read through it, and indeed look forward to the next one. So how can you make email newsletters that do not just arrive in the inbox but moreover capture attention and drive action? Let's break it down step-by-step.
1. Know Your Audience (And What They Need)
Before you even begin composing, you need to get it who you're composing for. A common mistake many marketers make is attempting to please everybody with a single newsletter. But the reality is, the more targeted your email newsletters are, the more successful they'll be.
Take time to segment your mail list based on components like:
Past engagement (who opened past emails)
Interests (products or topics they've shown interest in)
Purchase history (if applicable)
For example, if you run an online clothing store, sending a newsletter about men's clothing to somebody who solely buys women's wear isn't going to work. Instead, make content that's relevant to each segment of your audience.
2. Begin with an Attention-Grabbing Subject Line
Your subject line is the primary thing readers see—and it's what decides whether they'll even open your email. A gloomy or generic subject line will land your email newsletters straight into the trash or, worse, the spam folder.
Keep it brief and specific (under 50 characters is perfect)
Create interest but avoid clickbait
Personalize it if possible (e.g., “Hey John, Here's Something You'll Love”)
Illustration:
“Exclusive:5 Content Strategy Hacks for More Engagement”
“The Best Summer Deals You Can't Miss!”
3. Deliver Value Within the first Few Lines
Once the mail is opened, you've got just a couple of seconds to capture attention. The opening of your email newsletters ought to answer the reader's implicit question:
"Why should I care?"
Begin with a relatable statement or question:
"Ever wonder why your email open rates are so low?"
Get to the point quickly—skip the fluff.
Utilize a conversational tone to create it feel like you're talking specifically to the reader.
Case:
"Battling to keep your subscribers locked in? You're not alone. The good news is that a few changes to your content strategy can alter everything."
4. Make It Visually Appealing
No one needs to read a wall of text. A clean, well-organized format makes your email newsletters simpler to read and more engaging.
Best practices:
Utilize brief passages and bullet points
Incorporate eye-catching pictures or GIFs (but do not exaggerate it)
Make CTA (call-to-action) buttons stand out with differentiating colors
Case:
Rather than saying:
"Check out our most recent web journal post for more details."
Utilize:
Read the Complete Guide →
5. Create a Clear and Relevant Call-to-Action (CTA)
Each newsletter ought to have a reason. Whether you need readers to visit your site, sign up for a webinar, or check out a item, your CTA ought to be self-evident and simple to discover.
CTA Tips:
Keep it straightforward and simple
Constrain to one or two CTAs per mail to dodge overwhelming the reader
Make it visually distinct with a button or strong formatting
Illustration:
"Need to boost your newsletter engagement? Download our free content strategy guide today!"
6. Make It Personal
Personalization goes past just utilizing the subscriber's title. Tailor the content based on their behavior and preferences.
Specify past buys or interactions
Suggest items or content based on their activity
Utilize dynamic content to create the newsletter feel custom-made
Example:
"Hi Sarah, we noticed you've been adoring our skincare tips. Here's a new product that might interest you!"
7. Test and Optimize Frequently
Not each newsletter will be a hit—and that's okay. The key is to track performance and alter your content strategy over time.
What to track:
Open rates and click-through rates
Bounce rates and unsubscribe rates
Engagement with CTAs
A/B test distinctive subject lines, content formats, and CTA placements to see what works best.
Illustration of a Winning Newsletter Format
Subject Line: "Unlock the Secrets to Higher Open Rates!"
Header: "Is Your Content Strategy Holding You Back?"
Body: "In case you're battling to engage your audience through email, you're not alone. Here's how some changes to your content strategy can skyrocket your open rates and click-through rates."
CTA:
Download the Free Guide →
Conclusion
There are a few final thoughts regarding writing e-newsletters that people actually read. These include having a clear understanding of your audience, offering something worthwhile and easy to engage with. Add to that a strong conversational tone to the writing, made easy to scan, with a clear call-to-action. Above all, just keep testing, analyzing, and revising your content strategy until you strike gold with what resonates with your audience best. If you follow those steps, your newsletter engagement rates will be higher, and your readers will definitely look forward to your next email.
FAQ
What makes a good email newsletter?
A good email newsletter gives value, engages a subscriber with conversational style, and has a clear call to action. Good subject lines are eye-catching, visually appealing formats, and above all relevant content related to people's interests.
How often should I send email newsletters?
It is best to send newsletters once a week within most industries, but it'll depend on your audience and their engagement levels.
How do I improve open rates for newsletters?
Personalized subject lines, relevant content to your audience, and letting go of what doesn't work are key.
What to include in the content of newsletters?
A combination of educational materials, product updates, special offers if it's applicable, and captivating stories to keep the reader interested.
How do I measure the success of a newsletter?
Open rates, click-through rates, and levels of engagement are your main areas to track: And, obviously, adjust your approach based on performance data.