The Center for Sales Strategy - Sales Strategy Blog

5 Email Strategies That Open Doors

Written by Trey Morris | October 30, 2023

Getting through to a potential customer or prospect is more challenging than ever. The email inbox, once a haven for personal messages, has become a battleground for attention. With the average person receiving dozens, if not hundreds, of emails daily, standing out is essential. 

For businesses, the goal is not just to be noticed but to initiate meaningful conversations and, ultimately, set up that all-important initial meeting.

Let's dive into effective ways to seize a prospect's attention with your emails.

Get Attention with your Subject Line

  • The subject line is your email's first impression. It should pique curiosity without being too “salesy”.
  • Personalize when possible. Using the prospect's name or referencing something specific to them can increase open rates.
  • Be creative; don’t sound like a “regular” salesperson.
  • Use SubjectLine.com - a great way to grade your subject lines before you send them.

Examples:

  • John, You Want More Deposit?
  • Moms need Summer Camp, too...
  • Too Much Inventory...

Leverage the Power of Social Proof

  • Mention recent success stories or name-drop companies you've recently helped that are in the same industry or have similar challenges. This showcases your expertise and builds credibility.

Examples:

  • "After helping [Company A], we found a strategy that might also benefit [Prospect's Company]."
  • "Join the ranks of [Industry Leaders] by considering our unique solution."

Create Value in the Opening Lines

  • With preview panes and email snippets, the first few lines of your email can be make or break.
  • Address the prospect's potential pain points or interests. Offer a direct benefit or solution that caters to their needs.

Examples:

  • "Are you struggling with [specific problem]? We've helped others in your situation..."
  • "I recently came across an article about [relevant topic] and thought of your challenges with..."

Embed a Clear and Singular Call to Action (CTA)

  • Be direct about what you want. If you want to set a meeting, make that the primary focus.
  • Offer options for availability or use tools like Calendly to let them pick a slot that suits them.

Examples:

  • "Would Tuesday or Thursday work better for a quick chat?"
  • "I have some insights that might help. Click here to schedule a 27-minute call."

Make it Visually Engaging

  • Break up long paragraphs to make the email easily scannable.
  • Use bullet points or numbered lists where appropriate.
  • Embed images, GIFs, or infographics if they add value and aren’t just for decoration.

At the heart of every effective email strategy is genuine empathy and understanding of the prospect's needs. While the tips above can optimize your email approach, always ensure your outreach is backed by a sincere desire to provide value. With this foundation, your emails will not just capture attention but also foster trust and long-term relationships.