Writing Emails That Actually Get Read (and Clicked)

Let’s face it, most emails get ignored, archived, or deleted without a second glance.

Whether you’re writing a newsletter, a sales sequence, or a one-off outreach, if the email doesn’t get opened and acted on, it’s wasted effort.

So how do you write emails that actually get read, and drive real action?

In today’s edition, we’re breaking down 8 essential principles for writing high-impact emails that get attention, build trust, and prompt your reader to take the next step.

Let’s dive in. 👇

1. Know Exactly Who You're Writing To

Before you write a word, get crystal clear on your audience. Think beyond demographics, focus on psychographics.

Ask:

• What do they care about?

• What problem keeps them up at night?

• What result are they desperate to achieve?

When you understand this, your emails go from “meh” to “whoa, this was written for me.”

💡 Pro tip: Build a detailed avatar of your ideal reader and keep it in front of you as you write. Write to them, not at them.

2. Write Subject Lines That Earn the Click

The subject line is your first, and often only, chance to earn attention.

Good ones are:

• Short (under 50 characters)

• Clear (not cryptic)

• Curiosity-driven (but not clickbait)

• Sometimes personal (“Quick question, [First Name]?”)

🚫 Bad: “August Newsletter #57”
✅ Better: “Still struggling with [problem]?”

The job of the subject line is to get the email opened, nothing more. Clarity > cleverness.

3. Hook Fast, or Lose Them

Your first line needs to pull them in fast.

Examples:

• “What if you could write emails people actually look forward to?”

• “You probably don’t need another newsletter, unless it helps you double your open rates.”

Think about this like a headline, it should promise value or spark curiosity in a single breath.

4. Talk Like a Human (Not a Brochure)

People connect with people, not brands.

Cut the jargon. Skip the corporate-speak. Write how you’d talk in a real conversation with someone smart and interested.

Instead of:

Try:

Email is personal. Keep it casual, clear, and direct.

5. Deliver Value Before You Ask for Anything

One of the biggest mistakes in email marketing? Asking too soon.

Instead, give something useful:

• A quick tip

• A free tool or checklist

• A relevant story with a lesson

You’re building trust and goodwill, and that’s what makes the ask later far more effective.

6. One Message = One Call to Action

Each email should focus on one core idea, and lead to one clear next step.

Too many CTAs = decision fatigue. Your reader won’t act if they’re overwhelmed.

✅ Examples of strong CTAs:

• “Book your free call here”

• “Reply with your biggest challenge”

• “Download the checklist”

Make the CTA specific, visible, and easy to act on.

7. Make It Easy to Read

Most people are reading on their phones. Big paragraphs and dense blocks of text? Instant swipe.

Here’s how to keep them reading:

• Short paragraphs (1–3 lines)

• Bullet points to break down info

• Bold key takeaways

• Use white space generously

This improves scannability and keeps readers engaged.

8. End with a Human Touch

Finally, close like a real person. Not a brand robot.

You can say:

This simple line builds connection, and encourages replies, which improve your sender reputation too.

Final Word

Great emails don’t happen by accident.

They’re written with:

• A clear reader in mind

• A sharp, benefit-driven message

• A single action you want them to take

Start applying these principles, and you’ll see your open rates climb, your click-throughs increase, and your emails finally start working for your business, not just filling inboxes.

Cheers
The InBoXer Team