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Writer's pictureChristopher Ejiuwa

From content writer to email copywriter in 5 steps

Wondering if this is possible? It is!

Two skill sets.

One writer.

Similar rules.


How does a content writer become an email copywriting pro in 21 days or less?


Keep reading cause I'm about to reveal the deets.


Let's be real. As content writers…


There's nothing quite like the thrill of facing a fresh writing challenge. Call it nerdy but it's what most of us live for.


So here's your challenge…


When the marketing department needs some email newsletter copy, instead of going to find Mr. X… Who do they come to? You.


When your freelance client needs an email copy to sell their product… Take up the project.


I can sense you slowly looking away. You're nervous, I know.


But that's why it's a challenge. The uncertainty around it makes it more fun.


Look, you write valuable content already AND emails are as valuable as they come.


But here's where it gets tricky: While content writing is focused on providing value and information to the reader, email copywriting is focused on driving action and engagement.


Not to worry, by following these steps, you'll be able to develop the skills and knowledge needed to write effective email copy that engage an audience and drive results.


These 5 steps will guide you and ease the tension you are feeling:


1. Learn from experts


To get started, do a quick Google research on email copywriting best practices. There are tons of articles and blogs out there that can give you some great tips and tricks to get started.


Also, subscribe to email newsletters from companies that you admire and analyze what they do.

Two email copywriters discuss a campaign in front of a laptop. They're dressed casually, in a neutral office space.

By learning from others, you can avoid common mistakes and even give yourself a beautiful headstart to email copy.


De-stress self-talk:

"I don't have to be a natural-born writer to be good at email copywriting. By studying best practices and learning from others, I can quickly improve my skills"


2. Practice, practice, practice!


The best way to become a skilled email copywriter is to practice writing different types of emails. Writing a valuable email might not be a challenge for you so begin with the obvious types: promo emails and welcome sequences.


When you feel like it, move to learn how to write cart abandonment emails and re-engagement emails, etc.

The hand of an email copywriter writes her first email draft in pen on paper.

Each type of email has a different goal and requires a different approach, so practice writing a variety of emails to build your confidence.


De-stress self-talk:

"Writing emails can be fun and creative! Plus, the more I practice, the easier it gets"


3. Know your audience


Similar to content writing, to write effective emails, you need to understand your audience and write for their specific needs and interests. The word segmentation usually pops up when talking about email lists. Your knowledge about your audience will be useful when creating segments.


By writing for specific segments, you can create more targeted and personalized emails that resonate with your audience.


De-stress self-talk:

"Understanding my audience doesn't have to be difficult. With a little bit of research, I can quickly gain insights into their needs and preferences"


4. Use data to optimize your emails


Email copywriting is as much about data as it is about writing. Use analytics tools to track the performance of your emails and use that data to inform your writing.

A marketing data sheet is shown close up on a screen.

Play with different subject lines, calls-to-action, and messaging to see what resonates best with your audience.


It's a testing game, y'all.


De-stress self-talk:

"I don't have to be a data analyst to use data to optimize these emails. By using simple analytics tools and testing different elements, I can always improve their performance.


5. Collaborate with your clients and marketing team


Email copy is just one part of a larger marketing strategy. To be successful, you need to work closely with the marketing departments if you're an employee or with your client if you're a freelancer.


Collaborate with your marketing team or client to understand their goals and needs and let their feedback guide your email copy.


By working together, you can create emails that are not only well-written but also aligned with their overall vision.


De-stress self-talk:

"Collaboration is meant to be fun and rewarding! By working with my team or clients, I can learn new skills and gain insights into different areas of their business"


Two marketing writers discuss a campaign plan on a tablet, standing close together.

So there you have it.


By following these 5 steps, you can become a skilled email copywriter in record time.


You're already a badass. Don't be afraid to get creative and personal with your writing. With a little bit of practice and dedication, you'll be writing great emails in no time


Now come back three weeks from now and tell me how cool it is to have a diversified, kickass portfolio 😎


Did you enjoy the de-stress self-talk at the end of each step? Drop Christopher a comment! And follow him on social.

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