Ever crafted a stellar outbound cold email, only to falter at the final hurdle—the call to action? It’s like running a marathon and stumbling a few meters before the finish line. While the essence of our emails may carry the crux of our message, how we conclude our emails holds the power of obtaining some engagement from the reader. The ending, often skimmed and sometimes an afterthought, can be the difference between a forgettable message and one that resonates.
At FueltoFly our team of specialists write hundreds of emails every month, iterating, customizing, and optimizing daily. Today we are going to share our thoughts on the nuances of a great and impactful call to action.
The significance of email call to actions
Those final words are what your argument culminates on. They have the potential to cement your message in the reader’s mind. Essentially, the emotions, takeaways, and overall vibe your email imparts often rest on the shoulders of that concluding note.
This subtle but very critical part of your email can be the difference between your reader replying, clicking, or sharing your mail with a relevant colleague. Or, it could result in the reader forgetting completely about your mail the next day.
Crafting the right email call to action
When it comes to the call to action, the spectrum is vast. Let’s dig into some of the dos and don’ts of call-to-actions: .
Don’t: Big asks. Requires a time commitment.
- Are you available for a brief call at {time options}?
- I’m available tomorrow {insert two times you’re available}. Can we sync up?
- What’s the best day/time this week or next for a quick 15-minute conversation?
Do: Small asks. Not asking for time; gauging interest first. Easy to respond with yes or no.
- Are you interested in learning more?
- Worth exploring in Q1/Q2?
- Open to learning more?
- Would an email exchange make sense?
- Opposed to learning more?
- Is this of interest, or am I way off base?
Do: Start a conversation.
- Have you considered using <service> to solve <problem>?
- How are you currently solving for <problem>?
- Are you doing everything possible to solve <problem>, and still have <problem 2>? Ever considered using another tool?
Crafting the perfect email call to action: A few tips
Since we’re delving into the nuances of call to actions, here are some tips on how to make your email conclusions more impactful.
A touch of personalization goes a long way:
Personal touches can transform an ordinary call to action into something memorable. Demonstrate an understanding of the exact problem the user is facing based on category or strategic insights.
Clarity is king:
Remember, do not ask for too much from your prospect, and ensure that you are clear on asking them one thing and one thing only. The more you ask the more they will be put off.
Authenticity above all:
Ever received an email that felt robotic? Almost as if it was churned out of a cold, lifeless machine? That’s probably because it lacked genuineness. Whether it’s a sprinkle of humor, a dash of warmth, or just plain old sincerity, keep it genuine. People can usually sniff out pretense from a mile away, and there’s nothing more off-putting than insincerity wrapped in niceties.
Consistent with your email’s rhythm:
Just like you wouldn’t wear a tuxedo to a beach party, your call to action should match its overall mood and content.
Keep cultural sensitivities in mind:
If you’re emailing someone from a different country or cultural background, it’s a wise idea to familiarize yourself with their email etiquette. What might be friendly and warm in one culture could be perceived as unprofessional or even rude in another. Taking that extra minute to research can save potential misunderstandings and showcase your respect.
Mind the context and relationship:
Your relationship with the recipient plays a crucial role in your call to action choice. You should not jump straight to a workshop or a proposal if you have not even met with the person, or prompt to download endless brochures without having conversed yet.
Conclusion
The power of the email isn’t just in the main content—it’s in every word, from the greeting right down to that crucial call to action. Your outbound email strategy needs to encompass all aspects of the email journey. Each aspect needs to constantly be analyzed, tested, and adjusted until you find the sweet spot. Something us at FueltoFly do every day. Looking at the numbers, adjusting, and doing the exercise again, it’s near real-time.
Mastering the art of concluding your message, you’re ensuring that your communication is memorable, impactful, and resonates the way you intended. So, the next time you type out an email, give that ending the attention it deserves. After all, it’s the final note that often plays the longest.