How to Make Your Emails Stand Out

Want to get your emails returned? Who doesn’t… Many of us would settle for just getting our emails read! Let’s face it: prospects get hundreds of emails per week and there is a slim chance they are going to read – let alone respond to – an email from a sales rep. Luckily, there are 5 quick secrets to help your emails stand out and give you the best chance of getting them read and returned.

Secret #1: Put your prospect’s first name in the subject line.

Everyone is drawn to their first name, so make your subject line something like:

“John, just left you a voicemail…”

Your email will stand out in their inbox because their name will draw attention to the unread message, and they are more likely open it.

Secret #2: Personalize the first sentence of your email.

Draw your prospect’s attention to something that is happening now and current in their situation. This will snap your prospect out of his/her rote reading of emails.

Try greetings like:

“Hope you’re staying warm on this winter day!” or, “I’m sure you’re buried in your [insert name of a new project], so I’ll keep this brief…”

By taking the time to personalize your first sentence, you’ll draw your reader in and that will give you the best chance to get your email read.

Secret #3: Break your paragraphs up into sentences.

Nothing will turn your prospect off more than long, information-packed paragraphs.

Their eyes will glaze over and they might open your email, but they definitely won’t read or respond to it.

Break up your sentences into paragraphs if possible to make them more accessible and to read. Keep it to no more than 2 sentences per paragraph.

Just like this article is written— easy to read, isn’t it?

Secret #4: Ask for a return response— whether they are interested or not.

Give your prospect a chance to “opt-out” of further communication with you by directly asking for a response.

Thank them in advance for their consideration and ask them to let you know if they’re interested or not. And let them know you’ll remove their name if they aren’t.

Special Hint: Also give them the option of referring you to the right department or another person who might be more appropriate. This also gives them an out— and gives you an in.

Secret #5: Promise to follow up by phone if they don’t respond.

Let them know that you understand they are busy, and that out of consideration if you don’t hear from them you’ll follow up with a call in a day or two.

This really increases your response rate. Don’t be unhappy if they ask to “op-out.” The prospects who do opt-out have just disqualified themselves and saved you a ton of time.

And for those you don’t hear from— start calling! Suddenly, when they do pick up, it’ll be a warm call.

Try implementing these five secrets today and watch as your emails suddenly become relevant again.

Mastering virtual selling techniques gives you a massive competitive advantage because it allows you to engage more prospects & customers, in less time, at a lower cost, while reducing the sales cycle. Download the Virtual Selling Book Club Guide here.