The Ultimate 15 Email Marketing Hacks Most Brands Miss In Their Strategy
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High ROASSo why does email keep winning? It’s all about delivering massive returns at a low cost. In fact, some brands generate 30% of their marketing revenue through email alone. While the appeal of paid media slightly fades due to declining ROAS on platforms like Facebook and Instagram, email stays resilient this year. -
Smart email marketingBut here’s the catch: while billions of emails are sent daily, many never get opened. What’s the secret to standing out in the crowded inbox? In this blog, we’ll explore how to craft impactful campaigns and share 15 examples that show how brands are boosting their ROI with smart, interactive email marketing strategies.
- High ROASSo why does email keep winning? It’s all about delivering massive returns at a low cost. In fact, some brands generate 30% of their marketing revenue through email alone. While the appeal of paid media slightly fades due to declining ROAS on platforms like Facebook and Instagram, email stays resilient this year.
- Smart email marketingBut here’s the catch: while billions of emails are sent daily, many never get opened. What’s the secret to standing out in the crowded inbox? In this blog, we’ll explore how to craft impactful campaigns and share 15 examples that show how brands are boosting their ROI with smart, interactive email marketing strategies.
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Inbox Commerce: The new frontier in Email Marketing
Inbox Commerce: The new frontier in Email Marketing
How does Inbox Commerce improve your email marketing?
How does Inbox Commerce improve your email marketing?
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Enhanced user experienceRecipients can interact with email content without leaving their inbox, boosting engagement. -
Real-time updatesDeliver up-to-the-minute info on flash sales, price drops, and limited-time offers directly in the email. -
Better ROIEliminate redirects to any website or app, and enable transactions within emails for higher conversion rates and better ROI. -
PersonalizationCapture zero-party data in the email, gaining deeper insights into user behavior.
- Enhanced user experienceRecipients can interact with email content without leaving their inbox, boosting engagement.
- Real-time updatesDeliver up-to-the-minute info on flash sales, price drops, and limited-time offers directly in the email.
- Better ROIEliminate redirects to any website or app, and enable transactions within emails for higher conversion rates and better ROI.
- PersonalizationCapture zero-party data in the email, gaining deeper insights into user behavior.
The shift from static HTML to dynamic, interactive content allows users to fill out forms, book meetings, and scroll through carousels—all within their inbox. Outdated CTAs and redirects are a thing of the past.
The shift from static HTML to dynamic, interactive content allows users to fill out forms, book meetings, and scroll through carousels—all within their inbox. Outdated CTAs and redirects are a thing of the past.
• 370% increase in form submissions
• 833% increase in NPS responses
• 370% increase in form submissions
• 833% increase in NPS responses
We’ve gathered 15 standout email marketing campaigns from global brands, each showcasing the power of Inbox Commerce.
We’ve gathered 15 standout email marketing campaigns from global brands, each showcasing the power of Inbox Commerce.
Campaign 1: Dollar Shave Club’s Humorous Welcome Emails
Campaign 1: Dollar Shave Club’s Humorous Welcome Emails
Why it worked?
A lighthearted tone highlights the brand’s personality, paired with a well-designed CTA. The referral section is strategically placed to encourage sharing, offering a tangible reward ($5 in DSC Credits) to enhance customer engagement and potentially grow the subscriber base.
Why it worked?
A lighthearted tone highlights the brand’s personality, paired with a well-designed CTA. The referral section is strategically placed to encourage sharing, offering a tangible reward ($5 in DSC Credits) to enhance customer engagement and potentially grow the subscriber base.
Campaign 2: GoPro’s #One Girl UGC Email Campaign That Resonates
Campaign 2: GoPro’s #One Girl UGC Email Campaign That Resonates
Why it worked?
Showcasing GoPro cameras in real-world action scenarios emphasized the product’s capabilities and benefits. Using a specific hashtag and maintaining a consistent content style and subject matter strengthened the GoPro brand identity.
Why it worked?
Showcasing GoPro cameras in real-world action scenarios emphasized the product’s capabilities and benefits. Using a specific hashtag and maintaining a consistent content style and subject matter strengthened the GoPro brand identity.
Campaign 3: Levi’s “It’s In Your Bag” Abandoned Cart Recovery Emails
Campaign 3: Levi’s “It’s In Your Bag” Abandoned Cart Recovery Emails
Why it worked?
The copy featured a compelling CTA that encouraged readers to complete their purchase. The 25% discount further motivated customers to finish their transaction and rekindle their engagement.
Why it worked?
The copy featured a compelling CTA that encouraged readers to complete their purchase. The 25% discount further motivated customers to finish their transaction and rekindle their engagement.
Campaign 4: Myntra’s “Event Marketing Play” Interactive Email
Campaign 4: Myntra’s “Event Marketing Play” Interactive Email
Why it worked?
This campaign harnessed the excitement around the 2022 Grammy Awards, incentivizing data collection and offering shoppable recommendations based on trending styles. A clear “Shop Now” CTA led to a remarkable 140% uplift in conversions. Recognized for its innovation, this email won the “Best Use of Interactive Emails” award at the 2022 MediaPost EIS Awards.
Why it worked?
This campaign harnessed the excitement around the 2022 Grammy Awards, incentivizing data collection and offering shoppable recommendations based on trending styles. A clear “Shop Now” CTA led to a remarkable 140% uplift in conversions. Recognized for its innovation, this email won the “Best Use of Interactive Emails” award at the 2022 MediaPost EIS Awards.
Campaign 5: Sephora’s “Where’ve You Been?” Win-Back Emails
Campaign 5: Sephora’s “Where’ve You Been?” Win-Back Emails
Why it worked?
The design is visually striking, using bold reds and dynamic angles to highlight the $15 reward card offer, effectively capturing the recipient’s attention. The “Where’ve You Been” copy adds an empathetic touch, which helps reignite engagement. The inclusion of a specific expiration date creates urgency, prompting quicker action.
Why it worked?
The design is visually striking, using bold reds and dynamic angles to highlight the $15 reward card offer, effectively capturing the recipient’s attention. The “Where’ve You Been” copy adds an empathetic touch, which helps reignite engagement. The inclusion of a specific expiration date creates urgency, prompting quicker action.
Campaign 6: Apple’s “It’s Easy To Switch” Product Launch Email Strategy
Campaign 6: Apple’s “It’s Easy To Switch” Product Launch Email Strategy
Why it worked?
Apple took a refreshing approach by highlighting key differences between Android and iOS. The interactive emails showcased Apple’s sleek design, seamless data transfer, and durability, attracting both Gen Z and Android users. The minimalist design aligns perfectly with Apple’s brand aesthetic, reinforcing brand recognition. Including real customer testimonials added a personal touch, providing social proof that can convert potential buyers.
Why it worked?
Apple took a refreshing approach by highlighting key differences between Android and iOS. The interactive emails showcased Apple’s sleek design, seamless data transfer, and durability, attracting both Gen Z and Android users. The minimalist design aligns perfectly with Apple’s brand aesthetic, reinforcing brand recognition. Including real customer testimonials added a personal touch, providing social proof that can convert potential buyers.
Campaign 7: Photobook’s “Are You Up For the Challenge?” Interactive Email Quiz
Campaign 7: Photobook’s “Are You Up For the Challenge?” Interactive Email Quiz
Why it worked?
Photobook swapped static content for an interactive quiz, leading to an 860% increase in engagement. User responses fueled personalized recommendations, driving a 400% boost in ROI. The visuals are bright and appealing, effectively showcasing the product (photobooks). The clean layout makes it easy for users to grasp what’s being promoted. The campaign also earned Photobook the “Best Retail Campaign” title at the 2023 MediaPost EIS Awards.
Why it worked?
Photobook swapped static content for an interactive quiz, leading to an 860% increase in engagement. User responses fueled personalized recommendations, driving a 400% boost in ROI. The visuals are bright and appealing, effectively showcasing the product (photobooks). The clean layout makes it easy for users to grasp what’s being promoted. The campaign also earned Photobook the “Best Retail Campaign” title at the 2023 MediaPost EIS Awards.
Campaign 8: Glossier’s Limited-Time Flash Sale Email Strategy
Campaign 8: Glossier’s Limited-Time Flash Sale Email Strategy
Why it worked?
The scarcity principle of “limited-edition” products created a strong fear of missing out (FOMO). The mention that the sale sets were only available until Tuesday added urgency, prompting customers to act fast.
Why it worked?
The scarcity principle of “limited-edition” products created a strong fear of missing out (FOMO). The mention that the sale sets were only available until Tuesday added urgency, prompting customers to act fast.
Campaign 9: Ulta Beauty’s Transactional Order Status Emails
Campaign 9: Ulta Beauty’s Transactional Order Status Emails
Why it worked?
Showing gratitude for completing the purchase creates a compassionate tone, making the customer feel valued. Clear communication of post-purchase delivery details builds trust and reduces uncertainty. The use of icons for ‘Received’, ‘Shipped’, and ‘Delivered’ also helps customers easily track their order and know what to expect next.
Why it worked?
Showing gratitude for completing the purchase creates a compassionate tone, making the customer feel valued. Clear communication of post-purchase delivery details builds trust and reduces uncertainty. The use of icons for ‘Received’, ‘Shipped’, and ‘Delivered’ also helps customers easily track their order and know what to expect next.
Campaign 10: MoneyTap’s “Gold Loan Calculator” Interactive Empowerment Emails
Campaign 10: MoneyTap’s “Gold Loan Calculator” Interactive Empowerment Emails
Why it worked?
The calculator offered a valuable, no-commitment service by estimating eligibility, giving recipients a sense of control and empowerment. This led to a 13x increase in engagement and a 63% interaction rate on the CTA, outperforming static email campaigns. This campaign also won the “Best Use of Interactive Emails” award at the 2023 MediaPost EIS Awards.
Why it worked?
The calculator offered a valuable, no-commitment service by estimating eligibility, giving recipients a sense of control and empowerment. This led to a 13x increase in engagement and a 63% interaction rate on the CTA, outperforming static email campaigns. This campaign also won the “Best Use of Interactive Emails” award at the 2023 MediaPost EIS Awards.
Campaign 11: Harry’s “You Mean A Lot To Us” Appreciation Emails
Campaign 11: Harry’s “You Mean A Lot To Us” Appreciation Emails
Why it worked?
Personalized gratitude notes foster a 1:1 connection, making customers feel valued and encouraging positive word-of-mouth. The “CHOOSE YOUR FRIENDS” button is prominently placed, clearly guiding customers on what to do next. Lastly, including social media posts from satisfied users adds authenticity and builds trust.
Why it worked?
Personalized gratitude notes foster a 1:1 connection, making customers feel valued and encouraging positive word-of-mouth. The “CHOOSE YOUR FRIENDS” button is prominently placed, clearly guiding customers on what to do next. Lastly, including social media posts from satisfied users adds authenticity and builds trust.
Campaign 12: Ritual’s Post-Purchase Feedback Survey Email
Campaign 12: Ritual’s Post-Purchase Feedback Survey Email
Why it worked?
The email’s friendly, personable tone made the recipient feel appreciated and more likely to participate. Gathering feedback through first-person data provided valuable insights into customer needs and preferences, while also highlighting areas that need improvement.
Why it worked?
The email’s friendly, personable tone made the recipient feel appreciated and more likely to participate. Gathering feedback through first-person data provided valuable insights into customer needs and preferences, while also highlighting areas that need improvement.
Campaign 13: Starbucks “Double Star Day” Loyalty Email Campaign
Campaign 13: Starbucks “Double Star Day” Loyalty Email Campaign
Why it worked?
The use of elements like the star and “2x” icon effectively highlighted the doubling of rewards, immediately capturing the recipient’s attention. The gold tones and iconic Starbucks style reinforced brand consistency, making the email instantly recognizable. This strong visual identity enhanced the overall brand experience, while the clear communication of the promotion’s benefits made it easy for customers to understand and act on.
Why it worked?
The use of elements like the star and “2x” icon effectively highlighted the doubling of rewards, immediately capturing the recipient’s attention. The gold tones and iconic Starbucks style reinforced brand consistency, making the email instantly recognizable. This strong visual identity enhanced the overall brand experience, while the clear communication of the promotion’s benefits made it easy for customers to understand and act on.
Campaign 14: 99 Group’s “Zero-Party Data Collection” Email Strategy
Campaign 14: 99 Group’s “Zero-Party Data Collection” Email Strategy
Why it worked?
The email grabs attention with an image of a decorated, modern, and spacious interior, setting the tone for the campaign. This campaign demonstrated the power of capturing zero-party data through interactive forms within emails. These forms provided valuable insights that led to 5x more lead generation and a 30% boost in conversion rates. By personalizing future campaigns, they could address key areas for improvement, creating a win-win situation. The campaign also earned the ‘Wildcard Award’ for Zero Party Data Campaigns.
Why it worked?
The email grabs attention with an image of a decorated, modern, and spacious interior, setting the tone for the campaign. This campaign demonstrated the power of capturing zero-party data through interactive forms within emails. These forms provided valuable insights that led to 5x more lead generation and a 30% boost in conversion rates. By personalizing future campaigns, they could address key areas for improvement, creating a win-win situation. The campaign also earned the ‘Wildcard Award’ for Zero Party Data Campaigns.
Campaign 15: Fabiani’s “Hunt For Style” Gamification Email Campaigns
Campaign 15: Fabiani’s “Hunt For Style” Gamification Email Campaigns
Why it worked?
By adding gamification elements like riddles and crossword puzzles, this campaign transformed a typical email into an engaging experience. These interactive features encouraged two-way engagement, making the email feel fresh and exciting. The promise of a mystery discount and a chance to win a substantial gift card created strong incentives, driving participation and boosting sales. The email clearly outlined the steps: solve a riddle, find an item, and receive a mystery discount.
Why it worked?
By adding gamification elements like riddles and crossword puzzles, this campaign transformed a typical email into an engaging experience. These interactive features encouraged two-way engagement, making the email feel fresh and exciting. The promise of a mystery discount and a chance to win a substantial gift card created strong incentives, driving participation and boosting sales. The email clearly outlined the steps: solve a riddle, find an item, and receive a mystery discount.
Now that you’re familiar with successful email campaigns, let’s dive into the strategy behind building a strong one.
How to Build and Execute an Effective Email Campaign
How to Build and Execute an Effective Email Campaign
Step 1: Choose your email marketing platform
Step 1: Choose your email marketing platform
Step 2: Define your targets
Step 2: Define your targets
Step 3: Create your lists
Step 3: Create your lists
Step 4: Blueprint your email template
Step 4: Blueprint your email template
Step 5: Create a campaign timeline
Step 5: Create a campaign timeline
Step 6: Track key metrics
Step 6: Track key metrics
What’s Next for Email in 2025?
What’s Next for Email in 2025?
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Don’t miss out on AI!Optimization and personalization strategies in email marketing have shifted from being optional to essential. According to Forbes, 61% of brands are leveraging AI to achieve these goals. As consumer expectations grow, brands must stay ahead by integrating AI technology to drive better results and more meaningful engagement. -
Play by the new rules (or risk being marked as spam!)With stricter regulations from platforms like Gmail and Yahoo, it’s more important than ever to focus on user consent, email authentication (SPF, DKIM, DMARC), and delivering quality content. This helps keep emails out of the spam folder and ensures user inboxes stay happy. Staying up-to-date on data privacy is equally crucial to avoid falling behind. -
Put the customer firstInstead of mass messaging that can be irrelevant, content should be personalized with value that directly addresses the audience’s needs. Respect individual recipients' preferences and prioritize meaningful interactions. Using interactive elements like GIFs, video links, and accessible design can help capture attention in a crowded inbox and stand out.
- Don’t miss out on AI!Optimization and personalization strategies in email marketing have shifted from being optional to essential. According to Forbes, 61% of brands are leveraging AI to achieve these goals. As consumer expectations grow, brands must stay ahead by integrating AI technology to drive better results and more meaningful engagement.
- Play by the new rules (or risk being marked as spam!)With stricter regulations from platforms like Gmail and Yahoo, it’s more important than ever to focus on user consent, email authentication (SPF, DKIM, DMARC), and delivering quality content. This helps keep emails out of the spam folder and ensures user inboxes stay happy. Staying up-to-date on data privacy is equally crucial to avoid falling behind.
- Put the customer firstInstead of mass messaging that can be irrelevant, content should be personalized with value that directly addresses the audience’s needs. Respect individual recipients' preferences and prioritize meaningful interactions. Using interactive elements like GIFs, video links, and accessible design can help capture attention in a crowded inbox and stand out.
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It’s more than just emails—omnichannel takes the lead!While paid ads may grab attention, email truly stands out when paired with an omnichannel strategy. Combine web push notifications and SMS to connect with customers on their preferred channels, anytime and anywhere. This multi-channel approach keeps a brand front and center, increasing engagement and driving sales across platforms. -
Permission alone won’t win back readersEven with permission, many emails still miss the inbox (22%). Marketers should embrace a Sales-Led Growth (SLG) strategy, which includes mobile-friendly design, compelling subject lines (under 30 characters!), and content that aligns with readers' evolving remote work environments. This approach ultimately supports effective customer acquisition.
- It’s more than just emails—omnichannel takes the lead!While paid ads may grab attention, email truly stands out when paired with an omnichannel strategy. Combine web push notifications and SMS to connect with customers on their preferred channels, anytime and anywhere. This multi-channel approach keeps a brand front and center, increasing engagement and driving sales across platforms.
- Permission alone won’t win back readersEven with permission, many emails still miss the inbox (22%). Marketers should embrace a Sales-Led Growth (SLG) strategy, which includes mobile-friendly design, compelling subject lines (under 30 characters!), and content that aligns with readers' evolving remote work environments. This approach ultimately supports effective customer acquisition.
These email marketing examples make it clear: emails are far from outdated. The inbox landscape is evolving, and staying ahead is key. Embrace Inbox Commerce with a mobile-first design, using AI-powered personalization and captivating content to ensure your emails land where they should—in inboxes, not spam folders.
These email marketing examples make it clear: emails are far from outdated. The inbox landscape is evolving, and staying ahead is key. Embrace Inbox Commerce with a mobile-first design, using AI-powered personalization and captivating content to ensure your emails land where they should—in inboxes, not spam folders.
how to make $60K in just 4 weeks?
$60K in just 4 weeks?
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