5 Things to Avoid When Writing Emails

Good morning!

I’ve had a great week. I hope you have, too.

I took a copywriting class a mentor had recommended to me. I was surprised at how much I learned.

Here is a list of five things to avoid when writing emails that can apply to anything you write or create for your audience.

1.  A Narcisisstic Avatar

Have you heard of a business avatar? This is the person you imagine you are speaking to when you create content.

This was the most shocking tip.

Be careful you’re not just imagining yourself.

Your audience is not you.

Oh! Right? They aren’t exactly like me. What convinces me, what appeals to me, etc. will not be what appeals and convinces them. Not exactly.

Think outside your own imagination and be sure to include your audience.

How do you do that?
Study the market.

2. Being a Copycat

Do not copy an email that is not yours. Now, you might not plagiarize, but I know I’m guilty of taking a pattern and changing the words ever so slightly.

Hmmm. That won’t work.

People are getting to know you.

They will be able to tell if you’re being yourself or if you are imitating someone.

The way my class phrased it, “People are smart.” They can tell if you are like everybody else.

Hint, hint! That’s a sign you’re not being yourself.

3. Worrying About What People Think

This was the most helpful tip.

You can’t be worried about what people you know or even what strangers are going to think.

Why not?
If you are worried about what people are going to think of you, you will hold back.

Your audience will be able to tell. You won’t be convincing.

4. Paralysis by Overthinking

Do you know the phrase “analysis paralysis?”

I am guilty of it. I think through what I’m going to do and take weeks to get something new done.

I need to feel good about what I’m doing, which means think through all avenues and aspects, before I ever act.

This has failure built-in.

Not acting is not succeeding.

We’ve got to act and learn by doing.

Else, success will take too long.

5. Believing It’s a Gift

Writing business emails, copy, and content is not a natural talent.

Some people do have an easier time writing. This is true.

But it’s not something anyone is born knowing how to do.

Some children can sing. Some have an innate sense of rhythm and can dance.

You see the difference?

Even these talents have to be perfected with practice.

But content creation? That is a learned skill.

Unfortunately, and really, fortunately it is learned by doing.

Unfortunately, But Fortunately?

It’s great that we can all learn this aspect of business.

My first irksome thought, I must admit, was, “Oh, no!”

I must learn by doing. I’d much rather read books. Take classes. Think it out….

But that’s not how it’s done.

I’ve got to practice. Then I will improve.

Fortunately, I will improve.
It’s a guarantee that if I practice, I will get better.

Conclusion

So, there are five things to avoid: writing to someone just like you, copying someone else, worrying about what people think, overthinking, and believing you don’t have the gift.

What’s my plan? I was challenged to write every day.

I know that’s the best goal, but I honestly don’t have something to say every day.

I will send three emails a week.

I am going to write at least five during Mon-Fri. I don’t necessarily have to send them all. I might just pick a product and write an email for it. Just for the practice.

Did any of these five tips appeal to you? What helped? What didn’t?

Is there anything you don’t agree with?
Let me know in the comments.

Ciao for now,