How to Write Effective, High-Converting Emails for the Holiday Season

About this blog…

The holiday season is a golden opportunity for businesses to connect with their audience, drive sales, and build lasting relationships. However, standing out in a crowded inbox during this time requires thoughtful strategy and execution. This guide will teach you how to craft effective, high-converting emails for the holidays while providing actionable tips and subject lines you can use to capture your audience’s attention.

Why Holiday Emails Matter

Holiday emails are more than just promotional tools; they’re a chance to strengthen your brand’s presence, foster customer loyalty, and meet your end-of-year revenue goals. However, with inboxes flooded with festive offers, standing out requires a combination of creativity, personalization, and clear calls to action.

1. Write Attention-Grabbing Subject Lines

Your subject line is the first thing a recipient sees, so it needs to stop the scroll. It should be clear, concise, and spark curiosity or excitement. Personalization and urgency are key here.

Tips for Crafting Subject Lines:

Keep it under 50 characters.
Use emojis sparingly to emphasize holiday themes.
Create a sense of urgency or exclusivity.
Personalize with the recipient’s name or preferences.

Examples of High-Converting Holiday Subject Lines:

“🎁 Last Chance: Up to 50% Off Ends Tonight!”
“Tiffany, Your Holiday Wishlist Is Waiting! ✨”
“The Ultimate Gift Guide—Curated Just for You”
“Hurry! Limited-Edition Holiday Favorites Are Here”
“Deck the Halls with 20% Off Everything 🎄”

2. Segment Your Audience for Maximum Impact

One-size-fits-all emails rarely perform well, especially during the holidays. Segmentation allows you to tailor your message to specific groups of customers based on their interests, behavior, or demographics.

Segmentation Ideas:

VIP Customers: Offer exclusive early access to sales or special discounts.
Recent Purchasers: Suggest complementary products.
Abandoned Cart Users: Remind them of what they left behind with a special incentive.
Holiday Gift Shoppers: Highlight top-rated gifts or last-minute options.

3. Focus on Holiday-Specific Value Propositions

Your email should clearly communicate how your product or service adds value during the holiday season. Whether it’s simplifying gift shopping, creating memorable moments, or offering savings, highlight what makes your offer special.

Examples of Holiday Value Propositions:

Free shipping or expedited delivery for last-minute shoppers.
Limited-edition holiday products or bundles.
Gift-wrapping services.
Easy returns or extended holiday return policies.

4. Use Festive and Visual Email Designs

The design of your email plays a huge role in capturing attention and guiding recipients to take action. Use festive, holiday-themed colors and imagery while keeping the layout clean and easy to navigate.

Design Tips:

Use red, green, gold, or silver accents for a festive feel.
Incorporate holiday-themed imagery like snowflakes, ornaments, or gift boxes.
Use clear headings and ample white space for readability.
Ensure your email is mobile-friendly—over 50% of emails are opened on mobile devices.

Tools to Help You Create Stunning Emails:

Canva: For custom holiday graphics.
Mailchimp: For email templates and automation.
Litmus: To test how your emails appear on different devices.

5. Create Urgency with Time-Sensitive Offers

Holidays are time-sensitive by nature, so leverage this to encourage quick action. Use countdown timers, “last chance” messaging, or limited-time discounts to create urgency.

Examples of Urgent Messaging:

“48 Hours Only: Free Shipping on All Orders!”
“Hurry! These Deals Won’t Last Past Midnight.”
“Order by [Date] to Guarantee Christmas Delivery!”

6. Incorporate Personalization and Storytelling

Customers respond better to emails that feel personal. Add a touch of storytelling to your campaigns to connect on an emotional level and make your message memorable.

Personalization Tips:

Use the recipient’s name in the subject line or opening sentence.
Reference past purchases or browsing history.
Tailor recommendations based on preferences or location.

Example of Storytelling:

Subject Line: “A Holiday Story Worth Sharing… 🎄”
Email Body: Share a heartfelt story about how your brand or products have brought joy during the holidays. End with a call-to-action encouraging readers to create their own holiday memories with your product.

7. Use Strong Calls to Action (CTAs)

Your email should always have a clear and compelling call to action. Avoid generic CTAs like “Click Here” and instead use action-driven phrases.

Effective CTA Examples:

“Shop the Sale Now”
“Claim Your Holiday Gift Today”
“Find the Perfect Present”
“Order Now to Beat the Holiday Rush”

8. Test and Optimize for Best Results

Before sending your holiday emails, test different elements to see what resonates best with your audience. A/B testing is a great way to refine your campaigns.

What to Test:

Subject lines: Test urgency vs. curiosity.
Email design: Compare plain text vs. visually rich emails.
Send times: Early morning vs. late afternoon.
Offers: Percentage discounts vs. dollar-off deals.

9. Automate Follow-Ups and Reminders

Automation ensures your audience stays engaged without requiring extra manual effort. Set up automated sequences for abandoned carts, post-purchase thank-yous, and reminders about expiring deals.

Examples of Follow-Up Emails:

“Still Deciding? Don’t Miss Out on These Holiday Picks!”
“Your Gift Is Almost Gone! Complete Your Purchase Now.”
“Thank You for Shopping with Us—Here’s 10% Off Your Next Order.”

10. Analyze Performance and Iterate

Finally, after each campaign, review key performance metrics like open rates, click-through rates, and conversions. Use these insights to refine your approach for future emails.

Final Thoughts

Writing effective, high-converting holiday emails is all about understanding your audience and delivering value in a way that feels timely, festive, and personal. By implementing the tips and strategies outlined above, you’ll be well-equipped to create campaigns that drive results and leave a lasting impression on your customers.

Ready to start your holiday email campaigns? Begin by brainstorming subject lines that align with your brand and use the strategies above to craft emails that shine this holiday season!