In a world dominated by flashy designs and eye-catching graphics, it's easy to forget the power of simplicity. But what if I told you that one of the most effective tools in your email marketing arsenal might be the humble plain text email? It’s true—plain text emails, often overlooked in favour of their HTML counterparts, can offer a unique edge in your email campaigns. Here’s why you should consider adding them to your strategy.
The Magic of Plain Text Emails
They Feel More Personal
When you receive a plain text email, it feels different—more personal, almost like it’s coming from a friend or colleague rather than a faceless brand. This personal touch can significantly boost engagement. Adding the sender's name and a conversational tone can make your audience feel like you're speaking directly to them, rather than just another name on a mailing list.
Better Deliverability
One of the biggest challenges in email marketing is making sure your emails actually reach the inbox. Plain text emails have a better chance of landing in the primary inbox because they’re less likely to be flagged as promotional by email clients. With fewer images and complex elements, there’s less for spam filters to catch, which means your email is more likely to be seen by your audience.
Mobile Friendly
In today’s mobile-first world, your emails need to look good on any device. Plain text emails excel here—no wonky formatting, no slow-loading images, just clean, easy-to-read text. Whether your audience is checking their emails on a phone, tablet, or desktop, your message will be delivered clearly and effectively.
Improved Accessibility
Accessibility is a key consideration for any email marketer. Plain text emails are easier for screen readers and other assistive technologies to interpret, making your content more accessible to a broader audience. By ensuring your emails are readable by everyone, you’re not only providing a better user experience but also expanding your reach.
They Stand Out
In an inbox flooded with beautifully designed HTML emails, a plain text email can be a breath of fresh air. It cuts through the clutter, standing out precisely because it’s different. This simplicity can make your message more impactful, drawing attention in a way that flashy designs sometimes can’t.
When to Use Plain Text Emails
While beautifully designed HTML emails definitely have their place, there are times when a plain text email is the better choice. Here’s when you should consider using them:
- Personal Messages: When you want to make a personal connection, such as a follow-up or a thank you email.
- Important Announcements: For critical updates where the message needs to be delivered without distraction.
- High-Volume Campaigns: During periods when deliverability is crucial, like Black Friday, plain text emails can help ensure your message reaches your audience.
At Flowstate, we’ve seen our clients boost their open rates by as much as 37% simply by switching the occasional campaign to plain text. It’s a simple change, but one that can have a big impact on your results.
Plain text emails are just one of the many "secret weapons" we explore in Flowstate Academy. If you’re curious about this and other game-changing email marketing strategies, Flowstate Academy is where we reveal all our insights.
What You’ll Learn in Flowstate Academy
- Email Marketing Tactics: Discover when to use plain text vs. HTML emails and other proven strategies.
- Customised Email Growth Plan: Develop a strategy tailored to your brand's unique needs.
- Winning Campaigns and Flows: Learn our complete system for creating high-performing email campaigns.
- Guidance and Support: Get hands-on advice to implement everything with confidence.
Plus, you’ll join a community of like-minded marketers, all striving to elevate their email marketing game.
If you’re ready to unlock these strategies and more, check out Flowstate Academy below. We’re ready to help you take your email marketing to the next level.