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5 Email Templates That Generate 40% More Clicks
Unlock higher email click-through rates with five effective templates that emphasize personalization, urgency, and social proof.
Table of Contents
Every email marketer faces the same challenge: how to get people to open, read, and click. Here’s the good news: with the right approach, you can boost your click-through rates by 40% or more. This article introduces five email templates designed to solve common email engagement problems. Each template focuses on simplicity, clear calls-to-action, and a personal tone that resonates with readers.
Quick Overview:
Welcome Offer: Craft a warm, engaging first impression with personalization and urgency.
Product Launch: Highlight benefits and create excitement with visuals and limited-time offers.
Educational Content: Share actionable tips to establish trust and encourage clicks.
Social Proof: Use success stories and testimonials to build credibility and drive action.
Re-Engagement: Win back inactive subscribers with empathy and valuable incentives.
These templates are easy to customize and proven to drive results. Whether you’re welcoming new subscribers, launching a product, or reconnecting with your audience, these strategies can help you stand out in crowded inboxes and generate more clicks.
How to Improve Email Click-Through Rate (CTR) | Email Examples
1. Welcome Offer Template
Your welcome email is your first impression, and it’s a big deal. Welcome emails typically see open rates around 56%, which is far higher than standard marketing emails. Even better, they can achieve conversion rates of up to 57%. That’s why nailing this first email is so important - it could set the tone for your entire email marketing strategy.
Here’s a tried-and-true welcome email template, inspired by The Cluck Norris Method’s conversational style:
Subject Line: "Hey [First Name], here’s your 20% off (expires in 48 hours)"
Email Body:
"Hi [First Name],
Welcome to the family! I’m thrilled to have you here.
As a thank-you, here’s your exclusive discount code: WELCOME20
[Claim Your 20% Discount] ← Big, bold button
You’ll also start receiving weekly updates with tips, stories, and the occasional special offer. No spam, no fluff - just helpful content to grow your business.
Got questions? Just hit reply. I read every email.
Talk soon,
[Your Name]
P.S. Don’t forget - this discount expires in 48 hours, so act fast!"
Why This Template Works
Personalization is the secret sauce. Emails with personalized elements have open rates 29% higher and click-through rates 41% higher than generic ones. This template uses the recipient’s first name twice - once in the subject line and once in the greeting - making it feel like a personal note rather than a mass email. Plus, having a single, clear call-to-action (CTA) boosts clicks by 371% and drives sales up by 1,617%. The 48-hour expiration adds urgency without being pushy, encouraging immediate action.
Real-World Success Stories
Plenty of brands are seeing fantastic results with similar strategies. For instance:
These companies understand the power of offering immediate value - it motivates customers to engage right away.
Marketing expert Ryan Stewart, Managing Partner at The Blueprint Training, sums it up perfectly:
"The most important element of a welcome email for SaaS companies is to make sure it’s personal. One way to do this is by using the first name of the person you’re writing to. That way, it feels like a personal message and not just an automated email. It’s also important to personalize your subject line for greater conversion."
The Engagement Strategy
This template doesn’t just stop at offering a discount - it also sets expectations for future emails, like frequency and content type, which helps build trust. The friendly, conversational tone - like saying, “Questions? Just hit reply” - invites a two-way dialogue, making subscribers feel valued. Businesses that personalize their emails this way have seen click-through rates improve by an average of 14%.
Up next, we’ll explore how to create a product launch email that builds on this strong foundation.
2. Product Launch Email Template
Product launch emails are a golden opportunity to spark interest and prompt immediate action. Like welcome emails, they thrive on clear, action-driven language and a sense of urgency to encourage clicks. Striking the right balance between showcasing benefits and creating urgency is key. Emails with images tend to perform better, boasting a 4.5% higher click-through rate compared to text-only emails. Even more compelling, adding videos can boost click-through rates by 200% to 300%.
Here’s an example of a product launch email that gets results:
Subject Line: "🚀 Introducing [Product Name] - Limited early access"
Email Body:
"Hi [First Name],
Introducing [Product Name] - [brief benefit statement]
[Watch It In Action - 30 Second Demo] ← Video thumbnail or GIF
Key benefits include:
• Saves you 3+ hours per week
• Works with tools you already use
• Ready to use in under 5 minutes
[Get Early Access - 30% Off] ← Bold, contrasting button
This launch price expires in 72 hours, and we're limiting early access to just 500 customers.
Questions? Hit reply - I’m here to help.
[Your Name]"
Why This Template Works
Every detail in this email serves a purpose. Personalization, like addressing the subscriber by name, can increase engagement by up to 50%. The subject line grabs attention with an emoji and power words like "introducing", while also creating a sense of exclusivity.
The single, clear call-to-action (CTA) follows best practices, using action-oriented language. Research from Unbounce found that incorporating first-person pronouns in button text can increase clicks by 90%.
Real-World Success Stories
Some brands have perfected this approach with impressive outcomes:
Figma introduced FigJam in November 2023 with visually appealing graphics and bold colors to emphasize the product’s standout features. Their email included links to a blog post and an invitation to a live webinar, all paired with clear CTAs.
Deel took a personal touch in their November 2023 feature announcement. They addressed recipients by name, used an upbeat tone, and highlighted new features with emoji bullet points. Their CTA encouraged users to upvote the product on Product Hunt.
Grammarly unveiled their AI-powered tone detector by addressing common user pain points and using animations to demonstrate the feature in action. This made the value of the tool instantly clear to subscribers. This approach not only prompts immediate responses but also lays the groundwork for future campaigns.
The Psychology Behind High-Converting Launch Emails
This template is built on psychological triggers that encourage clicks. A 72-hour deadline and a 500-customer limit create urgency and scarcity, compelling readers to act quickly. Bullet points break down the key benefits in a way that’s easy to skim.
Brands like Partake Foods have used emojis in subject lines to grab attention and convey a friendly, approachable vibe. They also incorporated background animations to reflect the celebratory nature of their new product.
The inclusion of a video or GIF is a game-changer - visual content helps subscribers grasp your product’s value faster than text alone. For instance, Loom kept their desktop recorder announcement concise and visually engaging, using graphics to compare the new design with their existing Chrome version.
As Rytis Lauris, CEO & Co-founder of Omnisend, puts it:
"Reflect on past product launches; they're a goldmine of insights. Analyze feedback, learn from mistakes, and celebrate wins. At Omnisend, we know the value of leveraging historical data to refine strategies. Each launch is a chance to enhance, ensuring future success through continuous improvement."
Up next, learn how educational emails can help build trust that lasts.
3. Educational Content Email Template
Educational emails are a powerful tool to win those coveted clicks, helping establish you as a go-to expert while subtly guiding readers toward your offerings. These emails stand out because they prioritize sharing useful insights over making a hard sell. The secret? Offering real value that encourages recipients to engage further.
Subject Line: "The 5-minute trick that saves [Industry] pros 10 hours per week"
Email Body:
"Hi [First Name],
I just came across a simple tactic that can drastically cut down the time spent on [specific task/challenge].
The Problem: Many [target audience] spend countless hours tackling [specific pain point] without realizing there’s a faster way.
The Solution: [Brief explanation of your method/tip]
Here’s how you can do it:
Step 1: [Specific action]
Step 2: [Specific action]
Step 3: [Specific action]
Real example: Sarah from Denver managed to cut her [task] time from 8 hours to just 45 minutes. That’s over 7 hours saved every week - time she now uses for what truly matters.
Want the full step-by-step guide? It’s packed with screenshots, templates, and everything you need to get started.
[Get the Complete Guide - Free] ← Clickable, benefit-driven button
Got questions? Hit reply - I personally read every email.
[Your Name]"
Why This Template Works So Well
This email template is designed to educate while driving action. It follows the inverted pyramid structure: grab attention with a compelling subject line, deliver meaningful insights, and finish with a clear call-to-action (CTA). The subject line’s use of specific numbers and benefits makes it hard to overlook.
Personalization plays a big role here. Emails with personalized subject lines are 50% more likely to be opened, and personalized CTAs see a 202% boost in performance compared to generic ones. By addressing the recipient by name and tailoring the content to their industry or role, this email feels relevant and engaging.
Educational emails like this build trust first, which is key. Studies show that 60% of subscribers are influenced by personalized content when making purchase decisions. This template’s focus on providing a solution tailored to the reader’s challenges makes it even more effective.
How Educational Emails Engage Readers
These emails tap into a universal desire: the need to learn and improve. By presenting a relatable problem and a clear, actionable solution, they create a "curiosity gap" - the space between what someone knows and what they want to know.
The example of Sarah’s success adds credibility. Specific details like her location ("Denver") and the time saved (from 8 hours to 45 minutes) make the story feel real and relatable. This kind of social proof reassures readers that the solution is practical and achievable.
Segmentation is another critical factor. Tailoring content to specific audience segments can lead to significant gains. Brands that use segmentation and personalization in their emails have seen revenue increases of up to 760%. Investing time in crafting messages that resonate deeply with your audience is well worth it.
Tips to Maximize Clicks
For even better results, pay attention to design and timing. CTAs that are keyword-focused can boost conversions by up to 87%. That’s why a button like "Get the Complete Guide - Free" performs better than something generic like "Click Here."
Design matters too. Using whitespace and contrasting colors for CTA buttons can increase click rates by 26%. Make sure your CTA stands out visually against the email’s background.
Timing is another piece of the puzzle. Sending emails during traditional working hours often yields better results than sending them too early or late. Experiment with different times to discover when your audience is most likely to engage.
As email marketing expert Dan Jak says:
"Personalization – it is not about first/last name. It's about relevant content."
The best educational emails solve real problems and offer actionable advice. When readers see immediate value, they’re far more likely to click through for more.
Next, we’ll explore how social proof emails can take engagement to the next level.
Social proof emails are all about showing how others have succeeded with your product or service. When people see relatable success stories, it builds trust and encourages them to take action. This template uses real customer wins and testimonials to tap into that psychological trigger.
Subject Line: "How [Company Name] boosted their [metric] by 40% in 3 months"
Email Body:
"Hi [First Name],
Take a look at how one of our clients achieved impressive results.
The Challenge:
[Company Name] faced [specific problem] and needed a solution that could deliver fast, measurable outcomes.
The Results:
After three months of using our system, they experienced:
A 40% increase in [relevant metric]
A 25% growth in revenue
Testimonial from [Client Name], [Title]:
"We were hesitant at first, but the results were undeniable. In just three months, we completely turned around our [area of improvement]. The ROI has been phenomenal."
Would you like to see how we can help [Recipient's Company] achieve similar results?
[Get Your Custom Strategy - Free] ← A clear, benefit-driven button
Questions? Just hit reply - I’d love to hear about the challenges you’re facing.
Best,
[Your Name]"
Why This Template Drives Clicks
Social proof works because it reduces uncertainty. By highlighting specific success metrics - like a 40% increase in performance and a 25% revenue boost - this email builds credibility and reassures readers that the results are real.
The template takes a layered approach to persuasion. It starts with a detailed case study, adds credibility with specific numbers, and includes an authentic testimonial to address doubts. Research shows that showcasing peer results influences decision-making, with SaaS companies reporting a 40% improvement in efficiency and local businesses seeing a 25% revenue increase within three months of applying social proof strategies.
A Litmus A/B test found that using social proof in email marketing increased click-through rates by 4.5%. The testimonial, in particular, resonates because it tells a relatable story: moving from skepticism to measurable success. This narrative approach makes the proof feel more personal and relatable.
Maximizing Click-Through Rates
The call-to-action, "Get Your Custom Strategy - Free", is designed to appeal to readers by offering immediate value with minimal risk. Simple, benefit-focused CTAs like this are proven to perform well in social proof emails.
Adding visual elements can make the email even more effective. For instance, companies like Puma have used live engagement stats, such as real-time likes, to highlight what resonates with their audience.
Timing also matters. Regularly updating social proof with fresh success stories ensures the content stays relevant and demonstrates that your product or service continues to deliver results.
As Mariana Delgado, Head of Marketing at DesignRush, puts it:
"The stories that resonate most are the ones with concrete data, clear before-and-after results, and industry relevance, because proof of impact always outperforms generic praise."
This template combines real data, compelling results, and relatable examples to make the social proof both credible and actionable. Just remember: always get permission before using client names or details, and present the story naturally - less like a sales pitch, more like a success story.
5. Re-Engagement Email Template
Re-engagement emails are a powerful tool to win back subscribers who’ve gone silent. When done right, they can breathe new life into your email list and reconnect you with valuable contacts.
Subject Line: "20% Off. Because We Miss You ❤"
Email Body:
"Hi [First Name],
We noticed it’s been a while since we’ve heard from you.
Maybe our recent emails didn’t align with what you’re looking for, or your inbox got a bit crowded. Either way, we miss having you in our community.
Here’s what you’ve been missing:
Exclusive member pricing on new product launches
Weekly tips that help thousands save time and money
Early access to limited-time offers
We’d love to have you back! As a thank-you, enjoy 20% off your next purchase – but hurry, this offer expires in 48 hours.
[Claim Your 20% Discount Now] ← Don’t wait, it’s only valid for 48 hours.
Not interested? You can update your preferences or [unsubscribe here].
Thanks for being part of our journey,
[Your Name]"
This friendly and personal tone is central to what makes this email effective.
Why This Template Drives Clicks
This template works because it directly addresses the lapse in engagement without making the subscriber feel guilty. It’s honest, empathetic, and acknowledges that priorities shift over time.
The subject line, inspired by West Elm’s campaign "20% Off. Because We Miss You ❤", is a perfect mix of emotional appeal and a clear incentive. As Kate Nowrouzi, Vice President of Deliverability and Product Strategy at Sinch, explains:
"Writing a subject line that encourages recipients to open your email requires a combination of curiosity, value and relevance."
The email creates urgency with a 48-hour deadline while offering genuine value through the discount. This combo of time sensitivity and immediate benefit nudges subscribers to act quickly.
Maximizing Re-Engagement Success
The call-to-action (CTA) in this template is a standout feature. Using action-driven language like "Claim Your 20% Discount Now" motivates readers to click immediately. Plus, the button format is key - Campaign Monitor found that buttons increase click-through rates by 28% compared to text links.
Another smart move is including an option to update preferences instead of just unsubscribing. This gives subscribers control and can save those who might otherwise leave entirely.
Timing and urgency are critical here. The 48-hour deadline taps into the fear of missing out, pushing readers to act quickly. Combining this urgency with exclusivity (the offer is tailored for inactive subscribers) makes the email even more compelling.
The numbers back it up: 45% of recipients who received re-engagement emails went on to read future emails. That’s nearly half of your inactive subscribers reconnected with the right approach.
To get the best results, test different CTA placements, colors, and language to see what clicks with your audience. You can also experiment with various incentives - discounts, exclusive content, or free resources - to find what resonates most with your subscribers.
The secret to success? Make the email feel personal and worthwhile. When subscribers feel genuinely valued rather than just targeted, they’re far more likely to re-engage.
How to Customize and Test These Templates
Customizing your email templates and testing them strategically can increase click rates by up to 40%. The key lies in tailoring content to your audience's preferences and leveraging data to create dynamic, personalized experiences.
Personalization That Actually Works
Personalization isn’t just about adding a first name - it’s about using meaningful data to craft messages that resonate. Studies show personalization can increase revenue by 40%.
Start by collecting detailed subscriber information through signup forms. Go beyond email addresses and ask for details like location, interests, purchase history, and engagement preferences. Integrate this data with your CRM or e-commerce system to automatically track behavior.
For example, Campaign Monitor tested personalized images based on subscriber locations in the UK, USA, and Australia. By swapping generic imagery for location-specific visuals, they boosted their click-through rate by 29%.
Segmentation is another powerful tool. Group subscribers based on demographics, purchase history, engagement, or where they are in the customer journey. For instance:
A first-time visitor might receive a warm welcome email.
A regular browser could get tailored recommendations.
A customer who recently purchased might see upsell offers.
For product launches, segment by past purchases. Premium users can receive exclusive updates, while free trial users might benefit from educational content highlighting product features.
Dynamic Content That Adapts
Dynamic content blocks take personalization even further. These sections automatically adjust based on each subscriber’s data, such as location, preferences, or browsing behavior. Instead of creating multiple versions of an email, dynamic content allows you to customize offers or messages within a single template.
Behavioral targeting refines this approach. For example, if a subscriber visited your pricing page but didn’t convert, your email could highlight customer testimonials or success stories to build trust.
Personalized emails are proven revenue drivers - generating 5.7 times more revenue than generic emails. Plus, 81% of consumers expect targeted content.
A/B Testing Like a Pro
Once your personalized and dynamic content is in place, testing becomes essential. Surprisingly, 39% of brands skip email testing altogether. To get accurate results, test one variable at a time - whether it’s the subject line, sender name, or preview text.
Start small with high-impact changes. For instance, personalizing subject lines can increase open rates by 26%. Chase Dimond, an ecommerce email expert, recommends testing elements like the "from" name and preview text as well.
Here’s an example: Brava Fabrics compared offering a 10% discount against contest entries for $300 and $1,000. They found that prize size didn’t impact conversions, which helped them optimize their budget.
River Island used A/B testing to improve customer experience and reduce email frequency. Despite sending 22.5% fewer emails, they achieved a 30.9% increase in revenue per email and a 30.7% boost in orders per email.
Metrics That Matter
After testing, track the metrics that align with your campaign goals. Here’s what to focus on:
Welcome Emails: Monitor click-through rates and first-purchase conversions.
Product Launch Emails: Measure revenue generated and conversion rates.
Educational Content: Evaluate engagement time and social shares.
Click-through rate (CTR) is a key indicator of engagement. With an average CTR of 2%, even small improvements signal success. Conversion rates are equally critical - they reveal how many clicks translate into actions. Behaviorally targeted emails achieve conversion rates three times higher than non-targeted ones. For example, automated messages in 2024 showed conversion rates between 1% and 6%, with back-in-stock emails converting at 5.84% and welcome emails at 2.84%.
Template Type | Metric | Benchmark | Success Benchmark |
|---|---|---|---|
Welcome Offer | Conversion Rate | Click-Through Rate | 2.84% conversion |
Product Launch | Revenue per Email | Open Rate | Above 2% CTR |
Educational Content | Engagement Time | Forward/Share Rate | High engagement |
Social Proof | Click-Through Rate | Conversion Rate | 3x higher than non-targeted |
Testing Timeline and Sample Size
Give your emails at least 48 hours to gather data before analyzing performance. For B2B audiences, who typically check emails less frequently, you may need to wait longer. Ensure your sample size is large enough - 1,000 subscribers per variation is a good rule of thumb to achieve statistically significant results.
Whisker saw the power of consistent messaging when they tested it across customer touchpoints. Users who received aligned messaging experienced a 107% lift in conversion rates, and revenue per click increased by 112%.
The secret is to iterate based on results. As Randy McHugh from Stimulate Agency puts it:
"The best way to optimize email revenue per recipient is by refining your segmentation strategy".
Every test should inform your next step, creating a cycle of continuous improvement.
Conclusion
Use these five templates to give your click-through rates a real boost. The welcome offer, product launch, educational content, social proof, and re-engagement templates are designed to address specific goals and subscriber behaviors effectively.
The magic happens when you combine customization and testing. Companies that fine-tune their strategies often see email marketing ROI soar - reaching impressive levels like 36:1 or even 50:1. That’s not just a stat; it’s real revenue growth for businesses that prioritize email marketing.
Start small with A/B testing your subject lines. Even something as simple as adding emojis can increase unique open rates by 56%. Experiment with CTA placements, personalize content based on subscriber actions, and remember: 59% of organizations are already running A/B tests on their campaigns. Don’t let your competitors outpace you. These tweaks can lead to noticeable improvements.
The best approach? Start simple and build from there. Choose one template that aligns with your current business goal, adapt it to suit your audience, and test different approaches systematically. Track your click-through rates against the industry average of 2.62%, and aim for the higher conversion rates that come with targeted, well-executed campaigns.
If you’re ready to take your email marketing to the next level, The Cluck Norris Method is here to help. Twice a week, we share actionable strategies, ready-to-use templates, and expert advice with thousands of marketers and founders. Our free newsletter is packed with proven tactics to help you stand out in crowded inboxes and drive real results.
Your audience is waiting for emails that resonate. Use these templates as a starting point, adapt them to your brand, and start creating campaigns that truly connect.
FAQs
What’s the best way to personalize email templates to boost click-through rates?
To create email templates that truly resonate, start with personalization. Address recipients by their name and craft content that aligns with their specific interests or needs. Consider segmenting your audience into groups based on factors like purchase history, preferences, or location. This way, your emails feel directly relevant to each recipient.
Incorporate visual elements like images or GIFs to grab attention and keep readers engaged. Adding social proof, such as customer testimonials or success stories, can also help establish trust and credibility. These thoughtful touches not only make your emails more relatable but can also lead to higher click-through rates and stronger engagement overall.
What are the best practices for A/B testing email campaigns to improve performance?
To get the most out of your email campaigns, A/B testing is a game-changer. Start by setting specific goals - are you aiming to boost click-through rates, increase conversions, or something else? Having a clear objective will guide your testing process.
Test one element at a time - whether it’s subject lines, images, or call-to-action buttons. This way, you’ll pinpoint exactly what’s driving the change. Don’t forget to include a control group for comparison, and segment your audience randomly to keep the results fair and unbiased.
Prioritize testing key elements that can make a big impact with minimal effort. For example, tweak your subject lines or experiment with different send times. Once the test wraps up, dive into the results. Use what you’ve learned to refine your strategy and make your future campaigns even better.
Social proof emails work wonders in building trust by showcasing real customer experiences, testimonials, and reviews. When subscribers see others sharing positive feedback about your brand, it reinforces the idea that your business is reliable and worth their time. This taps into the psychological concept of social validation - people feel more confident when they know others have had good experiences.
By featuring relatable success stories or genuine user feedback, these emails encourage subscribers to interact with your content. Whether it's clicking a link, signing up, or making a purchase, social proof helps reduce doubts and creates a stronger bond with your audience.