personalized email

From Generic to Genius: Use Personalized Emails for Maximum Impact

Advice 10 Mins Read February 28, 2025 Posted by Soumava Goswami

Forget all those generic blasts! It is time for personalized email. Something that makes the person feel like the email has been made for that one person only!

Yes! Here, I am talking about taking names, referencing their past activities, or sending them stuff that they are mostly interested in…

Personalization email helps you to get rid of the robotic tone and make things sound more real. You can think of it as a friendly chat! Not like a megaphone.

So, by tailoring the content, you can show that you care for the people. But, how to do it? In this blog, we are going to explore everything about personalized email, why it is necessary, and how exactly you can utilize it for your next email.

Read on…

The Concept Of Personalized Email

The Concept Of Personalized Email

Okay! So, email personalization is all about making your email look like it has been specifically designed for one person. Even though you may be sending the mail to tons of people,

Imagine this: you are trying to tell a person something. You wouldn’t just shout it in front of many people, right?

Instead, you are whispering the same message to that specific person only. This is exactly what you do when it comes to email personalization.

But how exactly do you do it? Well, the easiest way to do so is by using their name. “Hey, (recipient’s name)” sounds more personal than “Hey, All.”

On top of that, addressing the exact person won’t even make you sound like a robot. But wait! You can go even deeper.

Again, imagine this: You have bought a book from an online platform. The online bookstore might have sent you an email right after the purchase, saying, “Since you liked [Book Title], you might also enjoy [Similar Book].”

That’s what personalization is all about. They use whatever they know about you from your past actions to suggest something relevant.

Or, if you have signed up for the cooking newsletter, they may keep sending you recipes based on your interests. So, let’s say you’ve looked for penni pasta recipes and know how to cook a tom yum soup.

How Does It Work?

It is all about how you are using all the information. For example:

  • Their name: Using the recipient’s name)
  • Their location: “Hey folks in [City], check out this event!”
  • If they have made past purchases: “You bought this so that you might like that.”
  • Their website activity: “We noticed you looked at this…”
  • And lastly, their preferences: “Here are some things we think you’ll love.”

You aim to make the email look less spam and more like a helpful message from someone you know.

This way, people are likelier to read and act on those emails as they seem personal. It makes them feel understood and seen— a good thing for better customer engagement.

What Things You Can Personalize In A Particular Email?

What Things You Can Personalize In A Particular Email_

When it comes to personalizing your emails, there is nothing you cannot do. Are you worried about what cannot be personalized? Don’t worry—I am here to help you!

Here’s a complete lowdown on the stuff you can easily personalize, keeping a chill process. Let’s take a look at it!

Tip 1: Recipient’s Name

First thing first! You have to address the name of the user! Just slap that first first name then and there! More like, “Hey! (name).” Trust me! It gives a very “Yes! I see you!”

Tip 2: User Location

The second thing is location. If you already know where your recipient is from, you can also o mail it to them. Try writing, “Hope you are having a great day in sunny California,” and Bam! The consumer will know that you have done some homework.

Tip 3: Take Advantage Of The Past Interactions

Past interactions are more your treasure chest! Utilize them well, and your personalized email will be a big hit.

For instance, imagine this: You have an online clothing store, and one of your consumers has bought a pair of denim shorts from you!

Mention it in that mail. Write, “Just Loved how rocked in those sweet denim shorts you purchased last time.”

This can make them feel that they are seen or validated. In another scenario, let’s say they have asked a question.

You can refer to that while personalizing your email, like Following up on our chat about [Topic]…” This makes it look more like a real conversation.

Tip 4: Paying Attention To The Details, Like Someone’s Interest

The next thing that comes into play is someone’s interests. It can also help you to create a win-win situation for you!

If you know they are into journaling, you can easily throw in a relevant line based on that.

“Your latest journal post looks amazing, by the way!” This can do most of the work. It shows how much you care for them.

Tip 5: Personalize The Timing

Personalizing timing also helps a lot. When they are online in the evening, you can schedule your email accordingly. It is more like catching them right on the spot.

You must consider any detail showing you are not blasting the same email to thousands and millions of people. Trust me, this is going to make a huge difference! You just have to follow those three golden rules!

Keep it simple!
Keep it relevant!
Keep it real!

Now, the question comes: What Is The Importance Of Personalized Email For Business?

Now, the question comes_ What Is The Importance Of Personalized Email For Business_

Okay! So, now the question arises: Why bother personalizing your email? All narrow down to one single concept: people feeling seen and understood.

Think about it! You received an email that seems generic. It must have been sent to millions, so you will ignore it, right?

But then you receive an email with your name or mentioning your allotted time for reading books.

Does it feel personal now? More like someone wrote it, you know! This is the kind of email consumers pay attention to, too.

So, let’s examine why you must personalize an email…

Grabs attention immediately

A personalized subject line or greeting (like using your name) can instantly make your email stand out in your inbox. It makes you think, “Hey! It’s probably something for me only!”

Builds connection

Even in our daily lives, showing that we know someone’s interest creates a great connection.

The same works for your personalized emails as well. It shows that you genuinely offer something that fits someone’s interest.

You are more like trying to say, “Hey there! I am not just any company; I care about you!”

Increases engagement

People are most likely to click on the links, reply, or even make a purchase if the email is properly personalized for them only.

It just makes sense. A person who loves buying lipsticks would not be happy with a generic offer emila related to all kinds of makeup. Instead, she would be happy to see offers on lipsticks in specific.

This way, they are more likely to take action! Mark my words!

Boosts loyalty

Once you consistently send personalized emails, you can easily build a strong relationship with your audience. Moreover, your consumers will continue to see that your brand is trustworthy and helpful.

Try to Avoid the spam folder

Email services are becoming smarter over time. The generic emails are most likely to end up in the spam folder. So, you only have personalized emails to get higher consumer engagement, as they are less likely to be flagged.

It is all about making your emails look less spammy and more like a conversation—and considering today’s world, I think it is a pretty big deal.

To What Extent Does Email Personalization Work?

Trust me when I say this: Personalized email works! It works like a magic! You can create your emails as if they were only made for that person.

When running a business, you must cater to your target audience as per their needs and preferences.

This leads to better customer engagement. So, through personalized email, you can easily engage your consumers and build your brand reputation.

Also, as a consumer myself, I have realized that people love stuff that is relevant to them. So, try to mention what they like and what they have bought.

This increases the open rates, click rates and even your sales. All you have to do is to make your email look less spammy and more useful.

Check Out Some Personalized Email Examples!

Check Out Some Personalized Email Examples!

Whether you are currently running a business, or just curious, once you take a look at how others are doing in email marketing, it can help you to come up with your ideas!

So, here I have rounded up some awesome examples and personalized emails so that you can nail it! They’re pretty fun, friendly, and effective! So, let’s dive in!🚀

Birthday Surprise Email 🎉

Subject: Happy Birthday, Sarah! Here’s a Treat Just for You!

Why it works: Who doesn’t love a birthday gift? This email makes customers feel special with a discount or freebie on their big day.
“We Miss You” Email 💌 

Subject: It’s Been a While, Alex – Here’s 20% Off to Welcome You Back!

Why it works: Friendly and inviting, this type of email brings customers back by showing you noticed they’ve been away.
Product Recommendation Email 🛍️

Subject: Emma, We Think You’ll Love These New Arrivals!

Why it works: Based on past purchases, this email feels personal and helpful, not pushy. People appreciate relevant suggestions!
Thank You Email 🙌

Subject: Thanks for Your Support, Mark! Here’s Something Special.

Why it works: Simple gratitude goes a long way. Add a small discount or early access to make them feel appreciated.
Order Follow-Up Email 📦

Subject: Your Order’s on the Way, Lily! Track It Here.

Why it works: Keeping customers updated with their name and order info makes the experience smoother and more personal.

Now let’s take a look at a case study to better understand how giant companies are leveraging personalized emails! Read on”

Case Study: Netflix’s Email Personalization Tactics

From my close observation, I would say, that when it comes to email personalization, Netflix is good at it. They are well aware of how to keep their audience engaged.

They go beyond the concept of just adding names, I am telling you! Being a Netflix buff, I have been observing how Netflix does its email marketing through personalized emails.

Trust me! They tailor each of their content based on the watching habits and preferences of the consumers.

Here’s how they do it!

Personalized Show Recommendations

Netflix prefers sending emails suggesting shows and movies that YOU may like, based on your past watch history. For example, since last month I have been binging American Sitcom, So, I received an email saying:

📨 “Because you watched Superstore, you might enjoy Kim’s Convenience

New Release Alerts

Netflix also sends alerts to keep you updated about new releases and content. Since I am mostly into thriller series, I receive emails like:

📨 “We’ve just added a thriller show that you might like

Continue Watching Reminder

Sometimes our lives get so busy that we almost get no time to continue watching the dramas we started and eventually forget about them!

But don’t worry! Netflix mails you a perfect reminder for the shows that you started but never finished. Those emails go like this:

📨 “Hey, You still have two more episodes left of The Office

Netflix often personalizes the shows that are trending or may be popular in your location. This way you feel like the content is more relevant to you!

The mail goes like this:

📨 “Top picks in (your city) right now!

Personalized Subject Lines

Lastly, they never fail to grab your attention through personalized emails, that speak directly to you and YOU only.

📨 “(Your name), your next favorite show is waiting!

By now, you might have realized how Netflix plays its personalized email game. Here’s why it works for them!

✅ Feels personal and relevant

✅ Helps users discover new content they’ll likely enjoy

✅ Keeps viewers coming back for more

Netflix’s personalized emails are a great example of how knowing your audience and their preferences can lead to more engagement and customer loyalty.

The Advantages And Disadvantages Of Personalized Email

Like any other thing, personalized email has its ups and downs. Here’s a quick rundown for you!

AdvantagesDisadvantages
Improved conversion rates: Once you present relevant offers or content, it will most likely drive the desired actions, such as purchases or sign-ups.

As a result, it increases the high conversion rate.
Requirements of data: When you are trying to implement personalized email, you will need an extensive amount of data.

This can be challenging for you to collect them manually.
Higher engagement: tailored emails can cater to individual needs and preferences.

This way, you can easily grab attention. And the best part? Recipients are more likely to pen your mail.
Privacy concerns: Gathering and using personal data can raise questions about privacy concerns.

Thus, any business must comply with data protection rules such as GDPR.
Strong brand loyalty: Better personalized communication can easily foster a great sense of connection with the customer, increasing brand loyalty.Over-personalization: If you fail to personalize your email correctly, your email may end up looking like a creepy stalker.

You wouldn’t just want that, right? So, try to plan it out before you go for it.
Increased ROI: As engagement and conversion rates increase, personalized emails can easily generate a high return on investments.Cost of Development: the development and maintenance of the system for personalized emails may require you to pay the upfront costs.

It’s Time to Make Your Audience Feel A Little Special!!

So, yeah! By now you may have realized that personalized emails are way more effective! However, you just have to follow the right strategy for it. Let the people feel like they are seen and validated!

Make the email look more relevant and personal! Who knows! Your next email might help you to skyrocket your business growth.

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Inspired by The Social Network, Soumava loves to find ways to make small businesses successful – he spends most of his time analyzing case studies of successful small businesses. With 5+ years of experience in flourishing with a small MarTech company, he knows countless tricks that work in favor of small businesses. His keen interest in finance is what fuels his passion for giving the best advice for small business operations. He loves to invest his time familiarizing himself with the latest business trends and brainstorming ways to apply them. From handling customer feedback to making the right business decisions, you’ll find all the answers with him!

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