Mastering the Art of Writing Effective Skimmable Emails That Drive Results
- Christina Pappas
- Oct 3
- 2 min read
I had published a post on this topic in the past and saw there were quite a few people interested in this tactic.
So let's look at this again.
What is a skimmable email?
Skimmable emails are crafted for quick reading. They allow readers to grasp key points without poring over every word. This is increasingly important as attention spans shrink and our inboxes become cluttered.
By structuring your emails to be skimmable, you significantly boost the chance that your message will be read and lead to action.
Why it matters when it comes to writing effective emails
Writing emails with skimability in mind, it shows you respect your reader's time.
This not only enhances your credibility but also prompts a positive response. A well-organized email can lead to faster decisions, elevate engagement, and ultimately improve results. Studies reveal that a well-structured email can double the likelihood of a reply, making it a crucial skill.
Key must-have elements (consider this checklist)
Clear, Direct Subject Lines
The subject line is the first impression your recipient gets. Make it concise and informative. A good example could be “Project Update: Q2 Results” instead of a vague “Update.”
Consider the action of the email. Do they need to know something, reply to something, sign-up for something? Put that here or in the preview text.
Short Paragraphs
Long blocks of text can overwhelm your reader. Aim for short paragraphs, ideally three to four sentences each, to maintain clarity.
Bullet Points and Lists
Use bullet points or numbered lists to present complex information clearly.
Headings and Subheadings
Organize your email with headings. This not only aids skimming but also allows readers to jump to sections that interest them most.
If They Only Read One Thing, Make Sure It's BOLD and OBVIOUS
Use bold or italics to emphasize important points. For example, "The deadline for feedback is Friday, March 5." This helps draw attention without overwhelming the reader.
All of these are absolutely an opportunity to A/B test. Remember to test one element at a time. It's subject line OR the email content. Not both at the same time.
