What are they buying? It goes beyond just pencils and notebooks. College students are stocking up on clothing (43%) and electronics (33%), while K-12 shoppers are also interested in these items (62% and 20%, respectively).

This is a golden opportunity for your email marketing campaigns. Although many have started shopping, a large majority haven’t finished yet. Why?

• 45% are waiting for the best deals.
• 45% are unsure what they need.

It’s clear that if you’re not running a back-to-school campaign, you’re missing out on a lot of potential revenue. Whether your audience includes the back-to-school or back-to-college target demographics, it’s a good idea to begin thinking about how you can begin incorporating it into your email marketing strategy.  

When to kick off your back-to-school campaign

Do you remember back when you were at school, and before you’d even broken up for the summer, the shops were full of back-to-school signs? It was heartbreaking as a kid, but today, it’s the perfect opportunity to get your hands on some new goodies.  

In terms of customers’ shopping behaviors, the most popular times for bagging some back-to-school bargains are the last two weeks in July and the first two weeks in August.  

This nicely marks the halfway point of the year. Your Christmas and January sales are long behind you, new financial years have started and new targets have been set. It’s the perfect time to launch a fresh campaign. Let’s look at some of the top back-to-school campaigns out there.  

10 Back-to-school email marketing campaigns

Looking for fresh ideas to boost your back-to-school email marketing? Check out these 10 standout campaigns that have captured the attention of shoppers and drove sales.

1. Apple

Back in 2005, Apple changed the mobile phone industry for good. There’s no going back. It changed the way we use technology and the way we regard and consume content from the industry. Its marketing strategy is one we as marketers envy and strive to emulate.  

And, at its core, is its understanding of customer loyalty. It’s created a brand where people queue overnight to get their hands on the latest model. Its fanboy and fangirls have helped raise the brand to cult status.  

Saying all this, you’d assume the tech giant doesn’t need to utilize the back-to-school sales period, wouldn’t you?  

The simple fact is that Apple knows loyal customers are an essential part of its growth. Targeting the back-to-college market is just the first step in a long strategy of driving customer retention. 

Taking a page from the banking industry’s playbook, Apple employs a tactic similar to the Student Bank Accounts strategy. The tech giant is well aware that these student shoppers are likely to use its products for years to come, making additional purchases and growing more loyal as time goes on.

In Apple’s back-to-school offer, the company provides a gift card worth up to $150 and a 20% discount on AppleCare, but only at the Apple Store. This incentive encourages shoppers to visit the store for an immersive in-store experience.

2. Office Depot and Office Max

Any back-to-school email marketing campaign should simplify the shopping process and help customers find everything they need in one place. Office Depot and Office Max’s campaign checks all these boxes by showcasing a wide variety of school supplies at unbeatable prices.

The email highlights great deals on items such as notebooks, pens, and backpacks with the subject line “school savings -100s of school supplies under $3”. Such offers pique the interest of parents and students who are eager to tick off the items on their back-to-school shopping lists.

The vibrant, well-organized layout of the email captures the viewer’s attention, ensuring that each promotional offering is easily visible. Additionally, the “shop now” button, is strategically placed under each product advertisement. This makes it convenient for users to access the deals on Office Depot and Office Max’s website.

By showcasing a wide range of products on sale, Office Depot and Office Max’s email marketing campaign effectively capitalize on the back-to-school shopping craze.

3. Gap

Back-to-school season is an opportunity for you to add a touch of creativity and emotion to your campaigns. Gap does just that by designing a yearbook-style email that highlights stylish clothing options while evoking nostalgia and anticipation for the school year.

Featuring images of students wearing Gap’s fashionable attire, the email evokes nostalgia and gives parents a glimpse into how their children might look in similar outfits.

The email effectively encourages customers to explore “School looks they’ll love” with a bold, call-to-action button, which directs them to Gap’s website. Encouraging parents to find the perfect school attire for their children, Gap’s email marketing campaign transforms the back-to-school shopping experience into a delightful trip down memory lane.

4. Asda

When shopping for back-to-school essentials, customers want an easy and convenient experience that saves them both time and money. Asda’s back-to-school email campaign showcases a comprehensive selection of products, from uniforms to shoes, highlighting the brand’s affordability and quality.

The email focuses on Asda’s exclusive George brand, which is backed by Netmums. A poll of 40 members would recommend the George Schoolwear range to a friend, reinforcing the credibility of the brand.

The campaign emphasizes the affordability and value for money associated with its uniforms, highlighting scuff-resistant shoes for only £10. Additionally, Asda presents options for back-to-school clothing essentials, making it clear that they are a one-stop shop for students.

The campaign also ties in a reference to the Olympic and Paralympic games, inviting customers to explore the Gruffalo x Team GB collection. This collaboration adds a unique touch to its marketing approach, appealing to children who are excited about the sporting events, and their parents who may be fans as well.

The combination of quality, affordability, endorsements, and diverse product offerings makes Asda’s back-to-school email marketing campaign an effective choice for families as they prepare for the new school term.

5. American Eagle Outfitters

You should generate a sense of urgency and excitement for your back-to-school campaigns. American Eagle Outfitters accomplishes this with its limited-time offers, encouraging customers to shop before it’s too late.

The brand’s email marketing campaign highlights a limited-time offer of “25-40% off everything” that “ends today.” The subject line brilliantly categorizes the sale into “shop women” and “shop men,” clearly letting customers know the discount applies to both categories, including jeans—a popular item for back-to-school shoppers.

The email showcases stylish young adults wearing American Eagle Outfitters clothing outdoors, conveying a sense of excitement and appreciation for the season. The top banner colorfully displays the discount range and percentage, emphasizing the great value and attracting the attention of potential buyers.

To make it even more convenient for customers to benefit from the sale, the email has separate “shop women” and “shop men” call-to-action buttons, guiding users seamlessly to its desired online shopping section.

By creating a sense of urgency and focusing on significant discounts across all categories, American Eagle Outfitters’ back-to-school email marketing campaign successfully appeals to shoppers looking for stylish and affordable clothing to start the new school year in style.

6.  Nike

For the back-to-school season, you should concentrate on generating enthusiasm and anticipation for the upcoming academic year. You can do this with catchy subject lines, energetic imagery, and promoting convenient shopping experiences.

The Nike back-to-school email campaign does just this. The campaign emphasizes the playful spirit of heading back to school with the subject line “playground is calling.” 

The email features a captivating image of energetic children wearing Nike’s latest recess-ready sneakers, fleece, and other essentials. The tagline “everywhere’s their playground” reflects the brand’s commitment to active kids.

The campaign focuses on convenience by offering parents and caregivers the option to “shop by category,” ensuring a smooth, hassle-free shopping experience. Nike’s back-to-school email marketing campaign aims to simplify the shopping process for parents and caregivers while fostering excitement for the upcoming school year.

7. Vistaprint

During the back-to-school season, brands need to highlight key aspects of its offerings that resonate with both parents and students to stand out from the competition.

Vistaprint effectively demonstrates this strategy by showcasing personalized products tailored for the back-to-school season. The brands campaign encourages customers to start the school year off right by presenting products that directly address back-to-school needs while emphasizing the benefits of personalized school supplies.

Vistaprint aims to help children express their individuality by offering custom-made kids’ labels with a 25% discount. These labels are designed to add a personal touch and are also microwave, dishwasher, and laundry-safe, ensuring nothing gets lost and giving parents peace of mind.

Additionally, customers can find a 20% discount on custom-designed kids’ water bottles, making it easier for children to keep track of their belongings.

With enticing discounts and a strong focus on personalized, high-quality products, Vistaprint’s back-to-school email marketing campaign appeals to parents and children. This ensures a unique and stylish start to the new school year.

8. Hy-Vee

When creating back-to-school email marketing campaigns, it’s essential to remember the importance of inspiring customers. Parents and caregivers are often overwhelmed by the numerous tasks and responsibilities at this time of year. Creating content that is genuinely useful, relatable, and engaging can make a brand stand out in a competitive market and foster customer loyalty.

Hy-Vee’s back-to-school email campaign does just that. The campaign focuses on stress-free breakfasts, delicious and nutritious meals, and easy bento box meals for busy families. By offering inspiration through free, innovative recipes that cater to various aspects of meal planning, they provide solutions for time-strapped parents and caregivers who need to create enjoyable meals for their children quickly and easily.

Stress-free breakfast ideas ensure that kids start their day with energy and parents can have peace of mind, while nutritious recipes for lunch and dinner keep children fueled throughout the school day. Additionally, Hy-Vee’s creative bento box meal ideas make the school lunch experience enjoyable and visually appealing, encouraging healthy eating habits.

By simplifying daily routines, the email marketing campaign demonstrates Hy-Vee’s deep understanding of its customers’ needs. This approach strengthens the connection between the brand and its audience, fostering a lasting relationship that keeps customers engaged and loyal to the brand during the back-to-school season and beyond.

9. Ahava

During the back-to-school season, you should incorporate creative elements in your promotional campaigns to capture customer attention and drive engagement. One effective tactic is using countdown timers, which can create a sense of urgency and encourage customers to take advantage of time-sensitive offers.

Ahava’s back-to-school email marketing campaign effectively utilizes a countdown timer to promote its limited-time sale on premium skincare products.

The email’s subject line, “two days left of back-to-school sale” and the integrated countdown timer emphasize the limited timeframe of the promotion. By incorporating the countdown timer and offering a 40% discount on full-priced items, Ahava encourages customers to act quickly and take advantage of the attractive pricing.

With free samples and shipping on all orders, Ahava provides added value and convenience to the shopping experience. The use of a countdown timer in its email marketing campaign helps Ahava drive engagement, increase conversion rates, and foster a sense of excitement around its back-to-school promotion.

10. Once Upon a Farm

During the back-to-school season, you should develop unique strategies to engage customers and create brand loyalty. One effective approach is to hold contests or giveaways that appeal to both parents and students.

Once Upon a Farm embraces this strategy in its back-to-school email marketing campaign, as demonstrated by the subject line “enter to win $1,900+ in prizes – back-to-school giveaway” This approach instantly piques interest, encourages customer participation, and generates excitement for the company’s products.

By holding a back-to-school giveaway with over $1,900 in prizes, Once Upon a Farm creates an opportunity for customers to try its high-quality, organic food products. This helps parents seeking easy and nutritious meal options for their children’s packed lunches or after-school snacks. The giveaway effectively engages customers, drives traffic to the brand’s website, and promotes product awareness.

Once Upon a Farm’s back-to-school email marketing campaign demonstrates the effectiveness of using giveaways to generate excitement, engage customers, and ultimately foster brand loyalty.

Back-to-school email subject lines

When creating back-to-school email campaigns, don’t forget about subject lines. Engage your subscribers and remain top-of-mind with this carefully curated selection of eye-catching subject lines designed to enhance your email marketing strategy.

General

1. Kick off the school year with fantastic deals
2. Get set for success: your back to school headquarters
3. Welcome back to school: find everything you need
4. Gear up for an A+ year with our back to school essentials
5. Make the grade with unbeatable back to school offers

Sales and discounts

1. Exclusive 40% Off in our back to school sale
2. Last chance: back to school sale ending soon
3. 20% off back to school must-haves
4. Score up to 30% off + bonus in our back to school event
5. Save up to 50% on Footwear in our back to school sale

Getting ready

1. Are you in the back to school spirit?
2. Time for back to school: are you ready?
3. School is around the corner. prepare now
4. Ready for back to school? check out our deals
5. Going back to school? we have what you need

Fashion

1. Favorite back to school looks are here
2. Your #1 destination for back to school styles
3. Top 10 back to school outfits you’ll love
4. His and her’s back to school styles
5. New style to rule the school this year

Supplies and gadgets

1. Short on school supplies? we’ve got you covered
2. back to school checklist: backpacks, supplies and more
3. Must-have back to school essentials
4. Get the coolest tools for back to school
5. Earn up to 2X points on back-to-school tech

Savings and gifts

1. A special back to school gift for you
2. Big back-to-school savings just for you
3. Saved by the bell: huge back-to-school deals today
4. Limited time only – back to school savings
5. Free shipping + 20% off back-to-school must-haves

While the ideas provided can be a starting point, it’s important to customize them to match your distinct brand voice. Feel free to try out emojis, playful language, or a sense of urgency to capture attention.

For an added creative spark, you can also use AI-powered generative tools like WinstonAI to brainstorm new ideas, adjust the tone, or refine the length of your subject lines.

Class is dismissed. It’s time to ace your back-to-school email campaign

The back-to-school shopping season is underway, presenting a profitable opportunity for brands. Many shoppers are still unsure about their purchases and are on the lookout for the best deals.

A well-planned email marketing campaign can greatly enhance your sales by displaying a wide range of products, offering enticing promotions, and creating a sense of urgency. This will help you grab the attention of your target audience and drive more sales.

Remember to monitor and analyze your campaign’s performance to gauge its effectiveness and make data-driven adjustments. By following these tips, you’ll be well on your way to a successful back-to-school season.

We sat down with Devin Sudra, Head of Finance Operations and Credit Control, and a key member of our workplace green team, to explore our journey towards a more sustainable business.

Dotdigital’s commitment to sustainability

At Dotdigital, sustainability is more than just a goal; it’s a core value. We’re proud to be ISO 14001 certified, a testament to our dedication to measuring and managing our environmental impact. Driving our sustainability efforts is our passionate team committed to making Dotdigital greener.

Our workplace green team is central to Dotdigital’s sustainability journey. The employee-led team collaborates and educates to cultivate a company culture that prioritizes environmental responsibility. Regular team meetings discuss important issues and make changes that protect our planet. 

Our workplace green team is dedicated to raising awareness about carbon neutrality, offering practical tools for reducing environmental impact, and motivating employees to champion sustainability. Together, Dotdigital is working towards a more sustainable future, one step at a time.

Sustainable practices at Dotdigital

Dotdigital is committed to operating responsibly and minimizing our environmental impact. Here are some of the key sustainable practices we’ve implemented:

• Partnering for a greener planet: We prioritize suppliers and vendors who share our sustainability goals, ensuring our supply chain aligns with our environmental values.
• Green commuting initiatives: To reduce our carbon footprint, we offer incentives to encourage employees to choose eco-friendly transportation options, such as electric vehicles.
• Reducing our footprint: We’ve implemented comprehensive recycling programs and waste reduction strategies across our operations to minimize our environmental impact.
• Investing in a sustainable future: Our partnership with the Woodland Trust supports vital reforestation and conservation efforts, contributing to a healthier planet.

By integrating sustainability into our daily operations, we’re working towards a greener future for our business and our planet.

Technology: a catalyst for change

Devin Sudra, Head of Finance Operations and Credit Control at Dotdigital, highlights the critical role of technology in addressing environmental challenges. According to Devin, “Technology serves as a powerful catalyst for environmental progress. Through innovation, we can create and implement solutions that help combat climate change, safeguard ecosystems, and preserve resources.”

From precision agriculture optimizing crop yields to advanced analytics predicting natural disasters, technology offers invaluable tools for informed decision-making. The shift to renewable energy sources, the rise of electric vehicles, and breakthroughs in carbon capture are transforming industries and reducing our environmental impact.

As technology continues to evolve, we can expect even more groundbreaking innovations that will reshape our relationship with the planet. The future holds immense potential for creating a sustainable world for generations to come.

Empowering customers for a sustainable future

At Dotdigital, we’re passionate about helping our customers build a greener future. As the world’s first carbon-neutral marketing platform, we’re leading the industry in sustainable practices.

Our technology empowers businesses to reduce the environmental impact of their marketing campaigns. As Devin explains, “By partnering with Dotdigital, our clients are choosing a carbon-neutral business committed to international environmental standards, as evidenced by our ISO 14001 certification.”

Data-driven insights are crucial for making more sustainable marketing decisions. Optimizing email sends and content delivery can significantly reduce your carbon footprint. Did you know that reducing just one email per day per person in the UK could cut carbon emissions by over 16,400 tonnes annually? By adopting eco-friendly marketing strategies and leveraging our platform’s capabilities, you can contribute to a healthier planet.

Six steps to a greener business

Embarking on a sustainability journey requires a holistic approach that integrates environmental considerations into everyday operations. To help you get started, Devin suggested these key steps:

1. Set clear goals: Define your sustainability objectives and create a roadmap to achieve them.
2. Engage your team: Involve employees at all levels in the sustainability process to foster a shared commitment.
3. Prioritize supply chain sustainability: Evaluate your suppliers’ environmental impact and work with those who share your values.
4. Reduce waste and optimize resources: Implement waste reduction strategies, improve energy efficiency, and explore opportunities for recycling and reuse.
5. Embrace digital solutions: Utilize technology to track your environmental performance, streamline operations, and reduce paper consumption.
6. Measure and report: Regularly assess your progress and communicate your sustainability achievements to stakeholders.

Remember, every step counts. By taking these initial steps and continuously improving your practices, you can make a significant positive impact on the environment.

Our vision for a sustainable future

Dotdigital is dedicated to achieving carbon neutrality by 2030. This ambitious goal shows our commitment to operating sustainably and minimizing our environmental impact. 

We aim to lead the marketing automation industry towards a sustainable future. As the first carbon-neutral platform in the industry, we are proud of our achievements but recognize that our journey is far from over. Our long-term vision is to redefine sustainable marketing, inspiring and empowering businesses to adopt eco-friendly practices. 

We aim to demonstrate the positive impact on both the planet and their bottom line. Through innovation, collaboration, and unwavering dedication to our values, we are striving to create a world where sustainability is at the core of every business decision.

Create a greener future today

Let’s work together to build a sustainable future. Dotdigital is dedicated to spearheading sustainable marketing automation. As the first carbon-neutral platform in our industry, we are establishing the benchmark for environmental responsibility. 

We invite you to join us on this mission. By embracing eco-friendly practices and assessing your environmental impact, you can truly make a difference. 

Together, we can build a greener future.

This social media calendar highlights key dates, themes, and inspiration to help you create engaging content throughout the month. Whether you’re looking to boost brand awareness, drive engagement, or support a worthy cause, this guide has you covered.

Let’s dive into September and make the most of this exciting month.

Important social media calendar dates in September

Themes for the month 

• Childhood Cancer Awareness Month
• Suicide Prevention Month
• Friendship Month
• Back to School
• September 2 – Labor Day #LaborDay
• September 2 – World Coconut Day #WorldCoconutDay
• September 4 – Eat An Extra Dessert Day #EatAnExtraDessert
• September 5 – International Day of Charity #CharityDay
• September 6 – Read a Book Day #ReadABookDay
• September 7 – Superhuman Day #SuperhumanDay
• September 8 – International Literacy Day #LiteracyDay
• September 8 – Summer Paralympics ends #Paris2024
• September 8 – Stand Up To Cancer Day #KissCancerGoodbye
• September 11 – Day of Service and Remembrance #911Day
• September 13 – Positive Thinking Day #PositiveThinkingDay
• September 15 – Greenpeace Day #GreenpeaceDay
• September 19 – Talk Like a Pirate Day #TalkLikeAPirateDay
• September 21 – International Day of Peace #PeaceDay
• September 21 – Miniature Golf Day #MiniGolfDay
• September 21 – World Alzheimer’s Day #Alzheimer’sDay
• September 22 – Car-Free Day #CarFreeDay
• September 22 – Hobbit Day #LordOfTheRings
• September 22 – National Ice Cream Cone Day #NationalIceCreamConeDay
• September 22 – First Day of Fall #1stDayOfFall
• September 24 – National Punctuation Day #NationalPunctuationDay
• September 26 – European Day of Languages #EDL2024
• September 27 – World Tourism Day #WTD2024
• September 28 – International Rabbit Day #InternationalRabbitDay
• September 28 – Good Neighbor Day #GoodNeighborDay
• September 29 – World Heart Day #HeartDay
• September 30 – Love People Day #NationalLovePeopleDay

Suicide Prevention Month

September is Suicide Prevention Month. It’s a time to raise awareness about mental health, reduce stigma, and provide support resources. Let’s prioritize mental well-being and encourage open conversations about suicide prevention. By sharing information, promoting help-seeking behavior, and creating a supportive community, we can make a difference.

Back-to-school

Back-to-school season is a great time to connect with your audience. Whether you’re targeting students, parents, or teachers, there are plenty of opportunities to create engaging content.

If you need more inspiration for back-to-school, you can read our blog on back-to-school email marketing tips to inspire your next campaign.

September 2 – Labor Day

Labor Day is a public holiday in the United States celebrated on the first Monday of September. This day honors the contributions of workers to the country’s prosperity and well-being.

If you need more inspiration, you can read our Labor Day email marketing examples.

September 2 – World Coconut Day

World Coconut Day celebrates this versatile fruit and its many uses. From the creamy meat to the refreshing water, coconuts are a tropical treasure. Why not join the celebration? Share your favorite coconut recipes, products, or memories. You could also highlight the environmental benefits of coconuts or support coconut farmers. Get creative and show your love for this amazing fruit.

September 4 – Eat An Extra Dessert Day

Indulge your sweet tooth on September 4. It’s Eat An Extra Dessert Day. Whether you prefer classic cakes, decadent cookies, or frozen treats, this is your day to enjoy an extra helping without guilt. Share your favorite dessert pics, recipes, or local dessert spots. Let’s celebrate the joy of sweet treats together.

September 6 – Read a Book Day

Encourage your audience to unplug and unwind with a good book. Share your favorite reads, book recommendations, or author spotlights. You can also host a book club or giveaway to engage your followers. Let’s celebrate the joy of reading together.

September 15 – Greenpeace Day

On September 15, Greenpeace Day celebrates the organization’s efforts to protect the environment and promote peace. Participating in Greenpeace Day is a great way to show your commitment to environmental and social responsibility. You can incorporate Greenpeace Day into your brand’s marketing and customer outreach by offering relevant content, advice, and initiatives that encourages your customers to make more sustainable choices. This engagement with environmental issues can enhance your brand’s reputation and make a genuine difference in the world.

September 21 – World Alzheimer’s Day

World Alzheimer’s Day aims to raise awareness of dementia and Alzheimer’s disease. Share information about the disease, support resources, or personal stories. You can also encourage your audience to donate to Alzheimer’s research or participate in fundraising events.

September 22 – National Ice Cream Cone Day

It’s time to scream for ice cream. September 22 is National Ice Cream Cone Day, a day dedicated to celebrating the perfect union of creamy ice cream and a crispy waffle cone. You can capitalize on this sweet occasion by offering limited-edition flavors, running cone-themed contests, or partnering with local ice cream shops for exclusive deals.

September 27 – World Tourism Day

World Tourism Day celebrates the impact of tourism on culture, economy, and environment. Share your travel experiences, destination highlights, or sustainable tourism practices. You can also run a travel-themed contest or giveaway to engage your audience.

September subject line ideas

Crafting compelling subject lines is essential for capturing your audience’s attention and driving email engagement. To help you create standout subject lines, we’ve analyzed top-performing email campaigns from last September.

Key trends from last year

Our data shows that subject lines incorporating personalization, urgency, and a strong call to action generated the highest click-through rates. Popular elements included:

• Personalization: Using recipient names (e.g., @firstname@)
• Urgency: Creating a sense of time-limited offers (e.g., “last chance,” “1 week to go”)
• Value proposition: Communicating the benefit (e.g., “save up to NUMBERPERCENT%”)
• Event-specific language: Use to improve engagement for event-related communications (e.g., “Thank you for attending or registering”).

September-inspired subject line ideas

Leveraging these insights, here are some September-themed subject line ideas to inspire your campaigns:

Labor Day: Last chance to register for our Labor Day event
World Coconut Day: @firstname@ don’t miss out on our World Coconut Day special offer
Eat an Extra Dessert Day: Indulge in our September treats
Summer Paralympics Ends: 2 weeks to go until our Summer Paralympics Closing Ceremony watch party
Read a Book Day: Immerse yourself in a captivating read
Stand Up To Cancer Day: Stand united in the battle against cancer
First Day of Fall: Welcome autumn’s enchanting charm
World Heart Day: Prioritize your heart health today
World Tourism Day: Dreaming of a getaway? Explore our travel deals – save up to 25
Love People Day: Spread kindness and embrace humanity

While the ideas provided can be a starting point, it’s important to customize them to match your distinct brand voice. Feel free to try out emojis, playful language, or a sense of urgency to capture attention.

For an added creative spark, you can also use AI-powered generative tools like WinstonAI to brainstorm new ideas, adjust the tone, or refine the length of your subject lines.

Spark engagement with your September marketing campaigns

September is packed with opportunities to connect with your audience. Our comprehensive social media calendar highlights key dates and themes to help you create engaging content that resonates.

By aligning your marketing efforts with these popular moments, you can boost visibility, increase engagement, and build stronger relationships with your customers. Let’s make this September your most successful yet.

1. Build a strong brand identity

One of the most important aspects of any successful email marketing campaign is ensuring that your message represents your brand’s unique identity. Doing so helps create a strong connection with your customers, giving them a reason to engage with your content and ultimately make a purchase.

Design By Humans, a company that offers creative and artistic apparel designs skillfully captures its quirky and fun brand identity in its Labor Day marketing email. The featured design showcases a cat enjoying a work-from-home day, perfectly complementing its overall brand vibe.

To successfully capture your brand in your email marketing campaigns, consider the following tips:

1. Stay true to your brand’s visual identity: Maintain consistency in the use of your brand’s colors, typography, and design elements in your email design. This helps create a cohesive and memorable experience for your customers each time they interact with your content.
2. Show off your brand’s personality: Your brand’s personality is its distinctive voice, tone, and values. You can directly communicate with your audience by adapting the tone as required with WinstonAI. Whether friendly, assertive, playful, or professional, WinstonAI can assist in crafting email copy that strikes the perfect note to engage, entice, and delight recipients.
3. Feature products or services that represent your brand: Showcase items or offers that align with your brand’s core values and message. Use this seasonal event as an opportunity to highlight relevant products or services that resonate with your audience.

By capturing your brand effectively in your email marketing campaigns, you’ll create a lasting impression on your customers, encouraging them to engage with your content and return for more. As Labor Day approaches, there’s no better time to put these tips into action and create a memorable and impactful email campaign that makes the most of this long weekend shopping spree.

2. Capture the Labor Day spirit

Creating an effective email marketing campaign for Labor Day goes beyond simply offering discounts. To genuinely connect with your customers, it’s crucial to embody the essence of the holiday and align with their expectations. Doing so will ultimately boost brand loyalty and strengthen your relationship with your audience.

Winc, a modern wine subscription club, brilliantly accomplishes this in its Labor Day marketing email. The brand’s subject line, “Your Labor Day savings are inside,” immediately grabs the reader’s attention and sets the tone for the email. Furthermore, the creative and playful phrase, “Sip back, relax, and unwined this Labor Day with $26 off today,” perfectly encompasses the laid-back spirit of the holiday, encouraging customers to seize the offer.

To capture the true spirit of Labor Day in your email marketing campaign, follow these guidelines for creating engaging copy:

1. Understand the significance of the holiday: Labor Day is a time to celebrate the hard work and accomplishments of workers across the country. Align your email copy and design with this theme, and consider highlighting products or services that will help your customers relax and enjoy their time off.
2. Use holiday-specific language and wordplay: Leverage relevant phrases or puns – like Winc’s “Sip back, relax, and unwined” – to evoke the mood of the holiday and create a more engaging experience for your customers.
3. Emphasize relatable, enjoyable activities: Focus on aspects of the holiday that your customers might look forward to, such as weekend getaways, barbecues, or spending time with loved ones. Incorporate these ideas into your email content to make it more relevant and appealing.

As Labor Day approaches, there’s no better time to put these tips into action and make a lasting impression with creative, holiday-inspired copy.

3. Create irresistible offers

As Labor Day approaches, many people are looking forward to some well-earned time off or spending the day with friends and family. But let’s not forget about all the fantastic deals that you can find during this long weekend. Discount reminders are a fantastic way for your brand to connect with customers and encourage them to take advantage of great offers before they’re gone.

To effectively implement discount reminder emails in your own email marketing campaign, you should:

1. Personalize your email content: Leverage Dotdigital’s AI product recommendations to tailor your email content based on each customer’s unique browsing and purchase history. This level of personalization creates highly relevant and engaging emails, boosting open rates and driving conversions.
2. Create a sense of urgency: Use dynamic personalization features like countdown timers or infuse your emails with time-sensitive language like “limited time offer” or “sale ends soon.” This creates a compelling sense of urgency, motivating customers to act immediately.
3. Make it clear and actionable: Include a prominent call-to-action (CTA) button or link, like “shop now” or “save now,” that directs the customer straight to the discounted items. This will streamline the shopping process and increase the chances of them completing the purchase.

So, as you prepare your email marketing campaign for this Labor Day, don’t forget to consider incorporating discount reminders as part of your strategy. By delivering personalized, timely, and actionable content to your customer’s inbox, you’ll not only help to boost sales but also strengthen your relationship with customers and keep them coming back for more.

4. Show employee appreciation

Labor Day is not only an excellent opportunity to boost sales but also a time to show appreciation and gratitude towards your hardworking employees. Acknowledging the dedication and efforts of your team can help strengthen your brand image and create an emotional connection with your customers, reminding them that behind every product or service lies the passion of your staff.

Aurate New York, a fine jewelry brand, beautifully demonstrates this in its Labor Day email. By expressing gratitude to its employees and thanking them for their work, Aurate emphasizes its brand values and showcases its company culture to its customers.

To give thanks to your employees in your Labor Day email marketing campaign, consider the following tips:

1. Showcase individual employee stories: Highlight the unique contributions and achievements of your team members, illustrating the vital role each person plays in your brand’s success.
2. Visualize your gratitude: Consider incorporating photos or videos of your employees in action, displaying the faces behind your brand, and giving your customers a more personal connection to your company.
3. Share your company values and culture: By expressing gratitude towards your employees, demonstrate how your company values hard work and commitment, reinforcing the human aspect of your brand.

By establishing an emotional connection with your audience, you’re more likely to create loyal customers who will continue to support your brand in the future. So, as you plan your Labor Day email marketing strategy, don’t forget to include a heartfelt thank you to those who help make your brand successful.

5. Generate pre-sale excitement

Running a pre-sale campaign can be an effective way to create a buzz around your products or services before the actual sale period starts. This generates anticipation and excitement amongst potential customers, prompting them to keep an eye on your brand for upcoming deals. Plus, it’s an opportunity to nurture and engage your audience, building a strong relationship that eventually leads to conversions during the sale.

A great example of a Labor Day presale campaign comes from Hello Fresh. The brand sparked interest among its target audience by offering six free meals and a discount code in its pre-sale email campaign.

To create a successful pre-sale campaign, consider the following tips:

1. Give your audience a glimpse of what you’re offering: Generate excitement and anticipation by including expiring coupon codes in your Labor Day emails. Offer exclusive deals, discounts, or incentives to entice customers, and use attention-grabbing subject lines like Hello Fresh’s “6 free meals” to maximize impact.
2. Personalize the message: When you do this you’ll make your recipients feel special and valued. 
3. Use engaging visuals and compelling CTAs: With engaging CTA you can make your pre-sale campaign stand out in the inbox, encouraging higher open and click-through rates.
4. Promote your campaign cross-channel: Promote your pre-sale campaign across all your channels. You can also use popovers, website banners, and even offline channels like in-store signage. This creates a consistent message and maximizes your reach.

By implementing an effective pre-sale campaign, you can harness the power of anticipation and curiosity to drive more traffic and sales during your promotional periods. So, make sure to give it a try next time you plan for any seasonal sales or special events.

6. Reward your loyal customers

In addition to thanking your employees and offering discounts, giving back to your customers is another way to make your Labor Day email marketing campaign more meaningful. Demonstrating appreciation towards your customers helps foster loyalty and enhances your brand image, showcasing your commitment to making a positive impact on their lives.

Vrai & Oro, a fine jewelry brand, effectively integrates this concept into their Labor Day email campaign by offering a gift to their customers. By presenting a unique offer, customers who spend $450 will enjoy free Line Threaders, allowing them to choose their preferred gold color as well.

To give back to your customers in your Labor Day email marketing campaign, consider the following tips:

1. Offer exclusive, personalized incentives: Utilize eRFM or predictive analytics to identify high-value customers most likely to convert. Delight these customers with exclusive Labor Day gifts, promotions, or personalized product recommendations to enhance their overall brand experience and drive conversions.
2. Create a loyalty program: Recognizing and rewarding your regular customers by offering points or rewards for their purchases can solidify their relationship with your brand and foster long-term loyalty.
3. Host a customer appreciation event or sale: Organize an online or in-store event exclusively for your customers to celebrate Labor Day. This could include special discounts, giveaways, or even entertainment for a more memorable experience.
4. Feature customer stories: Share social proof like personal experiences, testimonials, or success stories from your customers to emphasize the impact your brand has had on their lives.

Incorporating strategies to give back to your customers in your Labor Day email marketing campaign not only strengthens your brand image but also creates lasting connections with your audience. By showing appreciation to both your employees and customers, you’ll create a well-rounded, impactful campaign that exemplifies the true spirit of Labor Day and drives the success of your business.

7. Combine Labor Day with back-to-school

Labor Day often coincides with the back-to-school season, making it a prime opportunity to incorporate elements of this theme into your email marketing campaign. By adding a back-to-school touch, you can not only capture the attention of parents and students but also showcase products relevant to this time of year.

For instance, Kidpik, a clothing subscription box for kids, integrates the back-to-school theme in its Labor Day email campaign by featuring essential outfits for the new school year. This not only appeals to parents shopping for school essentials but also cleverly combines both occasions in a single, effective campaign.

To add a back-to-school touch to your Labor Day email marketing campaign, consider the following tips:

1. Showcase back-to-school essentials: Utilize product recommendations to highlight items perfect for students and parents gearing up for the new school year. Feature products like stationery, electronics, clothing, or organization tools to meet the specific needs of your target audience.
2. Offer Limited-time deals: Capitalize on the back-to-school shopping rush by providing limited-time offers and discounts on related products. This creates a sense of urgency for your audience, encouraging them to act quickly and make a purchase.
3. Share helpful tips and resources: Provide value to your customers by including useful advice, checklists, or resources related to the back-to-school season in your email content. This enhances the overall customer experience and demonstrates that your brand cares about their well-being.
4. Use compelling visuals: Utilize relevant images and graphics that depict the excitement and challenges of the back-to-school period. This helps capture the attention of your audience and adds an extra layer of relatability to your email content.

Adding a back-to-school touch to your Labor Day email marketing campaign can help you resonate with the wants and needs of your audience during this busy time of year. By offering relevant products and engaging content, you create a more memorable and impactful campaign that captures the essence of both occasions and drives sales.

Create engaging Labor Day campaigns

As you prepare for the upcoming Labor Day weekend, keep these email marketing ideas in mind. Remember that a successful Labor Day email campaign goes beyond just offering discounts. It’s about understanding your audience, celebrating the holiday’s spirit, and providing value beyond the sale. Use effective communication to deepen your connection with your customers, drive sales, and create lasting impressions for your brand. Happy Labor Day. 

AI-powered personalization for the holidays

Sometimes, the holiday season can be overwhelming with all the shopping and searching. But what if there was a way to make the experience smoother and more personalized for both you and your customers? That’s where artificial intelligence (AI) comes in. AI will play a significant role in personalizing the shopping experience and boosting sales this holiday season.

Recommending the perfect gift (every time)

Imagine a virtual shopping assistant that suggests gift ideas to your customers. Our AI-powered product recommendations analyze your customer’s browsing history and past purchases to suggest relevant items they’re likely to love. This not only simplifies the gift-buying process but also drives significant sales growth through increased average order values, cross-selling, and upselling opportunities.

Chatbots: your 24/7 holiday helpers

No time to staff a customer service line around the clock? No problem. Chatbots powered by AI can answer frequently asked questions, provide product information, and even guide customers through the buying process. These tireless virtual assistants can ensure your customers get the support they need, whenever they need it.

Pricing that’s as smart as Santa

Staying competitive with pricing in online ecommerce is important. AI can help you develop dynamic pricing strategies that adjust based on real-time demand and customer behavior. This ensures you’re offering the best possible prices while still maximizing your profits.

Meeting customers on mobile

The smartphone has become an extension of ourselves, and holiday shopping is no exception. With mobile shopping on the rise, it’s no longer a trend, it’s a necessity. To stay ahead of the curve, ensure your brand offers a mobile experience that’s nothing short of magical.

Speed is key

Nobody likes waiting for a website to load, especially on a small screen. Make sure your website and online store are optimized for mobile users. This includes ensuring fast loading times, clear and concise product information, and easy navigation. Keep in mind that impatient shoppers are abandoning their carts at an alarming rate – don’t let a slow website ruin your holiday sales.

One-click to checkout bliss

One-click ordering options and mobile wallets like Apple Pay and Google Pay can make the difference between a completed purchase and an abandoned cart. But that’s not all. Consider offering a variety of popular payment methods to cater to your customers’ preferences. Integrate options like PayPal and Klarna alongside traditional credit card processing. The easier and faster it is to buy, the more likely you are to convert those browsing shoppers into happy customers.

Mobile-first mentality

Don’t just shrink your desktop website down to fit a mobile screen. Design your mobile experience from the ground up with progressive web apps (PWAs). This means ensuring product pages are finger-friendly, with clear calls to action and high-quality product images that showcase your offerings beautifully – even on a small screen.

Take advantage of our Dotdigital PWA for a desktop experience that mirrors the convenience of mobile. This desktop version offers a smoother workflow by providing direct access to Dotdigital without the need for browser tabs. While the look may differ slightly, you’ll find the same robust features and functionality you’ve come to expect.

Social savvy commerce

The way we shop is changing, with social media playing a central role in this evolution. Gone are the days of passively scrolling through envy-inducing vacation photos. Today, social media platforms have transformed into bustling online marketplaces, offering a seamless social commerce experience for smart shoppers.

Shoppable posts

No need to fuss with navigating websites anymore. Platforms like Instagram and TikTok now allow in-app purchases, enabling you to discover and buy products directly within the social media app. This simplifies the shopping process, allowing you to smoothly transition from browsing engaging content to purchasing the perfect item in just a few clicks.

Live shopping events

Imagine joining a virtual holiday market hosted by your favorite brand on TikTok Shop. Live shopping events make use of real-time interaction, allowing you to see products in action, receive expert advice, and even grab exclusive deals. This interactive format turns passive scrolling into an engaging experience that builds a sense of community and excitement around holiday shopping.

Engaging content

Achieving success in social commerce isn’t just about offering products. It’s also about capturing your audience’s attention with engaging content that educates, entertains, and ultimately motivates them to click the “buy now” button. Think of creative product tutorials, festive gift guides, or entertaining holiday-themed stories – all designed to display your brand’s personality and connect with your target audience on a deeper level.

Influencer marketing boom

In 2024, brands are likely to increase influencer marketing budgets by 60%. This underlines the strategy’s increasing importance for a successful holiday season. However, with numerous influencers, it’s essential to ensure that your brand stands out. Here are some key tips to leverage this booming trend:

Embrace micro-influencers

Consider partnering with micro-influencers this holiday season instead of focusing on follower counts. These individuals have smaller but highly engaged followings, often centered around specific niches. By teaming up with a micro-influencer who aligns perfectly with your target audience, you can tap into a community genuinely interested in what you have to offer.

Authenticity partnerships

Customers today value authenticity. Instead of solely pursuing the biggest names, focus on fostering genuine relationships with influencers who share your brand values. Seek out creators who would organically recommend your products or services to their audience, nurturing trust and connection with potential customers.

Measure your results

Tracking and analyzing your campaign’s results will help you refine your strategy by identifying what’s working and what’s not. By utilizing data and insights, you can ensure your influencer marketing efforts contribute to a successful holiday season.

Unexpected partnerships driving engagement

The holiday season is a time for togetherness, and that spirit of collaboration is extending to the marketing world. This holiday season, expect to see brands break free from tradition and forge unexpected partnerships to reach new audiences and create a bigger impact. Here are some creative ways to leverage this trend:

The power of two

Instead of going it alone, partner with complementary brands that share a similar target audience but offer different products. For example, imagine a cozy coffee company teaming up with a local bakery to create a limited-edition holiday gift basket. This cross-promotion strategy exposes both brands to new customers and creates a more enticing holiday offering for existing ones.

Think local, win big

While big-name collaborations grab headlines, sometimes the most powerful partnerships are found closer to home. Consider teaming up with local businesses to offer unique holiday packages or experiences. 

For instance, a sporting goods store could partner with a local ski resort to offer a bundled ski package complete with equipment rentals and lift tickets. This strategy not only strengthens ties within the community but also creates a memorable and desirable holiday offering.

Spreading holiday cheer, one cause at a time

The holidays are a time for giving back, and customers are increasingly drawn to brands that align with their values. Partner with a non-profit organization and donate a portion of your sales to a worthy cause. This demonstrates your brand’s commitment to social responsibility and resonates with purpose-driven shoppers.

Embrace these holiday marketing trends for 2024

By incorporating these holiday marketing trends of 2024, you can create a dynamic marketing strategy that not only captivates your audience but also ensures a successful and memorable festive season for your brand. 

Embracing these trends will allow you to stay ahead of the competition, strengthen your brand presence, and connect with your audience in more meaningful ways. By being proactive and innovative in your approach, you can position your brand as a go-to choice for consumers during the holidays and beyond.

August offers a fantastic range of holidays and observances to boost your engagement. This guide not only provides dates but also offers curated key events and creative ideas to inspire not only your social media campaigns but also your email and SMS marketing efforts. So let’s get started. 

Important social media calendar dates in August

Themes for the month 

• National Immunization Awareness Month
• Black Business Month
• August 1 – National Girlfriends Day #NationalGirlfriendsDay
• August 2 – International Beer Day #BeerDay
• August 2 – Coloring Book Day #ColoringBookDay
• August 3 – Watermelon Day #WatermelonDay
• August 4 – National Sisters Day #SistersDay
• August 5 – Blogger Day #BloggerDay
• August 8 – National Bowling Day #BowlingDay
• August 8 – International Cat Day #CatDay
• August 9 – Book Lovers Day #BookLoversDay
• August 10 – Lazy Day #LazyDay
• August 11 – Summer Olympic Games end #Olympics2024
• August 11 – Sons and Daughters Day #SonsAndDaughtersDay
• August 12 – World Elephant Day #WorldElephantDay
• August 13 – International Lefthanders Day #LefthandersDay
• August 15 – Relaxation Day #RelaxationDay
• August 16 – Tell a Joke Day #TellAJokeDay
• August 17 – Non-Profit Day #NonProfitDay
• August 18 – Never Give Up Day #NeverGiveUp
• August 18 – Men’s Grooming Day #MensGroomingDay
• August 19 – World Photo Day #WorldPhotoDay
• August 19 – World Humanitarian Day #WorldHumanitarianDay
• August 20 – National Lemonade Day #NationalLemonadeDay
• August 23 – Sponge Cake Day #SpongeCakeDay
• August 25 – Banana Split Day #BananaSplitDay
• August 26 – Dog Day #DogDay
• August 27 – World Rock Paper Scissors Day #RockPaperScissor
• August 28 – Summer Paralympics begins #Paris2024
• August 29 – Chop Suey Day #ChopSuey

Let’s delve into specific ideas for each date to help you create successful campaigns this August.

Black Business Month

August is Black Business Month, a time to acknowledge the remarkable contributions and rich history of Black-owned businesses. This month provides a fantastic opportunity to amplify the voices of Black entrepreneurs and showcase the vibrant diversity within the business community. Consider partnering with Black-owned businesses, featuring customer testimonials, or running contests to highlight their unique products and services.

August 2 – Coloring Book Day

August 2nd is Coloring Book Day. This event is a great opportunity to express your creativity and have fun, regardless of age. Consider organizing a coloring contest to encourage participation and promote user-generated content. You can also share interesting facts about the history of coloring books to evoke a sense of nostalgia.

August 3 – Watermelon Day

Watermelon Day is a great chance to celebrate this delicious fruit. You could collaborate with a local watermelon farm for a giveaway, showcase a collection with a fruity theme to boost engagement or create a visually appealing post with watermelon carving ideas to inspire creativity.

August 8 – National Bowling Day

Channel the competitive energy of May Day celebrations into a lighthearted game. Share funny bowling memes or GIFs to add humor or partner with a local bowling alley for a discount or special offer to incentivize participation.

August 8 – International Cat Day

International Cat Day provides a wonderful opportunity to show appreciation. Collaborate with an animal shelter for an adoption drive to give back to the community, or share interesting cat facts and adorable cat videos to spread joy.

August 10 – Lazy Day

Lazy Day offers a chance to unwind and recharge. Consider offering a discount on loungewear or relaxation products to cater to this desire, or create a lighthearted and humorous post about the joys of laziness to connect with your audience on a relatable level.

August 12 – World Elephant Day

World Elephant Day provides an opportunity to give back and educate your audience. You can share educational content about the importance of elephant conservation to raise awareness. You can also host a Q&A session with an elephant expert to provide valuable insights.

August 15 – Relaxation Day

Relaxation Day is an opportunity to focus on well-being. If you have a skincare, beauty, or health and wellness brand, consider highlighting your product offerings. Alternatively, you could collaborate with a spa or wellness center for a giveaway to promote relaxation or create a calming and visually soothing post using nature imagery to inspire tranquility.

August 17 – Non-Profit Day

Nonprofit Day is an important opportunity to show gratitude and recognition to the people and organizations who work tirelessly to create a positive impact. If you are a nonprofit, this is a chance for your organization to highlight the meaningful contributions you have made and to inspire your supporters to participate. This could involve volunteering, donating to causes that are important to them, or sharing inspiring stories of nonprofit achievements.

August 18 – Men’s Grooming Day

Men’s Grooming Day is the perfect excuse to celebrate self-care. Run contests or polls to spark conversations about men’s grooming routines and product recommendations. You can also partner with influencers or barbershops to create engaging content.

August 19 – World Humanitarian Day

World Humanitarian Day is a powerful moment to celebrate the courageous individuals and organizations dedicated to alleviating global suffering. Whether it’s providing emergency aid, advocating for human rights, or fostering peacebuilding initiatives, humanitarians selflessly strive to make a difference. 

It’s a day to not only recognize their tireless work but also to inspire action within your communities. Consider encouraging your audience to donate to a cause they care about or amplify the stories of notable inspiring heroes in your marketing campaigns.

August subject line ideas

Crafting catchy and engaging subject lines is an important part of any successful marketing campaign. To help you create standout subject lines, we’ve analyzed top-performing email campaigns from last August.

Key trends from last year

Our data revealed that subject lines combining a sense of urgency with personalized touches were most effective in driving click-through rates.

• Create a sense of urgency: Leverage phrases like “time is running out,” “don’t miss out,” or “there’s still time to” to encourage immediate action.
• Highlight value and benefits: Communicate the value proposition to the reader (e.g., “save up to NUMBERPERCENT%,” “important information, or “get your hands on”).
• Build strong relationships: Personalize your messages and focus on customer engagement (e.g., “thank you for,” or “we’d love to hear from you”).

August-inspired subject line ideas

To help you brainstorm effective subject lines, we’ve categorized some common phrases used in high-performing campaigns:

Watermelon Day: Are you ready for a juicy summer with our refreshing promotions?

International Beer Day: You’re invited to celebrate with our Beer-tastic deals

Coloring Book Day: Tell us what you can create with our artistic offers

National Sisters Day: Join us for a sisterhood celebration with special discounts

Bowling Day: Roll into excitement with our strike-worthy promotions

International Cat Day: Paws-itively adorable deals for feline fanatics

Book Lovers Day: Join us for a celebration of books. Book Lovers Day deals are here.

Lazy Day: Unwind and relax with our stress-free special offers

National Lemonade Day: Sip and savor our thirst-quenching deals

Sponge Cake Day: Indulge in sweet layers of our irresistible offers

Banana Split Day: Go nuts for our mouthwatering promotions

Dog Day: Welcome to your one-stop destination for tail-wagging treats and discounts

While the ideas provided can be a starting point, it’s important to customize them to match your distinct brand voice. Feel free to try out emojis, playful language, or a sense of urgency to capture attention.

For an added creative spark, you can also use AI-powered generative tools like WinstonAI to brainstorm new ideas, adjust the tone, or refine the length of your subject lines.

Spark engagement with your August marketing campaigns

Get ready to maximize your marketing campaigns in August by leveraging the month’s social media calendar holidays and observances. This detailed social media calendar is packed with key dates and compelling themes to spark ideas for your content strategy for the entire month of August. 

By staying organized and tapping into the buzz surrounding these significant dates, your brand can stand out from the competition and create memorable experiences for your customers all through August. Happy posting.

However, managing email marketing, especially with a growing subscriber list, can quickly become overwhelming. Keep reading to learn about ESPs and how to choose the most suitable one for your business.

What is an ESP?

An Email Service Provider (ESP) is an organization that provides technology that allows you to send email campaigns to a list of subscribers. Email marketing service providers surpass the limitations of standard email services like Gmail or Outlook by providing a set of powerful tools specifically designed for marketers. Here’s how ESPs can elevate your email marketing strategies:

1. Build and grow

Are you tired of wrestling with messy spreadsheets? ESPs make building and managing email lists a breeze. You can add signup forms to your website, collect leads from events, and easily import your existing contacts.

Imagine starting with a handful of subscribers and growing your list to thousands of engaged contacts, all within a user-friendly platform. ESPs provide the tools to streamline list growth and nurture strong customer relationships.

2. Segmentation superpower

ESPs allow you to segment your list based on demographics, interests, and behavior. This lets you send targeted campaigns that resonate with specific audience segments, boosting engagement and conversions.

3. Drag-and-drop magic

Gone are the days of clunky email coding. ESPs offer a library of beautiful, pre-designed email templates that you can customize with drag-and-drop ease. You can add images, videos, and calls to action, and personalize the layout – all without needing any design experience.

4. Say goodbye to gooey code

Forget about fiddling with HTML or CSS. ESPs use a visual editor that lets you focus on creating compelling content and crafting a stunning email experience for your audience.

5. Automate your email marketing

You can use an ESP to create automated email sequences triggered by subscriber behavior. These sequences could include welcome series, nurture campaigns, and win-back emails. Automating these processes will free up time for other strategic initiatives and allow you to continually optimize these campaigns for better results.

6. Personalization at scale

Personalization is key to email marketing success. ESPs offer advanced features such as dynamic content that go beyond standard greetings. This means you can send emails that automatically personalize greetings, product recommendations, and offers based on subscriber names, purchase history, and even website browsing behavior. 

This creates a highly relevant and engaging experience that feels like you’re communicating directly with each subscriber. The outcome is increased engagement, improved conversions, and ultimately, more sales for your business.

7. Analytics advantage

ESPs aren’t just about sending emails; they’re about understanding how your audience interacts with them. With an ESP, you can track key email marketing metrics like open rates, click-through rates, and unsubscribes to see what’s working and what’s not. Use this data to refine your strategy and optimize future campaigns for maximum impact.

8. A/B testing power

Not sure which subject line will resonate best? Use ESPs’ A/B testing functionality to test different versions of your emails and see which one performs better. This data-driven approach helps you send the most effective campaigns possible.

9. Deliverability done right

Getting your emails past spam filters is crucial. ESPs use advanced technology and expertise to ensure your messages land safely in subscriber inboxes, maximizing your campaign reach and impact.

10. Stay compliant

The landscape of data privacy regulations, like GDPR and CCPA, is always evolving, which can be overwhelming for marketers. Using an ESP can provide peace of mind. ESPs monitor the latest regulations, including those related to data privacy such as GDPR and CCPA. 

They offer features and support to help you ensure that your email marketing practices are compliant. This means you can avoid significant fines, safeguard your sender reputation, and concentrate on what truly matters: growing your business through impactful email marketing.

Do you need an ESP?

If you’re regularly sending out email blasts to a growing subscriber list, an ESP is a necessity. Here are some signs that an ESP can benefit your marketing:

• Struggling to manage a growing email list and segment for targeted campaigns
• Yearning to create professional-looking emails that resonate with your audience
• Lacking the time or resources to design and automate email workflows
• Seeing disappointing results from your current email marketing efforts

How to choose an email service provider

With a plethora of ESPs on the market, selecting the right one requires careful consideration. Here’s a roadmap to guide you:

• Identify your needs: Determine your specific marketing goals and prioritize the features most crucial for achieving them. Do you need advanced segmentation capabilities or a focus on automation?
• Ease of use: Consider your team’s technical expertise. Some ESPs offer intuitive interfaces ideal for beginners, while others cater to more tech-savvy users.
• Scalability: Choose an ESP that can grow with your business. Ensure it can handle a larger subscriber base and increasing email volume as you scale.
• Pricing: Compare pricing structures and features to find an ESP that fits your budget. Many offer tiered plans with varying functionalities.

Why choose Dotdigital as your ESP

Not all ESPs are the same. While many offer basic functionalities, Dotdigital goes above and beyond to provide a powerful all-in-one marketing platform. Here’s what sets us apart:

• Advanced personalization: Take your emails to the next level with dynamic content. Picture emails that automatically customize greetings, product recommendations, and offers based on subscriber names, purchase history, and even website browsing behavior. This allows for a personalized 1:1 customer experience, leading to higher engagement and increased conversions.
• Cross-channel engagement: Go beyond email. Integrate SMS, social media, and personalized landing pages into your campaigns. This creates a cohesive cross-channel experience that engages your audience on their preferred platforms.
• Unlock deep customer insights: Go beyond basic analytics. Dotdigital’s advanced reporting provides actionable insights into customer behavior. Leverage this data to personalize email campaigns, segment your audience with laser focus, and optimize your strategy for maximum impact.
• Scale with confidence: Whether you’re a budding startup or a seasoned enterprise, Dotdigital scales with you. Our platform is equipped to handle complex customer journeys and massive email volumes, ensuring your marketing efforts grow alongside your business.
• Support by your side: Dotdigital provides exceptional customer service, including professional services, dedicated customer success managers, email designers, marketing strategists, and deliverability experts. The dedicated support team is available to guide you through every step, from onboarding to campaign optimization.
• Deliverability you can count on: Landing in inboxes is crucial for email success. Dotdigital offers advanced tools and expertise to ensure your emails reach their intended audience, maximizing your campaign reach.

In short, Dotdigital equips you to not just send emails but craft data-driven, personalized marketing experiences that drive real results.

Start using an email service provider today

Email service providers are a powerful tool that can transform your email marketing strategy. An ESP offers a range of features that streamline the process, from building subscriber lists and creating targeted campaigns to automating workflows and tracking results. By leveraging the functionalities of an ESP, you can create professional-looking emails that resonate with your audience, boost engagement, and ultimately drive conversions.

In a recent interview with Sharon, she shared her extensive experience in creating impactful email templates and how she works with Dotdigital customers across different industries. The creative team at Dotdigital, including Sharon, is always on hand to provide valuable guidance and support.

Keep reading to learn Sharon’s secrets to crafting attention-grabbing email templates within the Dotdigital platform. Let’s delve in and get started.

Maximizing Dotdigital features

During our interview, Sharon revealed some powerful features she uses daily within the Dotdigital platform to create impactful email templates for clients. Let’s explore these hidden gems and show you how to use them to craft email templates that truly connect with your audience.

Image editor

Creating graphics for campaigns can be a time-consuming task, especially for those who lack access to photo editing tools like Photoshop. Relying on design teams can also slow down the process and create obstacles in your campaign creation, taking up valuable time for marketers. 

However, Sharon highlighted that the image editor available in Dotdigital under “Images” (Manage) helps you to design striking images. You can easily crop, resize, and add text overlays to create captivating hero sections and establish the tone for your email.

Link checker

Consider the frustration of spending hours creating the perfect email campaign, only to later discover that some links are not working. Not only is this inconvenient for your subscribers, but broken links can also damage your sender’s reputation and impact the success of your campaign.

Manually checking links in old email templates is a time-consuming task, and it’s all too easy to overlook a broken link. With Dotdigital’s link checker, you can automatically scan your templates for outdated or broken links – this is a huge time saver for Sharon and her team. This tool helps you provide a positive user experience and improve sender reputation.

Custom building blocks

Are you tired of typing the same email content over and over again? Creating emails from scratch can be time-consuming, especially if you must include common elements such as product listings, CTAs, or social media icons. Sharon revealed that using custom building blocks can dramatically improve your email creation process.

These blocks allow you to save frequently used content sections like a CTA block, and then simply drag and drop them into your emails whenever you need them. By doing this, you can create your own content library and save significant time on future campaigns. By focusing on crafting strategic email content, you can let Dotdigital take care of the repetitive tasks.

Display options

Picture this: you’ve crafted a stunning email complete with an eye-catching hero image, only to discover later that it’s cut off on mobile devices. In today’s mobile-first world, your emails need to display perfectly across all devices. Failing to optimize emails for different screen sizes can result in subscribers missing important information or having a negative user experience. 

Sharon highlighted the importance of using display options to create a seamless experience across all devices. This feature gives you control over how your email content appears on different screen sizes, enabling you to create a consistent and user-friendly experience for all recipients. 

With our display options feature, you can choose whether to show or hide specific sections for mobile or desktop viewers, catering to the unique preferences of each audience. By customizing your emails for each device, you’ll keep subscribers engaged and satisfied, regardless of how they access your emails.

Email template best practices

Email templates are a powerful tool to streamline your email marketing efforts, but crafting effective ones requires following key principles. Here are some email template best practices that Sharon uses daily when working with clients. By following these tips, you can create email campaigns that resonate with your audience and drive results.

Balance HTML and imagery

It’s important to strike a good balance between HTML text and engaging visuals. Finding this perfect balance allows your message to stand out across different platforms, ensuring that your audience receives a clear and compelling message. Excessive images in the top section of the email (above the fold) can make the email less engaging when images are turned off. On the other hand, large blocks of text can overwhelm readers.

Above the fold focus

When scrolling through a crowded inbox, you only have a few seconds to decide which emails to open before moving on. That’s why the above the fold section – the initial screen view of your email – is prime real estate. It’s your chance to grab attention and convince recipients to delve deeper. Here are some tips for a captivating above the fold section:

1. Lead with a compelling subject line: Use a clear, concise subject line that sparks curiosity and entices readers to open the email. Feeling stuck crafting the perfect subject line? Consider using a generative tool like WinstonAI.
2. Use visible HTML text: Ensure your HTML text is placed above the fold and is concise, complementing your subject line to engage viewers to open the email.
3. Showcase a powerful image: A captivating image can instantly grab attention and set the tone for your email.
4. Highlight key content: Feature a strong call to action, a new product launch, or a special offer to pique interest.

By prioritizing visually appealing and informative content within the above the fold section, you can significantly increase your email open rates and engagement.

Accessibility for all

Make your emails accessible to everyone. Use alt text to describe images for those who use screen readers, structure your content with clear heading hierarchies, and leave enough white space for readability to cater to a broader audience.

It’s important to ensure that all individuals can fully engage with your content. Creating accessible emails not only demonstrates inclusivity but also extends the reach of your message to a wider audience.

Code cleanliness

When it comes to email design, maintaining code cleanliness is important. By keeping your email code clean and minimizing nesting tables and columns where possible, you can avoid rendering issues – particularly on platforms like Gmail. A streamlined and well-structured code ensures that your messages are delivered effectively without any unnecessary bloat.

Font fundamentals

Fonts can make or break your email’s visual appeal. Opt for widely supported fonts like Arial or Times New Roman to ensure consistent display across different devices and email clients. Avoid fancy fonts that might not render properly and result in a confusing presentation.

Campaign design review

If you’re uncertain whether your emails are performing well, our creative team provides a campaign design review service. We’ll analyze five of your campaigns, provide feedback, and offer best practice advice and suggestions to enhance their effectiveness. This can help you pinpoint areas for improvement and ensure that your emails are reaching their full potential.

Start creating engaging emails today

Crafting compelling emails doesn’t have to be a mystery. By utilizing Dotdigital’s features and following best practices shared by our talented creative team, you can create email campaigns that engage audiences and deliver results.

Power up your emails with strong visuals, clear communication, and a focus on user experience. Instead of using generic templates, unleash your creativity and get support from our dedicated in-house experts. With Dotdigital, you can design email campaigns that stand out, attract attention, and drive results.

AI revolutionizes Olympic viewing

The 2024 Paris Olympics is expected to be a significant event, continuing the long tradition of the Olympics being at the forefront of technological advancements. Key developments from past Olympics, such as the groundbreaking introduction of slow-motion replays and the mind-blowing achievement of live broadcasts reaching audiences worldwide, demonstrate the spirit of innovation. This spirit continues in Paris, where cutting-edge technology will share the spotlight with athletic excellence.

While you may know Alibaba as the force behind Singles’ Day, the world’s biggest shopping event, this Chinese tech giant is also a major player in artificial intelligence. The International Olympic Committee (IOC) has found a strong partner in Alibaba, whose cloud-based AI is set to revolutionize the viewing experience for audiences worldwide.

Alibaba Cloud’s AI-powered multi-camera replay system, tested during the Shanghai qualifiers, takes center stage. This innovative technology leverages machine learning and deep neural networks to create high-quality 3D models from strategically placed cameras. The result? Virtual frames from new angles, smoother replays, and an immersive experience for viewers worldwide.

Building on its success at the Beijing Winter Olympics, the multi-camera replay system expands to 12 venues in Paris 2024, including beach volleyball, tennis, judo, and rugby. This grants broadcasters a rich library of dynamic replays, significantly enriching the Olympic viewing experience for audiences everywhere.

5 brands excelling at Olympic marketing

Let’s delve into some five brands that we think are delivering exceptional Olympic marketing campaigns. 

Nike

When it comes to Olympic marketing, Nike is at the forefront. The brand consistently make significant investments, with reports suggesting that its spending for the 2024 Games is its largest ever. This dedication results in impactful campaigns that resonate with audiences.

This year, Nike introduced a diverse range of team uniforms, highlighting athlete comfort and individual expression. Its “spectrum of styles” approach ensures that athletes feel confident and empowered in its attire. 

Nike also took a step further, claiming that the 2024 collection is its most “data-driven and visually unified effort” ever. Each kit supposedly reflects the unique identity and cultural background of the participating countries and sports.

For track and field athletes, Nike offers a wide variety – nearly 50 apparel pieces and 12 competition styles – catering to individual preferences and specific events. This level of customization and athlete-centric design showcases Nike’s profound understanding of the Olympic spirit and its emphasis on empowering athletes to achieve their best.

P&G

P&G takes a unique approach to Olympic marketing, focusing on providing essential, behind-the-scenes support for athletes throughout the Games. Leveraging its vast brand portfolio – over 30 brands like Pampers, Venus, Gillette, and Always activated in over 40 countries – P&G ensures athletes’ needs are met before, during, and after competition.

P&G’s commitment goes far beyond traditional advertising. Imagine stepping off the plane and being greeted with a welcome kit stocked with familiar P&G products. At the Olympic Village, P&G provides practical services that make life easier for athletes, including a Pampers nursery, an Ariel laundry room, and a salon featuring various P&G brands. Athletes competing at Paris 2024 can also expect access to Oral-B products at a dental clinic and readily available feminine hygiene products.

Samsung

Samsung has a strong presence in Olympic marketing as a long-time Worldwide Olympic Partner. For the Paris 2024 Games, Samsung has introduced the “Open Always Wins” campaign, which is in line with the official message of the Paris Olympics and Paralympics, promoting inclusivity and openness.

In addition to traditional advertising, Samsung has strategically placed banners featuring the Galaxy Z Flip 5 in popular Parisian locations such as Haussman Street, Palais Garnier, and La Défense. These placements ensure high visibility throughout the Games, including the Paralympic Games, which conclude in September 2024.

The “Open Always Wins” campaign conveys Samsung’s brand values of embracing innovation and pushing boundaries. This reflects the spirit of the Olympics, where athletes constantly strive to achieve new feats. By highlighting its groundbreaking foldable phone lineup, Samsung reinforces this message and solidifies its position at the forefront of technological innovation.

Deloitte

Deloitte has partnered with the International Olympic Committee (IOC) to launch “The First Effect” campaign, taking a unique approach to Olympic marketing. This campaign aims to redefine success by focusing on the lasting influence of groundbreaking achievements at the Olympics and Paralympics, rather than just the medal count.

Debuting 100 days before the Paris 2024 Games, “The First Effect” will be prominently displayed in Deloitte’s key global markets and across the IOC’s digital channels, including Meta, TikTok, and X. The campaign will continue throughout the Games.

In the lead-up to Paris 2024, “The First Effect” will showcase the stories of five inspiring athletes who defied barriers and made history. One such story is that of Nicola Adams, a British boxer who made history at the 2012 London Olympics by becoming the first female Olympic boxing champion. Her win sparked a surge in female boxing participation in Great Britain, dramatically transforming the sport’s visibility and representation for women and girls.

The campaign also spotlights other inspiring figures like Sarah Attar, the first Saudi Arabian woman to compete in track and field at the Olympics, and Natalie Du Toit, the first amputee swimmer to qualify for the Olympic Games.

“The First Effect” doesn’t stop at athlete stories. It delves into other historical firsts at the Olympics, including the introduction of female athletes at the 1900 Paris Games and the first-ever live global broadcast at the 1964 Tokyo Olympics.

LVMH

Luxury giant LVMH is going all out for the Paris 2024 Olympics with its  “The Rooftops” campaign, directed by Louis de Caunes. This campaign captures the magic of the Games against the stunning backdrop of Paris.

The film goes beyond the athletic competition by showcasing the Parisian spirit that drives these LVMH-sponsored athletes. The campaign features swimmers, fencers, wheelchair tennis champions, rugby players, and gymnasts training on Parisian rooftops, with iconic monuments such as the Eiffel Tower and the Arc de Triomphe serving as silent witnesses to its determination to achieve victory.

“The Rooftops” is a multi-faceted campaign, with 60 and 30-second films being displayed on event schedule billboards throughout the Games, as well as on social media and in print formats to ensure maximum exposure for both the athletes and the City of Lights.

LVMH’s role as “Artisan of All Victories” goes beyond this campaign. As a premium Partner, the company will utilize the craftsmanship of its artisans for key celebratory moments throughout the Games. This collaborative effort between LVMH and Paris 2024 reflects the Group’s longstanding support for sports and prestigious international competitions, promising to be a stunning showcase of French excellence on the world stage.

How you can score big with Olympic marketing

The Olympic Games ignite a global passion for sportsmanship and excellence. With a captivated global audience, the Games presents a unique opportunity to elevate your brand and connect with potential customers. Here are winning strategies to leverage the Olympic spirit:

Embrace moments-based marketing

The Olympics provide many real-time moments and stories. Take advantage of inspiring victories, upsets, and athletic achievements by creating engaging subject lines, social media posts, ads, or blog content to align with these moments.

Connect to your brand

Instead of posting generic congratulations, relate the Olympic moment to your brand values. For example, if a swimmer persevered through a tough race, highlight your company’s commitment to resilience. If a team achieved victory through collaboration, showcase your expertise in teamwork to make your message relevant and impactful.

Look beyond the winners

Look for opportunities outside the spotlight. Partner with lesser-known athletes who embody your brand spirit. Sponsor their training, create content that follows their journey, or support their local communities. These grassroots partnerships build authentic connections with potential customers who appreciate brands that champion rising stars.

Utilize user-generated content (UGC)

The Olympics ignite a global conversation. Tap into this energy by encouraging your audience to join the fun. Run contests that ask them to share photos or videos celebrating the Games with your product. This user-generated content (UGC) creates organic brand exposure, fosters a sense of community, and provides valuable insights into your customer base.

Highlight human stories

People connect with stories, not just products. Look for inspiring narratives beyond the medals. Feature stories of athletes overcoming adversity, the dedication of coaches, or the passion of volunteers. These stories will resonate with your audience and build a lasting connection with your brand, humanizing it in a way that generic marketing messages can’t.

By following these strategies, you can capitalize on the Olympic moments to create impactful marketing.

A golden opportunity for marketing innovation

The Paris 2024 Olympic Games are revolutionizing the marketing landscape. Brands are challenging traditional Olympic marketing, empowering athletes, and delivering an unforgettable experience for global audiences.

As excitement for the Games continues to build, we can anticipate further marketing innovations and impactful messaging, setting the stage for a remarkable Olympic experience. Beyond the athletic accomplishments, the narratives and connections forged will ensure that Paris 2024 makes a lasting impact on the worlds of marketing and sports alike.

But do you know how Pride Month originated and evolved into the global event we know today? In this blog, we’ll delve into the history of Pride, a story of resilience, activism, and an ongoing push for equality.

The Stonewall riots

Let’s start with the pivotal moment that sparked the modern LGBTQIA+ rights movement: the Stonewall riots. On June 28, 1969, the LGBTIQA+ community took a stand against a police raid at the Stonewall Inn, a gay bar in New York City’s Greenwich Village. While police raids on LGBTQIA+ establishments were not uncommon, this particular event ignited a fury that led to several days of protests and riots.

The resulting days of protests and riots marked a turning point. As Sylvia Rivera, a transgender activist and Stonewall participant, powerfully stated, “People started fighting back and saying, ‘No, you’re not going to treat us like this anymore.'”  Stonewall galvanized a new sense of unity and determination within the LGBTQIA+ community to fight for their rights.

The first Pride parade

To honor the Stonewall Riots and commemorate its anniversary, the first Pride parade, known as the Christopher Street Liberation Day, took place in New York City on June 28, 1970. 

Thousands marched from the Stonewall Inn to Central Park, advocating for LGBTQIA+ rights. Simultaneously, similar marches erupted in Chicago, Los Angeles, and San Francisco, signaling the birth of a nationwide movement for equality.

The rainbow flag

The rainbow flag is an internationally recognized symbol of LGBTQIA+ pride and liberation. Designed by artist Gilbert Baker in 1978, the flag was an instant hit with the San Francisco LGBTQIA+ community. Baker, a drag queen and activist, envisioned a symbol that would be both vibrant and inclusive.

Each color in the original flag had a specific meaning, chosen by Baker:

• Pink (omitted in later versions): Sexuality
• Red: Life
• Orange: Healing
• Yellow: Sunlight
• Green: Nature
• Turquoise (omitted in later versions): Art
• Indigo (replaced with blue): Harmony
• Violet: Spirit

This vibrant and inclusive flag represents love, unity, and the beautiful spectrum of LGBTQIA+ identities.

Baker, along with other activists, hand-dyed fabric and constructed the first flag on the rooftop of an LGBTQIA+ community center. The flag’s popularity quickly outgrew their ability to produce them. When a company was contracted for mass production, challenges arose. Fabric shortages forced the removal of pink and turquoise stripes, and indigo was replaced with blue for better availability.

This slightly modified version of Baker’s original flag is the one most recognized worldwide. It has become a powerful symbol of LGBTQIA+ pride, with many variations emerging over time to celebrate the full spectrum of sexualities and gender identities.

As Baker stated, “Our job as gay people was to come out, to be visible, to live in the truth.” The rainbow flag perfectly embodies this mission, serving as a vibrant declaration of self-identity and a call for LGBTQIA+ visibility.

The fight for equality continues

While there has been significant progress in the LGBTQIA+ rights movement, the fight for equality is far from over. Despite over 30 countries legalizing same-sex marriage, many nations still criminalize same-sex relationships and deny basic rights to the LGBTQIA+ community, including housing, employment, and healthcare.

Discrimination and violence against LGBTQIA+ individuals are alarmingly prevalent in many parts of the world. We must continue working towards a world where LGBTQIA+ people can live freely and authentically, enjoying the same rights and opportunities as everyone else.

Dotdigital and Pride

At Dotdigital, Pride is more than just a rainbow logo. We are committed to fostering an inclusive workplace where everyone feels valued and supported. We believe that everyone deserves to be themselves, and we actively work towards creating an environment that encourages authenticity and diversity.

Here’s Dotdigital at London Pride 2023: 

Join the movement

Pride Month is a time to celebrate all the amazing progress the LGBTQIA+ community has made. But let’s not forget, that the fight for equality isn’t over yet. Here’s the cool thing: YOU can be a part of making a real difference.

Thinking about how to get involved and be an ally? Here are some ideas:

Support LGBTQIA+ organizations

Groups like GLAAD, The Human Rights Campaign, and The Trevor Project are doing incredible work. Donate or get involved if you can, it makes a big difference.

Spread the love on social media

Share stories and posts from creators, musicians, and businesses on social media. Give them a platform and boost their visibility. 

Attend local Pride events

Find a local Pride parade, festival, or workshop. It’s a fantastic way to show your support and celebrate.

See something, say something

When you witness discrimination, speak up. Everyone deserves to be treated fairly, no matter who they love or how they identify.

Pride email templates

If you’re a Dotdigital customer, you can show your support by using our free Pride email templates. You can find them in the Templates section under Events in the Dotdigital platform. Create a new campaign using the Pride template. Once you have done this, you can use the template and delete the sections you don’t need.

Alternatively, you can drag the blocks you need from this campaign into the left-hand panel, name your block and it will appear in ‘Custom building blocks’ on the left-hand side. From here you can drop the block into whichever email campaign you desire.

Every action, big or small, adds up. Together, we can create a world where everyone feels included and can live their truth to the fullest. Now that’s something to celebrate.