Email is one of the most effective ways to communicate. But not if you’re making mistakes or doing it wrong. So we’ve got a helpful email checklist you can download for free.
We’ve listed a ton of practical things your church can do to make sure your email is as effective as possible.
Email Checklist Advice
Here’s a taste of some our email checklist advice:
- Basics: Use a reputable email service (not dumping a list of emails into the CC: or BCC: fields of a personal email account).
- Basics: Don’t forget the “From” field. This includes both a name and an email address. Keep it simple and consistent (i.e., don’t sent it from the pastor one week, the admin the next, and a vague info account the next).
- Content: Does the email have a clear and direct call to action—what do you want people to do after reading the email? (Attend an event, register, spread the word, pray, etc.)
- Content: Be sure to check any preview text. This can have an influence on open rates.
- Design: Include links to your church website and any relevant social media channels. Even if these links are in the footer, it’s helpful to point people to your online presence.
- Design: Remember mobile. A majority of email reading happens on mobile devices, so make sure it still looks good on a smaller screen.
- Subject lines: Use a unique, engaging subject line, something that gives people a reason to open your email (“First Church News” is neither unique or engaging).
- Functionality: Send a test of the email and check every link in the email. Make sure each link is directing people to the right place.
- Functionality: Some email services can automatically post updates to your social channels. Make sure this content is updated and engaging.
- Final check: Schedule the email to send at an appropriate day and time. Ideally, you should choose a consistent day and try to find an effective time. Some email services can suggest the most effective time to send an email.
Our full (and free) email checklist has 37 things to consider—tips to improve and things to double check. Did we mention it’s free? Grab it and make sure you’re doing email right.
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Need more help with email? We created a ton of super-practical email resources for our Courageous Storytellers members. Join now to get access.
