I was looking over one of the emails I sent earlier this year… before this list.
And…
What a cringe!
Not the email topic. I mean… it was about life and real stuff.
But WOW! The spelling… the grammar… the clangers!
Normally, I try to be careful. It really doesn’t do my ego any good for things like that to slip through (perfectionism and all!).
But the simple reason I’m now hanging my head in shame before grammarians everywhere…
I was in a rush.
And a rather last-minute one at that.
Even though I read it over a few times before sending. The rush-factor cause a billion brain cells to go on holiday and I just missed stuff.
Occasional sloppiness, mistakes — sometimes ENORMOUS CLANGERS! — in emails can be OK and forgivable. Maybe even endearing.
Because I’m human after all. Yes, Really!
But they also have the potential to make me come across as unprofessional… and perhaps just a bit TOO casual or sloppy.
Although this totally depends on CONTEXT.
And in the context of this email list I’m writing to right now…
I don’t remember promising anywhere that I’m aiming for the height of “professionalism” or grammar correctness in my emails… do you?
Of course I DO want my emails to be easy for people to read.
But climbing over a mountain of grammatical whoopsies can get tiring.
So, I do TRY.
And when it comes to writing emails to your list (or for emails needing more of a professional touch)…
A little preparation and forward planning goes a looong way
(I’ve certainly had some moments looking squarely in the mirror about this stuff.)
And my advice… because you get it whether you asked for it or not:
1) Use an email content calendar
2) Constantly collect stories and ideas so you always have something to write about
3) Before sending, give enough time to write a draft and edit it. Even give a few hours or a day’s break between draft and edit — does wonders for saving face and making things tighter.
This quick 1-2-3 can help avoid the shambles that a last-minute rush brings on.
Unless of course you love a shambles… and that’s just what your audience is panting for… in which case: ignore what I’ve just said!
Should you prefer a little more order and less perspiration…
I’ve got a handy-dandy email planning spreadsheet you’re welcome to use.
You just need a Google account. Click “Make a copy” for it to be added to your Google Drive.
Here it is:
https://milham.me/campaign-calendar-sheet
Beep boop,
Ready to build your email list? Go here…
EmailForTheWin.com
Chris Milham