Want to write sales emails that actually work? You’re in the right place! This post will show you how to use incubation to craft amazing sales emails.
Incubation is a secret weapon that top copywriters use. It helps you come up with fresh ideas and write emails that grab attention. We’ll walk through the whole process step by step.
By the end, you’ll know how to write emails that get results. Let’s dive in and learn how incubation can boost your sales email game!
What is Incubation in Writing?
Incubation in writing is a creative process. It’s when you step back from your work and let ideas grow in your mind. During this time, you’re not actively writing. Instead, you’re giving your brain space to make new connections.
For example, when writing a sales email, you might brainstorm ideas one day. Then, you take a break for a day or two. During this break, your mind keeps working on the problem in the background. When you come back to write, you often have fresh ideas and insights. This is incubation at work.
Why is Incubation Important?
Incubation is key to writing great sales emails. It helps you avoid writer’s block and come up with unique ideas. When you use incubation, you give your brain time to process information. This leads to more creative and effective writing.
For instance, let’s say you’re stuck on how to start your sales email. If you force yourself to keep writing, you might end up with something boring. But if you take a break and let the ideas incubate, you could come back with a killer opening line. Incubation helps you write emails that stand out and get results.
How to Use Incubation to Write the Best Sales Email Ever
Let’s dive into the steps of using incubation to craft amazing sales emails. Each step will help you harness the power of incubation for better writing.
1. Gather Information
Start by collecting all the details you need for your sales email.
The first step in writing a great sales email is to gather information. This includes details about your product, your target audience, and your goals. Don’t skip this step! It’s the foundation for everything that follows.
To gather information, start by listing all the features and benefits of your product. Then, research your target audience. What are their pain points? What do they care about? Finally, be clear about your goals. Are you trying to make a sale, book a meeting, or something else?
For example, if you’re selling a new type of coffee maker, you might note its unique features, research coffee habits of your target age group, and set a goal of booking product demos. Having all this info will help your mind start working on ideas.
Incubation works best when you give your brain lots of info to work with. So gather as much relevant data as you can before moving to the next step.
2. Brainstorm Ideas
Now that you have your info, it’s time to let your creativity flow.
Brainstorming is all about getting ideas out of your head and onto paper (or screen). Don’t worry about quality at this stage. Just focus on quantity. Write down every idea that comes to mind, no matter how silly it might seem.
To brainstorm effectively, set a timer for 15-20 minutes. Write non-stop during this time. You can use mind maps, lists, or any method that works for you. The key is to keep your hand (or fingers) moving.
For instance, if you’re writing an email about that coffee maker, you might jot down ideas like “Wake up to the smell of fresh coffee,” “Never be late for work again,” or “Impress your friends with barista-quality drinks.” Some ideas will be great, others not so much. That’s okay!
Incubation needs raw material to work with. Your brainstorming session provides that material. Once you’re done, it’s time to step away and let those ideas simmer.
3. Take a Break
This is where the magic of incubation really starts to happen.
After brainstorming, it’s time to step away from your work. This break is crucial. It gives your mind time to process all the information and ideas you’ve gathered. During this time, your subconscious mind keeps working on the problem, even while you’re doing other things.
How long should your break be? It can vary. Some people find that a few hours is enough. Others prefer to take a day or two. Experiment to see what works best for you. The key is to completely disconnect from the task during this time.
For example, after brainstorming ideas for your coffee maker email, you might decide to take a 24-hour break. During this time, you could work on other projects, go for a walk, or catch up with friends. The important thing is to not actively think about the sales email.
Incubation happens during this break. Your mind is quietly sorting through ideas and making new connections. Trust the process and resist the urge to jump back in too soon.
4. Review and Refine
Now it’s time to see what ideas have bubbled up during incubation.
After your break, come back to your brainstorming notes with fresh eyes. You’ll often find that some ideas stand out more than they did before. You might also have new ideas that popped up during your break. This is incubation at work!
Go through your notes and highlight the ideas that seem most promising. Don’t be afraid to combine or tweak ideas. This is also a good time to check your ideas against the information you gathered in step one. Do they align with your product features and audience needs?
For instance, when reviewing your coffee maker email ideas, you might realize that “Never be late for work again” resonates strongly with your target audience of busy professionals. You could refine this into a key benefit to highlight in your email.
Incubation often leads to “aha!” moments during this review process. Pay attention to any new connections or insights that have formed during your break.
5. Create an Outline
With your refined ideas, it’s time to structure your sales email.
Creating an outline helps you organize your thoughts and ensures your email flows logically. Start with the basic parts of a sales email: subject line, opening, main body, and call to action. Then, slot your best ideas into each section.
Remember, a good sales email is short and focused. Your outline should reflect this. Aim for one main idea per section, with supporting points as needed.
For example, your coffee maker email outline might look like this:
- Subject line: “Wake up to success: Your personal barista awaits”
- Opening: Hook about the struggle of morning routines
- Main body: 3 key benefits of the coffee maker
- Call to action: Offer for a free demo
Incubation can help even at this stage. If you’re unsure about your structure, take another short break before finalizing your outline.
6. Write the First Draft
Now it’s time to turn your outline into a full draft.
When writing your first draft, focus on getting your ideas down. Don’t worry too much about perfection at this stage. Use your outline as a guide, but feel free to add new ideas if they come to you.
Remember to keep your language simple and your sentences short. Write as if you’re talking to a friend. This helps keep your email engaging and easy to read.
For instance, in your coffee maker email, you might start with something like: “Hey [Name], Ever wish you had a personal barista to kickstart your mornings? Our new coffee maker is the next best thing. Here’s why…”
Incubation can still play a role here. If you get stuck on a particular section, take a short break. Even a few minutes away can help you come back with fresh ideas.
7. Let it Rest
After writing your draft, it’s time for another round of incubation.
Once you’ve finished your first draft, step away from it again. This second incubation period allows you to distance yourself from what you’ve written. When you come back, you’ll be able to see your work more objectively.
The length of this break can be shorter than the first one. Even an hour or two can be helpful. If you have time, leaving it overnight is even better.
For example, after drafting your coffee maker email, you might decide to sleep on it. The next morning, you’ll be ready to look at it with fresh eyes.
Incubation during this stage often helps you spot areas for improvement that you missed earlier. It’s an important step in refining your sales email.
8. Edit and Polish
Now it’s time to refine your sales email and make it shine.
When you return to your draft, read it over carefully. Look for ways to make your message clearer and more compelling. Cut any unnecessary words or sentences. Make sure each part of your email serves a purpose.
Pay special attention to your subject line and opening. These need to grab attention right away. Also, check that your call to action is clear and enticing.
For instance, in your coffee maker email, you might realize your opening could be punchier. You could change “Ever wish you had a personal barista?” to “Imagine: Barista-quality coffee at the push of a button.”
Incubation often leads to these kinds of improvements. Trust your instincts about what feels right and what could be better.
9. Get Feedback
Before sending your email, it’s helpful to get another perspective.
Ask a colleague or friend to read your email. They might spot things you’ve missed or have ideas for making it even better. Be open to their feedback, but also trust your own judgment.
When asking for feedback, be specific about what you want to know. You might ask: “Is the main benefit clear?” or “Does the call to action make you want to respond?”
For example, you might ask a co-worker to read your coffee maker email. They might suggest adding a customer quote to boost credibility.
Incubation happens here too. After getting feedback, take some time to think it over before making changes. Sometimes, the best way to use feedback becomes clear after a bit of reflection.
10. Test and Refine
The final step is to test your email and keep improving it.
Send your email to a small group first. See how they respond. Look at metrics like open rates and click-through rates. Use this data to make your email even better.
Remember, writing great sales emails is an ongoing process. Each email is a chance to learn and improve.
For instance, you might send your coffee maker email to 100 people first. If you notice the open rate is low, you might try different subject lines. If people aren’t clicking your call to action, you might make it more prominent.
Incubation plays a role in this ongoing improvement too. As you gather data, take time to reflect on it. Often, ideas for improvement will come to you when you’re not actively thinking about it.
Conclusion
Incubation is a powerful tool for writing sales emails. It helps you tap into your creativity and write emails that really connect with your audience. By following the steps we’ve covered, you can harness the power of incubation in your own writing.
Remember, great sales emails don’t happen by accident. They’re the result of careful thought, creativity, and refinement. Incubation gives you the mental space to come up with unique ideas and polish them to perfection. So next time you sit down to write a sales email, don’t rush. Take your time, let your ideas incubate, and watch your results improve!
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
- What exactly is incubation in writing?
Incubation in writing is when you take a break from actively working on a piece to let ideas develop in your subconscious mind.
- How long should I let my ideas incubate?
The incubation period can vary. It could be a few hours, a day, or even longer. Experiment to find what works best for you.
- Can incubation help with writer’s block?
Yes, incubation is a great way to overcome writer’s block. It gives your mind a chance to approach the problem from new angles.
- Should I use incubation for every sales email I write?
While incubation is helpful, you might not always have time for a long process. Use it when you can, especially for important emails or when you’re feeling stuck.
- How does incubation improve my sales emails?
Incubation helps you come up with more creative ideas and write more compelling emails. It can lead to better subject lines, more engaging content, and stronger calls to action.
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