How to Write an Effective Christmas Marketing Email
Christmas is the perfect time to connect with your audience in a way that feels festive, engaging, and, most importantly, sales-driven.
No matter what industry you’re in, if your business isn’t capitalizing on the season by sending out well-crafted, Christmas-themed emails, you’re missing out on a golden opportunity. With inboxes overflowing with messages from every brand under the sun, it’s crucial that your email stands out and captures attention. If done right, Christmas marketing emails can be a powerful tool to drive sales, foster customer loyalty, and create a lasting impression.
So, how do you write an email that not only spreads cheer but also drives results? Let’s dive in.
Effective Christmas marketing emails start with great subject lines
Your audience is likely bombarded by emails at this time of year, and your subject line is your best chance of standing out in the inbox.
Keep it short (4 to 7 words)
Make it attention-grabbing
Use emojis appropriately (1 or 2 will do)
Feature the holiday theme.
Need some help? Here are a few example holiday subject lines to bring out your inner elf 👇
Example winter email subject lines
“Warm up your winter wonderland wardrobe” – perfect for a clothing store that’s highlighting a winter season catalog or sale. Add an emoji if you’re highlighting a specific item — like coats or scarves
“Take a walk this winter”
“Be the joy in their world”
Example Christmas email subject lines
“Are you ready for Santa?”
“Stuff your stocking … “ – great for stocking stuffer ideas, or finish it off with: “without emptying your wallet” for sales or discounts
“Sleigh with these great . . .”
“Be a little s-elf-ish this Christmas” – great for spa treatments or BOGO offers
“We’ve got what you’re dreaming of”
“Be an angel” – good for a call to donate or suggesting heavenly gifts
“Naughty? Or Nice?”
“Like Santa’s elves, we’re here to help”
“Give your cat a meowy Christmas”
Pay attention to your preheader text
Since the late 20th century, all great Christmas films have had taglines:
It’s a Wonderful Life: “It’s a wonderful laugh! It’s a wonderful love!”
Elf: “This holiday, discover your inner elf.”
Home Alone: “A family comedy without the family.”
Nightmare Before Christmas: “A ghoulish tale with wicked humour & stunning animation.”
Great Christmas emails have taglines, too (only we call them preheaders).
Your preheader is an extension of your subject line and should further tease the content of your email. Like taglines for films, your preheader should give readers a better understanding of what your email is about in a memorable, attention-grabbing way.
If you’re using a subject line like, “Sweet dreams are made of cheese,” think about using a pre-header like this; “Your Christmas dreams come true.”
If you’re giving more than you’re asking for (80% of your email campaign should give and 20% should ask) and sharing some shopping ideas with your readers, try a subject line like, “Santa’s secret stash”, with a preheader like: “Gift ideas from stocking stuffers to secret Santas”.
Most mobile inboxes display 75–100 characters, so limit yourself to 5-8 words to catch your reader’s attention.
Use the right images
What are your eyes drawn to when you first open an email? Is it the big block of text? Or the colorful, fun, interesting picture that pulls you in? If you’re like most people, you notice visuals first.
Using Christmas images that support your message is a powerful way to get your email read and remembered. And with a large number of image resources available, you don’t need to be a photographer to have access to great pictures.
If you don’t have your own images or don’t have the time to create some, don’t just pull something off the internet. Using legitimate free photo resources will help you avoid potential fines or cease-and-desist orders. Alternatively, become a Constant contact customer and access our free quality stock photos via Shutterstock!
Keeping your images 600 pixels wide ensures maximum visibility on a desktop.
Keep your text clear and focused
Everyone seems to have different advice on how long a Christmas email should be.
While we typically recommend 20 lines of text or fewer for best engagement, the reality is less exact.
Keep it simple by answering these three questions to create focused and persuasive Christmas emails:
What are you offering? — Headline
How will it help the reader? — Message body
What should they do next? — Call to action (CTA)
Don’t beat around the bush. Start by telling readers exactly what you’re offering. The headline should succinctly promote your offer.
Next, explain how it will help the reader. What’s in it for them? The message body should explain the offer, generate interest, and guide readers down towards the CTA button.
Finally, let readers know what they should do next. Include a CTA below your message body that makes it easy for readers to know how to take action.
Include a clear call to action
Although this was mentioned above, having a good CTA is imperative in email marketing, and therefore deserves its own section.
Every email campaign (Christmas or otherwise) should include a compelling call to action. Include a link, button, or clear next step.
For your call to action, resist vague wording like “click here.” Instead, say something specific like “Buy Gift Card Now!”
Most importantly, when someone clicks a link, make sure they are directed to where they are expecting to go.
The most effective CTAs are 1-5 words long. So keep it clear and concise.
Get ready to spread that festive cheer
By following these key steps, you can create standout Christmas emails that not only spread festive cheer but also drive real results for your business.
From attention-grabbing subject lines and engaging preheaders to eye-catching images and clear calls to action, every element plays a role in making your email campaigns successful.
Ready to spread some holiday magic and boost your sales? Start crafting those festive emails today!
Ready to take your email campaigns to the next level? Tap the button below for your FREE trial of Constant Contact and start seeing results today!
