Why 80% of emails are never read

Hey marketer, it's Carolyn.

Today, we’re diving into the exact email marketing system that helped us recover lost revenue and boost engagement—without spending a fortune on ads.

In today's issue:

• Why 80% of emails are never read and how to fix yours today

• The 3-pillar framework that turns email into a top revenue driver

• How segmentation, A/B testing, and automation increase conversions overnight

• My complete email segmentation playbook that you can steal

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GROWTH STRATEGIES
Transform Your Emails Today

Hey marketer, it's Carolyn,

Real talk: I thought I was too good for email for a while.

I obsessed over paid ads and CRO instead

There is so much more to test and be creative about, right?

WRONG.

Don’t sleep on email - it’s revenue just waiting to be unlocked.

So let me share with you my proven 3-pillar system that made me fall in love with email:

Here’s a shocking truth:

Most businesses still send one-size-fits-all emails (I did it for over a year 🤦‍♀️)

However, segmented emails drive 700%+ MORE revenue.

Yes, you read that right.

Here are 18 segments I ended up using when running a $3M+ supplement brand:

Should you start with all 18 segments?

No. (But I like the ambition 😉)

Here’s exactly how to sequence your segmentation journey:

Start by Segmenting Browsing Behavior (It's Closest to the Sale)

Your website data is pure gold.

Every product view, category browse, and abandoned cart is a buying signal.

And like I said earlier...

Half of your lost sales are waiting to be recovered.

(Fun fact: 45% of abandoned carts convert with the right follow-up...)

Then build out Purchase-Based Segments

The best time to sell again?

Right after a sale.

Start with a thank-you email that includes a smart upsell.

Then, move frequent buyers into a VIP segment.

Shower them with exclusive perks.

Watch your retention numbers soar.

Graduate to Engagement Segmentation (At 5,000+ Subscribers)

This is when you get surgical with your list.

Track who’s opening, clicking, and engaging.

Identify who’s ghosting you.

Yes, some subscribers will need to be “fired” (painful but necessary).

Your email deliverability will thank you.

( Psst… Don’t forget your guide! )

Every email is an opportunity to learn something new.

And the best way to learn?

Turn it into a game!

Embrace these tests and try to get better every time.

Subject Lines

Use this:

• Questions → "Struggling with email engagement?"

• Numbers → "5 Ways to Fix Your Emails"

• Emojis → Test how your audience responds to them

• Length → Keep subject lines short! (You’ll thank me later)

Not this:

• Generic phrases like "Don’t miss out!" (overused & ignored).

Email Body

Do this:

• Short paragraphs (2 lines max).

• Bullet points instead of text blocks.

• Plain text vs. fancy designs.

Not this:

• Over-designed, hard-to-read emails that feel impersonal.

Call-to-Action (CTA)

Use this:

• Place CTAs above the fold (mobile users should see links/buttons without scrolling).

• Personalized buttons → "Save my spot" outperformed "Register."

• High-contrast buttons (orange beats blue every time).

Not this:

• Too many CTAs—too many choices = no action.

Pro Tip: It’s okay to repeat the same CTA throughout the email.

Want an easier way to optimize & scale your email strategy?

These tools are must-haves:

📊 Email Testing

• ReallyGoodEmails.com → Proven email templates

• SubjectLine.com → Pre-send analysis

• Mail-tester.com → Test the spamminess of your email

📝 Content Creation

• Custom GPT (trained for your brand voice) → Personalized variations

• Hemingway App → Improves readability (keep it below Grade 6)

• Canva → Simple, high-converting visuals (like the ones in the email)

📋 List Management

• EmailListVerify → Cleans your list, removes bad emails

• Seventh Sense → Optimizes send times (or similar tools)

• Zapier → Automates email workflows

If subscribers go cold, don’t just leave them there.

Use this 3-email sequence to revive them:

Email 1 → "We miss you!" (Personal note from CEO)
Email 2 → "Is this goodbye?" (Showcase what they’re missing)
Email 3 → "This is the end." (Special offer or exclusive content)

Pro Tip: Run this every 60 days & remove non-openers.

Yes, your list will shrink.

But all your metrics will go up!

Think about it...

Would you rather have:

10,000 subscribers with 5% engagement...

Or 5,000 subscribers with 40% engagement?

The math speaks for itself.

Just reply to this email, and I’ll be more than happy to help!

Also, what are your biggest email marketing challenges?

Curious to know—share your thoughts in a reply.

Keep converting,

Carolyn
Your GrowthSpurt Assistant

P.S.

Ambitious marketers always ask: How do I become a CMO?

Next week, two top CMOs and serial marketing entrepreneur, Jesse Pujji, will break it down—career paths, inflection points, and live coaching. Only 100 spots available.

Want in? Click on the button below!

GAs of the Week

Looking for email marketing talent?

You can add to your team one of the two GrowthAssistants featured below for just $3k/month!

1. Marga - Email Marketing Coordinator - (MP) - 4+ years of experience in email marketing, data analysis, and quality assurance. end-to-end email marketing campaigns, performed data tracking and performance analysis, conducted thorough QA checks, and handled audience segmentation with A/B testing. Klaviyo, Brevo, and HubSpot

2. Benj - Lifecycle Marketing Specialist - 5 years of expertise in email marketing, CRM, and multi-channel campaigns. Experience using BI tools. Would be a great match for an agency or a large brand

Got questions about Marga or Benj?

Book a call using the button below, both are available now! Don’t let them slip away!

Happy growth!