Email marketing is a powerful tool for businesses to engage with their audience, increase brand awareness, and drive conversions. One technique to amplify your email marketing efforts is to include a forwarding call to action (CTA). But what exactly is a forwarding CTA, and why is it crucial for your email campaigns? Let's dive into the details.
What is a Forwarding Call to Action?
A forwarding call to action is a specific request in your email asking recipients to
forward the email to others who might find it valuable. This technique leverages your existing subscribers to extend the reach of your message, effectively turning them into brand advocates. By including a forwarding CTA, you encourage your audience to share your content with their network, which can lead to new subscribers, increased engagement, and even higher conversion rates.
Why Include a Forwarding CTA?
There are several reasons why a forwarding CTA should be part of your email marketing strategy: Extend Your Reach: By asking your subscribers to forward your email, you can reach potential customers who are not yet on your email list.
Build Trust: People are more likely to trust recommendations from friends and family. A forwarded email comes with an implicit endorsement, making it more likely that the recipient will engage with your content.
Cost-Effective: It doesn't cost anything extra to add a forwarding CTA to your email, but the potential benefits in terms of reach and engagement are significant.
Where to Place the Forwarding CTA?
Placement is crucial for the effectiveness of a forwarding CTA. Here are some strategic locations: At the End of the Email: Placing the CTA at the end of your email can be effective because readers who make it to the end are likely already interested in your content.
Within the Main Content: Integrating the forwarding CTA naturally within the email content can capture the reader's attention without feeling intrusive.
In the PS Section: The postscript (PS) section is often read even if the main content is skimmed. Including your CTA here can ensure it's seen.
How to Craft an Effective Forwarding CTA?
Writing a compelling forwarding CTA involves several considerations: Be Clear and Direct: Use straightforward language that clearly communicates what you want the reader to do.
Offer an Incentive: Consider providing an incentive for forwarding, such as a discount, freebie, or entry into a contest.
Personalize the Request: Personalization can make your request more compelling. Use the recipient's name and tailor the message to their interests.
Use Action-Oriented Language: Phrases like "Share with a Friend" or "Forward to Someone Who Would Love This" can be highly effective.
Examples of Forwarding CTAs
Here are some examples of forwarding CTAs that you can use or adapt for your own email campaigns:Tracking the Success of Your Forwarding CTA
To measure the effectiveness of your forwarding CTA, you need to track specific metrics: Forward Rate: Some email marketing platforms provide a forward rate metric, indicating how many recipients forwarded your email.
New Subscribers: Monitor the number of new subscribers gained through forwarded emails.
Engagement Metrics: Track open rates, click-through rates, and conversions from forwarded emails to assess overall impact.
By incorporating a forwarding call to action in your email marketing strategy, you can expand your reach, build trust through personal recommendations, and achieve greater engagement—all at no additional cost. Make sure to place the CTA strategically, craft it compellingly, and track its success to optimize your email marketing efforts.