Email Best Practices
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BYU Alumni staff can create and distribute emails for chapter events if requested by the chapter leaders. This means that if a chapter has an upcoming event and they want to notify their members via email, they can request the alumni staff to create the email and send it out. The staff can also help with the design and layout of the email, as well as with the content and messaging. You can request that email here: Chapter Reports
If you would like to create the email yourself here are a few guidelines:
As humans, we are visual creatures with short attention spans. Furthermore, most of us receive an overwhelming amount of emails. It is key to keep emails succinct, visual, and quickly answer the question, "what's in it for me?"
Create a Solid Subject Line
- Find and communicate the benefit
- Keep subject lines descriptive and short
- Include the name of the organization if applicable (i.e., 'BYU Alumni', 'BYU Management Society', etc.)
Incorporate Captivating Imagery
- Photos and videos of past events engage
- Great headshots of speakers are key
- Warning: Don't send image-only emails as many users choose a text-only experience
Keep Copy Short and Sweet
- Pay off the promise made in the subject line -- show the benefit to the reader
- Be succinct and avoid long blocks of copy
One Call to Action
- Except for in newsletters, keep it to one (possibly two) CTAs
- Make CTAs clear and immediate (e.g., 'Register Now')
Timing and Frequency
- Best send days are Wednesdays and Thursdays: Tuesdays are mediocre.
- Space email sends apart by at least one week when possible
