If you’ve got an engaged email list, it’s easy to overcomplicate your approach to sales.
The truth is, making money from email marketing doesn’t always require a massive launch or perfectly crafted funnel.
Sometimes, it really is about sending the right message at the right time.
Here’s how you can start earning from your email list—today—with two proven, easy-to-implement email types.
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The Ground Rules: Make Sure You’re Showing Up First
Before diving into what to send, it’s important to ensure you’ve been nurturing your audience.
If your last email was more than a month ago, warm up your list first before making a direct offer.
Regular communication sets the stage for healthy engagement and reduces the risk of complaints or unsubscribes.
Also, always provide a clear unsubscribe option in every email, and double-check that the link works.
Not having this can frustrate readers and lead to complaints even if your intentions are good.
Email #1: The Simple “Nine-Word Email”
The first email is almost ridiculously simple.
It’s known as the “nine-word email” (popularized by Dean Jackson), and it works wonders when sent to a targeted segment of your list—think past clients, VIPs, or those who regularly engage with your emails.
What does it look like?
- Subject Line: “Quick question” (keep it lowercase and casual)
- Body:
[Name], are you still interested in [main benefit/solution] this year?
Let me know,
[Your Name]
Replace “[main benefit/solution]” with something specific to your offer, like “writing a book,” “getting leads with Facebook ads,” or whatever fits your business.
Why does this work?
There are no links, no images—just a direct question.
It encourages a reply, opening up a genuine conversation where you can recommend your offer in a personalized way.
👉 Pro tip: Send this to a targeted group, not your entire list. You’ll be able to handle replies authentically and avoid being overwhelmed.
Email #2: The Nurture-and-Sell Story Email
If you’re consistently connecting with your readers, you can take a more story-driven approach with an email that gently leads toward your offer.
Structure:
- Start with a relatable story (keep it brief).
- Share the lesson from that experience.
- Suggest one action your reader can take related to the topic.
- End with a clear call to action pointing them to your product or service.
This method helps build trust by showing empathy and value before making an offer—leading to higher conversion rates over time.
Your Action Step
Ready to try it?
If your email community has heard from you reliably over the last month, start with either the nine-word email for a direct approach or a story-based nurture-and-sell email if you’d like to warm them up further.
Track your responses, tweak as needed, and always prioritize helpfulness and clarity.
Sometimes the simplest emails produce the best results.
Have you tried one of these emails before? What were your results? Share your experiences below!
Want feedback and accountability on your own email promotions?
Consider joining The $1K Lab. Inside, you’ll find AI tools to help you generate emails and content that use stories to connect with your subscribers. More details here.
