Podcast Summary: "Do This, NOT That: Marketing Tips with Jay Schwedelson"

Episode: SECRETS of Letter Format Emails THAT WORK! 📩 Ask Us ANYTHING❓ | Ep. 373
Release Date: July 9, 2025
Presented By: Marigold
Host: Jay Schwedelson, GURU Media Hub

1. Introduction to the Episode

In this engaging episode of "Do This, NOT That," hosted by Jay Schwedelson, listeners are treated to an "Ask Us Anything" format where Jay addresses both professional marketing queries and more whimsical, offbeat questions. The episode primarily delves into the efficacy of letter format emails in modern marketing strategies, supplemented by a light-hearted discussion on airport experiences.

2. Mastering Letter Format Emails

Question from Charlotte:
"[00:05] Charlotte from Miami asks, 'Jay, we use letter format emails to drive performance, but they are tanking since we went to a new format. Why would that be?'"

Jay begins by explaining the concept of letter format emails—personalized, text-centric emails designed to mimic one-on-one correspondence. He emphasizes their universal applicability across both consumer and business brands due to their high performance.

Key Insights:

• Decline in Performance: Over the past year, there's been a noticeable shift from pure letter format emails to hybrid versions incorporating HTML elements like padding, background colors, and branded headers. This transition has adversely affected the effectiveness of these emails.

  • Jay states: "[00:25] 'The trend that's gone on the last year has been a migration away from real letter format emails.'"

• Stripped-Down vs. Hybrid Formats: Jay presents data comparing the traditional stripped-down plain text emails with the newer hybrid versions. In a study involving approximately 100 campaigns, the stripped-down approach resulted in a 600% higher reply rate and a 25% higher click-through rate compared to the HTML-rich counterparts.

  • Quote: "[02:30] 'We saw a 600% higher average reply rate on the stripped down version versus the HTML one.'"

• Perception of Authenticity: Hybrid emails often give the impression of being automated or impersonal, reducing the likelihood of engagement. Recipients are less inclined to reply, assuming there's no human actively managing responses.

• Best Practices:

  • Maintain a genuine, one-to-one feel by keeping the email design minimalistic.
  • Avoid excessive use of HTML elements that can detract from the personal touch.
  • Ensure that essential branding elements like logos are subtly integrated without overpowering the message.

Conclusion on Letter Format Emails: For marketers aiming to harness the full potential of letter format emails, authenticity is paramount. By committing to a true letter format devoid of unnecessary graphical enhancements, businesses can significantly enhance engagement and drive better performance metrics.

3. Fun Segment: Ridiculous Question on TSA and Airports

Question from Sammy:
"[05:10] Sammy from Detroit asks, 'Jay, have you seen that the TSA is starting to allow you to wear shoes through the screening and they're not going to make you take off your shoes anymore. Are you okay with this? And do you love going through airports?'”

Jay transitions to the lighter segment, where he shares his candid and humorous take on airport experiences and the TSA's shoe policy.

Highlights:

• TSA Shoe Policy:

  • While Jay expresses reluctance towards the necessity of removing shoes during security checks, he welcomes the possibility of leaving them on if it enhances convenience without compromising safety.
  • Jay remarks: "[05:25] 'I don't like taking off my shoes. But if they're like, your shoes are fine, Cool, leave my shoes on.'"

• Love-Hate Relationship with Airports:

  • Jay humorously details his paradoxical feelings about airports—appreciating certain aspects while expressing frustration over others.
  • Personal Anecdotes:
    • Enjoying the unique food options available in airports, feeling like they don't "count" calorie-wise.
    • Finding joy in witnessing unconventional behavior, such as people casually drinking at atypical hours.
    • Frustration with long lines at airport Starbucks, often leading to missed flights because of coffee purchases.

• Relatable Humor:

  • Jay's storytelling is relatable, capturing the everyday tribulations and amusing moments that many travelers experience.
  • Example: "[06:50] 'I left the airport without getting my coffee, which is the dumbest thing a human being can do.'"

Conclusion on Ridiculous Questions: This segment adds a personal and entertaining dimension to the podcast, showcasing Jay's ability to blend professional insights with relatable, humorous narratives. It underscores the importance of balancing serious marketing discussions with moments that humanize the host and engage the audience on a different level.

4. Key Takeaways

• Authenticity in Communication: Genuine, stripped-down letter format emails foster higher engagement rates by creating a personalized connection with recipients.

• Avoid Hybrid Pitfalls: Combining plain text with excessive HTML elements can dilute the effectiveness of email campaigns, leading to decreased reply and click-through rates.

• Balancing Content: Integrating both professional advice and personal anecdotes can make podcasts more engaging and relatable to a broader audience.

5. Final Thoughts

Jay Schwedelson effectively navigates the complexities of modern email marketing while keeping the conversation light and entertaining. This episode serves as a valuable resource for marketers seeking to refine their email strategies and enjoy a chuckle over shared airport frustrations.

Thank you for tuning into this summary of Episode 373 of "Do This, NOT That." To stay updated with the latest marketing insights and tips, consider subscribing to the podcast and exploring more episodes presented by Marigold.