At Red C we are immensely proud of our work in email marketing. Through our ‘under the skin’ philosophy and plenty of marketing know how we have helped our client deliver effective email campaigns that deliver exceptional results.
We create 100s and pour over 1000s of emails every month. And because we love emails so much, we thought it’d be a great idea to compile some of our favourites in this neat little book. Whether it’s through enticing copy, standout design or brilliant strategy – each one the emails we’ve selected have stopped us in our tracks and made us say “WOW”.
So here it is, The Red C Email Marketing WOW Book. We hope it inspires you!
2. The Email Wow Book
At Red C we’re immensely proud of our work in email marketing.
Through our ’under the skin’ philosophy and plenty of marketing know-how
we have helped our clients deliver effective email campaigns that have
produced exceptional results.
We create 100s of emails and pour over 1000s every month.…
And because we like emails so much, we thought it’d be a great idea to
compile some of our favourites into this neat little book. Whether it’s
through enticing copy,standout design,or excellent ideas – each one of
the emails we’ve selected has at some point stopped us in our tracks
and made us say “wow”.
So here it is,the Red C Email “Wow Book”.
We hope it sparks creative ideas for you,the same way it has for us.
Enjoy!
Steve White
Account Director
3. It's a privilege to find ourselves in your inbox, where our news updates
and special offers will be rubbing shoulders with missives from your
nearest and dearest. We realise you won't spend as much time poring
over our emails as we do making them, but we hope they'll brighten
up your day.
Our clothes for the whole family - including teenagers - are guaranteed
to put a spring in your step, whatever the season. That said, we know
it's normal - and probably healthy - to change your mind, so Boden is
a 'quibble free' zone. Unlike some other retailers, we'll always give you
three months to send stuff back for a full refund, whatever the reason.
To start you off we're offering 10% off plus free delivery and returns
(excluding sale items) and provided we're not in the middle of a Sale,
you can use it right now by clicking through from this email. We hope
we'll be able to tickle your fancy - and anything else that's exposed to
your computer screen.
Recommend a Friend | Remove me from your email list | Size Charts | Shops | Gift Vouchers | Contact Us
Boden
Date: 9th November, 2010Subject line: A big hello & welcome
I simply love this ‘Welcome’ email I
recently received from Johnnie Boden.
It may not necessarily be the most
innovative email I’ve ever seen in terms
of design, but their approach to copy
and tone is just so endearing. Like
other retailers, they use this email
to welcome and inform but what they
do differently is they inject so much
personality, warmth and honesty into
their messages.
I don’t know any other retailer who
would actually acknowledge that their
emails are not going to be given the
same amount of attention by the
customer as an email from a friend or
family member. Who says super-short
email copy sells?
Steve White
Account Director
4.
5. Shape FX
Date: June, 2010
Subject line: Various – Body Betrayals
In common with most US retailers,
ShapeFX use simple but high frequency
‘digital postcard’ formats. What sets
them apart for me is the exceptional
copy in every email. Take this series,
themed as ‘Body Betrayals: The 7 Ways
Every Woman’s Body Breaks Her Heart’.
The problem-solution’structure is
powerful and compelling, using customer
reviews and simple explanatory diagrams
to convey the message.
Even the call to action strengthens the
proposition ‘Shop styles that defeat
rear drop’. And the ShapeFX take on
Forward to a Friend - ‘Want to keep
a friend for life? Show them how to
Shape & Slim instantly’ - is lovely.
Adrian Rowe
Chairman
7. Date: 22nd September, 2010Subject line: Weekend breaks fromLondon shouldn’t turn you Zombie
When I received these emails from Virgin
Trains, I realised that long distance
driving sometimes makes me feel exactly
like this – a zombie! The illustrations
are really eye–catching and draw you down
the page, with a prominent call
to action.
The zombie analogy is an original wayto highlight the benefits of train travelover driving and the email also includeslinks to a Facebook page and a zombiegame using Google Street View.
Katharine Allen
Account Director
10. If you no longer wish to receive emails from moneysupermarket.com click here to unsubscribe
Hi Katie,
We want to say thank you by giving you even more!You’re one of millions of people saving money each year with moneysupermarket.com and we want to say
'thank you'. That's why we've launched our Moneysupermarket Super Giveaway with 42 incredible prizes
– including £20,000 cash, a holiday of a lifetime and a brand new car with a full year’s insurance! There
are 42 ways to cut your bills on our site. So many ways to win, so many ways to save.
£20,000 cash Holiday of a lifetime for 2
(Courtesy of Virgin Money)
A brand new car with full
year's insurance
£5,000 home
entertainment pack
Utility bills paid for
a whole year Annual Merlin Pass
for 4 people
15 x financial
health checks
21 x £100 Marks & Spencer
vouchers
So many ways to win, so many ways to save.
Click here to read the Super Giveaway Terms & Conditions
Tell family and friends about our Super Giveaway on Facebook and Twitter:
moneysupermarket.com - a great deal easier
Moneysupermarket.com Limited is an appointed representative of Moneysupermarket.com Financial Group Limited, which is
authorised and regulated by the Financial Services Authority (FSA FRN 303190) Moneysupermarket.com Financial Group
Limited, registered in England No. 3157344.
Registered Office: Moneysupermarket House, St. David's Park, Ewloe, Flintshire, CH5 3UZ, GB. Telephone 01244 665700.Do you like our website? Why not link to us by placing this link on your website or blog www.moneysupermarket.comPrivacy Policy | Terms & Conditions | Contact Us
Moneysupermarket.com
Date: 19th October, 2010
Subject line: Your chance to win £20,000,
a new car, a dream holiday and more in
our Super Giveaway!
This attention-grabbing email landed in
my inbox and immediately tempted me to
enter their ‘Super Giveaway’ prize draw.
Not only do the bright, quirky images
draw you to the enter button, it’s also
a nice little thank-you that makes you
think, “hell, why not?”
All in all, it’s a smart little email with
a subtle cross-sell - 42 ways
(yes, FORTY TWO) to cut my bills.
I’m hoping to win a giraffe or zebra…
Katie Atkinson
Account Executive
12. Feeding great conversations since 1965
Half price pizza. Kicks off Monday 21st
No pictures? See the email in full | unsubscribe
"Sloppy Giuseppe?"
"He's the Italian left back isn't he?"
Half price
pizza, pasta
or salad.
Valid 21-27 June
Email to a friend
If this email does not display properly, simply view online.
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Promoter Head Office: PizzaExpress, Hunton House, Highbridge Estate, Oxford Road, Uxbridge, UB8 1LX.
Pizza Express
Date: 21st June, 2010
Subject line: Half price pizza.
Kicks off Monday 21st
I loved the way this email reeled me in
with a great half price offer in the
subject line and then told me a joke
instead of just showing me a picture of
a pizza. Making me smile and ensuring
that I open all Pizza Express emails
in the future. Smart!
Nick Cliffe
Senior
Art Director
13. This is a product offering from Hollister Co.
You have received this email since you submitted your email address to our list of subscribers
To unsubscribe, please click here and submit your email address.
Please see our Website Terms of Use, and to know how we use your personal data,
please see our Privacy Policy.
Hollister Co. - PO Box 1695 - Santa Monica, CA 90406
www.HollisterCo.com
Hollister
Date: 5th November, 2010Subject line: A huge wave of hot newstyles is here!
Hollister tends to stick to very simple
postcard emails, large hero shots and a
minimal amount of copy.
I love the style, the use of real
imagery to create textures which change
according to the season - driftwood
from the beacj, leather, faded snowdrift
photography, all set to seduce you and
buy into the lifestyle of the brand.
Wayne Pretl
Interactive Designer
14. Apple
Date: 31st January, 2010
Subject line: Sounds like love.
Give iPod this Valentine’s Day.
I loved this. It’s hardly out of the
ordinary for Apple, who continue to find
creative ways to keep the product at the
heart of every communication. They’ve
invested in the photography to refresh
the iPod offering for Valentine’s Day…
and it looks gorgeous. It just shows
how you can use clean shots, design and
copy to achieve stand-out amongst the
usual rose-tinted offerings at this time
of year.
Peter Griffith
Interactive Designer
15. This email contains images. If you can't see them, please click here.
This season is all about ladylike chic. Pencil skirts and heels are very much a part of this;team these statement heels with a black pencil skirt and chic blouse and you will have anoutfit that will see you the season through.
Keep the good stuff coming! Add whatsnew@style.schuh.co.uk to your address book.Did you know that you can change which Schuh Updates we send you from the 'Contact Options' page in the 'My Account' area of ourwebsite?All footwear subject to availability. Prices correct at time of sending.Schuh Registered Head Office1 Neilson Square, Deans Industrial Estate, Livingston, Scotland, EH54 8RQe-mail: help@schuh.co.uk
Tel: 01506 460250
Members of the Direct Marketing Association (DMA)
You're receiving this email because you've subscribed to the Schuh News, Offers and Competitions email service -if you wish to unsubscribe, please click here.
Schuh
Date: 14th October, 2010Subject line: NEW IN including IrregularChoice and unicorn heels!
Whilst I found the layout/photography
a little tired, I must admit to being
intrigued by the unicorn shoes. And yes,
I am still lusting after a pair! So far,
so-so. However, as my eye drifted down
the email (pausing to read the fashion-
forward copy), the hand-drawn share/
forward links stopped me dead in my
tracks. Hey, isn’t this section of an
email usually wallpaper? I fell for its
personal touch and immediately clicked on
the Facebook link.
Sonya Greenwood
Art Director
16. If you have trouble viewing this email, please click here.
A SOAP RICH IN WISDOM, TO FIGHT BLINDNESS
Fragrances | Skincare | Body & Hands| Bath & Shower | Hair Care | Men | Home | New | Travel
L’Occitane UK
Date: 22nd October, 2010
Subject line: A SOAP TO
FIGHT BLINDNESS
Wow, what a subject line! I defy
anyone not to open an email making such
a brave claim. I certainly did and read
every word. Ok, they are still trying to
sell you a product, but it’s one with
a purpose.
I found the copy interesting (well-
written, not too worthy) and I read
every word. It’s a well-designed email
that really gives you the feel-good
factor; as 100% of the proceeds go
directly to the project. A great email for
a great cause.
Rosemary Walton
Client
Services Director
17. Visit office.co.uk
Hello Natalie
Now's the final week to bag that last minute bargain in our amazing up to 75% sale
section! Why stop there?! If the sale fails to scratch that splurge itch then why not take a
look at our tempting new collection?
shop sale >>
shop shearling >>
shop autumnal tones >>
Office
Date: 12th November, 2010Subject line: Last week of sale,up to 75% off. Plus key Autumn styles
This email from Office shows a few good
marketing techniques as well as being
a very attractive email. Office regularly
change their navigation bar depending on
the content of the email and, in this
case, they have used subcategories of
the women’s department and highlighted
their sale in pink.
They also use html copy and highlightedlinks at the top of the email, which notonly helps those with images turned off(set as default on most ESPs) it actsas clearly visible click throughs.
Office use nice large images and big
headers to really grab attention. Theinteresting shapes and jutting out boxeslead the eye down the email as well.
Natalie Martin
Senior
Account Executive
18. If you cannot see this Givenchy striped blazer, view it here
You're entitled to receive this email as you are a Selfridges & Co Newsletter subscriber. If you would prefer not to receive any further emails from us, you can
unsubscribe by clicking here
All items and prices subject to availability(C) 2010 Selfridges & Co
Self ridges & Co
Date: 25th March, 2010
Subject line: Product of the week:
The Givenchy blazer
Firstly the topic of the email, I thought
this was a startling good approach -“
The Product of The Week”(although
the item was rather expensive). I think
the clever use of design and illustration
made this email ‘stand-out’ in my inbox.
I love how they brought the Twitter
element into the creative by incorporating
the link into the design.
Simple and straightforward emails like
this work really well to drive traffic to
other parts of the site as it instantly
catches your eye, then makes you want
to find what more they have on offer....
Amy Estcourt
Account Manager
19. Airside
Date: 10th November, 2010Subject line: Come Out To Play
You don’t see many animated emails these
days, so this one really caught my eye.
The cutesy clip art graphics not only blink
and smile at you, the P L A Y letters light
up the monochrome design with a splash
of colour. The limited edition designs that
Airside are selling online also rotate, which
is a nice touch. It’s a really elegant email,
all in all, and it’’s inspired me to get my
gifs moving in future.
Lara Morton
Art Director
22. If you cannot see this metropolis ridiculous email, view it here
You're entitled to receive this email as you are a Selfridges & Co Newsletter subscriber. If you would prefer not to receive any further emails from us, you can unsubscribe by clicking here
All items and prices subject to availability
(C) 2010 Selfridges & Co
23. Selfridges & Co
Date: 30th March, 2010
Subject line: New arrivals -Buy online at Selfridges.com
I love Selfridges emails. It’s like they
have packaged up their gorgeous shops
and placed them directly in my inbox.
Their emails are the digital equivalent of
wandering past the Selfridges food hall.
This email stands out from the rest,
to launch their online shopping service.
They pick out a range of iconic products
to demonstrate the breadth of their
offering. The use of the little taxis
(branded of course) and the arrows
draw your eye to the unusual landscape
approach to their creative.
It doesn’t have much urgency or many
calls to action, but I forgive it for this
as the product is most definitely the hero.
Rachael Taylor
Business
Development Manager
24. Swinton
Date: 20th April, 2010
Subject line: Jennifer, it’s time to embrace
the great outdoors & enjoy our great April
Swinton offers!
This was a really nice email to work
on. The theme was all about getting
outdoors this spring and we used cute
illustrations to bring the header panel
to life
A typical Sizzler is a rich balance of
product cross-selling, inspirational ideas
and third party offers. As there is a lot
of content, it’s important to keep our
customer’s attention all the way down
- which we did, as heat map
analysis proved.
We also introduced a fun typeface to
help each section stand out, whilst using
on-brand fonts/colours for Swinton’s
products. Our hard work delivered high
open rates. Success!
Jennie Ambrose
Deputy
Creative Director
27. If you are unable to view this email please click here.
Fred Perry Ltd, registered at 14 James Street, Covent Garden, London, WC2E 8BU. Company Registration No. 3114528 England.
If you would like to unsubscribe from the Fred Perry mailing list please click here.
Fred Perry
Date: 25th October, 2010Subject line: Amy Winehouse for FredPerry collection - available to buy now
Simply beautiful (the email that is).
Instantly recognisable branding, cool
minimalist design, great photography,
lovely typography and nicely crafted
copy… what’s not to like about this
Winehouse/Perry collaboration?
Not only does the email launch Amy’snew designs in style, it doesn’t
stray into cross-selling other Fred
Perry product lines. Single-minded,
straightforward and elegant. It just goesto show that celebrity endorsementcan work wonders, even for an iconicfashion label.
Jo Richards
Senior Copywriter
28. Jessops
Date: 30th September, 2010
Subject line: Andy, want to get your hands
on the Samsung NX100 before anyone
else?
I love Jessops hardware emails and
one of my favourites is the launch of
the Samsung NX100. Why? Well for
starters, it looks amazing - clean, with
lots of white space and an inspiring image
dominating the introduction. And to ensure
the pictures come to life; the copy is
kept minimal. However, that doesn’t
mean the writing is neglected. On the
contrary, the copy has to work even
harder to inform and excite the reader
about this incredible new camera.
Features are carefully sprinkled across an
eye-grabbing illustration before a snappy
call to action reins the reader in.
This email is punchy, straight to the
point and undeniably beautiful.
Andy Campbell
Copywriter
29. View Delia’s recipe
SAVE 1/3 on ingredients for Delia’s roast vegetable
couscous.
Delia’s delicious roast vegetable couscous with harissa-style dressing is a superb
summer salad. Our cherry vine tomatoes are at their seasonal best, so your salad will
be bursting with flavour. This offer is only available from 19-25 August, so try making
Delia’s couscous today.
Delia’s roast vegetable couscous recipe
Shop online
Great offers – For orders delivered or collected by 24 August 2010 unless otherwise stated.
SAVE 1/3
Waitrose Wholesome Couscous
500g (Offer ends 25 August)
£82 54p
SAVE 1/3
Waitrose Cherry Vine Tomatoes
270g (Offer ends 25 August)
£1.99 £1.29
SAVE 1/3
essential Waitrose Mixed
Peppers 3s (Offer ends 25
August)
£1.59 £1.05
Buy
Buy
Buy
BUY ONE GET ONE FREE
Del Monte Iced
Mango/Raspberry Smoothie 3 x
90ml
£2.29
BUY ONE GET ONE FREE
Jammie Dodgers/ Maryland
Cookies 150g
cheapest item free
HALF PRICE
Flash All Purpose Cleaning
Liquid 1 litre
£1.99 99p
Buy
Buy
Buy
3 FOR £10
Waitrose meat/poultry
Selected items
SAVE 1/3
essential Waitrose Kitchen
Towels 2 rolls x 55 sheets
(Offer ends 1 September)
£1.59 £1.05
2 FOR £2
V Water
500ml
£1.38 each SAVE 76p
Buy
Buy
Wait rose
Date: 20th August, 2010
Subject line: Save 1/3 on deliciousWaitrose groceries
I’m always tempted to dip into the
Waitrose emails when they turn up
my inbox. Leading with gorgeous recipes
AND money off the ingredients, they are
packed full of added value content that
never fails to satisfy. There’s links to
an interactive online magazine and the
Delia/Heston skinned You Tube Channel.
They’re a great read too. The copy
is charming and friendly from the off,
starting with the html view line: ‘If our
lovely pictures haven’t appeared...’
Sarah Quirico
Account Manager
30. HER STUFF HIS STUFF ACCESSORIES SALE SO GLAD AND VERY
You’ve picked your faves
and left some notes
Here are some of your useful
quotes!
Everyone adores
the Strawberry Hill Cardi,
The Full Moon Skirt
is great for a party…
White Stuff
Date: 10th November, 2010
Subject line: New Winter stuff and your
latest faves!
Another gorgeous email from White
Stuff, continuing the fairytale theme used
to promote their Winter Collection
online. This one, based on Snow White,
promotes a seasonal selection of best-
sellers, based on customer reviews.
It also includes great navigation for his
and her clothing, as well as some great
interactive elements to drive people
to their website… to reveal your inner
fairytale character and the winner of the
‘Don King’ biscuit dunking challenge (the
chocolate digestive, in case you were
wondering).
Angela Cromack
Account Manager
31. To view this email as a web page, go here.
Warehouse
Date: 1st November, 2010Subject line: Wrap up for bonfire nightClaire. Plus win a £500 winter wardrobe
I really like this email. Firstly, it
is timely - it was sent out on 1st
November in time for you to buy your
Bonfire Night wardrobe. The subject line
is enticing - not only does it get you
thinking about the colder days ahead but
also encourages you to open the email
with a really fantastic competition.
And on top of that it is personalised
which always helps to grab your attention.
The customer’s attention is drawn down
the email through the use of the strong
fashion tips. I like the fact that the
email has added value content - there
is a link to a video giving you style
advice on layering knitwear. Finally,
the tease at the bottom of the email
encourages you to click through to the
website to find out what the ‘more
ways to shop are’.
Claire Brown
Account Executive
32. Problems viewing this email? View it online. To ensure our emails
arrive safely, please add news@e.lakeland.co.uk to your email
address book.
food preparation cook & bake store & preserve
explore the sale now
Dear Mr Rowe,
Tree branches bent heavy with fruit ripe
for the picking, the expectation of deep-
filled pies and crumbles, jars of chutney
and jam lined up in the larder, bottles of
home-made cider fermenting away; all
images inspired by that most tempting,
and versatile of fruits – the apple.
Get the best from this year’s crop
With autumn’s harvest almost upon us, here at Lakeland we’ve got lots of products and ideas
to help you get the best from this year’s crop, whether you’re plucking fruit from your own tree,
or picking them up from the supermarket shelf.
Apple Master 2 Microwave Apple Cookers
Peels, cores and slices and is the
essential helper when it comes to
any apple-based dish.
For baked apples in 3-5 minutes.
£12.99 find out more £4.99 find out more
Easy Apple Corer Emile Henry Mini Tarte Tatin Dish
Stainless steel apple corer with
plunger.
Bake the classic French upside-
down apple tart.
£4.99 find out more £37.99 find out more
Oxo Good Grips Apple Divider Apple Compost Crock
Cores and slices in one easy
motion.
Put your peelings to good use.
£6.49 find out more £19.99 find out more
All about apples
Originating in the Middle East more than 4000 years ago,
and grown in the UK since Roman times, there are more
than 7500 known cultivars of apple with a variety of tastes,
textures and aromas. Up until the nineteenth century, the
predominant use for apples was to make cider, but plump,
juicy apples lend themselves to any number of epicurean
delights both sweet and savoury. Why not add them to a
salad for little bursts of sweetness or cooking them with
braised red cabbage for an outstanding accompaniment to
pork or game.
With so many varieties available, why not seek out
something new for your fruit bowl.
Eating Cooking
Braeburn – a unique combination of tartness Bramley – only grown in the UK and regarded
Lakeland
Date: 26th August, 2010
Subject line: Make the most of Autumn’s
bounty with Lakeland
I always welcome well-written emails
into my inbox, and it doesn’t get much
better than this fabulous, poetic Autumn
Harvest email from Lakeland.
The opening line - ‘Trees bent heavy
with fruit ripe for the picking...’
immediately conjures images of their
famous Lake District home.
The whole email is devoted to apples,
and Lakeland subtly weave their product
offers into an informative and well-
constructed format.
Lakeland often use recipes to tempt
readers online, such as the Blackberry
and Apple Jam shown here, and viewing
the recipe I discover ‘Products I may find
helpful with this recipe...’
True to the brand, the email evokes
a genuine relationship with a trusted,
knowledgeable retailer that values quality
and service over making the next sale.
Adrian Rowe
Chairman
33. If you are unable to see this email, please view here
This email was sent to meastwood@redcmarketing.com
Oasis
Date: 18th November, 2010Subject line: Inspiring Royal Jewel Tones -Add Colour To November!
I received this particularly topical email the
morning after William and Kate announced
their engagement. It ties in beautifully,
the first Royal Wedding related fashion
email of many to come, I would imagine.
The subject couldn’t be more relevant,
especially as it features a £5 off
jewellery offer. What an exciting occasion
for Oasis to email their database!
Miriam Eastwood
Account Manager
34. Last Name:
Join Date (M/D/YYYY): 11/29/2010
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35. Leon, Carnaby Street
35 Great Marlborough Street
London W1F 7JE
P: 020 7437 5280
F: 020 7437 5281
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Street, London, UK, SE1 0HS.
Leon
Date: 19th November, 2010
Subject line: August Early Bird -
40% off dinner
This email works on many levels...
The typography and lovely design give it
a traditional feel, a sense of nostalgia
and warmth. Right away the email also
hits you with a tasty offer and delicious
food imagery to lead you in. I also like
the fact that this email isn’t hard -
selling but rather has a healthy mix of
interesting lifestyle content and offers.
The copy is very cute and
specifically tailored towards
its young Londoner audience.
I love that Leon’s end with a littleinspirational quote just above theircall to action. A brand with distinctivepersonality and very clever
marketing folk!
Danielle Melia
Senior
Account Executive