It’s something that gives marketers nervous sweats – email mistakes. Human error will always be a thing, and there’s no undo button for a sent email. As a daily newsletter, we’re no stranger to goofs. We get it.
So what do you do if you make a big email mistake? You have to apologize. The best formula is to acknowledge the mistake, take full responsibility, and make it right. Here’s how to do it:
- It all starts with the subject line: Make sure the tone is right. If it’s one of those mistakes people can laugh at, laugh at it, too! Be mindful if you need to be more formal.
- Personalize it: Receiving an apology email from a no-reply inbox might not cut it. Sometimes you gotta get personal and specific.
- Acknowledge your mistake: Admitting is the first step, and it’s essential to a genuine, clear apology.
- Clarify any intention: Let your audience know that it was not your intention to cause offense, confusion, or distress.
- Empathize with your audience: For some mistakes, you may have to show some empathy and make your audience feel valued.
- Keep it positive!: No one wants to see someone put down, so try to explain things in a positive light. It also helps to explain what you will do to prevent future mistakes.
- Add some humor (when appropriate): If you think there is a possibility that making a joke could make things worse, don’t test it. But like we said about subject lines, some mistakes can be laughed off.
- Make it up to your audience: Because who doesn’t like a little incentive to help forgive?
Check out the full post by MailerLite for subject line ideas, real brand examples, and instances where you don’t have to apologize. They even provide a template for you (just in case).
