Welcome to this edition of Acquire and Retain by Retainful.
I’m Sanjai Kathirvel, and today, we’re diving deep into one of the most powerful tools in ecommerce—email marketing. Emails drive a huge chunk of online sales, but to get the best results, you need to know what truly works and what doesn’t.
To help you master this, I’ll be breaking down a real-world example from Starbucks—a brand that consistently nails email marketing.
We’ll explore what makes their message so effective, why it grabs attention, and where there’s room for improvement. Stick around—you’ll walk away with actionable insights to boost your own email campaigns
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This offer is only for Retainful users
Category : Limited-Time Discount Promotion
Subject line : Friday = 50% off your drink 😎
What Works Really Well in Starbucks’ Email
- Bold, Clear Offer Front and Center
The headline says it all: “GET 50% OFF YOUR DRINK”. It’s impossible to miss and immediately communicates the value. Discounts are magnetic—start with value, and you hook your reader. - App-Exclusive Focus
Starbucks cleverly reminds readers that this deal is available in their app with phrases like “GET THE BEST OF EVERYTHING IN THE APP” and “APP-Y DAYS.” This not only drives app downloads but also builds long-term loyalty. - Creates Urgency with Timing
The offer is only valid Fridays, all May, 12-6 PM. This limited window motivates readers to act fast—fear of missing out is a powerful driver. - Eye-Catching Design
The bright, summery colors and refreshing drink images evoke positive emotions, making readers want to treat themselves. - Friendly, Clear Call-to-Action (CTA)
The button reads “See you Friday!” which feels warm and inviting, lowering barriers to click-through. - Simple Instructions
Starbucks clearly explains how to redeem the offer—“Your coupon will be in the app. Apply it at checkout or ask your barista.” No confusion, no excuses. - Brand Consistency and Trust
The email uses familiar Starbucks colors, fonts, and logos, along with visible contact info and legal disclaimers. This builds trust and professionalism.
Why This Email Works
- Value First: Readers instantly see what’s in it for them—a big discount on a product they love.
- Emotional Connection: Phrases like “Kick off the long weekend” and “try something summery” create a positive mood and associate the brand with good feelings.
- Easy to Scan: The layout is clean and uses a clear visual hierarchy that guides the reader effortlessly.
- Exclusivity: Linking the offer to the Starbucks Rewards app makes customers feel like insiders, encouraging loyalty.
How Starbucks Crafted This Email
- Typography and Emphasis: Bold fonts highlight key words and phrases, focusing attention exactly where it matters.
- Urgency Is Upfront: The limited-time offer details are near the top, encouraging immediate action.
- Balanced Visuals: The use of bright colors and appealing images balances sales messaging with warmth.
- Transparent Footer: Terms and conditions are clear but unobtrusive, building credibility.
What Could Be Even Better
- Stronger CTA: “See you Friday!” is friendly but not very action-oriented. Something like “Claim Your 50% Off Now” might drive more clicks.
- Highlight Exclusivity More: Adding a line such as “Exclusive offer for Starbucks Rewards members” would increase perceived value and push sign-ups.
- Promote App Downloads: Including a clear download link or icon for the app could boost participation from new users.
- Add Social Proof: A quick testimonial or star rating on the featured drinks could build curiosity and trust.
- Add a Secondary CTA: A button like “Order Now” or “See More Deals” could capture readers ready to act immediately or explore other offers.
And that’s a wrap for this edition!
Thanks for hanging with Sanjai—always a pleasure to have you here!
If you found this newsletter helpful (or even just a little fun), don’t keep it to yourself! Share this with your favorite DTC marketer. Let’s get them on board so they don’t miss next week’s drops.
Remember: Keep pushing, the best is yet to come.
🤘 Sanjai Kathirvel
Your friend from Retainful
